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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Winner’s Man Bids for G1 “Grand Slam” in President’s Cup

Winner’s Man will aim to cement his place in Korea racing history at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as he bids to win the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) and become the first horse to complete a career “Grand Slam” of Group 1 victories.

Winner’s Man and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

There are only five (local) Group 1 races in Korea. With the Korea Sprint being run on the same day as the Korea Cup, it is generally accepted within the racing community that only one of that pair is required to achieve a Grand Slam. Winner’s Man won the Korean Derby in 2021, and then the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes in 2022 and the only one that eludes him is the President’s Cup.

Winner’s Man is already the sole horse to have won three different Group 1’s. Triple Nine won four President’s Cups and a Grand Prix, but he didn’t win the Derby. Power Blade won the Derby and the Grand Prix, but he didn’t win a President’s Cup. Gyeongbudaero, Indie Band (President’s Cup and Grand Prix) and Moonhak Chief (Korea Cup and Grand Prix) are the others who have won two different Group 1 races.

Stablemates Global Hit and Speed Young were 1st and 2nd in the final leg of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)

The Slam would already be complete had Winner’s Man been able to convert 1.3 favourite status into victory in this race a year ago. It was not to be that day as he could only manage 3rd place as Raon First became the first filly or mare to win a President’s Cup. 2021 winner Simjangui Godong was 2nd. Both return to try to thwart Winner’s Man again. This year’s Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong as well as Korean Derby victor Global Hit, will also be in attendance.

It has been an up and down season for Winner’s Man, who suffered two defeats at the hands of Tuhonui Banseok in the Stayer Series. He then returned to form with 3rd place behind Japan’s Crown Pride and Gloria Mundi in the Korea Cup and then overturned the form on Tuhonui Banseok (as an overseas bred, ineligible for the President’s Cup) to win the KRA Cup Classic in October.

Sixteen are set to line up for the President’s Cup, which is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday and the favourite has drawn wide. Here is a full rundown of the field. All are Korean bred:

1. FLYING THE CHAMP – Runner up to Captain Yankee in last year’s Minister’s Cup over this course and distance and a winner of four from eleven. He races for the first time since April though and this is a monumental ask first-up.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Winner of two legs of the Triple Crown, the Derby and Minister’s Cup both at this course, the latter at this distance. Midfield finish in the Korea Cup. Loads of talent and gets a weight allowance as a three-year-old and tactically versatile. One of the main dangers to Winner’s Man.

3. GALAXY ROAD – A strong class 1 win over this distance in a quick time at Busan in September gets him his chance here. Goes best when on pace and is nicely drawn to get a good position and will have supporters on a place line.

4. JEONGMUN SAI – More than two years since his last win but he regularly picks up a cheque at class 1 level. From a good draw he should be on pace, but at level weights, this looks hard.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 18)

Saturday’s racing is in Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s two years since Hangang Ace won the Munhwa Ilbo as a 2yo. He finally makes it to class 2 (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) CHEONMAPYEONGJEONG will be the one to beat, having led for much of the way on her debut on October 21st, ultimately finishing 3rd over 1000M in a fair time. She should have derived benefit from the experience and this time she can go all the way. It took two goes for (6) ROYAL PLUS to qualify but she did it nicely the second time around, sitting handy and running on well. If she brings that for to the races, she can go well first-up. (1) BEAUTYWONDERFUL ran 4th on debut over 1000M on October 7th. He time was marginally faster than the one the favourite achieved on her debut, and she can be taken seriously here. Returning to the first-time starters, (12) BEOLGYOWISU and (5) GOOD FIGHTER are others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(7) Cheonmapyeongjeong (6) Royal Plus (1) Beautywonderful (12) Beolgyowisu
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with al but two having raced before. (2) HERO CHAMP has raced three times already and has two 3rd place finishes including most recently at this distance on October 15th when settling behind the speed and running on. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. The probably favourite is (1) CITY KING. After a positive trial, he ran well for 4th on debut on October 14th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run, he should be on pace, and he has solid claims here. It would be a surprise if that pair didn’t fill out the quinella as the exposed form weakens. (10) SEOCHEON LION is the only other one with experience to have shown ability with a 4th and two 5th places from three starts. He should be there or thereabouts again. Debut-makers (11) SPINNING BOOM and (3) SUMMER PARTY therefore warrant some consideration although in the latter’s case it is more for the jockey booking than the trial performance.

