Queens’ Tour Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 21)

The Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter series kicks off on Sunday when fifteen fillies and mares take their chance at Seoul in the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong seeks to defend her Jeju Govenor’s Cup title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

After running 5th on debut, (1) JIJON BULPAE was an improved 3rd at start number two on August 23rd when handy throughout. He comes into a better gate today and can be expected to be on pace and to go all the way. (9) GEOLJAK TIARA was 5th on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, running on well. She should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. Similarly (11) GEOMEUN SUP was a fair 4th on debut on August 16th, also at 1000M. She too should have derived benefit from that and can be a danger here. (2) CLUTCH MAN and (4) AMOS STAR are others who can improve.

Selections(1) Jijon Bulpae (9) Geoljak Tiara (11) Geomeun Sup (2) Clutch Man
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) GLOBAL TIME returned from seven months off to run 2nd at this class and distance on August 24th, showing on pace throughout. He should strip fitter for that run and has every chance of going one better today. (1) NAOL PASS was a winner on debut over 1000M in July before finishing 5th of ten in the Rookie Stakes on August 17th. She drops back into more amenable company here and with Moon Se-young staying on, she will have plenty of backers to win here. (2) WONDERFUL DONGCHON has two 2nd places and a 4th in three tries at this level since getting his maiden win at this trip back in January. He comes in fresh after a three-month absence, but an apprentice keeps his carried weight down and he draws well. (5) P N S OHOH and (3) MUNHAK FIGHTER others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Global Time (1) Naol Pass (2) Wonderful Dongchun (5) P N S Ohoh
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A /  KRW 30 Million

Fillies only here and there are three standouts. (9) GHOST GALE enters off a close runner-up finish at this distance on August 24th when she was on pace throughout. For what it’s worth, she has the fastest time among these for the distance and with a good start, she can go all the way. (4) RAON PARANOMA has improved across her outings, culminating in 2nd at this trip on July 13th when she led for most of the way. She has had ten weeks out so comes in fresh but can be a big player. (10) FOX TROT rounds out the main trio of chances. She too enters off a runner-up finish in her latest, over 1400M on August 17th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be challenging late. (11) ROAD TO SPEAR and (3) OUTSTANDING GIRL others in the frame.

Selections(9) Ghost Gale (4) Raon Paranoma (10) Fox Trot (11) Road To Spear
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with a debut-maker and (10) FUNNY WILD. The Bayern colt was an eye-catching trial winner in July, settling midfield before pulling away to score in a quick time. It’s taken him a while to get to the races. but he doesn’t appear to have missed much work since the trial, and he can win first-up. (4) PORT MORE was a trial winner in late June and then debuted in the Rookie Stakes in August. That proved a hard ask and he only beat three but should have come on for the experience and this is more suitable. (7) WORLD GOAT and (5) QUEEN PERFECT both ran on late on their respective debuts and should prefer the extended trip today. (12) BULBIT GANGJA is another debut maker who hinted at ability in a trial.

Selections(10) Funny Wild (4) Port More (7) World Goat (5) Queen Perfect
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) HIT FLY returned from more than three months out and ran 2nd in a quick race at this class and distance on August 24th, coming from well off the pace. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly favoured to go one better today. (3) MORNING WONDER was a maiden winner at 1200M on April 4th and then ran a very close 2nd on her first try at this class and distance at the start of June. She has had sixteen weeks off since then but has been back in work since late August and can go well first up. (1) STEEPLE was a winner at start two over 1000M on August 23rd, showing on pace throughout. She is up in class and in trip but can measure up. (6) WONDERFUL N.B. and (8) WONDERFUL SEEKING among other place chances.

