Franco’s On Fire, Bart And Pete Are Nearly Tied

Franco Da Silva moved to within two wins of the three-hundred mark in Korea, riding four winners across the weekend; trainer Peter Wolsley sent out a treble on Friday, but a series of bad luck saw Johan Victoire stall for at least one more week in his bid to reach two-hundred Korean winners.

Franco Da Silva (Pic: KRA)

The only foreign jockey currently riding at Busan since the departures of Djordje Perovic and Ioannis Poullis, Franco Da Silva has been in imperious form of late on the south coast. Having taken out the final race of the day on Million Bank on Friday, Da Silva kicked off Sunday with a gate-to-wire score on I Will The Star before adding two more, both for trainer Bart Rice, on Spice Ecton in Race 3 and Jessieui Kkum in the concluding Race 6.

Jessieui Kkum (by Jess’s Dream) is a four-year-old American-bred gelding, who is quietly putting together an impressive body of work. On Sunday, he settled back in the pack before steadily improving and then running on strong to score by half a length over 1800M at class 2 level. Under the eye of the progressive Rice stable, he looks to have a bright future.

Aussie trainer Peter Wolsley was in red-hot form on Friday, sending out three winners. The first was something of a surprise as 80/1 filly Happy Jazz led all the way in Race 2 before the better fancied Patriot took out Race 3 and Dream Of Queen Race 5. Bart Rice and Peter Wolsley are now neck and neck in 5th and 6th in the Busan Trainer Premiership.

At Seoul, David Breux rode a winner on both Saturday and Sunday while Antonio Da Silva was on target for one on Saturday and Alan Munro for one on Sunday. It was a slightly frustrating weekend for Breux’s fellow French rider Johan Victoire though.

Victoire is just two shy of reaching the two-hundred winner milestone since starting in Korea in md-2017. He had four good chances on Sunday but endured a string of bad luck. Premiership leading trainer Luigi Riccardi’s well fancied pair of Giant Indy in Race 6 and Trotting Riley in race 9 both missed the break, while arguably Victoire’s best chance of the day, Tiz Barows, was scratched from race 10. It’s hard to keep Victoire down though, and he will surely hit the two hundred sooner rather than later.   

In the feature race of the weekend, the concluding Race 11 at Seoul on Sunday, apprentice jockey Kim Tae-hui added to her burgeoning reputation, producing the veteran Winner Gold at the perfect time to swoop home. Favourite Soul Merit struck the front in the final half furlong, but Kim brought the seven-year-old Wildcat Heir entire past to score on the line. It was the apprentice’s twenty-sixth career winner, and the twenty-one-year-old looks set to ride out her claim in double-quick time.

One milestone was reached this weekend and it was by local trainer Kwak Yong-hyo. The veteran handler sent out his five-hundredth career winner when Take Music dominated Race 1 at Seoul on Sunday. While twenty-five years may be a long time, Kwak has sent out only just over 4,800 runners in that time so has returned a win-rate in excess of 10%. His best horses have been Bicheonbong, who won the President’s Cup (KOR-G1) in 2004, and Star Wood, who won back-to-back runnings of the Ttukseom Cup (KOR-G3) in 2005 and 2006, in the days before that race became restricted to fillies and mares.

Trainer Kwak Yong-hyo with jockey Park Tae-jong following Hangang Ace’s win in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Kwak may not be done quite yet as he has in his stable Hangang Ace, who earlier this month won the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles and will probably be headed to Busan in December for the Breeders’ Cup race to decide the season’s champion two-year-old.

Next weekend sees the likely return of Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma. With no season-ending Group races for the sprinters, he is set to travel south to Busan where he will be hot favourite to win the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M next Sunday afternoon.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 23)

No Stakes races but plenty of action at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:15 to 16:40). Here are the previews:

The Stakes race presentation stage won’t be in use this weekend (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts. The only one to have raced twice already is (4) TAKE MUSIC, who improved to 2nd place at start number two on September 24th in a fast time. She has led both outings so far, draws well to do so again and can win. (12) MAESTRA led on her debut on September 18th right up until the closing stages when passed by a couple. The only thing against her here is the wide draw, but if she can overcome that, then she has every chance. (10) COMPLETE ANGEL won a trial and then didn’t do too much wrong when finishing midfield on debut having shown on pace. She can improve. Here. A couple of the first timers caught the eye in their respective heats. (11) SEONGSIL TAEYANG and (3) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS perhaps have the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections(4) Take Music (12) Maestra (10) Complete Angel (11) Seongsil Taeyang
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. There is just one first-timer starter, but we’ll take a chance on (12) CHOEGANG HYEONMA. He was slow away in his latest trial but worked home very nicely to cross the line in front. Starting out at 1200M should suit, the draw shouldn’t be too important, and Moon Se-young is in the saddle. (9) WINNER YOUNG was a solid 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 17th, running on from midfield He may appreciate the step up in trip here and can be considered.  (6) MONEY JANGGUN wasn’t fancied at all on debut but ran on strongly for 2nd place over 1000M and is another who can benefit from an additional furlong. (8) ARA MOA and (7) JANGHEUNG CLASS are others who finished off their respective debut races in good style and who can be considered for improvement.

Selections(12) Choegang Hyeonma (9) Winner Young (6) Money Janggun (8) Ara Moa
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (3) BARAMUI GEOM has raced just three times with 5th places in his latest two, both over 1300M. In this company he can be expected to be on speed and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard, he will have plenty of backers. He perhaps has more potential for improvement than (7) MONEY STONE, who comes in having secured her best finish in eighteen starts when 2nd over 1300M on October 1st. It was only a narrow defeat, and she warrants respect here. (5) NOW NURI has the fastest time amongst these for the distance and while that isn’t saying much, that and a runner-up finish two starts back are enough to put her in the mix here. (8) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (2) TOGETHER WAY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Baramui Geom (7) Money Stone (5) Now Nuri (8) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

Juvenile maidens open on the South Coast with six of the twelve racing for the firs time. We’ll side with experience though and (12) I WILL THE STAR was a front-running 2nd on debut over this distance on September 23rd in a fast time. The draw is not ideal, but she can overcome it and can win. (2) NINE FORCE ONE has run twice, improving to 3rd place on her second outing. She draws very nicely here and looks to be the main danger. (5) MOTHER MOUNTAIN was a solid 3rd on debut in a fast time over this distance before being slowly away and finishing in midfield on her second start over 1200M on September 18th. She drew the widest gate that day, but the draw is kinder here and back to the minimum distance, she can go close. Among the first timers, (10) DIA BOSS and (4) CONFIDENT performed adequately in their trials and may go well first-up.

Selections(12) I Will The Star (2) Nine Force One (5) Mother Mountain (10) Dia Boss
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) MAGIC JUDE returned from eight months out in August and has since run 3rd and 4th in two starts back, both at this distance and both times on pace or handy. He can lead again here form a good gate and can go all the way. (1) MACH STAR sat right at the back from a wide draw on debut over this distance on September 25th before running on very well for 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a much better barrier this time can go even closer. (2) EFFEL TAP has run fairly for two 6th places both over 1000M. He too draws well this time and can be on pace and be in this a long way. (5) MIGHTY ANN was 5th behind Mach Star in that September 25th race, continuing a run of consistent form which has seen four top-five finishes from seven starts so far. She likes to settle on the speed or handy and can play a big part here. (7) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Magic Jude (1) Mach Star (2) Effel Tap (5) Mighty Ann
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 22)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. The top two in the jockey Premiership. Moon Se-young and Kim Yong-geun, are both suspended so the opportunities are spread out across the card. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two making their racecourse debuts. We’ll side with a first timer here and (3) DOKKI BULPAE impressed in his trial, breaking beautifully before running around at the front of the field, crossing the line four-lengths to the good without having been asked a question. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (7) ARGO MUJEOK is one of the two with experience. He ran fairly on debut on September 17th, given he had to contend with gate twelve and finished in midfield. He should have come on for the experience and can get closer here.  Returning to the first timers, (1) DAEBAK SOCKS is a half-brother to top sprinter East Jet and ran fairly in his trial when he led. He gets a nice draw here and a bold showing is possible. (6) HERO SARANG and (8) DASAN JILJU others who performed adequately in their respective heats.

Selections(3) Dokki Bulpae (7) Argo Mujeok (1) Daebak Socks (6) Hero Sarang
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens.  (1) SPO BLADE was hampered at the start on debut in August but ran a solid 3rd on September 25th, when he sat midfield before running on and was beaten less than a length and a half. He draws well on the inside and can win this.  (9) CHEONJEON CHAT has improved across three starts so far, all over 1000M. She has raced on pace so the draw might be a little less than ideal, but the additional distance can suit, and she has a chance.  (11) POWERFUL HWASEONG stepped up to this distance on September 24th and ran a good 3rd in a competitive time. The draw shouldn’t be too much of a disadvantage for him and he can be finishing strongly again here. (2) CRAZY LOVE is another who comes up in trip and can go well from a good gate. (10) MAUIWAY was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on September 17th and is another in the frame.