Selections(2) Hero Champ (1) City King (10) Seocheon Lion (11) Spinning Boom
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Class 4 for juveniles which means imports and six of the ten are racing for the first time. They include (5) YEONGUNG BUHWAL, who went through two trials, finishing a close 2nd in the first and then winning the second on September 8th having led all the way and stopping the clock in a quick time. It has taken him a couple of months to get to the races, but he looks to have ability and will be well backed first up. If you prefer experience, then (1) HERO FIGHTER is the one. He has raced three times already and has a win to his name over 1000M in August when he made all. He weakened late on when trying this distance for the first time on September 23rd but should have benefitted from the experience and should be on pace again and in this a long way. (4) MONTAUK CHAT was a trial winner before running a fair 5th of nine on debut in a quick race over 1000M on October 21st. With some natural improvement, he can be in the finish here. Returning to the debut makers, (2) EAST JUMP and (6) DANCING WHIZ are others who showed well in trials.

Selections(5) Yeongung Buhwal (1) Hero Fighter (4) Montauk Chat (2) East Jump
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

More imported juveniles, this time all maidens and with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) ECLAIRFURY is probably the pick. She was ordinary in her first trial but fairly bolted up in another on October 6th when settling midfield and then running away from the field in the straight, stopping the clock in a quick time. The 1200M should suit first up and she may take some beating. (4) TAEKHAN also went through two trials, similarly improving in the second of then on October 27th when an on-pace runner-up in a good time. He draws well to be on pace and should be in the mix. (8) BULTANEUN SIMJANG was a close at hand 3rd in the same trial (also trialling up for the second time and improving) and he too warrants consideration here. (10) NONSTOP DREAM was a trial winner before running 4th on debut over 1000M in a fast race on October 21st. He can match or better that here. (7) MAGIC POTION another first timer in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 17)

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

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. It will be one of those first-timers who is the favourite. (8) ASTRO KING went through two trials, running on pace in both and finishing 2nd in both. His times were fast, especially in the second of those trials, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (4) HI CHAMP led for most of the way around on debut over this distance on October 20th, ultimately finishing a close 2nd in a decent time. He draws nicely to be on pace, and he can be a big threat to the newcomer. (3) ARION KING has raced twice and while both efforts have been a touch plain, his time in his latest was good. He is another who can be on speed and can improve again here. (2) HI LEGEND and debut maker (6) CHEONHA GEONGANG others in the frame.

Selections(8) Astro King (4) Hi Champ (3) Arion King (2) Hi Legend
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Twelve imported juveniles go around here with six racing for the first time. The six who have raced once each all did it in the same race over 1000M on October 20th and it was (9) BEOLMAUI YEONGUNG who ran out the winner, racing on pace throughout.  They stretch out to 1200M today but there seems little reason to oppose him following up. The main danger this time could be one of the first timers. (4) BIWOL sat midfield in his trial before running on strongly to cross the line in front in a quick time. 1200M should suit first up and he can go close. (11) VICE ROYAL ran 3rd in that October 20th race and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. (7) TROUBLE MARINE was 4th and along with newcomer (8) NICE BIG GUY, is another who could trouble the scorers.

Selections(9) Beolmaui Yeongung (4) Biwol (11) Vice Royal (7) Trouble Marine
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (1) AUTUMN BREEZE will be hot favourite. It took her a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has posted a 3rd and a 2nd in her latest two at 1300M and 1200M, both times racing on pace and both in quick times. She draws very nicely again and won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) SANGIM STAR has shown steady improvement across three appearances so far, most recently a runner-up finish at this distance on October 20th when handy throughout. She can be in the mix here. She will be vying for 2nd-favourite status with (2) UNJU TWO HEARTS. She too has a 2nd place on her resume which came back in August over this distance. She followed up with a 4th place on October 20th in a stronger race than this and she should be there or thereabouts again. (6) LUCKY HIT and (9) WONDERFUL KAYLAN others in the frame.

