Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

It’s Korean Derby weekend in Seoul but the action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there a 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven previously unraced two-year-old fillies here so we head for the trial videos. The clear standout is (10) BAEKDUUI KKUM, who led all the way around in her trial on May 20th, crossing the line twelve-lengths ahead of anything else and stopping the clock in a quick time. If she brings anything like that form to the races, she will win easily and she will be a very short-priced favourite here.  (5) DOCTOR KANE has the next quickest trial time. She settled handily in her heat and ran on well and that will be enough to make her the second pick here. (8) COLUMBIA CHAMP and (1) KOHINOOR trialled up together on May 27th. Their times weren’t fast, but both showed enough to suggest that they can be competitive first-up in a race like this. (2) YONGBI STAR another who could go well.

Selections(10) Baekduui Kkum (5) Doctor Kane (8) Columbia Champ (1) Kohinoor
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

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

Maidens. (5) ROAD TO THUNDER just about gets the verdict having been an improved 4th at start number two in March when racing on pace. She stooped the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance, and while she has had a couple of months off, a similar run will put her in the finish. (11) VELOCIRATOR has five finishes between 3rd and 5th setting fair times. She has the strongest final furlong among these so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can challenge late here. (10) NAMYANG DORI was an improved 2nd last time out on May 7th when settling handy. She may need a touch of luck to find position from the wide draw but can go close again. (7) ROCK POWER and (6) ACE RUN other potentials for the places.

Selections(5) Road To Thunder (11) Velociraptor (10) Namyang Dori (7) Rock Power
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

It’s hard to go too far past (6) GASOK JEIL here. He comes in off three strong showings over this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two. In this company, he can settle behind the early speed and should prove too strong at the business end. (7) RUN TO KING has hinted at ability with a pair of 4th places from his latest two, both at 1200M. He has run on well both times and the step up in trip could suit him very well. (1) SPECIAL FACT mixes her form, but she has picked up plenty of minor money finishes and from a good draw, she can be expected to go close here. (10) I’M KING IJI and (9) POWER RIDE are among others who can be expected to challenge for the places.

Selections(6) Gasok Jeil (7) Run To King (1) Special Fact (10) I’m King Iji
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(11) DOCTOR CUCKOO got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M before running 3rd on his first try at this class over that same distance on May 21st. He likes to run on or close to the pace, so he does have the challenge of the wide gate but the slight step up in trip gives him a bit more time to find a position before the turn and he looks the one to beat. (2) SPECIALIST comes up in class having got his maiden win last time out in a quick time over this distance on May 5th. He comes down slightly in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can measure up in this company. (4) B.K. NUMA is also up in class having had a few too many near-misses at class 6. She’s been back to trial since her last run, which she came through very nicely and under a very light weight, she can be in the mix. (9) GOLDEN POINT and (1) HWARANG SKY other placing hopes.

Selections(11) Doctor Cuckoo (2) Specialist (4) B.K. Numa (9) Golden Point
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

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

Five of these raced one another at class and distance on May 14th. (4) TOP FRIEND was the best fancied among them and while he didn’t get the most fluent of trips, ultimately ending in 5th place, it wasn’t a bad run and his record going into that warrants him another chance here from a better gate. (8) JANGSAN DEFI got her maiden win at 1200M two starts back before running 3rd over 1300M on her first try at this class on May 19th. She comes up to the mile for the first time and is also up 2kg in the weights, but neither should be an issue and she can be a big danger here. (1) SUSO POWER ran the best of those in that May 14th race, overcoming a wide gate as well as big odds to run 2nd. That was an uptick on recent form, and she can maintain it here. (3) PEGACORN and (7) THEIA are others to keep safe.

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JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG ADDS KOREAN OAKS TO LUNA ON WAY TO TRIPLE TIARA

Jeulgeounyeojeong stamped her absolute authority over the three-year-old filly division as she progressed from her narrow win in the Luna Stakes to a commanding performance in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

(Pic: KRA)

The top two from the Luna, Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest, were sent off close together at the top of the local betting market at 2.4 and 2.8 respectively with no other filly starting in single digits. From gate seven, Jeulgeounyeojeong broke fairly under Franco Da Silva, who had been a late replacement before the Luna but after a polished steer, kept the ride for the Oaks. Raon Forest, who went right to the rear in April before finishing like an express train, was this time ridden handily by Lim Gi-won, while Luna 3rd Magic Class set the pace under Park Jae-i.

Magic Class would lead all the way into the home straight, but her challenge quickly wilted as Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest loomed up with just over a furlong to run. It looked for a moment as though battle was to be joined but instead the final stages proved a formality as Jeulgeounyeojeong cruised away for a four-length win with Raon Forest unable to land a single blow. The revelation of the race was Luigi Riccardi’s Wonderful Slew, who ran a big 3rd, just a further half-length back.

