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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with all but one racing for the first time.  The experienced one goes on top though. (8) PHOENIX SERVE won a September trial and was sent off as favourite on debut at this distance on October 30th, leading for much of the way around before ultimately coming home in 3rd in a good time. She should have come on for that run, can be on pace again and this time can win. Plenty of the debut-makers showed well in their trials. They include (11) MILLION PARTY who sat handy and crossed the line as runner-up in her heat having drawn a similarly wide gate to today. (7) TOUCH CHARM was similarly on pace when trialling in October, also crossing the line in 2nd in a fair time and a bold showing can be expected first up. As ever in these kinds of races, keep an eye on the market where (5) FINE DAY and (1) BADEN BADEN will also be expected to feature prominently.

Selections(8) Phoenix Serve (11) Million Party (7) Touch Charm (5) Fine Day
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens again, this one open to colts and gelding as well as fillies, and all have raced at least once. Following an indifferent debut, (9) SECRET PLAY has put in back-to-back 3rd place finishes, the latter at this distance on October 16th when coming from off the pace and stopping the clock in a good time. Given his running style, the wide draw shouldn’t matter, and he has solid claims here. (6) POWERFUL HWASEONG has mixed his form across four outings to date. Two starts back he ran a strong 3rd in fast time at this distance when settling just behind the early speed. In his latest outing he was drawn wide and was slowly away and from a better gate can be given another chance today. Those are the two standouts. (11) LEGAL HIGH has improved across three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1000M when running on well a month ago. She comes up in trip for the first time and can go close. (7) THUNDER BRAVO and (10) GHOST CHARM others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(9) Secret Play (6) Powerful Hwaseong (11) Legal High (7) Thunder Bravo
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

One hundred and eleven starts for just six top-three finishes among this lot. (3) HAPPY NICE appears to have taken to this distance with a 3rd and a 4th in her latest two outings, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on October 29th when handy throughout. She comes in under the same weight, draws well and can win. (11) MY GONGJU has two 3rd places to his name and comes up in trip following the most recent of them over 1400M on October 16th. He has finished off his races adequately enough and the additional trip can suit. (8) HANI has knocked on the door a few times and her 5th place behind Happy Nice last time out when she came right from the back of the field in the straight, puts her into contention here. (10) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE is the only runner in the field to have a 2nd place finish to her name and she along with (2) EURO GANGJA are other potential placers

Selections(3) Happy Nice (11) My Gongju (8) Hani (10) Neoreul Eungwonhae
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

Two juveniles come up in class having run out impressive winners on their respective debuts and they will be at the top of the market here. (2) DOKKI BULPAE will be the one expected to prevail. Having made all in a late September trial in a fast time, he sat handy on debut before running on for an easy win without much effort. There should be plenty of improvement still to come and he’s the pick to maintain his 100% record. (5) BEST SUN went through a couple of additional trials before debuting but went well when he finally did on October 31st, he similarly sat handy before running on hard to win easily. Neither the class nor the distance rise should be a problem. (4) GEUMSEONG SPEED was a winner over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 3rd on her first try at this level when drawn wide and slowly away. She was a long way behind a good winner but from a better gate can give herself more of a chance here. (8) AL SIMON and (7) LONDON QUEEN among others in the minor money frame.

Selections(2) Dokki Bulpae (5) Best Sun (4) Geumseong Speed (8) Al Simon
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

Tricky handicap here. We’ll take a chance with (7) BICHUI DAERYUK, who has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded two starts back when runner-up. She weakened a little having raced forward over 1400M last time out, but she is back in trip today and third-up this preparation may well be peaking. (10) GOLDEN HONOR is yet to win from five attempts but enters in good form with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. He likes to settle back and run on strong, so the wide draw isn’t a concern, and he has every chance here. (2) NEW CHEONGPA made all to win over this trip at class 6 level on October 1st before being ridden hard to get on pace from a wide draw before tiring over 1400M on his first try at this class. From a much better gate, he is worth another chance here. (1) HUIMANG CHAMP comes in off a couple of midfield finishes from his latest two, but his beaten margins haven’t been big, and an apprentice takes his weight down today. (6) CLASSIC STAR another who can enter the calculations in a competitive race.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 25)

