Raon The Fighter made a high-class field, including the reigning Korea Sprint champion Eoma Eoma, look very ordinary as he ran out a dominant winner of the first Group race of the season, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.
Raon The Fighter and Lim Gi-won go clear in the Busan Ilbo Sprint: (Pic: KRA)
Widely acknowledged as Korea’s best middle-distance runner, Raon The Fighter had been runner-up to Winner’s Man in both the Korea Cup over 1800M and Grand Prix Stakes at 2300M in 2022.
With a Group 1 win the target for him in 2023, instead of facing Winner’s Man over that horse’s preferred 2000M in the Herald Business Trophy at Seoul later this month, Raon The Fighter was dropped back to the sprinting ranks for the first time since finishing runner-up in the first two legs of last year’s Sprint series.
The move paid off in spectacular fashion. Despite being drawn in the widest gate, Raon The Fighter was sent off as the slight betting favourite – but at odds against – ahead of Eoma Eoma. In the event, it was a race that Eoma Eoma, the defending champion, never got to grips with this time around.
Coming out of gate seven, Eoma Eoma was unable to match the opening speed of Beolmaui Star who under Jung Do-yun, raced into an early lead leaving the Moon Se-young ridden second favourite to dispute 2nd and 3rd up the short back straight with Daehan Jilju, who has so nearly beaten him in last autumn’s Kookje Shinmun. Aboard Raon The Fighter meanwhile, Lim Gi-won had the luxury of sitting wide just off the speed, allowing the rest to get on with it, clearly in the knowledge he had an awful lot of horse underneath him.
Just how much horse Lim had at his disposal became clear once into the home straight. First Raon The Fighter blew past Eoma Eoma as if he wasn’t there and then set off in pursuit of Beolmaui Star, who was still out in front to the tune of two and a half lengths with two furlongs remaining. By the three-hundred-metre mark, the lead was gone and by the furlong pole, the race was over.
As they crossed the finish line, Raon The Fighter was five lengths in front and pulling away. Beolmaui Star held on comfortably for 2nd in what was a breakout performance, while Ssonsal emerged up the rail under Franco Da Silva to snatch 3rd. Eoma Eoma finished back in 6th, eight-lengths behind the winner.
The build-up to the race had been overshadowed by the untimely death of Dolkong, after a trackwork accident on Thursday. While Raon The Fighter’s performance did little to mitigate the sadness of that event, the manner of his victory was reminiscent of some of Dolkong’s best.
Raon The Fighter is by Bayern and out of Clarinda (by Empire Maker). He is trained at Seoul by Park Jong-kon and is owned by Son Chun-soo. He moves onto fourteen wins from eighteen starts. It was his fourth Group victory and while a Group 1 remains elusive – especially with such limited opportunities to secure one – he is now the early favourite for this September’s international Korea Sprint. Last year he held entries for both the Cup and Sprint before ultimately being sent to the Cup.
The Sprint Series will continue at Seoul on May 14th with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3).
Next weekend, Son Chun-soo’s Raon machine grinds on. Raon First and her younger sister Raon Pink are both among the entries in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M Listed), the first Queens’ Tour series race of the year for fillies and mares. Raon First will be the hot favourite.
Son Chun-soo then has Raon The Spurt scheduled to take on Winner’s Man in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on April 16th, followed by Raon Giant taking her chance in the Luna Stakes (1600M Listed) at Busan on April 23rd, the first leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies.
Sunday sees the first Group race of the season in the shape of the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint on the south coast. Eoma Eoma and Raon The Fighter will square off in a true heavyweight match-up. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. The Busan Ilbo is the final race of 6 at Busan on the card which runs from 11:00 to 15:40. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. With the weather forecast set for rain from Tuesday, it may be the last chance this year to visit one of the Seoul area’s cherry blossom festivals, which is open at the racecourse from 10am to 9pm.
Eoma Eoma defends his Busan Ilbo Sprint title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A small field of three-year-old maidens contest the opener. (1) SMARTY FIGHTER is the pick with a best of 2nd from three starts so far with the other two both ending in 5th. His 2nd was at this distance in February when racing from handy throughout and from a good draw, he can win here. The main danger is (3) SSEULMO. He was a much-improved 3rd at this distance on March 5th when leading for much of the way around. He will be on pace again and he could well hold them all at bay. There are two first-timers and it may be worth considering them (7) HEART K and (5) MUNHAK EAGLE both posted fair times in their respective trials and if they bring that form to the races, they won’t be too far away here. (6) NEMO SPIRIT perhaps the most likely of the other experienced ones to improve.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. After winning a trial, (2) SINHAE MANGCHI has been 3rd in both his starts so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handily. He comes into his best gate to date, comes up slightly in trip, and with some natural improvement third-up, today can be his day. (5) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won a trial before finishing 3rd on debut back in December when settling back and running on over this distance. It’s been fifteen weeks since we’ve seen him but he’s been in regular work since the start of February and can put in a bold showing today. (1) JORDAN FIGHTING has a 4th and a 5th in two appearances so far. He had a hard time from the widest gate on his latest outing and can go better from the inside today. (4) POWER PLANE and (3) DOCTOR PANGPANG others in the hunt in a race of many chances.