Selections(1) Autumn Breeze (3) Sangim Star (2) Unju Two Hearts (6) Lucky Hit
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Two standouts here who come in off identical results on their respective debuts. (10) BEAT DRAGON had hinted at having some speed in his trials and he came from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1200M on October 27th. He was doing his best work late and the step up to 1400M should suit. (2) HI WINNER was also 4th on debut, in her case on October 29th when settling midfield and running on over 1200M. She too should have come on for that experience and can also appreciate the additional furlong. (5) SSING GA will need a line drawn through her latest, but she has a runner-up finish to her name over 1300M and on that form she can be competitive here. (11) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (6) TODAY QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

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Eoma Eoma Goes Back to Back in Kookje Shinmun as Beolmaui Star Stalls

A year ago, Eoma Eoma struck the line at just the right time to claim a last gasp victory in the Kookje Shinmun, and on Sunday afternoon he did exactly the same to take out the 1400M, and this year Group 3 affair, at Busan Racecourse.

Eoma Eoma duels with Calm Strong (Pic: KRA)

Eight of the sixteen who faced the starter on Sunday came out of the international G3 Korea Sprint at Seoul in September and following his superb runner-up finish in that race, Beolmaui Star was sent off as the favourite, ahead of the defending champion. Beolmaui Star though would see his race falter at the beginning when slightly fly jumping as the gates opened and then failing to get on terms at any time.

Calm Strong, the exciting four-year-old filly, would lead in the early stages with Black Musk and Raon Tap Man on pace with her and Eoma Eoma setting up camp under Antonio Da Silva, riding him for the first time, just behind. Into the straight and Black Musk and Raon Tap Man both fell away, leaving Calm Strong and Eoma Eoma on top with last year’s runner-up Daehan Jilju and SROA Chairman’s Trophy winner Ssonsal in hot pursuit.

Calm Strong held out for a long time but ultimately a relentless Eoma Eoma ground her down, just like he had done Daehan Jilju last year, pulling away by three-quarters of a length as they hit the line. The filly was an excellent 2nd with Daehan Jilju 3rd and Daemangui Gil – who had started almost as badly as Beolmaui Star – pipping Ssonsal for 4th.

Eoma Eoma and Antonio Da Silva in the Kookje Shinmun winner’s circle (Pic: KRA)

Winning trainer Song Moon-gil said that fans didn’t get to see the best of Eoma Eoma when he was 5th in the Korea Sprint. “At the Korea Sprint he didn’t perform like he can, and he didn’t come out of it 100% so it was important to get some rest and recovery into him and he was in a much better place going into today” Song told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

Song said that made him confident this time. “I thought that so long as he made no mistakes then the others would have to be at their absolute best to have a chance of beating him. There were a few nervous moments in the race but none where I thought Eoma Eoma wouldn’t win.”

“He is really racing against himself. Eoma Eoma is (almost) seven years old, and it is about managing his workload and making sure he stays injury free. His rating is so high that normal (class 1 handicaps) races are not suitable for him because of the weight he has to give away, and the pattern races are quite few so it is about picking his schedule and making sure he can be at his peak. Then it is up to him. He has loads of experience and he knows what to do.”

Eoma Eoma [Algorithms – Lignite (by Run Away And Hide)] is a horse who has been sensibly campaigned with six starts in 2022 and six in 2023. It therefore seems unlikely, despite the hope of many, that he will be on a plane next month to the Dubai World Cup Carnival (although those in charge still have 48 hours left for persuasion until nominations slam shut on Wednesday). Unless they dip into handicap waters – and most will – the sprinters are done for 2023, with the next chance for the elite to reassemble for a big prize not being until the 2024 Sprint Series gets underway with the Busan Ilbo Sprint in early April.

Beolmaui Star will get a full vet check but at first glance it looked just a bad start and a bad day in the kickback. He had issues at the start in some previous outings, but the bad habits looked to have been banished with the Korea Sprint. Jockey Seo Seung-un reported to Stewards afterwards that his mount had become increasingly fractious prior to the start and attributed the bad performance to that. At just four-years-old, he will have plenty more chances.