“This time around, she was much better than the last time, so I was very confident” winning jockey Franco Da Silva told in-house broadcaster KRBC.  “It was just a matter of controlling the pace. Before the race, I was very relaxed as I knew I was on the best horse.”

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Franco Da Silva salute (Pic: KRA)

Da Silva, who completed a double in the marquee three-year-old races having won the Derby in 2018 on Ecton Blade, was also pleased with the instructions he received from trainer Kim Young-kwan (who also trained Ecton Blade). “The trainer told me to just jump and don’t worry about the others. When the trainer gave me that instruction, I was even more relaxed as I knew I could ride 1st or 2nd or even in the middle. It was all quite easy.”

“It’s credit to the whole team, not just me. We also have our track rider, Mitkey from South Africa. He rides her one day and I ride her the next so it’s good teamwork.” Da Silva finished his interview with a grin and a “Seo Seung-un, love you!” He later explained: “They asked me about him because I do feel a little sorry for him in that he was supposed to ride (Jeulgeounyeojeong) in the Luna Stakes, and I got the ride off him (after Seo suffered a minor trackwork injury on the day of the race). So yes, I am sorry but it’s all good because he has also taken winners off me!”

(Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo).  She was bred by Son Kyeng-rae at her owners’ NASCA Farm. It was her fifth win from eleven starts. She is trained by Kim Young-kwan, who celebrated a record sixth Korean Oaks success. Two of those previous winners, Speedy First in 2013 and Queen’s Blade in 2014, also won the Korean Derby.

That won’t be happening for Jeulgeounyeojeong as the colts’ Classic is next week. She will though be a hot favourite when she finally does head to Seoul for the concluding leg of the Triple Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on July 15th.   

Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 4)

The Korean Oaks, the second leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies, headlines Sunday’s action at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 as well as 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00:

Golden Power won the 2022 Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens in the opener and (4) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite. After an indifferent debut, she has a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent appearances both at this distance and showing versatility first by coming from off the pace and then by racing on the speed. She has the fastest time of any for the distance and will take some beating.  (6) NEW POINT was an improved 2nd on her second start on May 7th when stalking the lead throughout. She was well beaten by a good winner but with some more natural improvement here, she can be close again. (11) FIRST USER enters off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two and led in much of the latter in a quick race at this distance. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be in this. (8) NAOL SKY and (1) DAEJANGBYEOL are the other logical place chances.

Selections(4) Soara Meme (6) New Point (11) First User (8) Naol Sky
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

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

(7) SONGAM DRAGON was 2nd in a desperately tight finish in a quick race over 1200M on April 29th, finishing very well and almost getting there. With the benefit of an apprentice claim again, she continues under a very light weight again and in this weak company she can go one better. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (6) ONE SPEAR hinted at it last time when marginally improving. He has tended to get too far back in his races but did run on last time and posted a fair time over this distance. A similar run should see him in the places here. (1) TOUGH YEOJE isn’t quick, but she has placed in this kind of company before and from the inside gate, can do again here. (11) GOLDEN PEARL and (3) GOLDEN SNIPER among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Songam Dragon (6) One Spear (1) Tough Yeoje (11) Golden Pearl
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

(4) MOVIE MORE took a couple of goes to figure things out but has run well for 2nd and 3rd from her latest two, both times racing on the speed over 1200M. She draws well to get to the front again and looks very much the one to beat. (6) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume too. He comes out of quite an ordinary race when 5th of eleven on April 21st when he was slowly away and settle back. He can finish well though and given more of a chance here, he can get closer. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at this distance. In this company, he can get a more prominent early position than usual and can be a danger. (1) HAPPY BRIANNA and (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND are others who can be considered to have enough improvement in them to place.

Selections(4) Movie More (6) Global Sarang (5) Neoga Choego (1) Happy Brianna
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(4) AMAN BAROWS was a comfortable winner over 1200M on April 8th when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but she comes down in the weights, and while she will need to go a bit quicker here, she still has potential for more improvement. (1) TIZ INDY was a winner at this distance at class 6 level in January, and while she took a couple of goes to find her feet at this level, she came back into form with a very solid 3rd place at class and distance on April 16th. She gets an inside gate for the first time since her win and that can put her closer to the pace and into the picture here. (8) KKANGDORI remains a maiden after twenty-seven attempts but today looks as good a chance as any to change that. She has two 2nd places from her latest three appearances and while she us up in the weights, that’s balanced with Johan climbing aboard. (9) DONGTEUJA WAY and (7) BICHUI DAERYUK other potentials.

