23/1 chance Calm Strong led from gate-to-wire and held off the closing pack to win the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the third leg of the 2022 Queens’ Tour at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with hot favourite Raon First well back down the field.
Calm Strong (right) hold off Wish Me to win the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Making just her tenth career start, Calm Strong bounded out of gate eight and into the lead while Raon First, dwelt slightly and was slowly away, having to settle in an unfamiliar rear position.
While Raon First did improve to 2nd place by the top of the straight, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t going to be her day, her customary acceleration was missing and she dropped back through the field, ultimately finishing 8th.
With You Hyun-myung aboard, Calm Strong was able to hold off the determined late challenges of Wish Me and Yeonggwangui Time, taking the line a neck to the good. Filly Triple Crown winner Golden Power was 4th.
Calm Strong is a three-year-old USA-bred filly by Bayern and out of the Broken Vow mare Diva’ Seastar. Imported as a yearling, she is owned by Lee Hae-lan and trained by Kang Hyoung-gon. Sunday’s victory was just her third but takes her career earnings to KRW 329 Million (US$250,000).
As for Raon First, jockey Choi Bum-hyun reported that having loaded first, his mare had to wait a long time in the gate and then didn’t get away well. He said that having got up to join the leaders, she didn’t maintain her momentum in the way that he expected. An initial veterinary examination found no obvious issues.
The Queens’ Tour goes on hiatus again now until the end of autumn when the fourth and final leg will be the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) once more at Busan on Sunday November 27.
Next weekend Busan takes centre-stage again with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G2). It’s a race that has in the past been won by the likes of Dangdae Bulpae, Triple Nine, Power Blade and Blue Chipper. Raon First’s stablemate, Raon The Fighter, is expected to run.
Korea’s top mare meets the winner of the Filly Triple Crown as Raon First and Golden Power clash for the first time in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. It’s the final race on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:35 to 17:05. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Raon First won the Ttukseom Cup and is hot favourite for the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener with seven of the eight making their racecourse debuts. It’s the sole one with experience though who will be the hot favourite. That’s (8) NAOL SNIPER who, following an encouraging trial, was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on June 18th. Though on pace he had to settle for 4th, but it was a good time, and he won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (4) P N S LOOK was the fastest among the newcomers in trials. She ran a close 2nd in the heat, running on pace throughout and if she brings that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (2) DRAGON STAR beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to winning a June 24th trial. He draws nicely here and can beat them again. (3) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK also win a trial, overcoming a wide gate to do so and along with (7) HIGH GRAND is another to consider.
Selections
(8) Naol Sniper (4) P N S Look (2) Dragon Star (3) Haengbokan Munmak
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(2) GRAY THOR should have too much here. After two fair showings in his first two races, he was a significantly improved runner-u p at the third time of asking over this distance on June 18th when he led almost the entire way around. He carries the same weight; he draws well, and he can go all the way this time. (3) YAMUJIN WANGCHO also comes in following a 2nd place finish at his latest start on June 26th over 1300M. He too was on pace throughout the race and today he draws much better. He can go close again. (5) QUEEN OF RACING is yet to finish in the top-two but nevertheless has six top-five finishes. With an apprentice engaged, she comes down 3kg in the weights today and should be in the finish. (6) GEONGONILCHEOK and (8) CHEONMA CHAT others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(2) Gray Thor (3) Yamujin Wangcho (5) Queen Of Racing (6) Geongonilcheok
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens get things underway on the south coast and six of the seven are racing for the first time. As so often in these kinds of races, we are going to value the experience here of (5) FANTASTIC KINGDOM. Having won a May trial, he ran a good 3rd on debut on June 24th in a good time over this distance, settling in midfield and running on well. He should have come on for that run and can win here. (4) JEOLGEOUNYEOJEONG is the clear pick of the first-time starters. She ran on very well from a handy position to comfortably win her trial in the kind of time that would win plenty of races at this class and distance. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance. (7) HWANGU FIGHTER ran 2nd in his trial on a wet track while (2) TAP DREAM and (3) ADELE HORANGI, the latter a trial winner, are other first-timers who could make an impression.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(7) DAPHNE should be winning this. On her return from five months out in May she parted company with her jockey but came back two weeks later on June 11th to run a solid 4th in a good time over this distance. That time was faster than anything else in this race has achieved and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard as well as the limited opposition, it would appear today is the day. (8) SWEET KAKAO needs a line drawn through her latest effort on May 29th but her form leading up to that was adequate enough to suggest she can go well here. She is up in the weights without the benefit of an apprentice claim but should be ridden forward here. (1) CUPID KOREA led over 1300M on his first start in seven months on June 11th. He ultimately weakened but should have benefited for the run and can get closer today. (5) DIVINE FUTURES and (3) GENTLE RULES other placing contenders.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another race with a hot favourite here. (8) CAPTAIN GOLD won a May trial in fine fashion leading him to be sent off as market-leader on debut on June 3rd. He ran well and on pace but ultimately had to settle for 2nd place over this distance. He should have come on for that run and it would be a surprise were he to be beaten again. (6) ALPHA V is the logical second pick. She returned from five months out to run a good 3rd over 1200M on May 22nd when settling midfield and running on well. She’ll do the same here and will challenge at the business end of the race. (9) GEUMA UNO raced once without distinction last December but looked well when winning a June trial, leading all the way. The trainer/jockey combination will ensure he has backers. There are four first-time starters and the wonderfully named (4) I LOVE HANSEN looked well in trials and along with (2) MIGHTY STORM – who does have experience – looks a potential place chance.