Selections(1) Spo Blade (9) Cheonjeon Chat (11) Powerful Hwaseong (2) Crazy Love
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start7, 9, 10, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only for this maiden and there are two standouts. We’ll side with (1) PERFECT TIME who finally seems to be working things out with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1400M and 1300M. She likes to be on pace or handy and from the inside gate can potentially get a soft lead. She has both beaten and been beaten by the other principle here, (5) QUIET CHARM. She’s only raced four times but is showing promise with three top-four finishes already, including beating Perfect Time when 3rd last time out. She had the inside draw that day but if she continues to show improvement, she can win. (6) MADISON MUSIC was 6th behind Perfect Time and Quiet Charm on September 25th, but the margins weren’t big, and she has a 3rd place at this distance to her name. (2) CITY CHARM returns following a six-month absence. She offered few clues in a September trail but is nicely drawn under a light weight. (9) BRAMASAL another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(1) Perfect Time (5) Quiet Charm (6) Madison Music (2) City Charm
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 21)

There’s no Stakes action this weekend but there is still plenty to keep us occupied with a competitive Friday card at Busan from 12:50 to 18:00 kicking things off:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with only one of the twelve having previously raced. That experience may well serve (1) AMUR in good stead though. She overcame a wide draw to run 3rd in a fair time on debut on September 16th and with some natural improvement and a better draw, she can win this. (3) ALPHA BRAVO is the pick of the newcomers. She was an on-pace 3rd in her trial, stopping the clock in a good time. She draws well to get to the speed here and she won’t need to improve much on that showing to be in the mix here. (7) KELLY QUEEN won her trial, sitting handy and then running on well in a fair time, while (8) BURUICHUKJE too performed well in her heat, starting slowly but running home well. (2) SKY SHOT is another who posted the kind of time to suggest that she can be competitive first up.

Selections(1) Amur (3) Alpha Bravo (7) Kelly Queen (8) Buruichukje
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with all of the twelve having raced at least once before. (5) BUILD UP showed promise across three starts over 1200M including a runner-up finish in a fast time at the start of September. He was then given his chance in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes facing the best juveniles at the track, where he wasn’t able to make much of an impact but ran on fairly enough to beat a couple home. He returns to shallower waters today and can win. The main danger looks to be (7) ILGANG DAERO. He comes back in trip having led for much of the way around over 1400M on September 16th, ultimately finishing 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. The distance here can suit. We’ll draw a line through (9) VEREUDA’s debut when slowly away and then well back. He had previously trialed nicely and is worth another chance here. (8) WONDERFUL APPEAL and (1) PEGACORN others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Build Up (7) Ilgang Daero (9) Vereuda (8) Wonderful Appeal
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (3) PATRIOT here. There was more than a year between his debut and his second start but he looked very well when returning on September 25th and racing handy throughout, running on for 2nd place at 1200M. He draws well here, the additional half furlong shouldn’t be a problem, and he may take some beating. (8) B. K. HUNTER returned from a similarly lengthy absence on September 30th and put in a pleasing run, sitting midfield and improving to 4th at the finish over 1200M. He doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time but he should strip fitter for that run, and can go close. (7) ADELE HORANGI is another that doesn’t have a claim on board this time, but he has finished off his races well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip here. (1) WISE BOY ran 3rd behind Patriot last month and while he has six-lengths to make up on the favourite, he can beat plenty of these. (9) LET IT GO another in the frame.

Selections(3) Patriot (8) B. K. Hunter (7) Adele Horangi (1) Wise Boy
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(more…)

Raon The Fighter Dominates KRA Cup Classic

Raon The Fighter delivered a consummate display of excellence at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, effortlessly crossing to the front and proceeding to run the rest out of the race to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) in front of a raucous 27,000 strong crowd.

Having duelled with Japan’s Sekifu throughout the majority of last month’s international Korea Cup (1800M-IG3) but ultimately tire late on as Winner’s Man came through to take a spectacular victory, Raon The Fighter was sent off as the odds-on favourite to return to winning ways in the principal lead up to the season finale Grand Prix Stakes. The only questions were whether he could get a good position from the widest gate and whether he could see out the extended trip of 2000M, a distance he was tackling for the first time. Those who posed those questions, quickly regretted doing so.