Selections(4) Aman Barows (1) Tiz Indy (8) Kkangdori (9) Dongteuja Way
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

(5) UNJU OREUM has four top-five finishes from five starts so far and now looks ready to win. She comes in off a 3rd lace at 1200M when she led from the gate, and she also has the fastest time among these for the distance to the tune of nearly a whole second. She should be on or close to the pace here and can have too much. (9) DAEHO NARA too has been knocking on the door for a while. She likes to sit back and run from off the pace and while she has tended to leave herself a bit much to do, if she can be in striking distance in the home straight, she should go close. (1) DREAM RUN has started to hint at ability recently and was a close 4th last time out over this distance. She comes into a better gate today and a similar run will see her close. (3) ROCKS and (7) QUEEN ROMANCE are others to consider.

Selections(5) Unju Oreum (9) Daeho Nara (1) Dream Run (3) Rocks
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) HERO SARANG is the only one that enters here with a last start result of anything better than 8th, and that is enough for her to warrant favourite status. At her latest on May 7th, she was 4th at this distance when racing on pace. She has the best start of all of these so should get to the lead again and under a light weight, she can win. (2) FINAL JILJU was a winner over this distance at class 6 level in April but raced ungenerously on her first start at this level on May 14th to the extent she got sent back to trial. She came through that trail in good order and with a more mature run, she looks like the main danger. (4) GALSAEK HYANGGI has a habit of being slow away although she knows how to run on and did that to spectacular effect two starts back when a winner at this class over 1300M. Normal service was resumed at her latest but while she only beat a couple home, the margins weren’t big, and in this company, she should run past plenty late on. (6) MUSTANG CHARM and (1) GLOBAL PRIME other potentials for the minors.

Selections(8) Hero Sarang (2) Final Jilju (4) Galsaek Hyanggi (6) Mustang Charm
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

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Korean Oaks 2023: Runner-By-Runner Preview

A full field of sixteen fillies will face the starter at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as they vie for glory in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2). They include all the top-three placegetters from the first jewel in the Tiara, April’s Luna Stakes.

Lim Gi-won thought he had won the Luna Stakes on Raon Forest. He had not (Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong came out on top that day under a perfectly timed ride by Franco Da Silva, as they held off the late charge of Raon Forest and Lim Gi-won by a nose on the line at the end of the Mile long test. Plenty will fancy the additional furlong to be in the grey Raon Forest’s favour, but local media still predicts Jeolgeounyeojeong to start as favourite.

Magic Class was 3rd in the Luna Stakes, and she takes her chance again while Good Magic will be the last Oaks runner by Menifee. She has finished no worse than 2nd in five starts so far and will have her own supporters to claim a sixth Filly Classic win for her late sire. The Peter Wolsley-trained Happy Jazz is another of the leading contenders:

1. RAON FOREST – Was finishing by far the quickest in the Luna Stakes, coming from the back to just be denied by a nose on the line by Jeulgeounyeojoeng. She posted the fastest final furlong time in the race by almost a second and the additional furlong should suit. A big chance of overturning that result.

2. DUBAI PYEONGJEONG – Comes in off a promising 4th place over 1800M in a good time at class 4 level on May 5th, coming from off the pace. A similar performance wouldn’t see her win but could find her in the money.

3. MAGIC CLASS – 3rd behind Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest in the Luna Stakes when she overcame gate twelve to get on the pace. She has five lengths to make up on that pair, but the additional furlong shouldn’t be a problem and the draw is much more in her favour this time. A chance.

4. META BLADE – Her win came at class 6 level, but she did lead for most of the way around before finishing a close 2nd over 1700M at class 5 on April 23rd. This is a big step up though.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 3)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Moon Se-young, Jang Chu-youl and Kim Yong-geun are suspended while Antonio Da Silva, Lim Gi-won, Choi Bum-hyun, Yoo Seung-wan, Park Eul-woon, Park Tae-jong, Lee Hyeok, Jo In-kwon and Lee Dong-ha are all in Busan to ride in Sunday’s Korean Oaks so Song Jae-chul, Johan Victoire and David Breux look to be the jockeys to follow. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Nine juveniles all make their racecourse debuts. The only trial winner among them is (1) THE PLAYER, who sat handy in his heat before running on well.  The time was fair and from a good gate he has solid chances and is the probable warm betting favourite. (6) MAGIC WITH YOU didn’t win his trial, but he did record the fastest time among these when showing prominently throughout and crossing the line 2nd. He should be on pace here and be in this a long way. (3) SMART CLAIR finished off his trial well having settled back in the field. That was a big improvement on an April heat when he failed to qualify and if he keeps on the same trajectory, he can go close first up here. (9) SEOUL DOLPUNG and (8) BAEKDU DAEMUL look the next best coming out of trials.