Selections
(8) Captain Gold (6) Alpha V (9) Geuma Uno (4) I Love Hansen
Next Best
2, 11
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky maiden this. Her last start run over 1200M was slow, but she did manage to finish 2nd and that’s enough to take a chance on (2) THAT’S MY GIRL. She comes back up to a trip at which she has a run a time as quick as any here (albeit not that quick and on a wet track) and from a good draw, she can win. (9) NEW SMART has a time equal to that achieved by That’s My Girl for the distance. She too comes back up in trip after a decent showing around 1200M last time out, in her case on when 3rd on June 19th. She draws wide but should have enough speed to get a good position and she has every chance. (5) P N S THE KING showed un uptick in form when 2nd over 1300M on July 2nd. Prior to that he had a tendency to get a bit too far back in his races so that was encouraging and Song Jae-chul getting the ride will his chances no harm. (7) BITNANEUN JILJU and (8) STAR PRINCESS among others to consider.
Selections
(2) That’s My Girl (9) New Smart (5) P N S The King (7) Bitnaneun Jilju
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Several chances here. (5) HWARANG SKY is one of three up in class following a maiden win at their respective latest starts. In her case, it came over this distance on June 19th when she beat Unju Star, who went on to record a win of his own on Friday. It was a fair time, and he can measure up in this company. (4) ANY LINE made all for his maiden win at start number fifteen on June 17th, overcoming gate ten in the process. He has run well at this distance and 1400M in the past and from a good draw can get on the speed and be in this a long way. (3) HOLLYWOOD PARTY similarly led from gate-to-wire to score on June 12th, also at 1200M. She has made good progress over her three outings to date and looks nicely in here. As for those with prior experience at class 5, (1) DOCTOR PRO came from well off the pace to run 3rd at class and distance on June 26th. He draws much better today and should be in this. (2) D’LOVELY QUEEN could compete for the minors.
Selections
(5) Hwarang Sky (4) Any Line (3) Hollywood Party (1) Doctor Pro
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) FURIOSA ran out a comfortable winner on debut over 1000M on June 18th having previously won a trial in a similar manner. She comes up in class and in trip here, but the manner of that victory suggests more to come, and she can win again. The main danger looks set to be (11) LAST PUNCH. She has plenty of experience at this level with two placings including her last start 3rd over 1300M. She went back that day and ran on, and similar tactics might be expected here form the wide gate. (6) MYEONGJIN CANDY is up in class after an all the way win over 1200M on June 19th. The same apprentice jockey keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here again. Disregard the last start from (4) DAEMUL as it was in the Korean Derby. He returns to shallower waters today and can be competitive. (5) CLOUTER among numerous others with genuine placing hopes.
The afternoon and evening racing season continues at Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens kick things off with six of the eight racing for the very first time. There are a couple of promising newcomers but experience can often count in these races we’ll side with (1) LUCKY POWER, who ran a decent enough 3rd on debut at this distance on June 18th when handy throughout. He should have benefitted for that, draws nicely on the inside, and can win here. (8) WONPYEONG TOWN ran fairly for 5th on his own debut in a fast race on the same day. He too should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement get closer today. The stand out first-timer is (5) RAON GIANT. The Musket Man filly made all to win her trial and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (6) ULTRA GALAXY and (4) LONDON BISANG others who look promising first-up.