Other than in the Korea Cup, Raon The Fighter’s only defeats had come in sprint races when stumbling at the start and then working too hard to get on terms. This Sunday, he broke beautifully from gate thirteen and jockey Moon Se Young was able to steer him across to the front immediately.

Had anything even wanted to take him on for early speed, it is doubtful whether they could have done such was Raon The Fighter’s authority, although King Of The Match and Tuhonui Banseok would gamely sit within striking distance exchanging 2nd and 3rd positions throughout. Two little accelerations from Raon The Fighter, first at the top of the home straight to put him firmly in the clear, and then again a furlong out when into unchartered territory distance-wise at the furlong pole, and Moon Se Young was left looking behind him to see if there were any dangers.

There were no dangers. Raon The Fighter was eased home for a five-length win with King Of The Match getting closest in 2nd and then a seven-length gap back to Tuhonui Banseok in 3rd. Behind them, 2021 Grand Prix Stakes winner Haengbok Wangja was 4th while Geuma Mystic and Moonhak Chief came home in 5th and 6th.

Raon The Fighter debuted in November 2020, just after racing resumed behind closed doors and for severely restricted prize money. He would have five wins on the board before prizes were restored to meaningful levels the following July and didn’t get to run in a Group race until November 2021 when he destroyed Eoma Eoma in the SROA Chairmans Trophy (1200M KOR-G3).

The KRA Cup Classic is Raon The Fighter’s third Group win having also won the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) this July. The four-year-old entire, who is by Bayern and out of Empire Maker mare Clarinda, is owned by Son Chun-soo of the ever-growing Raon racing empire which stands the stallion Musket Man. He is trained by Park Jong-kon, who now almost exclusively trains Raon horses. For trainer Park, it was a fourth KRA Cup Classic after Mari Daemul in 2013 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017 and 2018. For jockey Moon Se-young, it was a third win in the race, having partnered Pocketful Of Money in 2007 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017.

The logical next step for Raon The Fighter would be the Grand Prix Stakes in December and a possible rematch with Winner’s Man, who will most likely be contesting the President’s Cup next month. There are two big stars in Korean racing right now, and they will collide again soon enough.

Raon The Fighter Dominates KRA Cup Classic

Raon The Fighter delivered a consummate display of excellence at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, effortlessly crossing to the front and proceeding to run the rest out of the race to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) in front of a raucous 27,000 strong crowd.

Having duelled with Japan’s Sekifu throughout the majority of last month’s international Korea Cup (1800M-IG3) but ultimately tire late on as Winner’s Man came through to take a spectacular victory, Raon The Fighter was sent off as the odds-on favourite to return to winning ways in the principal lead up to the season finale Grand Prix Stakes. The only questions were whether he could get a good position from the widest gate and whether he could see out the extended trip of 2000M, a distance he was tackling for the first time. Those who posed those questions, quickly regretted doing so.

Other than in the Korea Cup, Raon The Fighter’s only defeats had come in sprint races when stumbling at the start and then working too hard to get on terms. This Sunday, he broke beautifully from gate thirteen and jockey Moon Se Young was able to steer him across to the front immediately.

Had anything even wanted to take him on for early speed, it is doubtful whether they could have done such was Raon The Fighter’s authority, although King Of The Match and Tuhonui Banseok would gamely sit within striking distance exchanging 2nd and 3rd positions throughout. Two little accelerations from Raon The Fighter, first at the top of the home straight to put him firmly in the clear, and then again a furlong out when into unchartered territory distance-wise at the furlong pole, and Moon Se Young was left looking behind him to see if there were any dangers.

There were no dangers. Raon The Fighter was eased home for a five-length win with King Of The Match getting closest in 2nd and then a seven-length gap back to Tuhonui Banseok in 3rd. Behind them, 2021 Grand Prix Stakes winner Haengbok Wangja was 4th while Geuma Mystic and Moonhak Chief came home in 5th and 6th.

Raon The Fighter debuted in November 2020, just after racing resumed behind closed doors and for severely restricted prize money. He would have five wins on the board before prizes were restored to meaningful levels the following July and didn’t get to run in a Group race until November 2021 when he destroyed Eoma Eoma in the SROA Chairmans Trophy (1200M KOR-G3).