Selections
(2) Sinhae Mangchi (5) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Jordan Fighting (4) Power Plane
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A maiden featuring seven fillies and one gelding. (7) BARAMSAL is the one they need to beat. While yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts, she has seven top-five finishes including two 3rd places among her latest three, most recently overcoming gate twelve to run close. She looks very nicely in here to settle a little closer than usual and today looks like her best chance. (1) EUNHYE GAMUN parted company with her jockey coming out of the gates on what was set to be her fist start in over a year on March 5th. She completed the course rather smartly without her partner and had previously trialled up well so is probably worth taking a chance on here. The only other one apart from Baramsal with a placing on her record is (6) TOUGH YEOJE. She tends to get a long way back but is another who benefit from this small field. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming to get on the board. (5) MENI CHARM and (3) RAON JUMP other potential improvers in a weak race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(5) QUEENS LANDING will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both over this distance and most recently on March 12th when she beat a couple of today’s rivals having settled midfield and finished well. In this company and from this gate she can be on or close to the speed and she should prove too good. (10) ACE A MOCA ran 6th on debut over this distance on February 17th when overcoming a wide gate to get to the lead before weakening late. She gets that widest barrier here, but with some natural improvement from that debut, she should be close. The form falls off after that. (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY beat Ace A Moca when 4th in that February 17th race. She was subsequently well beaten by Queens Landing on Mach 12th but can go better today. (9) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (2) UNJU GLOBAL others perhaps in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) BEAT UP here. His win came at this distance last November on his return from nine months off and he followed it up with two 3rd place finishes from his first two attempts at this level, again both at the 1200M. He could only manage 6th when favourite at 1300M on February 25th but back down in trip and in this company, he will take some beating. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE comes up in class following an all the way score over this distance on February 26th. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and should measure up in this company. (6) SUPREME STAR remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the to-five in eight attempts including his first try at this class on March 5th. She carries a light weight and can maintain her consistent record here. (10) WONDERFUL TIZZY comes up in class and along with the returning (3) BARAMUI GEOM – also up in class – is in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Beat Up (2) Lucky Bounce (6) Supreme Star (10) Wonderful Tizzy
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(10) HANEUL JEWANG ran out a class and distance winner on March 5th when settling midfield from the widest gate and running on strongly. He comes up 3kg as a result, but Franco stays aboard, and we know the wide draw won’t be a problem. He can win again. (3) SPECIAL HERO was 4th in a decent time at class and distance on March 10th. She draws much better today and can match or better here under a light weight again. (7) SAVAHA comes up 2kg in the weights from his runner-up finish at class and distance on February 24th when he led for much of the way around. Expect him to be on the speed again and to be in this a long way. (6) PLAY THE INDY is up in class despite being a maiden but that makes him well weighted and he has run times that can be competitive in this company. (2) OK STAR another to keep safe.
Selections
(10) Haneul Jewang (3) Special Hero (7) Savaha (6) Play The Indy
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(5) KING DIA went through several trials before finally arriving at the races, but it was worth the wait as he ran out a six-length winner, having led all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again. It’s fair to say that (3) CUPID BISANG doesn’t win out of turn but he is ultra-consistent and has been in the top-four in each of his last five starts. He likes to be on pace or handy and he should be playing a role in the finish again. (7) HIGH GRAND is up in class having prevailed by three-lengths over this distance at start number six on February 25th. That win had been coming and he’ll be competitive among this lot. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (1) GEUMSEONG SIDAE among others who can enter the calculations.
Busan hosts the first real heavyweight clash of 2023 on Sunday, and it really doesn’t get much bigger as Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes runner-up Raon The Fighter drops back in trip to renew hostilities with Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma in the Busan Ilbo Sprint (Sunday April 2: Race 6 G3-1200M).
Eoma Eoma (Pic: KRA)
Raon The Fighter was mightily impressive in smoking a Class 1 field over 1800M in early March and seemed set for a rematch with Winner’s Man, who downed him in the closing stages of both the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes last season, in the Herald Business at Seoul later this month. Instead, he returns to the sprinting ranks and a rematch with the horse he made his name by beating, Eoma Eoma.
That was all the way back in late 2021 during that year’s late season crowded Stakes schedule when RAON THE FIGHTER downed the odds-on Eoma Eoma by a remarkable six-lengths to maintain what was then an unbeaten record in style. Eoma Eoma returned the favour in this race last April, but the pair have not met since.
EOMA EOMA himself has come a long way since then, winning the Korea Sprint on international day last September, famously downing Japan-trained Raptus to win the Korea Sprint (G1-1200M) at Seoul last September before rounding out his season at Busan with a narrow win over Dauhan Jilju in the Kookje Shinmun (Listed-1400M). His only start of 2023 so far, saw him comfortably see off a class 1 field under handicap conditions at Seoul in February.
Raon The Fighter (Pic: KRA)
The draw favours Eoma Eoma. He has gate seven while Raon The Fighter has to contend with the widest gate (fifteen, although in reality fourteen following the scratching of Dolkong) but such is the brilliance of Raon The Fighter that at his best, he may well have the beating of Eoma Eoma again. At this stage it is hard to say who punters will even make favourite, let alone who will actually win.