Selections
(1) Lucky Power (8) Wonpyeong Town (5) Raon Giant (6) Ultra Galaxy
Next Best
4, 3
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden. (2) MUSTANG CHARM has shown good consistency across her six starts including a good runner-up finish over this distance two starts back. She draws a nice gate here and could get an easy run to the lead. Today can be her day. (4) AL SIMON has hinted at figuring things out across her latest couple and ran a good time when 4th at this distance on June 4th. She can settle behind the early leaders here and she has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these. Apprentice jockey Lee Sang-gyu takes his first race ride here and it is a promising one. (1) TIZ FIGHTING comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over 1300M on June 11th. He comes into a good gate here and Lee takes a full 4kg off his back. (8) TOP POSITION and (9) HANGANG DOLPUNG others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Mustang Charm (4) Al Simon (1) Tiz Fighting (8) Top Position
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(3) MARUMA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at this distance and both in good times. He was on the pace in those races and from a good draw, he should be able to get to the lead and this time can win. (4) DONGBANGUI HON has been knocking on the door in his latest few outings with a pair of 3rds and a pair of 4ths. At his last start he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over this distance and he should be in the mix again. (2) CLAIR POWER got a long way back in his first two races, before running on well late. On his third appearance on July 3rd, he settled closer, albeit in a smaller field, and he ran an improved 2nd. He’ll be a danger here. (1) HANEUL A has steadily improved over her four starts and along with (8) GLOBAL PRIME, is another to enter the calculations.
Selections
(3) Maruma (4) Dongbangui Hon (2) Clair Power (1) Haneul A
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Wide open race with plenty having credible winning claims. We’ll give the nod to (7) WONDERFUL SAM based on her last start 2nd at class and distance on May 22nd when she settled midfield and then ran on strongly. That was in restricted filly company but a similar run will put her firmly in the mix here. (4) SAINT LUCCA got his win at this distance when ridden on pace. He has mixed his form in three outings since but ran a good 3rd, again over this trip, on June 12th and if he can be ridden forward from a good gate today, he can go close. (2) SILVER STAR has outperformed her odds in her latest two running 4th and 3rd, both at this distance. She was beaten by Wonderful Sam last time out but can be competitive here. (11) NUBIGO and (8) THE FIGHTING among others to consider in a race of many chances.
The summer racing season continues on this weekend and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A maiden to kick things off and it’s wide open. (3) UNJU STAR has as good a chance as any following a decent 2nd place at this distance on June 19th when close to the pace throughout. That’s not the first time he has hinted at having some ability and he also has the fastest time among these at the distance. (2) PURE MAGIC has a 5th and a 2nd from two starts so far. He draws nicely and will be expected to lead here and be in the mix a long way. (10) TRIPLE THUNDER has mixed his form a little across five starts so far and we’ll draw a line through his latest and instead go on his good 2nd at this distance in May. He has a strong finish so the wide draw may not be too inconvenient. (11) LET IT GO and (9) POLE TO WIN are among others who can be competitive.
Selections
(3) Unju Star (2) Pure Magic (10) Triple Thunder (11) Let It Go
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another competitive maiden. (4) MILK DAY has put in some consistent performances recently and looks to be working up towards a win. He likes to sit back in his races and then run on and he shapes as the one to beat here. (11) BOUNTY HUNTER came very close to getting his maiden win on his latest start on July 1st when leading for a long time only to get overhauled on the line. That gives him another crack at this level and under a relatively light weight again, he looks a place chance. (7) S. L. KING has actually won a race but because it was back when racing was being run for vastly reduced prize money, he is still at class 6. That win was over a mile all the way back in April of 2021 and he hasn’t raced since. He looked very well in a trial in June and in this company can go well first-up. (8) SORI TAEPUNG and (3) AGAIN HELEN others in the frame.
Selections
(4) Milk Day (11) Bounty Hunter (7) S. L. King (8) Sori Taepung
Next Best
3, 10
Fast Start
1, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Having secured his maiden win over 1000M last October, (3) JEONGMUN DRAGON was out of action until June 17th. He returned very handily though, with a front-running 2nd over this distance. He comes up in the weights today but should have come on for that run and from a good draw can be on pace and is very much the one to beat. (5) GLOBAL CHOEGO comes back in trip following recent good work at further. He got his maiden win three starts back over 1300M before finishing 4th and 3rd in two goes at 1400M. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance too and he looks to be the main danger. (1) JUMAL BOBAE has only missed the top three on one of six starts so far. That was his latest at 1300M but he comes in here after three months out and from a good draw can go close. (6) UNJU OCEAN and (8) BABEL PHOENIX are other placing chances.