The Queen’s Tour reaches its conclusion this weekend with sixteen fillies and mares going to post for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. Before that though, the south coast track kicks off the weekend action with a 9-race card on Friday from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the very first time. We generally like to side with experience in these kinds of races and (2) ALPHA BRAVO just about allows us to do that. She ran 5th of twelve on debut on October 21st, racing on pace throughout and from a good draw and with some natural improvement, she can be the one to beat here. The main rivals are first time starters. (7) SPECIAL ROAD went through three trails, improving significantly in the third of them when crossing the line 2nd in a fast time. An in-form apprentice jockey takes her weight down and she can put in a bold showing first-up. (1) GOLDEN PLUS too raced prominently in her trial, also finishing 2nd in a good time. She gets a great draw on the inside and should be kept safe here. (3) WONDERFUL TOP looks the most likely of the others with prior experience to improve while (10) GREEN CHIEF is another debut-maker who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(2) Alpha Bravo (7) Special Road (1) Golden Plus (3) Wonderful Top
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile filly maiden, this one with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Experience gets the nod again in the shape of (2) SKY SHOT. Having trialled well, she ran a good 4th on debut over this distance on October 21st, starting slowly and then settling back before running on strongly and beating two of today’s rivals. If she gets an even slightly better start here, she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (11) WIND TALKER was an on-pace 2nd in a fair time in her trial. She has the challenge of a wide gate for her debut here, but the Pegasus Farm homebred looks nicely in. (1) WORLD FIVE is a half-sister to World Day, a winner of nine from nineteen. She led in her trial, ultimately crossing the line 5th and from a very good draw, can be on pace and go close first-up here. (6) SEOGWI FLASH finished last on debut behind Sky Shot but the time was such – and with the standard of today’s opposition in mind – that she can go much better this time. (12) WORLD CLASS CAT another who can improve on an indifferent debut.

Selections(2) Sky Shot (11) Wind Talker (1) World Five (6) Seogwi Flash
Next Best12, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maiden, this time open to colts and geldings as well as fillies. Four of the nine race for the first time. There is some decent experience though. (1) YEOSU FIGHTER was sent off as favourite over 1000M on October 23rd and was on pace before ultimately finishing in 2nd. That was his second appearance and with similar improvement today, he can come home on top. (9) FAST FURY also demonstrated significant improvement at start number two on October 28th when almost leading from gate to wire but having to settle for runner-up. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem in this small field, and she has every chance of going one better. (4) YEONGGWANGUI TANK comes in having run in two juvenile Listed races, nothing a good 4th in the first of them. Returning to shallower waters, the Hansen colt can go close here. Among the first-time starters, (8) TIANBONG QUEEN looks the best having put in a fair time in her trial. Returning to experience, (7) HEY MORNING improved when 6th behind Fast Fury at the end of last month and can continue to make progress here.

Selections(1) Yeosu Fighter (9) Fast Fury (4) Yeonggwangui Tank (8) Tianbong Queen
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More maidens. (9) PHANTOM ACE shapes to be a warm favourite based on his last start 2nd place over this distance on October 28th when he was slow away before being ridden hard to sit behind the leaders and then ran on well. He won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (7) VICTOR BASIUM keeps getting sent off at short odds and keeps on finding a couple too quick, finishing between 3rd and 5th in each of his six career starts. He likes to be on pace, an apprentice jockey takes 2kg off his back, and he can be aiming for a career best finish to date here. (3) HWANGU FIGHTER has been consistent across four starts so far. She likes to sit midfield and run on and while she may not win here, she can keep her 100% record of finding at least the minor money. (2) BOOMY STAR and (4) MACH WONDER others with potential placing claims.

Selections(9) Phantom Ace (7) Victor Basium (3) Hwangu Fighter (2) Boomy Star
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

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Raon Giant & Doctor Oscar Dominate Juvenile Filly Trophy Races

The juvenile filly division had their big day at Seoul and Busan on Sunday and Raon Giant and Doctor Oscar both ran out dominant winners of their respective track’s feature races.

Raon Giant spread the field out in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Raon Giant was only sent off as second favourite for the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (1200M Listed) at Seoul with punters giving the previously unbeaten Fire Girl the nod at the top of the market.

Fire Girl wouldn’t play much of a role though as Raon Giant quickly looped across from gate ten to seize the initiative under Moon Se-young and opened up a lead that she never looked like relinquishing. Fire Girl was close in the early stages, as was the well-supported Global Changa, but they couldn’t keep up with the tempo Raon Giant set and she was ultimately three-lengths to the good at the line.