Selections(1) The Player (6) Magic With You (3) Smart Clair (9) Seoul Dolpung
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

Three-year-old maidens. After running 5th on debut, (9) SILVER PURGE was an improved 2nd at start number two on April 29th having raced much further forward. She comes into a wider gate here but should have enough about her early on to get on or close to the speed and she can win here. (1) MY THUNDER has been 3rd in both starts so far, both at this distance. Last time she overcame gate ten to sit handy and with a much better draw this time, she can get closer. She will probably start as favourite. (2) MENI CHARM was ordinary on his latest effort on April 30th when 7th of ten but the time before he was a very close 2nd at this distance in a fair time when stalking the lead throughout. On that performance, he warrants a chance here. (7) SEONGSIL TAEYANG and (10) GEOSEON CHAMP are among others to consider.

Selections(9) Silver Purge (1) My Thunder (2) Meni Charm (7) Seongsil Taeyang
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden with just one colt alongside nine fillies and a mare. (1) RED TAEPUNG Is the one to beat based on her last start 2nd over 1400M on April 30th when she settled at the front of midfield and finishing off well for a narrow defeat. She has run fairly at this distance as well and from the inside gate, her jockey can pick his spot. The solitary colt, (3) GRAND SILVER comes in off an improved 3rd at start number four over 1200M on April 2nd. He has also run a decent time over this distance, albeit on a wet track, and from a good draw, he should be going close again. (7) SEUNGNI GONGJU has shown improvement across her three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on May 7th when finishing off well. The step back up to 1300M can suit today. (10) CHALLANHAN BULKKOT and (4) QUEEN TOP among others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Red Taepung (3) Grand Silver (7) Seungni Gongju (10) Challanhan Bulkkot
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start6, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) SUNGAN TOUCH enters with recent form reading well, including a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this class and distance and both in quick times. In this company he should be able to get on or close to the speed and he can return to winning ways here. (6) TOUR QUEEN shapes as the main danger. Her win came at 1000M but at her last start, she was an on-pace runner-up over 1400M. She only comes up 1kg in the weights, she draws nicely, and she can be challenging Sungan Touch right from the start. (11) DALMAJI and (9) WONPYEONG CHUKJE both come up in class having finished 1st and 2nd with a length between them when they race each other over this distance at class 6 level on May 7th. Both will need to go a bit quicker this time, but both come down significantly in the weights and could measure up. (10) CHEONDUNGSEJA another in the frame.

Selections(8) Sungan Touch (6) Tour Queen (11) Dalmaji (9) Wonpyeong Chukje
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) YEONGWON FIGHTER will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. He won on debut at class 6 level in February before running 2nd over this distance on his first try at this class on April 22nd when he led for much of the way around before being beaten two-lengths by Jangsan Spo, who has since won at class 4 level. He draws well here, and it would be a surprise if anything caught him this time. Clear second choice is (9) ARGO TAP. While still winless, he has seven top-five finishes from eight starts and was a close 4th from a wide draw in a good time at this distance last time out. He is probably going to find one too quick here again, but it could just be the one. (6) BEST CLONE is also winless but comes up in class following a pair of close runner-up finishes at this distance. His times have been good, and he can be on pace here and in this a long way. (7) GREEN SHIELD and the up in class last start winner (1) SEOUL SPURT are others likely to attract support.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 2)

It’s Korean Oaks weekend in Busan. The filly Classic takes place on Sunday but the weekend starts with a seven-race card on Friday from 12:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the very first time. (6) MAGARITA is a striking grey Hansen filly who was held together very nicely in her trial on May 13th which she won having been prominent throughout and beating three of her fellow debut-makers here. She should be on the speed and can make a winning debut. Raon are seemingly running out of names but (7) RAON THE AGAIN matched Magarita almost stride for stride in that May 13th trial and crossed the line just half a length in arrears. A bold showing first up is possible and she too should be on pace. (3) ROAD TO MAGIC was a trial winner in April, leading most of the way around. He draws very well here and is another first-timer with claims. Among the experienced ones (1) HAERANG ISEUL looks the best. She ran 2nd on debut in March over this distance having raced handily and should have benefited from the experience. (4) LADY VADER is another with the potential to improve.

Selections(6) Magarita (7) Raon The Again (3) Road To Magic (1) Haerang Iseul
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

(5) SOUTHERN JOY will be a warm favourite here. She has five top-four finishes from six starts to date and as posted fair times over this distance. In this company and with a good draw, she should be on the early speed and will take some beating. (8) FANTASTIC TIME didn’t do much in two starts around the turn of the year but was much improved on her reappearance after almost four months off on May 12th. She raced on the pace for the first time and came home a solid 4th. She should strip fitter for that run and can go closer this time. (7) UNJU GLOBAL has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two with a 2nd and a 4th. Both at this distance and both times showing at the front. She’ll be challenging for the lead again and should be in this a long way. (1) VICTOR BASIUM and (11) SILK FASHION ROAD among others in the minor money frame.