The others are not necessarily just racing for 3rd place although the betting market will certainly reflect that. YES PERFECT hauls himself into the reckoning after a super win at the distance in March and of the favourites do over-race, he will be coming back to them late on. SSONSAL, DAMANGUI GIL and DAEHAN JILJU look the best of the rest.
Not among the starters is Dolkong with the nine-year-old having suffered a recurrence of his sesamoid injury during trackwork on Thursday. All hopes are now that he can be saved and finally retired.
1. DAEMANGUI GIL – 3rd in last October’s Kookje Shinmun (Listed-1400M) he has since scored three consecutive runner-up finishes at Class 1 level at distances between 1200M and a mile, being beaten by Ssonsal and Yes Perfect. Likes to settle back and run on, he will be finishing strongly and is a place chance.
2. BEOLMAUI STAR – Ended his three-year-old campaign in fine style with back-to-back class 1 scores over 1200M and 1400M before being slowly away then ridden up hard and wide before weakening over a mile on his only start this term in January. He hasn’t raced since then but looked very quick when winning a trial in early March. Can be on or close to the pace from a nice draw and in this a long way.
3. DAEHAN JILJU – An excellent 4th in the Korea Sprint (G1-1200M) was followed up with 2nd to Eoma Eoma here in the Kookje Shinmun (Listed-1400M) with the latter needing every yard to catch and pass him. Failed to fire from the widest gate in the Segye Ilbo (Listed-1200M) in January but draws better today and with a better start can get closer.
It’s cherry blossom season. The annual festival kicks off at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and runs for the next nine days with the “blossom street” open until 9pm each evening. There are also 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. It’s not the strongest card in history, but here are the previews:
The blossoms are back at Seoul Racecourse
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener. (8) MR QUALITY ran 2nd on debut in January when on pace throughout, before disappointing second time out when drawn widest of twelve and struggling to find a good position. Widest of eight should prove less taxing, David Breux climbs on, and he is the one to beat. (6) GLORY AND HONOUR was an improved 4th on her latest appearance on February 25th over this trip. She draws well here and should be aiming to get closer. (4) LEGEND K has a 3rd place to his name over 1300M two starts back and that’s enough to put him in contention in this modest company. He too will probably be on the speed. In such a weak race it is worth giving a chance to the first timers. (5) JEONGSANG HIT took several goes to qualify but finished in midfield in her latest, stopping the clock in a fair time and could beat a few here. (1) ZETTA MASTER perhaps the best of the rest.
Selections
(8) Mr Quality (6) Glory And Honour (4) Legend K (5) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. The form is pretty hapless, so we’re prepared to overlook (8) TES MARY’s latest couple and instead go on her 3rd place at this distance back in January when she settled back and ran on. It was a slow race, but she won’t need to be fast to win this and she has as good a chance as any. (1) YEOLJEONG ARGO was 5th on debut and while she was dreadful on her reappearance in January, she ran fairly enough to finish midfield from a wide gate on February 18th. She has been running close to the pace and crucially she draws inside here, which should give her an easy run to the front. In such a weak race, it’s possible that nobody will catch her. (7) CUPID CHIC has the fastest time among these for the distance and although that is very much a relative term here, it’s enough to give her a chance. (4) HWANGWOO CHOEGANG didn’t run terribly on debut and along with debut-maker (3) MAGU is another potential placer.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(4) DAEHEUNG CLASS will be favoured to score in this maiden. He has shown steady improvement across his recent outings, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on March 5th when he settled off the pace and ran on well. He can sit back again here and should prove too strong. (3) WONPYEONG CHUKJE looks the logical second best. He too has shown steady improvement, in his case across four starts so far and he registered a 3rd place over this distance on February 25th. The time was glacial, but he won’t need to improve very much to get even closer here. (2) CATS WOMAN has mixed her form across her nine races, but she ran 3rd at this distance two starts back and shouldn’t be far away here. (1) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA and (8) ACE TIARA others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) EUNHYE looks set to be a warm favourite here. His solitary win came four starts back and before he missed ten months. He is two starts into his comeback and has impressed with a 3rd and a 2nd so far, both at this class and distance and both times settling midfield and running on. Third-up he should be peaking fitness wise and today should be his day. (9) CHEOLLICHONG is a decent type who may be yet to win in eighteen attempts but has nine top-five finishes including five 2nd places. She comes down 2kg on her last start 4th on March 4th and while she may find one too quick again, she is firmly in the placing hunt. (5) BEST FALCON was 3rd in that March 4th race ahead of Cheollichong. She too comes down in the weights, she should be on pace and she can be in this a long way. (2) COMPLETE LUCKY and (3) CLAIR BEST among others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Eunhye (9) Cheollichong (5) Best Falcon (2) Complete Lucky
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
We’re going to need to overlook some bad last starts here as none of this lot managed better than 6th on their respective latest appearances. (4) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI is still a maiden but got promoted to this class with two 3rd places followed by a 2nd, all at 1200M. She was away badly on her first try at this class, again at 1200M on March 4th but from a good draw, can be ridden handy here and is worth another chance. (9) JILJU DAESE was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two last October. She didn’t reappear until February 26th when finishing midfield on her first try at class and distance. She should strip fitter for that run and has solid claims. (5) GEOLJAK MAN ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back. He tends to leave himself a bit too much to do but does have the fastest finish among these and can go close here. (3) WONPYEONG GWANGYA and (7) VIENTO others in the minor money hunt.
Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Moon Se-young is in Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (1) LAND BANK is going to be a hot favourite. He led for much of the way around on debut over this distance on March 3rd, ultimately finishing 4th. He comes into a much better gate today, which should see him get a much easier run to the front, and with any kind of natural improvement from his debut, he will be hard to hold out. The rest of the exposed form doesn’t exactly stand out so we’ll turn to the first timers to find the dangers. (8) GLOBAL WEEK won his trial, settling handy and running through the line in a quick time. If the Hansen colt can bring that form to the races, he should be at least placing here. (5) THE PURE MAN also showed well in his heat, settling midfield and running on for 3rd and is another who won’t need to improve much to be competitive first-up. Returning to the experience, (7) HAPPY BRIANNA and (3) NEOGA CHOEGO probably have the most potential to improve.
Selections
(1) Land Bank (8) Global Week (5) The Pure Man (7) Happy Brianna
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden. We’ll take a chance on (9) PEGACORN, who has four top-four finishes from six starts so far and comes back in trip following a spin around a mile a month ago that ended in 4th place when on the pace throughout. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard here and today can be his day. (2) GLOBAL SARANG comes into the equation following a much improved 2nd place over 1200M on March 3rd. He’s been finishing off his races well and the additional half furlong may well suit. (1) HAPPY BLUE fills out the obvious top-three, having beaten three of today’s rivals on his way to a best to date 3rd over 1400M on March 5th when settling handy. He comes into a better gate today and should be close again. (4) ECTON POWER and (7) DREAM RUN among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(9) Pegacorn (2) Global Sarang (1) Happy Blue (4) Ecton Power
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(5) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on March 5th when leading gate to wire and stopping the clock in a good time. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip too, but neither should be an issue and with a good draw, he can lead again and can go all the way again. (4) WORLD CLASS CAT remains a maiden after five attempts but has had plenty of near misses including on her latest when 3rd at this class and distance. She can sit handy here and has the strongest finish of any. (8) GOOD MAGIC got her first win on her second start in February before running a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on March 5th. She remains very nicely weighted and should be joining Dubai Wonjeongdae on the speed and be competitive all the way around. (3) SUCCESS TIME and (9) VEREUDA, both up in class after last start wins are among plenty of others to keep safe.
Selections
(5) Dubai Wonjeongdae (4) World Class Cat (8) Good Magic (3) Success Time
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
3, 5, 8, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Plenty in with a shout here. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (4) GOLD ROSE, who was a winner on debut all the way back last July but has been working towards another having most recently run 3rd at this class over 1300M having led until the final furlong. She comes slightly back in trip here, she draws well, and she has as good a chance as any. (2) UNJU MACH is up in class following a win over this distance on March 3rd. The time wasn’t fast but her won going away and under a light weight and from a good gate, he should measure up in this company. (1) MILK DAY is very experienced and can be a touch frustrating but the drop in trip compared to his recent outings may be in his favour and he could surprise at a probable each-way price. (7) BUILD UP and (8) TWO TWO LIME among others in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Gold Rose (2) Unju Mach (1) Milk Day (7) Build Up
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Moon Se-young is in town to ride Eoma Eoma in Sunday’s G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint and his presence is probably enough to make (3) HALLOWEEN PARTY the favourite here. He could only manage 5th when sent oof at a short price at class and distance on March 5th, but he did beat a couple of today’s rivals and from a good gate, Moon can lift him over the line on top today. (6) HANGANG SAVER comes up in class having prevailed over this distance on February 24th when settling midfield and running on. He hasn’t missed the top-four since his debut and he comes down nicely in the weights to the extent that he should be competitive at this level. (8) KENDRICK has seemingly lost his way of late, but he has been back to trial since his most recent race and duly arrived from off the pace to cross the line in front in a fast time. If he is back to his old self, he has winning chances here. (9) YASAENGHWA and (4) INDY CHOICE are others to consider.
There’s no Listed or Graded racing this Sunday but still plenty of action to get stuck into. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Can Jangsan Laser prevail again over a mile? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) NONSTOP THUNDER will be the one to beat. She almost led the entire way around on February 18th over 1200M, ultimately being taken down by the favourite in the closing stages. She comes up slightly in trip but draws nicely to be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (10) AKKAENGI races for the fist time since December when he was an improved 3rd over 1200M. He’ll therefore have to be taken on trust fitness wise but the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can sit behind the early speed and run on. (6) WORLD FASHION came from off the pace for 3rd at this distance on February 25th. The additional half-furlong can suit and if he can continue on the same upward trajectory, he’ll be in the mix here. The form drops off a bit after that although (9) JEONGSANG LUCKY has a 2nd place to her name which gives her the right to be considered here. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL another potential improver.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. (11) MIRACLE ONE has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on February 3rd in a tight three-way-go on the line. That was the second time in a row that she overcame the widest gate to go close and while the draw does her no favours again, this time she can go one better with an additional half furlong to play with. (10) HAPPY TAEYANG was a much improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on February 19th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd. She was well back behind a good winner but she is another who may apprentice the slight rise in trip and she can be a danger. (8) ACE GOOD JOB ran 3rd on debut at 1200M on February 24th having barely scraped through a trial. The time was painfully slow, but she beat three of today’s rivals coming from off the pace and she may well pass plenty late again here. (5) SOLEDAD and (2) FLYING DIA others to look out for.