Next week, Winner’s Man aims to write himself into the history books as he bids to be the first horse to complete a set of four different Korean Group 1’s. He has already won the Korean Derby, the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes and he will head the field for the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse next Sunday. With the field restricted to Korean-bred horses, at anything like his best, it is hard to see him not prevailing in the Billion Won race.

Sprinter Showdown Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (November 12)

The sprinters have their final chance of 2023 of a big prize at Busan on Sunday afternoon when the likes of Eoma Eoma, Beolmaui Star and Ssonsal line up over 1400M in the local G3 Kookje Shinmun Trophy. See here for full preview. The big race is race 5 on a 6-race card at Busan that runs from 11.50 to 16:35. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are all the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener and there will be a hot favourite. That’s (3) HERE I AM who after an ordinary debut has registered a 2nd and a 4th in two subsequent starts, both over this trip, and both times racing on pace. He has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and from a good draw, he should have too much here. The second quickest time belongs to (10) GEOLJAK EUTTEUM. That was recorded on his second start when coming from off the pace and finishing as runner-up, a long way behind a good winner but well clear of 3rd. He did nothing on his reappearance in October, but that 2nd is enough to give him a chance here. (1) HAKSAN DAESE has finished off both his races to date well and was 5th when stepped up to this trip. Expect him to be running on and threatening the places here. (6) LONDON VICTORY and first-time starter (8) SOLAIRE other place chances.

Selections(3) Here I Am (10) Geoljak Eutteum (1) Haksan Daese (6) London Victory
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) in this maiden. (8) TAEPYEONGMU shapes as a probable favourite here. She has six top-five finishes from nine starts and has posted consistent times at this distance. She likes to race on or close to the pace, and today can be here day. (7) HAYAN TAEYANG raced twice in the spring for 6th and 4th and then returned after five months off to run 5th of nine over this distance on October 14th. She should strip fitter for that run and is potentially the danger. In a race with not much early speed, (9) GOLDEN FLYING may well find herself up with Taepyeongmu setting the pace. Her form his fair and she can be competitive. (2) CHONGAL COLONEL and (10) YEJIMONG among other minor money hopes.

Selections(8) Taepyeongmu (7) Hayan Taeyang (9) Golden Flying (2) Chongal Colonel
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

(5) ACRO MARINE has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on October 8th when he was ridden much further forward than in his first two starts. Moon Se-young climbs aboard today and he can settle behind the early speed and prove too strong. (2) HANGANG TSAR was an improved 2nd over this distance on October 14th. He hasn’t exactly set the stopwatch alight but from a nice draw he can go close again. (1) THEME TANSAENG will be expected to be on pace here and enters with a 3rd and a 4th among his latest three. A repeat of either of those performances will see him challenging for better in this company. (10) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (4) WONDERFUL REGAL among others who could make it into the minor money.

Selections(5) Acro Marine (2) Hangang Tsar (1) Theme Tansaeng (10) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) HUIMANG CANDY will be the hot favourite.  After finishing 5th on debut, she was an improved 2nd at start number two on October 13th racing on pace and leading in the closing stages only to be narrowly beaten. She can be on pace or handy here and prove too strong. (11) OVER THE TRIPLE looks an interesting debut-maker from the Bart Rice stable. He came from well back to easily win an October trial in quick time and if he can bring that form to the races, he is a chance. (7) DOCTOR ERICA was 3rd behind Huimang Candy when debuting in that October 13th race and was on the speed throughout. With some natural improvement she can go close again. (2) POWERFUL DASH actually beat Huimang Candy on the latter’s debut and along with (9) KOHINOOR is another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Huimang Candy (11) Over The Triple (7) Doctor Erica (2) Powerful Dash
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Fillies only and it’s a competitive race. (1) SINUI YEOJE was a winner over 1000M at start number two in September before running 5th of eleven when favourite for her first try at this class over 1200M on October 22nd when handy throughout. She comes into a much better gate tonight so could well get a softer run to the lead and if she does, she can win. (5) GALSAEK HYANGGI enters off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this class with the 2nd being at this distance. She likes to settle back and run on, and she should be a danger late here. (3) LADY CODI has similar form to Sinui Yeoje with a win over 1000M followed by a really good 4th at this class on October 14th in a similar all-filly race at 1200M. She is well drawn and should be in the mix. (10) GEOLJAK ONE and (7) SESANG APEURO the others in the hunt.