The KRA Cup Classic is Raon The Fighter’s third Group win having also won the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) this July. The four-year-old entire, who is by Bayern and out of Empire Maker mare Clarinda, is owned by Son Chun-soo of the ever-growing Raon racing empire which stands the stallion Musket Man. He is trained by Park Jong-kon, who now almost exclusively trains Raon horses. For trainer Park, it was a fourth KRA Cup Classic after Mari Daemul in 2013 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017 and 2018. For jockey Moon Se-young, it was a third win in the race, having partnered Pocketful Of Money in 2007 and Cheongdam Dokki in 2017.

The logical next step for Raon The Fighter would be the Grand Prix Stakes in December and a possible rematch with Winner’s Man, who will most likely be contesting the President’s Cup next month. There are two big stars in Korean racing right now, and they will collide again soon enough.

KRA Cup Classic Sunday: Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 16)

Sunday is KRA Cup Classic day at Seoul with Raon The Fighter heading a field of thirteen, six of whom come out of September’s international Korea Cup. See here for a runner-by-runner preview of the big race. There are 11 races in total at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45. Here is the race-by-race:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with all but three of the twelve racing for the very first time. (7) SHINE ON ME came through two trials, posting decent times in both. She should be nice and fit for her debut outing here and with Moon Se-young aboard, is sure to have plenty of backers. (4) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK is a Hansen filly who won her trial at the end of September coming from off the pace. She draws well here and also looks set for a bold showing. (3) DASI TAEEONADO was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd. She draws well to get forward again and can be considered first up. As for the experienced ones, (12) JEONGSANG LUCKY posted the fastest time while (6) GLORY AND HONOR didn’t do too much wrong and both can hope for improvement here.

Selections(7) Shine On Me (4) Seongsilgongjupink (3) Dasi Taeeonado (12) Jeongsang Lucky
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. (7) META BLADE came from off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 20th. He should have come on for the experience, and the additional furlong can suit. It certainly suited (4) WONDERFUL INDY, who is the only one in the field to have tackled the distance. Having run 9th on debut at 1000M, he came back out on September 4th and ran a strong 2nd, settling midfield and running on. From a good gate and with that experience, he will surely be a big danger here. (2) SECRET PLAY is another who has been coming from off the pace in his two previous outings, both over 1000M. He should be doing his best work late on here and is another to consider. (3) G MOTION, a likely front-runner, and (5) SUPEREME STAR others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Meta Blade (4) Wonderful Indy (2) Secret Play (3) G Motion
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive maiden. It’s not often we take a chance on the only first-time starter in this kind of race, but we’re prepared to do precisely that here with (3) BLACK CHOCOLATE. He trialed up twice, running 2nd in the first of them before winning the second in September when handy throughout and running on well. The 1200M should suit first-up and he draws well. If you prefer experience, then (2) MAGIC MOCCASIN could be the one. She led for part of the way around over this distance on September 25th, her second runner-up finish. She draws well to lead again and can be in this a long way. (9) GOLD KAISER has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She returned from eight months off to run a solid 4th at this distance on September 18th and should have come on for it. She is another who likes to be on pace. (8) TOP POSITION and (6) YEONHUI SARANG are among other placing chances.

Selections(3) Black Chocolate (2) Magic Moccasin (9) Gold Kaiser (8) Top Position
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

Juvenile maidens open at Busan with three of the eight racing for the first time. Here we will side with experience and (2) BARAMBARAM, who came from the back of a similarly small field on debut on September 23rd over this distance. He should have derived benefit from that and can go one better today. (4) ONE MIND similarly showed ability on her debut in late August when from a handy position, she ran on well for 3rd place, also at 1000M. She looks set to be on pace here and has solid claims. (7) HOTFLEX has run fairly in both starts so far, only beating a couple home each time but with the margins in front not too big. He can improve here. (5) DALLILLAEYO won a trial in September, running on pace throughout and looks to have the best chance among the first-time starters of making an impression. (3) ROAD TO DREAM too put in a fair time in his trial and can go well first up.