Selections
(3) Jeongmun Dragon (5) Global Choego (1) Jumal Bobae (6) Unju Ocean
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG comes in having won his latest two in good fashion, the most recent at this class and distance on June 17th. He comes up significantly in the weights here although that is balanced a little by a good draw and he has every chance of making it three in a row. Also looking for three in a row is (10) HAENGBOKAN HAMAN. She is up rapidly in class after consecutive victories over 1300M. She carries a light weight and can measure up at this level. (6) BEASTLY is two starts into a comeback following almost a year on the sidelines. Those two outings have yielded a 4th and a 3rd, the latter at this distance and he could well be peaking today. (5) NAMED is up in class after a good win over 1300M on June 12th. He carries a light weight and draws well and should be competitive. (2) SEOGWI POINT among others to consider.
The Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy is the feature race on a day where there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:35 to 17:05. Here are the previews:
Last year’s Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Eodigana is among those in the Ilgan Sports Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky maiden to open with. Without too much confidence, we’ll side with (5) LONDON MYEONGGA. He has hinted at figuring out what to do in his latest two, running 5th both times over 1300M and 1200M. Moon Se-young getting booked today may suggest this is his time. (1) PERFECT TIME was a significantly improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on June 5th. She settled back and ran on well in a fair time that time and won’t need to improve much to go very close here. (7) GLOBAL STORM ran a solid 3rd at this distance on June 11th and from a similar gate and against similar calibre opposition can be competitive again. (6) RESERVED JOHN and (3) LAST CALL others to consider.
Selections
(5) London Myeongga (1) Perfect Time (7) Global Storm (6) Reserved John
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race featuring six fillies and one gelding. (2) BAEKDU MIIN ran out a very pleasing gate to wire winner over this distance on debut on May 28th, overcoming a wide draw to lead. She comes up in class here but is down in weights and comes into a better gate with solid claims of maintaining her 100% record. The primary danger is (4) OLD START who comes back in trip having led for much of the way around 1400M at his latest outing on May 14th. He has run good times at this distance and will be expected to be on the lead again here. (3) NANA LAND too is another who has put in some decent times at the distance and while she can get a bit far back in her races, should be competitive here. (5) GO GO STAR beat Nana Land when they faced one another on June 11th. That was an uptick on recent form, but she shouldn’t be ruled out. (7) HAPPY NEWMA comes up in class off a slightly unexpected all the way win over this distance back in April and may measure up.
Selections
(2) Baekdu Miin (4) Old Start (3) Nana Land (5) Go Go Star
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Seven juveniles make their racecourse debuts here so it’s to the trial videos that we head. We find that (6) GOLD ROSE was the most convincing in her heat, making all to cross the line well ahead of the rest in a fair time over the 1000M. If she brings that form to the races, she will be hard to beat. (5) BUILD UP ran 2nd in his trial but it was in a time almost as fast as that of Gold Rose. He settled back and ran on and is set for a bold showing first-up. (7) I’M KING IJI made all to win his heat. The time was touch slower than some of today’s rivals but nevertheless, he di what he needed to do and should have come on for the experience. (3) PISTOL STAR posted the quickest time of any of them in trials. It was a fast heat on a wet track but should stand him in good stead here. (1) THUNDER CROWN didn’t disgrace himself either and draws nicely on debut.
Selections
(6) Gold Rose (5) Build Up (7) I’m King Iji (3) Pistol Star
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Three main ones in the frame here but his last start 2nd at class and distance is enough to tip the balance toward (3) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE. She does come up in the weights by 2kg from that day when she settled behind the lead and ran on behind a good winner, but that’s balanced a little by a better gate and today can be here day. (7) TIZ SUCCESS comes up in class following a 2nd place on debut followed by a win, both at today’s distance. She has raced handy to the lead both times and while this is harder, she is lightly weighted and can measure up in this company. (8) BLUE CHARM is yet to win in fifteen starts but has been consistently close. He comes back in trip and should be a danger here running on. (1) M J TIME and (5) GOLDEN SCOOP, who has won a trial since her latest outing, are others to consider.
Selections
(3) Namsan Chocolate (7) Tiz Success (8) Blue Charm (1) M J Time
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
After an indifferent debut, (6) HANEUL JILJU has, over three subsequent outings, looks very much as though she is working towards a maiden win with a 4th, 3rd and a 2nd. She has led in all those races, will surely do so again here, and this time she should come out on top. It took (1) PHANTOM QUEEN a little bit longer to show that she is figuring things out but her form in her latest two certainly reads well with a 4th and a 3rd. She doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim today but that’s countered by having Seo Seung-un climb aboard and she should be running on late. (5) SIMON TOP GUN has mixed her form across her thirteen starts so far. She is yet to finish in the top-three but has plenty of minor money finishes and in this company can be looking for a best result to date. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA and (4) BOOMY STAR others who may be competitive.