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Eoma Eoma, Beolmaui Star, Ssonsal Face-Off in Sprinters’ Final Showdown of 2023

The first eight local horses home in September’s international Korea Sprint will reassemble on Sunday afternoon at Busan Racecourse among a full field of sixteen going a furlong further in the final big prize of the year for the speedsters, the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M KOR-G3). While nothing could trouble Japanese star Remake in the Sprint, runner-up Beolmaui Star will take his place in the line up as will 2022 Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma and SROA Chairman’s Trophy victor Ssonsal.

Eoma Eoma won the Kookje Shinmun in 2022 (Pic: KRA)

EOMA EOMA is the defending champion, having won last year’s Kookje Shinmun shortly after his Korea Sprint win, and also holds victories in similar Group races, the SBS Sports Sprint and Busan Ilbo Sprint. He was 5th under a conservative ride when attempting to defend his Korea Sprint crown on September 10th, a full ten-lengths behind winner Remake and six behind Beolmaui Star, who he faces again. Antonio Da Silva climbs aboard for the first time and given their respective draws, plenty will be expecting Eoma Eoma to overturn the form at a distance over which he is the track record holder at Seoul.

BEOLMAUI STAR was the standout local in the Korea Sprint. Under bold tactics by jockey Seo Seung-un he overcame gate ten to lead and while there was nothing he could do to repel Remake, who went on to win by four-lengths, he held off the challenge of Goldolphin Mile and Saudi 1351 Turf Sprint winner Bathrat Leon by a comfortable margin with Hong Kong’s Duke Wai and Eoma Eoma further back down the track. He is still only four-years-old and has trialled very well since the Korea Sprint. He is done no favours by the draw as he won’t get an easy lead but heh overcame gate thirteen in the Korea Sprint, and with an additional furlong, there is plenty of time before they reach the bend for him to find position.

Beolmaui Star (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

SSONSAL had a strong summer with 3rd places in the Busan Ilbo and SBS Sports Sprints followed by a victory in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint when as is his style, he arrived late with a last gasp burst of speed to deny Raon First and Eoma Eoma. That led him to be sent off fourth in the betting for the Korea Sprint and while he ultimately came home in 8th place, it wasn’t a bad run. A return to 1400M can suit.

Plenty of other big names fill out the field. Grand old galloper MORFHIS may have lost a yard of pace since his two SBS Sports Sprint wins, but he remains competitive and was 8th in the Korea Sprint. He is another for who the step back up to 1400M can suit and will be running on late. DAEHAN JILJU was 6th in the Korea Sprint and very nearly won this race last year before being overhauled by Eoma Eoma in the shadow of the post.  He certainly loves the 1400M with six wins and two runner-up finishes from eight attempts at it.

CALM STRONG, RAON TAP MAN and BLACK MUSK finished 9th to 11th in the Korea Sprint and all return too. Calm Strong in particular followed up the Sprint with an eye-catching class 1 win over a mile in October when she came close to Blue Chipper’s track record for that distance. She draws much better than she did in the Sprint and receives the filly and mare allowance. Among the eight who didn’t go in the Sprint, the three-year-old filly GANGSEO GIANT looks the most intriguing.

The Kookje Shinmun Trophy is race 5 on the 6-race card at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul on the day.

SELECTIONS: (3) Eoma Eoma (16) Beolmaui Star (6) Ssonsal (4) Calm Strong

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 11)

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

Moon Se-young is aboard a lot of good chances on Saturday, including Youngyoung Socks, who he won September’s Gold Circle Trophy on (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener. (7) EXCELLENT MATTA beat three of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on October 14th when on pace throughout. That followed a previous runner-up finish at 1000M. She did get sent back to trial for laying in throughout he home straight, but she came through that in good order at the end of last month and she will be the favourite here. The biggest threat could come from one of the two debut-makers. (6) URIGA was an on-pace 2nd in her trial, stopping the clock in a fair time and if she brings that form to the races, she can go close. (3) LOVE MUNMAK was 4th in that October 14th race, just half a length behind Excellent Matta and can be in the finish again. (4) CHAMJOEUN INYEON and (2) MISS FINAL are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Excellent Matta (6) Uriga (3) Love Munmak (4) Chamjoeun Inyeon
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