Selections(4) Hit Fly (3) Morning Wonder (1) Steeple (6) Wonderful N B
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 2: Class (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) SERYEONDOENWISUN took a couple of goes to figure thing sou tut has a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M, coming from off the pace both times. The slight step up in trip can be just what he needs to make his maiden breakthrough. (2) HOLY NIKE has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when 2nd at 1200M on August 31st, overcoming the widest gate, albeit it to be well beaten by a good winner. He comes into a better gate today and going one better isn’t impossible. (8) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG returns to action for the first time in more than a year and having looked well in a trial in August, can be considered on an each-way basis. (4) RACE MARINE and (5) DELEKOOMDA others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Seryeondoenwisun (2) Holy Nike (8) Neverstop Heemang (4) Race Marine
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 20)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a 10-race card 13:15 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

The autumn racing festival continues (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but two racing for the first time. (2) THE SUN BULSAJO was by far the most impressive in trials, winning her September 4th heat in a quick time having shown on pace throughout. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she will take some stopping. One of the two with prior racing experience is (5) YEONGWONHAN STAR. After a fair trial, she led on debut for much of the way and while she did weaken, she should have come on for the experience. Returning to the first timers, (9) YONGBIGYO was a fair 3rd in her heat and can go well. (3) POMADE and (4) CLUTCH LOVE are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(2) The Sun Bulsajo (5) Yeongwonhan Star (9) Yongbigyo (3) Pomade
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After several trials, (3) GOLDEN SAVE debuted on August 23rd and ran a fair 4th over this distance, settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that run and is probably the one to beat here. (8) EODIDEUNJI debuted a week earlier over 1000M and overcame the widest gate and ran on well for 5th. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and the step up in trip can suit. There are three debut makers and among them, (1) RAON BLAIDE looked the best in trials. He went through the same heat as Vincero Cavallo so how many lengths he was behind the winner can be ignored. (9) BLACK PEPE and (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can improve off their debut efforts.

Selections(3) Golden Save (8) Eodideunji (1) Raon Blaide (9) Black Pepe
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) BULGUKSIDAE enters off her best finish to date when 3rd in a filly only maiden over this distance on August 17th when she had the widest gate. Moon Se-young rode her for the first time that day and with him staying on, they will be favoured to win this. (1) CHAMPION SOCKS has improved across his three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1300M on August 23rd when on pace for much of the way. From the inside gate he can be on pace and in this a long way again. A brand-new apprentice jockey riding (10) CHEONGRYONG GIUN takes his carried weight down to a level at which he can be competitive again and he has placing chances here. (2) MR.CARA and (9) POWER JILJU others in line for the minors.

Selections(8) Bulguksidae (1) Champion Socks (10) Cheongryeong Giun (2) Mr.Cara
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) UEOKSURO was a winner on debut over 1200M in April but was lame after her second start in May. She has been back in training since early August and looked good when winning a trial on September 4th. From the inside gate and with Moon Se-young on, she can win first up. (6) HANEUL GAMDONG took a couple goes to get used to this class but enters here following two 2nd places and a 3rd from his latest three. CC knows him well and he could be ready to win. (10) RAIN STAR was a class and distance winner on July 20th. She only comes up 1kg in weight and she can be in the mix again. (11) SEOBU SKY and (9) ROYAL SOCKS others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Ueoksuro (6) Haneul Gamdong (10) Rain Star (11) Seobu Sky
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an afternoon/evening card of 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but three racing for the first time. (6) GOLDEN EMPIRE looked very accomplished in her trial, settling back before running on very pleasingly to cross the line on top in a quick time. If she brings that form to the races, she will be hard to beat. (1) YURIM CHANGA led for much of her heat, ultimately crossing the line a close 3rd in a decent time. From the inside gate and with a good start, she can be in things a long way on debut. (9) I’M THE ONE and (3) WORLD EAGLE CAT have raced before, debuting together on August 22nd. They ran 3rd and 5th respectively and should have come on for the experience. (4) HIGH BEAUTY is another first timer who looked to have ability in trials.