Selections
(11) Miracle One (10) Happy Taeyang (8) Ace Good Job (5) Soldedad
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 10, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A weak maiden and it’s hard to go past (5) CLUB D. He only went down by a nose at start three over this distance on February 26th when settling midfield and almost catching the all the way winner. He comes into a better gate today and a similar run surely sees him home on top. (12) NEVER AGAIN has shown definite improvement over his four starts and came home 5th in a fair time at this distance on March 4th. The wide draw may not be too much of an issue as that day he went back and ran on and he can improve once more today. (7) SECRET WANGJA was the longest shot on the board when 3rd over this distance in January in a time faster than any of the others here have managed (albeit on a weekend when the track was playing very quick). He wasn’t much better fancied when 5th of nine over 1300M on February 11th. He will be shorter today and can keep the positive momentum going, probably taking a sit and finishing strongly. (11) TWO ACE and (3) HERO QUEEN other place chances.
Selections
(5) Club D (12) Never Again (7) Secret Wangja (11) Two Ace
Next Best
3, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(12) GLOBAL SKY has a couple of 4th place finishes and last time out improved to 2nd place over this distance when sitting handy and running on stopping the clock in a time quicker than of the rest here have achieved for this distance. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a touch of luck at the start can sit behind the speed and run on. (7) FANTASTIC CHAMP ran once last May and ran well, coming from well off the pace to finish 2nd. He then had a setback and has had forty-three weeks off. He ran at his own pace earlier this month in a trial that was blitzed by Beolmaui Star, who was preparing for next week’s Busan Ilbo Sprint, so we shan’t read too much into that but Seo Seung-un being aboard means he is sure to be very well backed. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was on pace a long way on debut over this distance on March 12th, beating a couple of these in 4th. She is another who may need some luck in the early stages but can be a danger. (2) WORLD POINT and (6) MIRACULUM among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(12) Global Sky (7) Fantastic Champ (11) Baedari Dolpung (2) World Point
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 11, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) EUREKA was a beaten favourite on his latest start on February 26th when handy throughout but only finishing 4th – a finish he has achieved on no fewer than six occasions now. Two starts back he beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance and from a great draw, today really should be his day. If he does find one (or three) too quick again then it might be (10) EURO GANGJA. He has done it before having been 3rd in that February 26th when he sat midfield and ran on. That was a big uptick in form but in this company there is no reason why he can’t repeat. (5) PURPLE STORM comes up to two turns for the first time having been 2nd and 5th in his latest two, both at 1400M. Both times he has gone right to the back before making up good ground and the additional distance may well suit. (6) HOUYHNHNM and (7) TRES VITE others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(1) Eureka (10) Euro Gangja (5) Purple Storm (6) Houyhnhnm
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(1) SUCCESS MOCCA has finished no worse than 3rd (a dead heat on debut) in three starts so far. His win came over this distance at class 6 level in January before he was then a close 3rd from a wide draw on his first try at this class on February 17th. He likes to be on pace, so he has a much more favourable draw today, and he may prove hard to hold out. (11) NORTHERN BID was an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on February 19th stalking the leader early before taking command a long way out. He comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide draw, but with a bit of luck early, he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) PHANTOM ACE got his maiden win three starts back and has subsequently held his own in two starts at this level, both over 1200M. He can take a sit behind the early speed – of which there should be plenty – and can launch a late challenge here. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN and (8) THUNDER FURY are others to keep safe.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(12) ARGO RICH remains a maiden but after finishing 4th on debut, has since run 2nd on three consecutive occasions, most recently at his class over 1300M on February 25th. He as run 2nd from on the pace and from off the pace so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and he can go one better today. (10) SAENAE HWANGJE also remains a maiden, in his case after seventeen attempts but on the strength of his latest effort at class and distance on February 26th when he was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd in a good time, he must be right in this. He also has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance, and he should be close. (4) QUEEN OF BEST has run fairly for 4th and 6th in her latest two. She is another who has posted a quick time for the distance and who can be running on strong at the business end here. (11) WORLD KING MAN and (9) BLUE INDY others in the hunt.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Top jockeys Moon Se-young, Choi Bum-hyun, Lim Gi-won and Jang Chu-youl all find themselves with two-day bans this weekend. Here are the previews:
Park Tae-jong finally got his 2200th career winner last week and is one of few top local jockeys not suspended this weekend – although he only has one ride Saturday and four Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies here. One of four first-timer starters, (1) GREEN VIVACE took four trials to qualify but in the latest of those on March 3rd, pinged the start and then led all the way under a hold and ask for very little. The time wasn’t quick, but she was well clear of the rest and didn’t get out of first gear. It was a big improvement on her previous trials and if she brings that form to the races, she may be hard to hold out. (4) TI AMO ran on gamely for an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 18th. A similar performance will put her firmly in the frame here. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) BRIGHT WINNER was still somewhat green in her second trial but ran through the line well and can make an impact first up in this company. (7) FIRST USER and (10) BEATRIZ potential improvers.