Selections(2) Barambaram (4) One Mind (7) Hotflex (5) Dallillaeyo
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(2) GOMANARU has improved across three starts so far, culminating in a runner- up finish over 1300M on September 18th when settling back in midfield and running on. He stretches out to 1400M for the first time, and it could be what he needs to land himself in the winner’s circle. After an indifferent debut, (1) PERFECT GUN MAN has hinted at ability with back-to-back 4th place finishes in fair times at 1000M and 1200M. He too has been running on in his races and may appreciate the step up in trip today. (8) SARANG DAMOA is one of four racing here who does have experience of the distance already and among those, she has the fastest time. She is yet to win in eleven, but her recent form reads well, and despite being drawn widest, she can settle close to the pace here and she will run on. (7) PAX NURI and (3) TWO ACE the others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Gomanaru (1) Perfect Gun Man (8) Sarang Damoa (7) Pax Nuri
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) ETERNAL ACE has made steady progress across nine starts so far and registered a 3rd place over this distance on September 18th having led throughout and posting a time almost a second faster than anything else here has managed over the distance and he should be hard to hold out here. (5) COME ON FIRST races for the first time since running 2nd at start number two back in May. He looked well when coming through a fast trial at the start of September and has every chance of a bold showing first up here. (1) POLE TO WIN also returns from a spell out having not raced since July. He ran fairly in September trial and can get on pace from the inside gate and be in this a long way. (4) ECTON POWER and (2) FLEX SHINHWA both need their latest starts (in the same race) forgiven, but both can go better here.

Selections(9) Eternal Ace (5) Come On First (1) Pole To Win (4) Ecton Power
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM returned from nine months out to run 3rd at this distance on September 17th when handy throughout. He should have derived plenty of benefit from that run, strip a bit fitter here, and he can get his maiden win. (1) EUREKA had four 4th placed finishes from seven starts so far. He suffered a reverse behind a couple of these last time out on September 3rd but draws nicely here and can be aiming for improvement. (8) LUXSEN was one of those who finished ahead of Eureka on September 3rd. He subsequently ran 6th over 1200M three weeks ago but this can suit a little more and he can go close again. (3) ROCK IMPACT comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit, while (4) P N S KING has mixed his form across twelve starts so far but can enter the calculations in this company.

(more…)

Raon The Fighter Heads Strong KRA Cup Classic Line-Up This Sunday

One of the longest standing races on the modern Korean racing calendar returns to Seoul on Sunday when thirteen line up for the 37th edition of the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2).

Korea Cup runner-up Raon The Fighter will be favoured to add his name to a list of winners that include Dae Kyeun, Saegangja, Tough Win, Cheongdam Dokki and Dolkong, in a race which serves not only as a big prize in itself, but also a key step towards December’s season finale Grand Prix Stakes.

A total of six emerge from the Korea Cup with Raon The Fighter, King Of The Match and Haengbok Wangja all having finished in the top-five. They are joined by up and comers Good Pilseung, Tuhonui Banseok and Daeam Janggun, while the in-form Lil’ Patron, an also-ran in the race last year, comes in looking much more dangerous this time.

The old guard is there too. Moonhak Chief, Shamrocker and Dolkong may have their best days behind them but can’t be completely ruled outr of still being able to put in strong runs:

1. CRAZY CONTI finished 7th in the Korea Cup after settling midfield. He is a recent class 1 winner over 1800M but this is much harder.

2. GEUMA MYSTIC is yet to win in Class 1 but did manage a 3rd place in the YTN Cup albeit over eight-lengths back behind the winner. That was in similar company to this and he could be thereabouts.

3. KING OF THE MATCH is an improving type who made a good impression in the Korea Cup when settling midfield and while he was well beaten, he ran on resolutely. He previously ran a bottler when dead–heating with President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong for 2nd place behind Raon The Fighter in the Busan Owner’s Cup. Well drawn and plenty of upside.

4. HAENGBOK WANGJA ran a fair 5th in the Korea Cup after settling midfield. He was the winner of the 2021 Grand Prix Stakes over 2300M and has demonstrated solid form since. He goes better when able to settle forward and back up to 2000M, and having drawn well, he is right in this.

5. MOONHAK CHIEF is a top liner who has won the Korea Cup among many other Group races but who has been a little disappointing in recent starts. At his top, he is right in this but has to be taken on trust at the moment.

6. TUHONUI BANSEOK won his latest start by four lengths on what was his class 1 debut over 2000M with some smart ones behind him. He is very much up in class here and it is on level weights but he is a winner of five from ten and can be considered for more improvement.

7. SHAMROCKER is a grand old campaigner who always gives his best. At his last start he was a distant 4th in the YTN Cup when settled back in the field. This is equally hard but he will be running on late as ever.