Selections
(6) Haneul Jilju (1) Phantom Queen (5) Simon Top Gun (2) Doctor Persia
The summer racing season continues at Seoul on Saturday with a 10-race afternoon and evening card that runs from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
The lights will be on at Seoul Raecourse again this Saturday evening
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens here with five of the seven racing for the first time and one of the two experienced ones is set to be hot favourite. That’s (2) WORLD KING MAN, who produced a strong 2nd on debut on June 18th over this distance when sitting behind the speed and running on in a good time. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest that he won’t need to improve very much to take some beating here. The other experienced one is (6) ARGO TAP, who ran out of steam in the closing stages having led for much of the way around on May 28th. He should have come on for that run and with a good apprentice jockey taking significant weight off, he can get closer. Pick of the first timers is (1) TOHO SKY. He significantly improved on his second trial, leading all the way around in a fair time. He draws nicely to get a good early position here and can be in this a long way. (4) GEUMBITMA and (7) RAON FOREST others to look out for first up.
Selections
(2) World King Man (6) Argo Tap (1) Toho Sky (4) Geumbitma
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (6) CHAPEL PRINCESS is the one to beat. She has a 4th and a pair of 5th place finishes from three starts so far, all at this distance and in the process has registered a faster time than any of the others in the race. On her latest outing she led and beat a couple of today’s rivals and from a fair draw should be on pace again and go all the way. (9) TANSAN beat a couple of these when 4th on debut in April and then ran a creditable 5th on her reappearance on June 4th. She has gone well back both times before running on and that style suggests the draw isn’t an issue and she can be a danger in the closing stages. After that pair, the form drops off significantly. (1) VINCERO KING with the benefit of a claim and the inside gate looks the logical third-pick while it’s possible (5) HANGANG HERO and (2) BEST FALCON could improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky maiden with many offering light claims but few convincing. (10) WONDERFUL MUSIC looks as good as any. She has a 4th and a 5th from two outings so far and while her times have been nothing special they can measure up here. Her running style suggests the draw isn’t a problem and with a bit of improvement she could win. (5) CHANCELLOR is the only one of these to have placed, something he achieved two starts back over this distance, and that should be enough to send him off as favourite here. From a good draw, he’ll be on pace. (9) THUNDER NURI has the best time among these at the distance, recorded on a sloppy track in March, and while her subsequent form hasn’t been convincing, she may be worth an each-way interest here. (3) GRACE LEE, who raced twice indifferently last year, could be a better prospect this time, having won a June trial, and (1) SUMMER ACE others in the frame.
Selections
(10) Wonderful Music (5) Chancellor (9) Thunder Nuri (3) Grace Lee
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only here and it’s hard to look far past (5) HIDDEN BLADE. Having trialed up well at the second attempt in April, she debuted on June 4th and ran a close 3rd in a good time at this distance having settled midfield and ran on. She should have come on for that experience and with some natural improvement today, she should win this. (6) LUCKY INDY didn’t get off to a good start on her latest appearance on April 17th when beaten by a couple of today’s rivals. The time before though she was an on pace 2nd and having returned from a couple of months off and with a better break, she can get close today. (3) ZELOS was a much-improved 2nd on June 12th at this distance. From a good draw, she can keep her momentum going today. (9) RALLY QUEEN and (4) GEOSEN GANGJA others who can place.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(2) INVICTUS was a good winner over 1200M at class 6 level three starts back and has subsequently run competently enough for 4th and 5th in two tries at this level over 1400M and 1300M. She stays at the same weight, draws a nice gate, and has claims here. The main danger is (7) BYEORAK. His solitary win came at this distance in January and he comes in having run a class and distance 5th on his latest start on June 18th. Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he is sure to have backers today. (5) THE FAVORITE once again won’t have that status but while she is yet to win in seven attempts, she has five top-four finishes. She likes to be on pace so draws well and carries a light weight. (8) CHADOL RUN comes up in class having secured her maiden win over 1200M a month ago and along with (6) LONDON QUEEN can be considered for the minors.