Selections
(1) Green Vivace (4) Ti Amo (2) Bright Winner (7) First User
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
1, 7, 10, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies but imports this time and nine America breds face the starter. All have raced at least once before including the top pick (9) POWER VICTORY. She beat several of these on her way to 2nd place on debut on February 25th in a very similar race to this over the same distance. With some natural improvement from that run, she may prove hard to beat. (2) MOONHAK SONG came 3rd in that race on what was for her, start number five. She has a length and three-quarters to make up on Power Victory but she led that day and draws well to do so once more. She can get closer this time. (3) MEDICI WOLF was well backed in that February race but was no better than midfield throughout. She was 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy behind Raon Giant and Furiosa last November though and in this company should be given another chance. (4) DUSON CHAMP is another to keep safe while if you want something that didn’t go in that February race (6) MIGHTY Q, who beat a fair few of these on Christmas Day, would be the pick.
Selections
(9) Power Victory (2) Moonhak Song (3) Medici Wolf (4) Duson Champ
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A maiden for three-years-old, this time open to the boys as well. (6) FINAL CHUKJE just about gets the edge, based on an improved 3rd place when stepped up to this distance on February 19th when he led for most of the way. That was the first time he had been ridden forward and from a central gate we can expect similar tactics today and for him to be in this a long way. The main danger is (3) SAVANA CHARLIE. Aside from two starts back when he drew the widest gate, he has run well including a 4th place last time out on February 11th when settling back and finishing strongly. The additional half furlong should suit, and he will be a danger running on late. (7) RUBY AGAIN comes into the calculations based on her run two starts back when 2nd over 1200M. She is another who likes to get back and run on. (5) THUNDER PRINCE and (8) DASI TAEEONADO others to keep safe.
Selections
(6) Final Chukje (3) Savana Charlie (7) Ruby Again (5) Thunder Prince
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and there are no Oaks contenders here. That means that the 4th place registered by (3) MADISON MOUNTAIN in her latest effort at this distance on February 5th is enough to make her the top pick. She has a tendency to get a bit far back, but today’s competition is softer and there should be less danger of her leaving herself too much to do. Second pick is (7) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER. She comes back in trip following a spin around 1700M just two weeks ago when she was handy before coming home 5th. She’ll be on pace here and despite the quick turnaround can be in this a long way again. The form drops off the proverbial after those two. At a push, (4) SINPUNG YEOGEOL might be expected to kick on following a career best 6th place last time out. (9) ZIRCON and (1) GEOLJAK TOUR others for whom we can’t have much confidence in but in this race should really be looking for improvement.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) POWERFUL SOCKS got his maiden in two starts back over this distance making all at class 6 level before running a useful enough 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th when handy throughout. He has the fastest time among these for the distance, he has a smart finish on him, and he has every chance of returning to winning ways here. (3) LEGAL HIGH comes up in class following a maiden win over 1200M on February 18th when settling just off the pace and running on. The class rise is balanced by a much better gate and a very slight drop in the weights, and she can measure up in this company. (2) K N TIZWON comes back down in trip following recent work over 1700M including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He can get a bit far back in his races but from a good gate can be ridden further forward today and he should be dangerous. (10) TANGJA and (6) DAECHEON CHAMP among others in the placing frame.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card 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 with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (9) JEONGMUN SPECTER ran well on debut for 4th last August but didn’t reappear until January when he very much needed his run. He improved to 2nd from a wide draw on February 12th over this distance and third-up here, he should be peaking and can win. A few of the first timers look promising. (7) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG led his heat, crossing the line in 2nd in a good time. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un being engaged is sure to make him well-supported. (8) ZETTA DREAM went through a very quick trial alongside some experienced racehorses and held his own well. If he can bring that form to the races, he can go close. So too (6) HWANGU DAEJANGGUN led every step of the way in a March 4th trial, crossing the line plenty to the good. He gets the benefit of an apprentice claim and is another who can make a bold showing first up. Returning to the experience, (1) CHOICE ROAD is probably the best of the rest.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens and it’s hard to go past (2) ROAD TO GLORY. After a runner-up finish over 1200M in January, he came from off the pace to run 4th over 1300M on February 24th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He seems to be needing further and he gets an additional half furlong to play with here and he could be hard to hold out. (11) HERE THE QUEEN was slow out last time out and scarcely featured over 1300M. She was sent off as favourite that day on the back of a strong runner-up performance back in January. Park Jae-i climbs aboard today, and she can be given another chance. (1) HAENGBOKHAN GIL has hinted that he might be figuring things out in his latest two, including a last start 5th over a mile just two weeks ago. He gets a great draw here which should allow Song Kyeong-yun to pick his spot, and he has as good a finish on him than any here. (3) STORMY DAY and (6) KELLY QUEEN among others with placing hopes.