8. DAEAM JANGGUN is another who won last time out on what was his class 1 debut. That was over 1800M and he raced forward, stopping the clock in a good time. This is much harder and it is at level weights.

9. LIL’ PATRON has recent form that reads extremely well with three successive wins at class 1 over 1800M. Each time he has settled midfield and run on strongly. He hasn’t had to run elite level times to win those races but he is fit, in top form and could sneak into the calculations in what is a much sterner test.

10. DOLKONG resumed in the Korea Cup after a long layoff and was well back the way. He will have derived benefit from that outing but may still need to lift at this stage. Won this race in 2019.

11. GOOD PILSEUNG ran 2nd in the JRA Trophy over 1800M on international weekend when racing forward. A truer indication of his ability was at the start before though when a close 4th in the Herald Business Cup against this type of opposition. He raced forward on that occasion and can’t be left out.

12. DORAON POPEYE ran a nice 3rd in the JRA Trophy on international weekend when midfield and running on. He is yet to win in class 1 and this is much harder. Watching brief.

13. RAON THE FIGHTER is an outstanding racehorse at seemingly any distance although this will be his first test over 2000 metres. He has huge natural speed and is able to set a pace few can match. He dueled with Japanese raider Sekifu throughout the majority of the Korea Cup at 1800M in September, ultimately seeing him off, only to be caught by local rival Winner’s Man in the very closing stages. He has drawn very wide again and the additional furlong does pose a question, but Raon The Fighter will be a justifiable favourite here.

The Group 2 KRA Cup Classic is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a local post time of 16:20.

Selections: (13) Raon The Fighter (3) King Of The Match (4) Haengbok Wangja (9) Lil’ Patron

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 15)

Saturday sees 10 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Korea Derby runner-up Seungbusa is in action at Seoul on Saturday but faces a stern test (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with three of the nine racing for the first time. (1) COMPLETE FORCE impressed in a July trial and then ran well enough for 6th of eleven on debut on August 21st. He should have derived benefit from that run, should be on pace from the inside gate, and will take some beating. Clear second choice is (4) INDIANUI BYEOL. The Hansen colt won his trial in fine enough fashion, even if the time wasn’t first. Moon Se-young aboard a first timer will always catch the eye and he appears set for a bold showing first-up. (6) WHITE WITCH has run fairly for 4th and 6th in two starts so far, posting decent times. She won’t need to improve much to get in the places here. (8) CUPID SWING and (2) RAON THE CHARLIE are others who could improve on their debut showings.

Selections(1) Complete Force (4) Indianui Byeol (6) White Witch (8) Cupid Swing
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees four of the ten racing for the first time, and it looks a very competitive race. (10) LEGAL HIGH has raced twice so far, recording a 7th and a 6th in fair times. She has settled back both times and while she may need further, the wide draw may be of some help here in getting a trouble-free trip and under a light weight, she has as good a chance as any. (7) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK is the only other one to have raced twice. She ran 4th of eight on debut in a good time and while she was unable to follow up, she is worth another chance here and should be on pace. (4) NANGJU YEOGEOL ran 4th of twelve on her debut in an all-filly maiden on September 18th. The time was good and while with no apprentice engaged today, she comes up in the weights, she can be involved. (9) GEUMA FIERY looks the best of the first-time starters while (2) STAR K is another who can improve on his debut effort.

Selections(10) Legal High (7) Haengbokan Munmak (4) Nangju Yeogeol (9) Geuma Fiery
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

Luigi Riccardi continues to hold a narrow lead at the top of the Trainers’ Premiership, and he can get another on the board here with (3) HUIMANG GADEUK. The filly returned from seven months out on August 20th to finish a front-running 2nd in a time half a second faster than anything else here has managed over this distance. She should have come on for that run, she should be on the early speed again, and she can win.  Busan jockey Park Jae-I had a fruitful weekend in Seoul last week and while once more he isn’t on one of the favourites in Sunday’s Group race, he picks up a nice ride here in (7) JAKDUKONG. After taking a few goes to figure things out, he enters in consistent form and should be running close. (4) BOLD AGAIN beat Jakdugong as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance on September 18th. That was his first start in almost precisely a year, and he should have come on for it. (8) ARCH MEMORY and (9) SECRET KING among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Huimang Gadeuk (7) Jakdukong (4) Bold Again (8) Arch Memory
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (12) LAROMANEE is done no favours by the draw. But she enters in good form with her maiden win two starts back being followed by a 3rd place on her first try at this class on August 27th when settling handy and running on. She is back slightly up in trip today and with a bit of luck at the start she can be right in this. (1) HAPPY SOCKS beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place at this class over 1400M on September 17th. She posted a good time when 4th at this distance three starts back, and from the inside draw, she should find her way to the front early. She will be in this a long way. (5) BEST MAD CAM was 6th behind Happy Socks in that September 17th race. At the start before, she got her maiden win over this distance and with an apprentice on, her carried weight once more makes her competitive. (3) EUNHYE DREAM comes up in class following too many near misses. She remains a maiden but is well drawn and well weighted here and can measure up. (8) JEJUUI YOJEONG, the solitary mare, came from well back for 3rd place last time out and can be considered here.