The second weekend of the night racing season kicks off on Sunday with a 7-race program at Busan from 15:35 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maidens to open proceedings. (3) CHOEGANG FORCE was a touch disappointing last time out on June 3rd when he took a bump at the start and was always at a disadvantage from there on although the margin of defeat wasn’t huge on the line. Before that he had been consistent and while he has tended to get to far back in his races, he runs on well and today can be his day. (2) THE PRINCESS enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She doesn’t have an apprentice claim today but gets Franco Da Silva aboard and from a good draw, should be looking for her best finish to date. (7) DOCTOR PENTAGON has hinted at figuring things out with a last start 3rd over 1200M on June 17th. He steps up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (9) GLOBAL CATCHER and (5) GRAPHENE KING others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Choegang Force (2) The Princess (7) Doctor Pentagon (9) Global Catcher
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
The second division of the maiden in a competitive race with two standouts. We’ll side with (1) MY SONG, who comes in having run 2nd and 4th in her latest two, both at 1300M. Park Jae-i takes the ride today, she draws well and the additional half furlong can be to her benefit. The main danger is (7) ZET CASH. He has experience of this distance already including a runner-up finish at it on his latest appearance on May 20th. His times haven’t been fast but he likes to settle back and run on and he will surely be in the finish here. (8) NAREUCAT is another who goes back and runs on. She has a 3rd place to her name at this distance and that’s enough to bring her into the calculations. (3) GOLDEN POINT improved at start number three and can build on that here while (9) YEONSEUNG GLORY is another in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) My Song (7) Zet Cash (8) Nareucat (3) Golden Point
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A small field tackles the two-turns. It’s hard to go too far past (3) HERO MAN. Two starts back on June 10th he ran 2nd at class and distance when handy throughout and then beat a couple of today’s rivals when 5th at a mile on June 24th. Though this will be his fifth start in eight weeks, an apprentice claim brings him down significantly in the weights today and he he’ll be the one they need to beat. (1) MY PAL got his maiden win two starts back on June 3rd over a mile and then ran 6th behind Hero Man on his first go at this class on June 24th. He tries this distance for the first time though his running style suggests it can suit and from a good draw and under a light weight, he can go close. (2) ANNIKA GIRL is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has eight top-five finishes. She too attempts two-turns for the first time and while she may find one or two too quick again, she can be competitive. (4) ADELE SMART and the veteran (5) FINAL FRONT are others to consider.
Selections
(3) Hero Man (1) My Pal (2) Annika Girl (4) Adele Smart
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 6
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
A winner of five from eleven in total, (7) GALAXY ROAD returned from almost six months out to run a solid 2nd at class and distance on June 5th, racing handy to the lead throughout. He should strip fitter for that run, he only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can win here. (2) GALLANT WARRIOR comes up in class following back-to-back wins over this distance at class 4 level, both from on pace. He comes sown significantly in the weights and can measure up in this company. Also up in class following two consecutive wins is (6) HAPPY WOMAN. Her wins came over a mile and while this is harder, she can be competitive under a light weight. Another up in class but down in weight is (3) ADELE CROWN, following three consecutive runner-up finishes, one over this distance. (5) ECOPIA another who can enter the calculations.
Who is the leading jockey at Seoul Racecourse since the start of June? Moon Se-young or Kim Yong-geun perhaps? Or maybe former champion Antonio Da Silva or the legendary Alan Munro? It’s none of them. Instead, it is second-year apprentice Kim Tae-hui, who has partnered seven winners in the timeframe, one ahead of veteran Jang Chu-youl with perennial champion Moon one further back following his four winners at the weekend.
Apprentice Kim Tae-hui has 7 winners since the start of June (Pic Ross Holburt/KRA)
True, there are some unusual circumstances. The plethora of Graded races in June meant weekends away in Busan for some of the leading jockeys, including Moon Se-young, who also saw a suspension lead to him only taking eleven rides in the capital all month.
Nevertheless, it is a remarkable achievement by apprentice Kim, especially given that she missed four months of the season through injuries sustained in a bad race fall in January. Having only debuted in July of last year, that means she only has approximately eight months of race riding experience and has still only had 172 race rides.
Although all jockeys, including apprentices, went freelance at the start of 2022, Kim Tae-hui has continued to benefit from support from Song Moon-gil, who has a strong arsenal at his disposal. However, it isn’t a simple matter of getting horses with a chance and Kim is making sure she converts these opportunities into the best possible placing more often than not. Since her debut, her overall win rate is 10% with a 20% quinella and 27% place rate.
Kim’s ability to ride a sound tactical race was on display on Saturday with her win on Smart Jeonsa in race 6, which she made look very simple indeed:
Kim Tae-hui isn’t the only youngster making an impression at Seoul. Lim Da-bin, a year ahead of her, has already ridden out his apprentice claim, while Kim A-hyun, also a 2020 starter is making good progress too, shedding 2kg from claim. She too is generally making the most of opportunities when they arise, as shown on her confident ride to win on favourite Tap Quality in race 7 on Sunday. Both Lim and Kim A-hyun are also in the top-ten for the period since June 1st.