Selections
(2) Road To Glory (11) Here The Queen (1) Haengbokhan Gil (3) Stormy Day
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Tricky race. (10) SKY SHOT enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1200M and 1300M, both times beating some of today’s rivals. He drew wide in both of those so gate ten isn’t a concern, and today can be his day. He will vie for favourite status with (5) ADELE HORANGI. He has only missed to top-five once from seven starts and his best finish, a 2nd place, came at this distance. He generally settles midfield and runs on and should be in the finish again here. (1) SEOGWI FLASH enters off a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, most recently at this distance on March 3rd. She draws a much better gate today so may well be on what little speed there is here, and she can be in this a long way. (7) VICTOR BASIUM races for the first time since last November. In a race of absolutely no early speed he may get an easy lead and while after is absence he has to be taken somewhat on trust; he should go close. (6) ETTEUMI another in the frame.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only and (5) PAN STAR gets the nod here. She made all for her maiden win over this trip two starts back before trying to repeat over 1400M on her first try at this level on March 3rd. She comes down slightly in the weights, comes back in trip and will be aiming to lead gate to wire. (10) META QUEEN comes up in class following an on-pace win over 1200M back on January 29th. She comes up in class and slightly in trip here and while she may need a touch of luck at the start from the wide draw, she can measure up. (11) FAST FURY is done even fewer favours by the draw. Having got her maiden win over 1200M back in February, she ran a solid 4th on her first try at this class on March 5th, racing handy throughout. She remains nicely weighted and like Meta Queen, with a bit of early luck, she shouldn’t be far away. (3) GAMDONG ENERGY and (7) MY SONG among others to keep safe.
Selections
(5) Pan Star (10) Meta Queen (11) Fast Fury (3) Gamdong Energy
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s about time (8) NICHOLAS G. won He got promoted to this class after two runner-up finishes and ran 2nd for the third time on February 24th when on pace throughout over 1400M. He comes up to the mile for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. He’ll be on pace and today can be his day. (5) KING BOSS is a consistent type with recent form reading well. He draws much better than he did when 5th at class and distance on March 5th and should be going closer here. (7) GREAT ONE comes back up to this trip after recent work at 1400M. He has the second fastest time of any of these for the mile and he can improve on his latest efforts here. (6) NOBLE COWBOY and (4) ARTHUR KING IJI among others who can be kept safe on a place line.
Betelgeuse put down a huge marker on the road to the Triple Crown, overcoming adversity to win the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy at Busan, while at Seoul, Something Lost overcame the market to maintain his unbeaten record and lead all the way in the Sports Seoul Trophy.
Betelgeuse wins the Gyeongnam Shinmun (Pic: KRA)
Betelgeuse skipped the one-turn Listed and Graded juvenile races last season in favour of being tested against older horses over 1800M, a strategy similar to that used by his trainer Baik Kwang-yeol with last year’s Derby winner Winner Star. Dropping back to 1400M for the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, punters made the colt, a winner of five from seven, the odds on favourite.
The striking grey didn’t disappoint. Despite getting a heavy bump coming out of the gate, Betelgeuse was ridden up to within striking distance of the leaders entering the straight. He was then on the receiving end of more interference, forcing him wider and wider but once jockey Choi Si-dae managed to extricate him and find room, he powered home to win pulling away. He crossed the line a length and three-quarters ahead of World Legend in 2nd with Yeonggwangui Ace, the tormentor of Betelgeuse at the start and at the top of the straight, 3rd.
An hour later at Seoul, Breeders’ Cup 4th place getter Naol Sniper was sent off as favourite for the Sports Seoul Trophy (also over 1400M) off the back of a smart win over 1800M last month. From a wide gate he ran strongly but just couldn’t get to Something Lost who under Lee Hyeok, had got the best of the start and managed to keep the field at arm’s length all the way around.
Despite being three for three, the Hong Dae-you trained Something Lost was sent off as the 13/1 fifth choice in the betting market with punters unconvinced by those victories and with memories of plenty of previously unbeaten three-year-olds arriving at these races only to be found out. Naol Sniper was half a length back in 2nd with Dragon Star a further four-lengths in arrears in 3rd.
The focus will now turn to the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, at Busan on April 30th. Speed Young, last year’s Breeders’ Cup winner, is set to be there but both Betelgeuse and Something Lost are sure to be in the mix.
In other news, the long standing saga of Park Tae-jong’s 2200th career winner finally came to an end as the jockey guided Sure Win to an all the way victory in race 10 at Seoul on Sunday. Since his last victory on February 5th, Park had been scoreless in more than forty rides, almost the longest losing streak in his 34-year career. Park is the all time leading jockey in Korea.
There was also a milestone winner for a jockey at the other end of her career. Kim Tae-hui partnered Seoul Spurt to victory in race 3 at Seoul on Sunday to get her 40th winner and lose the final 1kg of her apprentice claim. She isn’t the quickest to ride out her claim, but the 22-year-old, who began race riding in the summer of 2021, missed 4 months through injury following a bad fall in January last year.
The first few months after losing a claim is always a challenging time for young jockeys but Kim Tae-hui looks likely to have the support – and the ability – to continue to be successful.