Furiosa, a 50/1 chance, ran on from the back for a fast-finishing 2nd while Medici Wolf, who had taken a sit behind the early pace, ran on solidly for a creditable 3rd. Raon Giant moved on to three wins from four starts.

Trained by Park Jong-kon and bred by her owners, Raon Giant is by Raon’s own stallion Musket Man and out of Raon Bold (by Big Brown). Raon Bold was a $65,000 purchase from the Keeneland September yearling sale in 2011 and did her racing in Korea, winning three times. Raon Giant is her third foal to make the racecourse with the other two, Raon Beat and Raon The Teukgeup both winners too.

The widest drawn filly at Busan also ended up victorious in the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy (1200M Listed).

Doctor Oscar was overlooked for favourite status in part for having drawn gate fourteen while the highly thought-of Atlas, third in last month’s Areumdaun Jilju Stakes against the colts, had the benefit of gate two.

Doctor Oscar was an easy winner at Busan (Pic: KRA)

Under Choi Si-dae, Doctor Oscar made extremely light of being drawn in the car park and sat handy early before taking things up approaching the first corner. She shrugged off early challengers Hansen Cod Girl and Dream Of Queen and ran on to match Raon Giant with a comfortable three-length score. 25/1 chance Magic Class was 2nd while Atlas was 3rd.

Doctor Oscar is by Old Fashioned and is out of Jangsan Yeoje (by Peace Rules) a Korean-bred who won three races. She is a “full” sister to Doctor Fashion, a winner of seven from nineteen races. She was bred by Lee Yong-dae of Youngmun Farm and was purchased by owner Kwon Hyeok-hui for 45 Million Won at the 2021 KTBA October yearling sale.

Next weekend it’s the turn of the older fillies and mares with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday. While the nation’s top mare, Raon First won’t be there following her President’s Cup heroics last week, Raon will be represented by Raon The Spurt. Triple Tiara winner Golden Power will also be in attendance while KNN Cup winner Calm Strong and Wish Me, who won the the Jeju Governor’s Cup in track-record breaking style, are among others scheduled to be in the starting gate.  

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 20)

Sunday’s racing sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. Feature races of the day are a pair of Listed Juvenile Trophies, one at each track. See here for a full preview of those two races and read on for the race-by-race:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to open things with seven of the twelve – coincidentally all drawn from gate six and wider – racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (5) SUPER FINISH, the only one to have raced twice before. He ran 5th of ten on debut before going down a very narrow 2nd in a fast time at start number two on October 8th when handy throughout. He could have too much here. (3) HERO SARANG led for much of the way around on her debut on October 22nd, ultimately running 2nd, She should have come on for that run and can go close again. Among the first timers, (12) LUCKY BOUNCE is likely to get the most attention. He won his trial and while the time wasn’t especially fast, he looked competent enough and Moon Se-young being aboard will tempt some. (4) JEONGWOO FOREVER and (1) FINE CAMP may improve from their debut runs.

Selections(5) Super Finish (3) Hero Sarang (12) Lucky Bounce (4) Jeongwoo Forever
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another set of juvenile maidens, this time with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (10) INDIANUI BYEOL was well-backed on debut following a trial win and he showed ability, running an on-pace 2nd in a fair time over this distance. He should have come on for the run and while he is drawn a little wider than ideal, but he might be too good here. (2) CATS EYE has also raced twice leading in both and running on well for 3rd in the second of them on October 8th. He is well drawn to lead again and should be in this a long way. (9) DASI TAEEONADO beat three of these in a trial before finishing a creditable 5th of twelve over this distance on debut on October 16th. She can have derived benefit from that experience and can improve today. Among the debut makers, (5) NAOL GONI ran a close 2nd in his trial while (11) ARA DAEJANGGUN is another who could go well first-up.

Selections(10) Indianui Byeol (2) Cats Eye (9) Dasi Taeeonado (5) Naol Goni
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden for fillies only. We’ll take a chance on (10) TOP POSITION, who after eight starts seems to be figuring things out and comes in off a smart 3rd place over this distance on October 16th. She doesn’t need to lead so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue and today can be her day. (6) BIG SMART has put in three very solid efforts in three starts so far, posting good times at 1000M and at this distance. She has tended to settle midfield, as finished off her races well, and she can be a big danger here. (7) CITY CHARM returned from six months out to run a good 4th over 1300M on October 22nd when handy throughout.  She should strip fitter for that experience and can match or better that here. (3) MAGIC MOCCASIN was 4th behind Top Position on October 16th, a race which she led. She draws well to be on pace again and once more should be in the race a long way. (12) P N S HER another in at least the minor money frame.