Selections(5) Southern Joy (8) Fantastic Time (7) Unju Global (1) Victor Basium
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

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

(5) TTANBONG QUEEN comes back in trip following a good 4th over a mile on April 30th when she led for part of the way. At the start before she was 2nd over this distance in a time much quicker than any of her rivals here have achieved and she should have too much. That will mean overturning the form on (1) EONJENA YEONGUNG, who was 2nd in that April race at a mile. A twenty-four-start maiden, that may not change here but from a good gate, if he can get a better start than he usually does, he can be a danger again. (4) SKY SEUNG had nine months between her first two starts but should be fitter for her reappearance on April 28th when she settled handy and ran 5th at this distance. She carries a light weight, draws well, and can get closer. (10) SOLEDAD and (11) BORA CHAMP are other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Ttanbong Queen (1) Eonjena Yeongung (4) Sky Seung (10) Soledad
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) SEOGWI FLASH remains a maiden but has been getting closer and enters off a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both in good times over this distance. She comes up in class here, but the opposition isn’t intimidating and from a good gate, she can make her breakthrough. (2) STELL LUNA has raced on pace in her latest two and ran a good 3rd over this distance on May 7th. From a great draw she can get an easy run to the lead here and can be in this a long way. (6) FOLK ROCK came from off the pace to get her maiden win over 1200M on May 7th. She comes up in class here, but the distance can suit, and she can measure up. (4) HAPPY TAEYANG is another up in class who can be competitive and along with (8) FLYING TOUCH, can be considered for the places.  

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 28)

Sunday’s racing is at both Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:50 to 16:30). No Stakes races but plenty to get stuck into. The forecast is for rain throughout the weekend so if you’re coming bring an umbrella and if you’re playing be sure to check out the wet track form:

Ranut bis for four in a row in Seoul Race 7 (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

The capital’s first juvenile race of the year so all eleven are racing for the first time. (3) HANGANG CROWN was the standout in trials, leading her heat all the way around and stopping the clock in the quickest time. She draws nicely and she will be favourite. (7) GEOLJAK ONE and (2) YONGAM SESANG also won their respective heats and in identical times. Geoljak One perhaps had the slightly easier time of it and of the two is marginally preferred. (11) ECLIPSE BERRY didn’t win her trial, but she ran well, crossing the line 2nd behind an experienced older horse and without being pushed too much. Moon Se-young’s appointment will lead plenty to come down on her side. Going on times, (8) JANGGUN GARAM is another who has a chance first-up although as we saw in Busan’s equivalent race on Friday, a lot can happen between trial and debut.

Selections(3) Hangang Crown (7) Geoljak One (2) Yongam Sesang (11) Eclipse Berry
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens here. (9) DAONDI has finished 5th in both starts so far but did show some improvement in the most recent of them. He has run through the line strongly enough and with a little more improvement may have winning claims here. (4) BIG BLED has shown progress across her three starts culminating with her 3rd place at this distance at her latest on April 9th. Her times haven’t been impressive but, in this company, she could well get to the front, and she won’t need to be much quicker to go very close here. (6) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK made little impression from a wide draw last time out but if we go on his 4th place at this distance two starts back, he warrants consideration. In a race this weak the debut-makers must be examined. (7) SEONGEUN RISING won her trial and while the time wasn’t fast, that’s enough to give her a chance. (1) STEALTH PARK another who may improve.

Selections(9) Daondi (4) Big Bled (6) Sidaeui Myeongjak (7) Seongeun Rising
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

Quite a good-looking maiden with plenty looking as though they have a win in them. (4) CLAIR QUEEN is one of them. She comes in off her best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on April 22nd when ridden more forward than she had been previously. From a good draw similar tactics can be expected today, and she can go one better. (5) SSEULMO has seemingly figured things out in his latest two, with a 3rd and a 2nd. Both times he led until the closing stages, and he seems sure to be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) RAON JUMP has the fastest time among these for the distance, achieved when 5th last time out on April 29th when the track was producing some quick races. She has tended to leave herself too much to do but should be finishing off well and can run into a place. (8) MAGUMA is another who will be doing his best work late on and he already has a 2nd place to his name. Solitary debut-maker (7) COSMO RUN improved in his second trial when he ran 2nd behind a class 1 horse. If he brings that form to the races, he can go well first-up.

Selections(4) Clair Queen (5) Sseulmo (3) Raon Jump (8) Maguma
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

Having bolted up in a February trial, (9) KALJABI was sent off as favourite on debut on March 5th. He showed towards the front but ultimately finished 4th. He should have come on for that experience and after a further twelve-weeks off, he can be given another chance. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (10) ROSE BLADE was also well backed on debut on April 30th following a promising trial, and he delivered with a good 3rd place over this distance, settling just forward of midfield and running on. He should have derived benefit from the run and can go closer here. (5) WAITING FOR YOU did little in her first two outings but was an improved 3rd in her latest on April 21st when racing handy throughout. That will probably be enough to make her third-favourite here. (1) SUCCESS FRONT and (4) HAENGBOK CHUKJE the most likely among the rest to improve.