Sunday is Classic Trials day in Korea with the Sports Seoul Trophy in the Capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the south coast offering the three-year-old crop a big prize on their way to the Triple Crown, the first leg of which is just six weeks away. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Seungbusa won last year’s Sports Seoul Trophy before going on to place in two legs of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) BANFF went through plenty of trials before debuting on February 19th and he gave a good account for himself over this distance, coming out of the widest gate to sit midfield and then run on for 3rd. He should have come on for that run, he draws well here, and he can win. (10) FLY DAY has a 5th and a 3rd from two appearances so far, both times settling midfield and finishing off well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, an apprentice keeps his weight light, and he should be challenging late again here. (8) MIR POINT has a 2nd place to her name over 1000M and comes in off a solid 4th place at this distance on February 12th when he led for much of the way. He should be on pace again, and in this a long way. (6) CLAIR QUEEN and (7) JEOLDAE GACHI among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Banff (10) Fly Day (8) Mir Point (6) Clair Queen
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
4, 8, 7, 12
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) CHEERFUL LIFE looks to be the one to beat. After running 5th on debut in December, he has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has raced on pace in both those and is beautifully drawn so to do again, and he can win. (5) BLACK VOLT came from a wide draw and from off the pace to run 3rd over 1300M on February 10th. He also has a 2nd to his name at 1000M and should be a threat today doing his best work late. (9) HONOR LORD returns for the first time since last September. He trialled up three times between December and February, winning two of them and posting good times, and must be taken seriously first-up here. (4) SANGSANGGEUISANG has steadily improved across three starts so far, with a 4th place at 1300M on February 19th his most recent. He can sit behind the speed here and run on with every chance of a money finish. Debut-maker (2) UNJU BONNEUNG stopped the clock in a good time in his trial and a bold first-time showing is possible.
Selections
(1) Cheerful Life (5) Black Volt (9) Honor Lord (4) Sangsanggeuisang
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A maiden restricted to three-year-old fillies. The form doesn’t exactly leap off the page, so we’ll go with (4) BARAMUI HYANGGI, who has shown promise when running 5th and 4th in her first two starts, most recently at this distance on February 4th. She drew wide in both those races but gets a much better gate this time, her carried weight remains nice and light, and she has as good a chance as any here. (8) SEMYEONG LADY has run fairly in five starts so far with her best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in December. She also has the fastest time among any of these for the distance and she should be on pace and in the frame here. (1) HERO GANGJA has been 5th in both starts so far, racing on pace both times. She draws well here and should be aiming for improvement. (11) TUHON TEUKGEUP and (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO among others in at least the placing hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this age open maiden and it’s a tricky race where the form is unconvincing, but plenty are plausibly in with a chance. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (6) AQUA MAGIC. She has two 4th places on her record including last time out when she was on pace and beat a couple of today’s rivals. She has the fastest start and may get an easy run to the lead here. If she, does, she may prove hard to pass. (7) PHANTOM QUEEN is two starts into a comeback following almost six months out. She weakened over 1400M last time out but should be better back at a trip at which she has the fastest time of any of these. (5) GREEN LEGEND hasn’t shown an awful lot in two starts so far but draws a good gate this time and can be competitive. (8) RICH COWBOY returned from almost two years out in December and ran an adequate 5th place. She can improve on that here. (1) PURPLE STAR returns after almost a year off and trialled up well enough to suggest that in this limited company, she can be competitive.
Selections
(6) Aqua Magic (7) Phantom Queen (5) Green Legend (8) Rich Cowboy
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(2) ARGO MUJEOK was a beaten favourite over 1200M on February 25th when he was a touch slower away than normal. He does have a 3rd place on his record at this distance and from a good gate and with Antonio climbing aboard, he can be given another chance (5) BADAUI KKUM had a hard time from a wide draw over 1400M at his latest start on February 19th. He was going well prior to that tough and looked to be knocking on the door of his first win, consistently going close. He comes back in trip today, gets a 2kg apprentice claim and draws well. It could be fifteenth time lucky. (6) SPEAR GOLD and (7) SEOUL SPURT both come in following improved 3rd place showings in their latest and can build on their respective momentum here. (1) CANDY GLOW another in the placing frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (2) SPECIAL ROAD looks the one to beat. She got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M back in December and has since finished 3rd and 5th in two attempts at this class, both over six-furlongs. She comes up in distance and in the weights today, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard and from a good gate she should be on pace and can lead all the way. (6) CUQUENAN registered her maiden win at this distance in December. She drew wide for her first crack at this class on January 13th and ran on fairly for 5th. She has had nine weeks off so comes in fresh and can get closer here. (4) WONDERFUL OCEAN enters off a 3rd place in a curious race over 1300M on February 10th (won at big odds by Statice, who also goes here). That marked a return to form after a couple of indifferent runs and she can build on it here. (10) QUALITY QUEEN and (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE among others in the minor money hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only and (5) RAON EMPIRE will be hot favourite. After a 3rd and a 2nd from her opening two starts, she got her maiden win at the third time of asking over 1200M on February 11th when handy throughout. She comes up in class and slightly in trip here but this half-sister to Raon The Fighter should have far too much for her rivals. (7) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win two starts back and then ran a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1400M on February 4th with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She only comes up 1kg in the weights and can be close again. (9) JANGBI MUJIGAE is yet to finish any worse than 5th from five starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from her two attempts at this level, both times going back and running on. She has a strong finish on her and can be running on again late here. (11) DAUL QUEEN and (1) MAPARAM among others to keep safe.
Horse Racing in Korea 