Selections(10) Top Position (6) Big Smart (7) City Charm (3) Magic Moccasin
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) ROCK AND ROLL is a half-brother to Korean Group race winner Mr. Afleet and he debuts here having run 2nd in a trial to Seungnimagic King, who won on his own debut on Friday (note his time in the trial was 1:02.3; some early editions of the race card may have a different time). He draws well, should be on pace and will be favoured to win. Of the experienced ones, (9) BURUICHUKJE looks the best. Just as she had done in her trial, she came from off the pace to run a close 2nd. She should have come on for the run and the additional furlong can suit. (7) SEONGSIL KING was slow away on debut over 1000M but picked up well to run 4th in a good time. He too may appreciate more distance to play with here. (6) GLOBAL SKY and first-timer starter (5) WITH SUN are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Rock And Roll (9) Buruichukje (7) Seongsil King (6) Global Sky
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go far past (1) GOMANARU. After an indifferent debut, he has a 4th, 3rd and 2nd from three subsequent outings at distances up to 1400M, racing both on the pace and coming from midfield. He draws well here and can go one better. (6) BURUI SINHWA also looks ready to win. He comes in off an on-pace 2nd over 1200M on October 23rd and while he won’t necessarily lead in this company, he can settle close to the speed and run on. The solitary first time starter (4) CAMINO probably couldn’t have picked a softer race to debut in. He won an October trial exiting from the widest gate to sit midfield and then run on. The time wasn’t fast, but he won’t need to improve much on that to be competitive here. (7) EUREKA beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place last time out, a position he has finished in five of eight outings and may well do so again. (2) BEST PLAN another with placing claims.

Selections(1) Gomanaru (6) Burui Sinhwa (4) Camino (7) Eureka
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

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Juvenile Fillies Take Centre Stage Sunday

Juvenile fillies take centre stage on Sunday at both Seoul and Busan with the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy in the capital and the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy on the south coast providing a stiff test as well as a big prize for next year’s Triple Tiara hopefuls.

Raon First won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy in 2019. Can stablemate Raon Giant repeat? (Pic: KRA)

The Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup (1200M Listed) was last run in 2019 when it was won by Raon First. That year, the race was open to all juveniles, irrespective of sex or of where they were bred and Raon First crushed them, scoring by six-lengths. She would go on to dominate the filly and mare ranks for the next two years before returning to take on the boys when 3rd in the Korea Sprint and then last Sunday, winning the President’s Cup.

With just her Korean-bred contemporaries to contend with this time, another Musket Man filly and stablemate of Raon First, RAON GIANT has strong claims to take out this year’s edition of the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy. She has raced three times so far, winning two of them by big margins and her only defeat came at the hands of older horses.

Raon Giant likes to race forward, and despite being drawn the widest of ten, she can carry the green Raon colours home to another big race win. Moon Se-young, who last week had to settle for chasing Raon First home in 2nd place aboard Simjangui Godong in the President’s Cup, will be aboard.

It’s a tough race though. FIRE GIRL is unbeaten in two starts and has equally solid chances. At her second appearance on October 2nd, she overcame an awkward start before settling midfield and running on to win by an impressive five-lengths in a quick time. She seems set for a big show again.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 19)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener and (4) G MOTION will be one of the banker favourites of the day. Having run 3rd on debut at 1000M, he stepped up to this trip for his second start on October 16th and duly ran 2nd in a good time, sitting handy and finishing well. He shouldn’t need to improve much, if at all, on that run to win here. (5) TAURUS QUEEN looked promising when 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 16th. That was in filly only company, but the time was fast and they way she finished off suggests that the additional furlong today should suit. (1) CHROMITE too finished off well for 3rd on both his previous starts over 1000M. He draws nicely here and should go close again. (3) ARGO RICH and (10) MONEY JANGGUN among others with the potential to improve.