Selections(12) Laromanee (1) Happy Socks (5) Best Mad Cam (3) Eunhye Dream
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 14)

It’s KRA Cup Classic weekend with the big race at Seoul on Sunday. The action gets underway though at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the eight racing for the first time. This time the first-timers look to have the edge and (5) SAVAHA will be hot favourite. He went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them in August when on pace throughout and crossing the line well ahead of everything else in a fast time. If he runs to that level here, he will win. (8) HANGANG SAVER showed well in a trial, sitting midfield and then running on in a fair time. He too should go well first-up. Of the experienced ones, (3) NALA has shown the most so far, running fairly in two relatively strong races. She should improve here. (1) B.K. ROAN and another debut-maker, (6) HELLO SUNSHINE are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Savaha (8) Hangang Saver (3) Nala (1) B.K. Roan
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) JEONGMUN CHITA just about gets the nod here based on his last start 4th place when trying this distance for the first time and beating a couple of today’s rivals on September 23rd. He led for much of that race, should have come on for that experience and is the one to beat. With an apprentice engaged, (5) GLOBAL CATCHER comes back to the weight she carried when 2nd over 1400M two starts back. She can tend to get a bit far back in her races but the mile can suit and she will be running on. (7) WISH LUCK also comes up to this distance for the first time. She is another who likes to settle back and run on and can go close here. (1) EONJENA YEONGUNG and (4) GEUMUI MAN others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Jeongmun Chita (5) Global Catcher (7) Wish Luck (1) Eonjena Yeongung
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) TAKE ADELE comes in off a solid 4th place over this distance on September 25th when settling midfield, dropping back and then running on. An apprentice takes 4kg off and with no early speed in this race, she can get a good position from a good draw and has as much chance as any here. (8) UNJU SSAGSSEULI will probably be favourite based on her 3rd place at start number two in early September. She was away badly on her return to action on September 30th and finished down the field but with a better start should be much closer today. (5) TITAN K comes back in trip and down in the weights with an apprentice on board and that should be enough to bring her into contention. (4) STORM AGAIN and (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Take Adele (8) Unju Ssagsseuli (5) Titan K (4) Storm Again
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) RADAR will be hot favourite to score here. She got her maiden win in her return to action following five months out in August with a front-running effort over this distance, before finished 2nd on her first try at this class in an all-filly race over 1400M. She will be on pace again and will be hard to beat. (6) EAGLE STAR is the main danger. He enters in goof form following back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance and while he comes up 3kg in the weights, he can be competitive again. He can settle midfield and he has a strong finish. (11) SMARTY DOLPUNG is a consistent type who has been no worse than 5th in her last four outings. She comes back in trip, gets a light weight and the wide draw shouldn’t matter too much. The up in class pair of (1) NICE DAY and (5) BUSAN SORY are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(8) Radar (6) Eagle Star (11) Smarty Dolpung (1) Nice Day
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

There are two standouts here. (5) WIND CROSS is yet to win in nine attempts but has only finished outside of the top four on one occasions. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes, both at this class and the latter over this distance. In this company he can settle on pace or handy and then run on. Today can be his day. The big danger is (4) ALL CROWN. She does have a win on the board, scored over 1300M at class 6 level and she has subsequently proven competitive in this class too. She enters off two consecutive 3rd place finishes at class and distance and while she got a bit far back in both of those, she has a strong finish and will be running on. (2) GOLDEN POINT is up in class following a few too many near-misses. He draws well, comes into a good gate, and can measure up, (11) MILK DAY and (3) SUSO POWER are among others to consider.

(more…)