Selections(9) Kaljabi (10) Rose Blade (5) Waiting For You (1) Success Front
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 10

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

(2) MAUIWAY got his win when practically making all over 1200M in January. Since then, he has raced twice at this level running 5th and most recently 3rd, both times having settled back in the pack. He has a nice draw here and can sit behind the early speed and run on. (6) FIJI BLADE is still a maiden but comes up in class having finished as runner-up in both her starts so far, both at 1200M. She comes down in the weights and should be on pace and while she may find one too quick again, she can certainly measure up in this company. (4) SAENAE KHAN got his maiden win at this distance at class 6 level in February. He has two 4th places in two goes at this level and should be in at least the placing mix again. (7) CLUB D and (3) SUPREME STAR are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Mauiway (6) Fiji Blade (4) Saenae Khan (7) Club D
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

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

(3) FANTASTIC CHAMP debuted last May but wasn’t seen again until March when he got his maiden win at this distance. He went up to 1300M for his first try at class 5 on April 28th and while he showed prominently, he ultimately finished 5th. Third-up this preparation he may well be at peak fitness and back at 1200M he can win this. (9) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT is yet to win in twelve attempts but ran well for his fourth runner-up finish at class and distance on April 14th when close to the pace throughout. At the start before he came from off the pace to dead-heat for 3rd so he is versatile, and he can be a danger here. (4) TAEYANG EUTTEUM has the fastest time of any of these at the distance, record when 3rd – a long way behind a good winner – on May 5th. She remains lightly weighted and merits at least a place chance. (1) GOLD ROSE and the returning (6) WORLD FIVE, are other potentials.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 26)

It’s a rare Stakes-free weekend but there is still plenty to keep punters occupied. 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 in the opener. (1) NAOL ROONEY was a solid 4th on debut at this distance on April 23rd, racing in pace throughout. She draws well to be on the pace again and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. (6) WONPYEONG KINGDOM shapes as the main danger. He’s run 3rd in both starts so far, both times on pace and at 1300M and 1200M. He too will be challenging for the early lead and any top=three finish will see him up to class 5 next time. It could be a win. Another one likely to be at the front early is (5) BULGEUN POKPUNG. His best so far was his 3rd place on debut at 1000M, but he led for a long way last time before being passed by a few for 6th. He can be in this for longer this time. There are three debut-makers and with the exposed form dropping off, they can be considered. Taking into account their trials and draw, (2) LAFEYETTE and (4) GLOBAL CHUKBAE have the best chance of making an immediate impression.

Selections(1) Naol Rooney (6) Wonpyeong Kingdom (5) Bulgeun Pokpung (2) Lafeyette
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens. (4) THEME TANSAENG ran a good 2nd two starts back, well behind a decent winner but in a decent time over 1200M. He had a hard time finding position from a wide draw on his latest, but he comes into a better gate here and should get an easier run to the lead. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he is the one to beat. (7) WORLD FASHION has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes, settling back each tome and running on. He lay in ungenerously last time out to the extent that he was ordered back to trial, but he came through his heat in good order and with a more mature run, can go close again. (10) PURPLE WINK won a March trial before finishing a fair 4th on debut at 1200M on April 15th, running on well. He should have come on for the run and the way he finished off suggests the additional half furlong can suit. (9) HAENGUN BARAM and (8) LEMON BLADE among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Theme Tansaeng (7) World Fashion (10) Purple Wink (9) Haengun Baram
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

A regular maiden here and (9) FINAL CHUKJE looks set to be a warm favourite. He has five top-five finishes from six starts and his most recent outing was his best when 2nd over this distance on March 25th when he posted the fastest time of any of these over 1400M. The one downside is the draw is perhaps a little wider then ideal, but he has a long back straight to overcome that and he can win. (5) EXPECT stepped up to this trop on April 30th and produced his best performance to date when 3rd having raced handy. He’ll be on or near the speed here and can be a danger. (3) SAVANA CHARLIE was 4th in that same race. That was the fourth time in six starts that he has finished in that position, and he should be at least matching that here. (10) UDDUG and (1) HANGANG POWER among others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Final Chukje (5) Expect (3) Savana Charlie (10) Uddug
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(6) DALGEUM has five top-three finishes from seven starts so far including her latest two, a 2nd and a 3rd both at this class and distance. She has been on pace in those two and probably will be again and this time she can make the breakthrough. (5) WORLD KING MAN was 5th to Dalgeum’s 2nd when they raced one another on March 26th. He subsequently dropped back to 1300M and beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place on April 22nd. His style has been to drop back and then run on and he can be a danger in the closing stages here. (3) STAR K was a slightly unexpected winner on April 9th, coming from well back to score over 1300M. He comes up in class here, but the distance should suit, and he could have more improvement in him at what will be an each-way price. (8) YEONGCHEON JISANG and (9) POWER DOLPUNG among others with placing chances.