Selections(4) G Motion (5) Taurus Queen (1) Chromite (3) Argo Rich
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens. (4) ULTRA GALAXY beat three of these on his way to a good 3rd place at this distance on October 22nd. That was his third start and his best finish to date. Expect him to settle midfield again and run on and he can come out on top here. (10) MORNING PRINCE has two 3rd places from three starts so far including last time out on October 9th when running on in a good time. The wide draw shouldn’t be an inconvenience, and he can be in the mix again. (5) EFFEL TAP improved to 3rd when tried at this distance for the first time on October 23rd. He should have derived benefit from the run, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he has claims here. (9) POWERFUL SOCKS ran 4th behind Ultra Galaxy on October 22nd and while he gets a less favourable draw this time, the margin wasn’t big and it’s not impossible he could overturn that form. (3) BAEKDU BOY another in the frame.

Selections(4) Ultra Galaxy (10) Morning Prince (5) Effel Tap (9) Powerful Socks
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A regular maiden here and (4) SECRET KING should have too much. He comes in off a 2nd, 4th, and a 3rd from his latest three, all at this distance and all in good times. He draws very nicely to be on pace or handy and he will be hot favourite to prove too strong. (11) SSANG OK RU wasn’t ready when debuting in January, but he returned to action looking a much better individual when 3rd at this distance on October 23rd, leading for much of the way around. He should have benefited for that run and while the draw is wide, he can be a danger late on here. (2) ARCH MEMORY was 6th behind Secret King in her last outing on October 15th. That continued a consistent run of form, and a similar effort should see her in the frame here. (5) TOGETHER WAY and (7) PURPLE STORM the other logical placing chances.

Selections(4) Secret King (11) Ssang Ok Ru (2) Arch Memory (5) Together Way
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) HWARANG TODAY was a winner two starts back over 1200M at class 6 level before running 2nd at the same trip on his first try at this level on October 30th. He comes up 2kg in the weights but Moon Se-young climbs aboard and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. He has every chance here. The main danger is (1) SURE WIN. Despite the name he has one just one of five starts so far but was a solid 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on October 23rd. He carries a very light weight again and from the inside gate, should be looking to get on pace right from the very start. (11) SPO BLADE comes up in class having won well from the front over 1200M on October 22nd. This is harder and the draw is not ideal but don’t rule out a bod showing. (4) GRAY THOR and (8) SAENAE HWANGJE among others firmly in the hunt in a competitive race.

Selections(10) Hwarang Today (1) Sure Win (11) Spo Blade (4) Gray Thor
Next Best8, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s a first timer who is likely to be the favourite in the shape of (8) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING. The Girolamo colt looked very well in his trial sitting on pace before crossing the line first in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he can make a winning start. The logical second pick is (4) ROAD TO DREAM. He showed at the front in his debut race on October 16th, ultimately finishing 2nd in a good time. He should be on pace again from a good draw and with some natural improvement will be a serious contender here. Returning to the first timers, (9) GO FOR IT went through the same trial as Seungnimagic King and while he finished some distance behind him, showed enough to suggest he can be competitive here. (6) RUNNING POWER and (7) FIRST MENI others who could make an impact first up.

Selections(8) Seungnimagic King (4) Road To Dream (9) Go For It (6) Running Power
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time over six-furlongs. It’s wide open with plenty potentially stepping up so we’ll look for one at a decent price and go with (2) DOCTOR SHARK. It took her a couple of goes to figure things out, but she showed improvement with a good 2nd over 1000M on October 28th when slowly away and running on well. She draws well again and with more improvement has as good a chance as any. (7) PEGACORN will probably be favourite. He has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a last start 3rd on his first try at this distance on October 21st when handy throughout. Expect him to sit behind the speed again and he should be in the finish. (6) PAN STAR comes up in trip for the first time after two efforts at five furlongs, improving in the second of them. She’ll be on pace here and in it a long way. (11) HANEUL JEWANG has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and along with (1) MOTHER MOUNTAIN is another in the frame.

Selections(2) Doctor Shark (7) Pegacorn (6) Pan Star (11) Haneul Jewang
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A maiden and the warm favourite will be (9) GEUMA STARRY. Having won a trial, the Animal Kingdom filly was installed as favourite on debut on October 28th, when she showed on pace and ultimately finished 2nd. She should have derived benefit from that and won’t need to improve much to win this.  There are three first time starters and (3) GOLDEN MAGIC looks the best of them. She won her trial in late October, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. She draws well to get forward here and a bold showing on debut is possible. Also on pace should be (7) YEONGGWANGUI RIDER. It’s fair to say he’s mixed his form and it’s never really a good thing to be the most experienced runner in a class 6 race, but he looks nicely in here and can challenge for at least a place. (2) PUNGUN JOHWA is another with a fair few races behind her and comes in off a solid 3rd at this distance two weeks ago. (10) QUEEN ROMANCE among others in the frame.