The second division of the juvenile filly maiden. (8) GEUMAK STAR comes in having taken part in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy last month. She finished down the field behind the likes of Nice Time and Lala K, but she got her chance there courtesy of her previous 2nd over 1000M on September 10th. Returning to significantly shallower waters today, she should be too good. (6) STUNNING CHAMP ran well on debut for 5th, coming from well off the pace over 1000M. She should have come on for that run and the increased trip here can suit. (5) ANYANG TSUNAMI was slow on debut but showed improvement second-up when racing on pace over 1200M and just getting tired at the end. If she can continue on the same upwards trajectory, then she can be in the place hunt here. (2) B.K. BELLE and (3) SPARK THUNDER others to consider.

Selections(8) Geumak Star (6) Stunning Champ (5) Anyang Tsunami (2) B.K. Belle
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

A regular maiden here but another warm favourite and Moon Se-young is aboard again. This time it’s (1) PLAN B who comes in off a very close 2nd place at this distance on October 14th when coming from off the pace and almost getting up. She comes into a better gate, and she should be too good. Should you prefer to have a plan b, then it may be (6) GANGCHEOL BUDAE. He has hinted at ability in his latest two when unlike in previous efforts, he has been ridden much handier. In this company he can be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) FIGHTING K debuted all the way back in November of last year, finishing midfield and then wasn’t seen again. He finally returns fifty-one weeks later, gelded, and having looked good in an October trial. He couldn’t get a softer race to return in and he has to be considered. (9) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN has a 2nd place on his record and that is enough to put him in the minor frame along with (7) JEONGSEONG VICE.

Selections(1) Plan B (6) Gangcheol Budae (8) Fighting K (9) Naegilui Captain
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens and we may have the hottest favourite yet. (4) RAON TAP PLAY won his trial before running 2nd on debut over 1200M on October 15th, settling back and finishing well. He should have come on from that and in this company and from this gate may well be ridden hand like he was in his trial. He should win. (9) SAHARAMOND ran 3rd on debut in September over 1000M before finishing 4th in that October 15th race. He draws wide again but shapes as a potential danger. So too (7) STORM GUY, who got sent back to trial after a lacklustre August debut but looked much better on his return on October 8th when an on pace 3rd. He has the quickest start and can lead here. (1) MY KHAN and debut-maker (2) LEGEND TANSAENG are others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 10)

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

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener. After winning a late August trial, (6) WORLD DRAGON debuted over 1200M on October 8th and beat three of today’s rivals when a front-running 3rd in a decent time. He should have come on for the run, he’ll be on pace again, and he can win. Debut-maker (5) VALHALLA led all the way in his trial, stopping the clock in a good time. It was only last Saturday so as long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first-up. (4) BINNANEUNGIL has two 4th places and a 2nd in three outings to date. Last time out he led over 1400M before fading late and he should be in the mix here. (8) SUCCESS BAEKPA was 4th behind World Dragon in that October 8th race and can get close again. (3) BROWN FALCON another seemingly on the right trajectory.

Selections(6) World Dragon (5) Valhalla (4) Binnaneungil (8) Success Baekpa
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