Selections(6) Dalgeum (5) World King Man (3) Star K (8) Yeongcheon Jisang
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

A very competitive race. (8) HWANGWOO CHOEGANG is the likely favourite. She got her maiden win at start number two over this distance on April 1st and then ran a fair 4th on her first try at this class on April 29th in what was a very quick race on a wet track. She comes in under the same light weight and she can sit behind the speed and run on. (1) GANGHAN QUEEN was a good 3rd on her most recent outing on April 16th when she led for much of the way. She’ll be on or close to the pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) GLOBAL CHANGA weakened having led over this distance on March 12th. That was her first start since she ran 5th of ten in a Listed juvenile race last November and while she has had a further eleven weeks off since, she should strip fitter here and will have backers. The up in class pair of (11) BARAMUI HYANGGI and (7) GEOLJAK TOUR are others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 26)

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 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

It’s the first two-year-old race of the season and that means a return to the five-furlong chute. All are unraced but fortunately most came through the same trials, so we have plenty to go on (5) GLORY CROWN was held together very nicely in his heat on April 29th breaking well to lead comfortably and went round under a hold only passed in the closing stages by one going flat out. The time was good, three of today’s rivals were behind him, and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (9) WELCOME BACK was asked to do a little bit more in his trial but came through well, running 3rd in a quick time and beaten only by a pair of four-year-olds. A repeat of that will put him firmly in contention. (11) BORIS MARINE was a further two-lengths back in the same trial, running through the line well. (3) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE and (6) DOCTOR KINGDOM among others who could go well first-up. 

Selections(5) Glory Crown (9) Welcome Back (11) Boris Marine (3) Yeonngwanguiprince
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens. (7) HAVE A GOOD YEAR has shown progress across three starts so far culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on April 14th when he led through the early stages. He can be expected to be on the speed again and this time can go all the way. (10) CHAS PALPAL offered nothing in his first three outings but significantly improved when 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 9th. He posted a time for the 1200M faster than any of the others have managed and the way he came from off the pace, from an even wider draw, suggests gate ten won’t be an issue. To cap it all off, an apprentice claim takes him down 2kg. (4) GEUMA HUGE HIT didn’t do much on debut last November but looked much better when 4th on her return on April 23rd, albeit well back behind a good winner. She should benefit from that run and can improve here. (2) SUCCESSFUL and (5) BRAVE CAPTAIN, the latter back in trip and sure to be on pace, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Have A Good Year (10) Chas Palpal (4) Geuma Huge Hit (2) Successful
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and a few look ready to win. (3) HWANGWU JANGSA won two trials and then ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on April 9th. He overcame gate ten that day to reach a handy position and with the benefit of experience and a better draw, he can go close here. (8) ZETTA DREAM has a 2nd and a 4th from two starts so far, the latter at this distance. He can be on pace here and has solid chances. (11) THE PURE MAN beat Zetta Dream when 3rd over this distance on April 28th. That followed a 2nd on debut at 1200M. He drew the same gate last time out and proved himself able to settle back and run on and he can be a danger late on here. There are two debut-makers and (1) THUNDER GONGJU will have plenty of backers. She went through two trials, failing to qualify in the first of them behind Hwangwu Jangsa but was much better in the second when on pace and running 2nd in a quick time. She draws well here and can put in a bold first-up run. (4) THE BEST EVER debuted inauspiciously last year but looked much better when trialling up two weeks ago and is another to consider.

Selections(3) Hwangwu Jangsa (8) Zetta Dream (11) The Pure Man (1) Thunder Gongju
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

Tricky maiden with the form unconvincing for most. (9) SUCCESS BATTLE was a significant improver at start number three over 1200M on April 23rd when 3rd over 1200M, settling midfield and running on. Like most of the field he steps up to 1400M for the first time and it can suit. (6) JORDAN FIGHTING has been solid if unspectacular across four outings so far. In this company he should be on pace and solid if unspectacular may be enough to see him go very close. (2) KICK’N RUSH has a 2nd and a (dead-heat) 3rd to her name, both over 1300M. A previous attempt at 1400M didn’t go especially well but she is nicely drawn here and should be ready for another go. (7) SUPER KANEL and (8) ECTON BATTLE among others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Success Battle (6) Jordan Fighting (2) Kick’N Rush (7) Super Kanel
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