Selections(9) Geuma Starry (3) Golden Magic (7) Yeonggwangui Rider (2) Pungan Johwa
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) ADELE HORANGI comes in having run a strong 2nd at this distance on October 21st when settling just behind the early leaders and then running on well. The time was good – considerably quicker that any of the others who have raced at this distance have managed – from a great draw on the inside, he can sit behind the speed again and this time can win. (5) GRAPHENE QUEEN ran an encouraging 3rd on debut on October 23rd, beating three of today’s rivals over this distance. Once again, she benefits from an apprentice claim and from a slightly better draw, she should be in contention again. (4) MORNING MUSE enters off a runner-up finish on October 30th when she led for almost the entire way around over 1400M. From a good draw she can compete for the lead again and can be in this a long way. (8) B.K. HUNTER and (10) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK among others who can compete for at least the minors. 

Selections(1) Adele Horangi (5) Graphene King (4) Morning Muse (8) B.K. Hunter
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

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

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Raon First Beats Simjangui Godong & Winner’s Man to Win President’s Cup

Raon First, the only mare in the race, produced a home stretch burst up the inside to leave defending champion Simjangui  Godong and Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man behind and score a sensational win in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The five-year-old is the first mare to win the race in its eighteenth year.

Raon First and Choi Bum-hyun win the President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Coming in off his remarkable triumph in the international Korea Cup in September, Winner’s Man was sent off as the restrictive odds-on favourite for what is the most valuable race of the year that is restricted to horses bred in Korea.  Last year’s winner Simjangui Godong was second in the market, ahead of Heunghaeng Jilju and the three-year-old Captain Yankee. Raon First was fifth in the betting but that was at 30/1, such was the market skewed towards Winner’s Man.

More renowned as a sprinter, Raon First ran 3rd in the Korea Sprint over 1200M the day Winner’s Man won the Korea Cup. But Raon First had raced at 1800M in the past, winning a Class 2 handicap in May of 2021 in addition to harvesting the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy in restricted company against hopelessly outclassed fellow fillies and mares who she would probably beat at any distance from the minimum up to two miles earlier this year.

It wasn’t close. (Pic: KRA)

She had never tackled 2000M though and she had never faced anything like Winner’s Man around two-turns. Yet she beat him with ease. Settling handy instead of leading, jockey Choi Bum-hyun kept Raon First on the fence, saving ground the entire way around as outsider Jangsan Laser set a tough pace up front, matched by Winner’s Man and in the early stages, by Captain Yankee.

That shape would remain unaltered until the home straight when Captain Yankee quickly folded while Simjangui Godong loomed up to threaten. Staying on the fence, Raon First stole a couple of lengths on the turn and was quickly to the fore, hitting the front with just over 300M to go. It was then that the challenge from Winner’s Man was expected. It came, as did that from Simjangui Godong but any hope they had as quickly extinguished as the mare built up an unassailable lead a long way from home.

Raon First crossed the line two-lengths ahead of Simjangui Godong, who was himself a length and a quarter ahead of Winner’s Man in 3rd. The very game Jangsan Laser was a revelation in 4th, but Captain Yankee, also on pace early, found it hard to cope with the pace and finished back down the field. 

Raon First has always done things a little quirkily. She came to prominence in her juvenile season in 2019 when instead of entering the traditional Juvenile Series races, she was pointed to the race that was open to imported juveniles (she is a product of Musket Man and Pink Candy, who both arrived in Korea in January 2016). She duly won it in fine style. Since then, she has mostly been kept in filly and mare company for her Group race appearances – understandable given her superiority and the value of the purses – but after an out of character but excusable well back finish in the KNN Cup at Busan, she has been let loose in the really big races. She moves on to twelve wins from twenty-one starts and six of her last eight.

It was a first President’s Cup win for veteran jockey Choi Bum-hyun and also for trainer Park Jong-kon.

Simjangui Godong ran his usual strong race in 2nd and as for Winner’s Man, who suffered his first defeat in 2022 after six consecutive wins it was a first defeat of 2022.