Standard maiden here. (5) STRIKE ZONE has a 4th, a 3rd, and a 2nd from three starts so far with that latter being his most recent on October 27th when on pace throughout before going down to a good winner. He comes up to 1300M for the first time, he should be on pace again, and he can go one better again. (7) MOST RAPID led for the first tie on October 13th over 1400M, ultimately staying on for 2nd. He ran 5th on a previous try at this distance and should be in the mix today. (1) DOCTOR CAPTAIN overcame gate eleven to run a fair 5th in a decent time at 1200M three weeks ago. He draws much better today, and a similar run can see him in the finish this time. (8) DORAON ZETTA and (9) GEUMSON CLASS others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Strike Zone (7) Most Rapid (1) Doctor Captain (8) Doraon Zetta
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maiden fillies. (7) ALICE MARINE has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two with a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance in both in fair times having been ridden forward. She’ll be on or close to the pace here, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and she has as good a chance as any. The main danger is (5) ROAD STAR. Another front-runner, she has posted consistent times at 1000M and then at 1200M. She’ll be competing for the lead from the start and will be in this a long way. (6) SMART SMILE was a much-improved 3rd at start number two on over this distance on October 20th when settling back and running on and she can build on that here. (10) PERFECT WINNER and (9) CHOEGANG WEEK among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Alice Marine (5) Road Star (6) Smart Smile (10) Perfect Winner
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(6) WONDERFUL IMPACT has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than six occasions from ten starts including her last start 4th over this distance when settling just behind the speed and finishing off well. Antonio Da Silva, in town to ride in Sunday’s Group race, is aboard and in this company, she can win. She’ll be favourite, ahead of (3) DAEHO PREDATOR, who despite only just scarping through a qualifying trial debuted well in late September, settling back and running on for 5th over this trip. He should have benefitted from the experience and can get closer this time. (1) CHEONSU SIDAE pulled out a career best 4th last time out at big odds and coming from well off the pace and beating a couple of these. An apprentice keeps the weight down and a repeat or better isn’t impossible. (5) MIRACULUM and (4) AQUARIUS others in the placing frame.

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Lala K Bounces Back in Style at Seoul While Hangang Class is all Class at Busan

Lala K brushed off his first career defeat a month ago and showed his formidable late speed to return to the winner’s circle in the second leg of the Juvenile Series, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But at Busan, hot favourite Baekduui Kkum suffered a shock defeat as Hangang Class secured victory in the southern track’s equivalent race, the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L).

Lala K dominated the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Lala K’s come from behind win in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August bizarrely went around the world even beyond racing circles, but the eccentric grey youngster couldn’t follow up when sent off as favourite for the opening leg of the Juvenile Series proper, the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, on October 8th. However, with that day’s winner and runner-up, Nice Time and Eclipse Berry, both absent, Lala K once more began the prohibitive favourite.

This time there was no mistake. Lala K was slow to begin but there was no panic from jockey Yoo Seung-wan who kept him inside with cover as Flying Star set the early pace. Once the field straightened up, jockey Yoo unleashed Lala K down the centre and he proved far too strong, running on to win by a full five-lengths from Ziggurat in 2nd and the previously unexposed Geuma Momentous in 3rd.

NACF Chairman’s Trophy finish (Pic: KRA)

“Lala K has become somewhat famous, so I admit I was nervous.” Jockey Yoo Seung-wan, one of the quieter members of the weighing room who is known for his self-deprecation, told in-house broadcaster KRBC after the race. “But (Nice Time and Eclipse Berry) were absent so it was easier this time. There was a lot of early speed in this race so my idea was to get out as forward as possible. It didn’t work out like that but just like in the Rookie Stakes, the horse was able to save energy.”

“(Lala K) is two years old. We don’t want to do too much or try to force things.” Yoo continued. “We want him to run at three and at four and five, so if you ask too much of them as a juvenile, they get injured or sick. So, we are just training and looking ahead to the future.”

At Busan there was a surprise as Baeukduui Kkum, the dominant winner of both the Rookie Stakes and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes, the latter the first leg of the Juvenile Series on the south coast, came unstuck in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. The filly was sent off the 1.6 favourite, but it was Hangang Class, a 10/1 chance, who won on debut but was 4th in the Areumdaun Jilju, who took a comprehensive five-length win.

“What particularly pleased me today was how he dealt with the kick back” winning jockey Park Jae-I told KRBC. “He hadn’t experienced that before, and it is a true test when they receive that sand. He came through it well.”

Doctor Kingdom, 2nd in both the Busan Rookie Stakes and Areumdaun Jilju Stakes took a third consecutive runner-up finish as Baekduui Kkum could only manage 3rd.

Seoul and Busan will come together for the concluding leg of the Juvenile Series in the Breeders’s Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday December 10th. Lala K and Hangang Class will be there.