Two new apprentices, Lee Sang-gyu and O Su-cheol have been licensed as of the start of this month and are expected to make their racing debuts soon.
Sunday’s racing is at both Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:35 to 17:05). Entry to both racecourses is free across this weekend. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(5) MIGHTY ANN will be the favouite here and she looks hard to go past. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both times on pace. In this small field she will be expected to lead and should go all the way. (8) DONGTEUJA WAY debuted back in March, finishing back in the pack in a fast race on a wet track at this distance. He had previously shown a bit of speed in a trial and with some natural improvement here, can go closer. Debut-maker (2) DANAEUN ROSE overcame the widest gate in a trial to get to the front and run on to cross the line 3rd. She can join the favourite on the speed here and can produce a bold showing first-up. (1) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWANGOO GANGJA the best of the rest.
Selections
(5) Mighty Ann (8) Dongteuja Way (2) Danaeun Rose (1) East Magic
Next Best
4, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(2) CHANGER was a beaten favourite on his second start on June 4th when on pace but weakening late on to finish 6th. He had previously run 2nd over this trip on April 23rd so we’ll give him another chance here against limited opposition. (1) RED WARRIOR was well fancied on debut having run well in an April trial. He showed on pace in the May 22nd race at this distance but dropped away in the final furlong. He should have come on from that and can be a different prospect today. (5) WONDERFUL MUSKET raced twice in December 2020 and March 2021 but hasn’t been seen since. She performed well in a trial in mid-June and the jockey booking catches the eye. (7) ANYANG SAJA and (8) GUK HYANG others with placing chances.
Selections
(2) Changer (1) Red Warrior (5) Wonderful Musket (7) Anyang Saja
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Seven previously unraced juveniles get their first taste of racing here so it’s to the trial videos we head. The standout is (1) BETELGEUSE. He looked very assured in his trial crossing the line 4th in a fast time under minimal pressure. He draws nicely to be on pace here and while that trial was back at the end of April, his star can shine bright first-up. (4) ILGANG DAERO was the next best in trials, settling midfield and then running through the line well in 2nd in a good time. (2) CHEONSAUI NORAE too settled back in her heat and ran on pleasingly for 3rd place. She gets a good draw and should be working home strongly again. Stablemate of Betelgeuse (7) ARCTURUS continues the space theme. He didn’t do much wrong when trialling and can go well first-up. (3) WONDERFUL ANDOVER came through the same heat as Ilgang Daero and while further back, wasn’t too far away.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(3) VESPER returned from over a year out to run 2nd over 1200M on May 29th when she went right back at the start but finished powerfully, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She should have come on for the run, comes into a better gate today and can go one better with the slightly additional trip in her favour. The main danger is (4) ACE PLAN. He enters in consistent form with a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three outings all at this distance and with some good times. He’ll be on pace here and could well go all the way. (2) CAMP SAVER comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at 1200M. She is another one who likes to run on pace, and she draws nicely here. (1) SAEBYEOK BAND and (5) CLAIR POWER are others in the money hunt.
Selections
(3) Vesper (4) Ace Plan (2) Camp Saver (1) Saebyeok Band
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies (and one mare) here with three racing for the first time. One of the newcomers is the top pick in the shape of (3) TOTAL ECLIPSE. She led her trial, ultimately running 2nd in a fast time behind a horse who ran 3rd of eight on his own debut last week. She can put her rivals in the shade here. Having run 2nd on debut, (11) QUEEN ALLIE had a poor day at the office when favourite on her return on May 29th, seemingly becoming unbalanced early in the race and never playing a role. She was sent back to trial after that, and she won a heat on June 11th in fine style and is worth another chance here. (4) CROWD ONE has been consistent if unspectacular across six starts so far. Similar runs to her latest should see her in the finish here. Stablemate of Total Eclipse, (9) KATNISS isn’t very quick, but she did lead at her latest outing on June 3rd, holding on for 3rd. She comes in under a light weight and a repeat can’t be ruled out. (5) POCKET POWER has been through loads of trials and finally makes it to the races with a chance first-up.