President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 13)

Sunday is President’s Cup Day. Click here for a full runner-by-runner preview of the most valuable race of the season that is restricted to Korean-bred runners. The big race is race 8 of an 11-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45 with King Of The Match in the feature. Here are the previews:

Winner’s Man will be seeking to add the President’s Cup to his Korea Cup success (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. And among those debut-makers is the eagerly awaited (10) RAON EMPIRE. She’s half-sister to Raon The Fighter, currently the highest rated horse in Korea and she looked very well in two trials, crossing the line 1st in one and an unhurried 3rd in a fast time in the second when overcoming gate twelve. She will be a very short-priced favourite. (5) NAOL HAEGBOK did nothing on debut in June but was looked a better prospect when trialing up again behind Raon Empire in October. She should go better this time around. (1) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS put in the best debut of those that have run before, showing on pace before finishing in the middle of the pack. She should have come on for that run and can improve here. (12) RED TAEPUNG should also improve from her debut while (4) WALGADAK looks the second best of the first timers.

Selections(10) Raon Empire (5) Naol Haengbok (1) Youngyoung Socks (12) Red Taepung
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) SUPREME STAR looks the one to beat here. Her best result to date came on debut but she has run well in two starts since including her latest when stepping up to this trip and posting a time as fast as any of the others here have managed when 5th. She sat handy that day which she will probably do again, and this time she can stick to her task. (2) DANAEUN ROSE has a 3rd and a 2nd from her first three outings. Her only poor result so far came when drawn very wide and being unable to find a position. That shouldn’t happen here as she can get an easy run to the front and can be in this a long way. (11) WORLD PLAY has run on pleasingly enough across three starts so far and is showing signs of improvement. He should be aiming to better the 5th place scored last time out at 1000M and can be running on late here. (3) VESPER and (7) NEVER NEVER STOP other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Supreme Star (2) Danaeun Rose (11) World Play (3) Vesper
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

(6) BLACK CHOCOLATE ran out an emphatic winner on debut over this distance on October 16th, settling midfield before cruising away in the home straight. He comes up in class today, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and he is strongly favoured to maintain his 100% record here. (1) JEONGMUN PAPAGO got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes at this distance before running 4th of twelve in a fair time on his first try at this class on October 9th. He can build on that here. (2) CONCORD QUEEN already has a 2nd place finish to her name at class and distance and from another good draw today can be on pace and in this a long way. (9) CHANCELLOR weakened late on at his latest start and may be better for being slightly back in trip today. (4) B. J. STORM another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Black Chocolate (1) Jeongmun Papago (2) Concord Queen (9) Chancellor
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast. (4) GOODY ran in improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on October 2nd having gone right back from a wide gate and then run on well. He draws inside for the first time here and if he can a little but more prominent, he could win here. (5) FINAL SEVEN enters with a similar record having also improved to 3rd on his second outing on October 9th. He too sat back and ran on and can continue his development here. (8) HAEUNDAE STAR also showed progress when racing for the second time He comes up in trip for the first time here and under a very light weight can be running on well. (3) FLYING TOUCH by contrast ran poorly at her second career start but based on her debut can be given another chance here. There are three debut-makers and among them, (1) MULTI HIT looks to have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(4) Goody (5) Final Seven (8) Haeundae Star (3) Flying Touch
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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President’s Cup 2022 – Full Preview

Ten weeks on from his memorable Korea Cup victory, Winner’s Man returns to action and to Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, where he will be hot favourite to win the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1).

Simjangui Godong won the President’s Cup in 2021 but faces a tough ask when defending it at Seoul this Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Winner’s Man ran down Japnese visitor Sekifu and Korea’s top-rated horse Raon The Fighter in the Korea Cup (1800M IG3) in September and he returns to the 2000M distance at which he won May’s YTN Cup for the President’s Cup, the most valuable race of the year restricted to Korean-bred horses.

After horses from Busan dominated the race for a decade – with Triple Nine alone winning four consecutive President’s Cups between 2015 and 2018 – the streak was broken in 2021 when Simjangui Godong finally got the home team back on the board.

While Winner’s Man will almost certainly start at odds-on, a fair set of challengers have assembled, headed by last year’s winner Simjangui Godong. The three-year-old crop is best represented by Captain Yankee, a winner of two legs of this year’s Triple Crown, while the older but in-form Heunghaeng Jilju can also provide a stern examination.