Competitive race. (8) SPECIAL WIND is the probable favourite despite still being a maiden after twelve attempts. He has no fewer than nine top-five finishes including last time out on April 28th when he overcame gate eleven to run 2nd over 1300M with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He also has a 3rd place at this distance and today could be his day. If he does find one too quick again then it’s most likely to be (11) GEUMA UNO. He ran 3rd in that April 28th race, a length and a half behind Special Wind. That was his second consecutive 3rd place finish, both times from the same gate as today and third-up this preparation, he may be peaking fitness wise. (2) DYNAMIC WINNER comes up in class and slightly in trip following a maiden win at start number four when she made all over 1300M. She comes down in the weights, draws well, and can measure up in this company. (3) POWER GUY, impressive n a trial earlier this month, and (6) MONEY BAG, are others in the hunt.

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TUHONUI BANSEOK STUNS WINNER’S MAN BY CRUSHING MARGIN AS BART RICE TRAINS FIRST KOREAN GROUP WINNER

The second leg of the Stayer Series was every bit as one-sided as most expected. It just wasn’t the result most expected as Tuhonui Banseok produced a spectacular performance to beat defending Champion and Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes hero Winner’s Man by an astonishing eleven-lengths in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). It was a first Korean Group race win for both jockey Park Jae-I and trainer Bart Rice.

Tuhonui Banseok in the clear in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

Having won the first leg of the Stayer Series, last month’s Herald Business Cup by three-lengths, Winner’s Man was sent off as a prohibitive 1.4 favourite for the YTN ahead of Tuhonui Banseok, who had been a fast-finishing 3rd in the Grand Prix and then 2nd in the Herald Business. Breaking from gate two, Park Jae-I pushed Tuhonui Banseok to the lead right from the gate. Knowing where the greatest threat was, Seo Seung-un on Winner’s Man immediately moved to track him.

Tuhonui Banseok (Pic: KRA)

Winner’s Man stayed locked to Tuhonui Banseok’s heels as the race passed through the back straight and reached its crucial stages. Passing three-furlongs and beginning to turn towards the home straight, the seeming inevitability of Winner’s Man eventually blowing past the upstart was confounded when Seo Seung-un was the first to get to work, while Park Jae-I remained stationary aboard the leader. When Park did get down to business, the gap was already up to three-lengths and rising. Between the 300M and the 200M, Winner’s Man briefly regained some ground, but Tuhonui Banseok quickly slammed the door and romped away for a devastating victory.

Winner’s Man was 2nd, eleven-lengths in arrears but still well clear of the rest, while Winner Gold, a 78/1 chance, emerged from the rear down the rail to claim an excellent 3rd.  

It perhaps shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Tuhonui Banseok was running in his fifth Graded race and the trajectory had very much been upwards. Last June he encountered the elite for the first time and ran 8th in the Busan Mayor’s Cup behind Winner’s Man. A 3rd in last October’s KRA Cup Classic behind Raon The Fighter was followed by another 3rd in the Grand Prix Stakes. That day with every stride, he was gaining on Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter, and may have got closer were it not for his having to navigate around tired horses at the top of the straight. Then there was that 2nd in the Herald Business last month.

Park Jae-i (Pic: KRA)

This time everything went right for Tuhonui Banseok, 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.

For jockey Park Jae-I, 2022 was a standout year in terms of winners when he leapt from a previous yearly best of twenty-seven, to a tally of sixty-two and 3rd place in the Premiership behind only You Hyun-myung and Sunday’s vanquished rival, Seo Seung-un. Now the twenty-seven-year-old has his first Graded race win.

It was surprising for some observers to realise it was also a first Korean Graded winner for trainer Bart Rice. The South African handler has been a fixture around the top of the Busan Trainer Premiership ever since debuting in late 2013 and sports a healthy 14%-win rate and 34% top-three rate across his time in the country.

Bart Rice finally gets his Group Race Presentation (Pic: KRA)

Previous Rice stable stars such as the fellow Lim Byung-ho owned Buhwarui Banseok were solid class 1 horses but had the misfortune to be around at the same time as the likes of Cheongdam Dokki, for his entire career, as well as Triple Nine and Power Blade at the start of it.  That said, Tuhonui Banseok has had the misfortune to be around at the same time as Raon The Fighter and Winner’s Man. Now that gap on the resume has been filled and with Tuhonui Banseok still seemingly getting better, there could be more to come.

Don’t write off Winner’s Man. He has had his setbacks before, most notably when 3rd in last November’s President’s Cup. It didn’t take him long to return to the summit. But there is plenty of intrigue now ahead of the Busan Mayor’s Cup on July 2nd and the biggest of them all, the Korea Cup, looming into view. In Tuhonui Banseok, a new heavyweight is on the scene.