Selections
(3) Total Eclipse (11) Queen Allie (4) Crowd One (9) Katniss
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A weak maiden here. (2) MIR POWER probably warrants favourite status based on her 3rd place two starts back over 1200M. She only beat a couple home on her next outing on June 19th but while she comes up in the weights, Moon Se-young gets the leg up today and she has as good a chance as any. (1) STAR CRAZY has shown his best form in trials, but he draws a good gate here and the apprentice keeps his carried weight low. He should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA WITTY comes up in trip following a couple of creditable performances at 1200M. She has been one-paced but that may be enough to see her into some money here. (5) DEVIL K only beat one home on debut but did win a trial and may improve. (7) HEEMANG WARRIOR managed a 3rd place on debut on May 1st and while it was a slow race, that alone is enough to being her into contention in this company.
Selections
(2) Mir Power (1) Star Crazy (3) Geuma Witty (5) Devil K
The first afternoon/evening meeting of the year at Seoul takes place on Saturday with 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Perhaps this night racing season, we shall update our stock photos of night racing.
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Maiden juveniles over the short course in the opener. Two of the nine have raced before and while experience is usually worth plenty in these types of races, we’ll take a chance on a newcomer. (6) MENI POCKET is the second out of eight-time winner Meni Money to make the track. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them earlier this month, responding very nicely when asked and running through the line well. She is a bit on the small side but can win first up. (9) NUT PLAY ran well enough for 4th on debut in a fair time on May 28th, on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run and get closer today. (4) WONPYEONG KILLAR debuted in the same race, finishing in 5th place and with natural improvement, he too can be backed. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) GWANGCHIGI won his trial in good fashion and can lead from a good draw, while (1) GOOD CABO is bound to be backed with Moon Se-young on.
Selections
(6) Meni Pocket (9) Nut Play (4) Wonpyeong Killar (2) Gwangchigi
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Maidens here. (4) NAOL ACE will be hot favourite coming in off back-to-back 4th place finishes, most recently over this distance in a time significantly quicker than any of his rivals here have achieved. He comes in fresh following a fourteen-week layoff and he should win. (3) JEONGMUN PAPAGO was an improved 3rd on his latest start on May 29th when settling midfield and running on. He comes into a better gate today and looks a solid placing chance again. (7) WONDERFUL HAWAII has mixed her form across eleven previous outings but does have a 2nd and a 3rd to her name at this distance. A top-three finish will see her up in class and she probably should achieve it. (1) COMPLETE JOY and (8) P N S LIN are others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(4) Naol Ace (3) Jeongmun Papago (7) Wonderful Hawaii (1) Complete Joy
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A small field of maidens and (6) TANGJA is the clear pick following his much-improved 2nd at start number two over this distance back in March. He broke a bit slow that day from a wide gate but was quickly up with the speed and led until the closing stages. He ultimately went down by a nose to Mighty Good who has since won again at class 5 level and while this is his first start since, he should win. (1) VICTORY SAM ran 2nd over 1000M all the way back in June of last year. She didn’t reappear until the end of this May when she led before tiring. She should strip fitter for that run and can go close today. (7) GEUMSEONG CROWN ran 4th on his return from six-months out at the end of May. He too should have come on for that run and looks a placing chance here. (5) TRES VITE and (4) SKY PANGPANG others with minor money hopes.
Selections
(6) Tangja (1) Victory Sam (7) Geumseong Crown (5) Tres Vite
Next Best
4, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA was a winner on debut over 1200M, making all, before returning and running 5th on his first try at this class over 1400M on June 4th. He comes up in the weights here and also in distance to two-turns, but he should be able to overcome both and can win. (9) JEONGMUN POKJU comes in having run 3rd on his latest try at this distance on May 22nd when on pace throughout. He too comes up in the weights but Moon Se-young remains aboard and he will be a big danger here. (1) JIGEUMYEOGIE came from well off the pace to run a smart 3rd at class and distance on June 5th. From the inside gate he can be dropped in behind the speed here and then run on strong once more. (6) FLYING ATHENA and (3) THAT’S MY BOY others who can enter the placing calculations.
Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(4) KING HONOR has hinted at ability across three starts so far and finished off well for 4th over 1300M at his latest outing on June 5th. He comes up slightly in trip here, should be on the lead, and can win. (7) EPIPHANY mixes his form but goes well on his day and this small field can suit. He will settle behind the leaders and can run on strong. (6) BANG BANG TTEUNE has tended to get a little bit far back in her races but she has run a decent time at this trip. She is another who may appreciate the smaller field and can experience less traffic problems today. (2) RUNNER MONSTER comes in off his best finish to date, when 3rd over 1300M on June 5th. The same apprentice keeps the weight light and he can go close. (3) BEST BIG BANG another in the hunt.
Selections
(4) King Honor (7) Epiphany (6) Bang Bang Tteune (2) Runner Monster
Horse Racing in Korea 