The President’s Cup is race 8 of an 11-race program at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 16:20. Here is a full run down of the field:

1. LOOKING GOOD – Ran 3rd to Determination in the Listed Sports Chosun and then 5th behind Winner’s Man in the G3 YTN Cup, both over 2000M. His latest two outings at class 2 level haven’t caught the eye and at level weights, this looks a hard ask.

2. HEUNGHAENG JILJU – Potentially testing material for Winner’s Man. A winner of ten from twenty-four he is still on the up and is a four-time class 1 winner at this distance.  He can race forward or settle midfield and while a previous attempt in elite company was unsuccessful, on times for this distance, he is right in this.

3. SIMJANGUI GODONG – The defending champion, having come from midfield to win this race a year ago. He has won twice at class 1 level since, both at this distance but his latest four outings have been in Group class. He was an also-ran in the Korea Cup, but prior to that registered two runner-up finishes (one of them a dead-heat) behind Winner’s Man in The Busan Mayor’s Cup and 1800M, and then Raon The Fighter in the Busan Owners’ Cup. Don’t rule out another big run.

4. JANGSAN LASER – Skipped class 2 entirely and won on his first start at class 1 over 1200M in August before finishing 2nd in a valuable trophy race on international weekend. Well beaten behind Heunghaeng Jilju on his latest outing on October 2nd. Likes to be on pace but this looks challenging.

5. CHIEF INDY – One of few horses to have finished ahead of Winner’s Man, which he did when 2nd in the final leg of last year’s Triple Crown. He gets his chance here having won a trophy race on international weekend over 1800M, but he did struggle on his only try at regular class 1. Moon Se-young, who usually rides both, opts for Simjangui Godong but while Chief Indy may not be a winning chance, he can be competitive. He can settle in midfield and run on.

6. RAON FIRST – The only mare in the field, she is more known as a sprinter having run 3rd in the Korea Sprint over 1200M on international day. She has won at Listed level over 1800M in restricted fill & mare company, but this is her first try at 2000M. She likes to run on pace and while the distance is a question, she can be in this a long way.

7. CAPTAIN YANKEE – Lightly raced three-year-old who won two legs of the Triple Crown this year, the Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup, while finishing 3rd in the Derby. The Minister’s Cup win was over this distance and was emphatic as he settled back in the field and ran on very strongly. Has only raced once since and was 4th at class 2 level in Busan at the end of August, but the distance will suit here, and he will be running on. 

8. BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE – Runner up to Jangsan Bada in the Listed Ilgan Sports at 1800M in July and has subsequently finished 2nd twice more at class 2 level to see his rating tick over in class 1 territory. Tough ask here at level weights.

9. CHOEGANG GAME – Returned from five months off to score very well over 1800M on October 15th when on-pace throughout but that was at class 3 level. A winner of five from eleven but this is a big step up.

10. WINNER’S MAN – Proved himself to be the best stayer in the country with his win in the Korea Cup over 1800M in September when he settled midfield and wide before improving in the back straight and then running down Sekifu and Raon The Fighter to win. That was his sixth consecutive victory with the last four having been Listed, G3, G2 and Korean Group 1. He should be too good again.

11. JANGSAN BADA – Gets his chance here having won his latest two, a listed race in July at 1800M and then a trophy race on international weekend at 1700M. He won both well and in good times, but this will be his first run against a better caliber of opposition and his first at 2000M. He likes to race forward and minor money would be an excellent result.

12. BLUE POWER – A winner at this distance at class 2 level at Busan in June, he ran fairly for 5th behind Barbarian at class 1 level two weeks ago, again over 2000M. He can race on pace or settle back but at level weights this looks difficult.

13. LUCKY WORLD – Yet to race beyond 1800M or at anything stuffer than class 3 level. He has run consistent times in his latest three around two turns, but he has the lowest rating in the field by a big margin and with no weight advantage it is hard to see him making an impression.

14. FOREVER DREAM – Three-year-old who, as a gelding, wasn’t eligible for the Triple Crown series. Gets his chance after a good score over a mile at class 2 level in October leading gate to wire. His wins have come from the front, so the draw isn’t kind here.

Selections: (10) Winner’s Man (3) Simjangui Godong (2) Heunghaeng Jilju  (7) Captain Yankee