Selections(6) Golden Empire (1) Yurim Changa (9) I’m The One (3) World Eagle Cat
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an ordinary debut, (7) HEUIMANG DANBI was a much-improved 2nd at start number two in a quick race over this distance on Augus 10th having raced handy throughout. Third-up she can be peaking, and she can go one better today. Also third-up is (3) STRAWBERRY QUEEN. After running 2nd on debut, she was away awkwardly at start two in the Rookie Stakes on August 17th, ultimately finishing 6th behind Wild Park. With a better start and from a good gate, she can be a danger here. (1) DOLPHIN KICK is a little more experienced and with two 4th places and a 3rd from her latest three, she seems to be figuring things out. Solitary debut maker (10) AIR CITY, along with (9) WORLD TREE are others who can play a role.

Selections(7) Heuimang Danbi (3) Strawberry Queen (1) Dolphin Kick (10) Air City
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start7, 9, 10,11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is yet to win in nine attempts but has been steadily getting closer with two runner-up finishes from her latest two outings, both at this class and distance. She likes to race on pace and is drawn very well to do so, and today she should be going one better. (2) JJAK SARANG enters off her maiden win which came at this class and distance on August 22nd when leading all the way and beating three of today’s rivals. She comes up 2kg in weight but is nicely drawn to be on pace again and she could repeat. (6) DOCTOR MATTERS was a close 2nd to Jjak Sarang in that August 22nd race in what was a return to form after a couple of ordinary efforts. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and she will have plenty of backers to overturn that form. (1) OASIS WICKY and (7) CHOEGANG TA BON are other place chances.

Selections(4) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (2) Jjak Sarang (6) Doctor Matters (1) Oasis Wicky
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

In five total starts, (5) NICE BUDDY is yet to finish outside of the top three and enters off a win over 1300M on August 24th when he was on pace all the way. That brings him up in class, as well as slightly up in trip, and while he doesn’t get a weight drop, he can measure up. (3) NAEPYEON hasn’t won for a long time, but he comes in here with recent form reading very well with three consecutive 2nd places form his latest three, all at this class and distance. Franco gets on for the first time and from a good gate, they could go one better. (10) BEOLGYO WANGCHO will need a line drawn through his latest couple including a go at class 3 last time. He is a class and distance winner though and brand-new apprentice Nam Jeong-hyeok has a chance here. (11) FANTASTIC BLUE and (6) UNJU CHALLENGE are others to consider.

Selections(5) Nice Buddy (3) Naepyeon (10) Beolgyo Wangcho (11) Fantastic Blue
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Mujehan Geup, Wild Park Claim Juvenile Series Openers

The 2025 Juvenile Series got underway at Seoul and Busan on Sunday. In the capital, Mujehan Geup saw off a field of twelve rivals to keep his unbeaten record intact in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, while on the South Coast, Wild Park only had to contend with seven rivals but was pushed all the way by Supex Winner to add the Busan Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Cup to the Rookie Stakes he secured a month ago.

Mujehan Geup and Johan Victoire (Pic: KRA)

Mujehan Geup entered the Munhwa Ilbo (1200M KOR-L) as the only one in the field to have already won twice and despite being drawn in the widest gate, the Old Fashioned colt was sent off as the 2.9 favourite.Under Johan Victoire, he settled right at the back of the field in the early stages as Ruan Maia bustled second favourite, the filly Wonpyeong Sket, to the lead.

Wonpyeong Sket would lead into the final furlong but Victoire produced Mujehan Geup at the right time to leave to pass his rival in the final furlong and go on to win by three-lengths, pulling away. Wonpyeong Sket was 2nd with Tony Castanheira’s filly Unica, a fast finishing 3rd.

For jockey Johan Victoire it was a welcome return to the Stakes race winner’s circle after a couple of years absence.

Winning trainer Moon Byeong-ki had a decades long career as one of the most sought after Assistant Trainers at Seoul Racecourse. He was finally licensed in his own right in 2022 and sheer winners wise, has quickly established himself as the top trainer at the track, leading this year’s Premiership. Yet to break through at Group level, he now has three Listed wins.

At Busan, Wild Park was sent off as the 1.6 favourite following his Rookie Stakes success. He led from the gate under Seo Seung-un and seemed poised for a comfortable score until it became clear that Supex Winner, wasn’t going to be shaken off easily.

Supex Winner had only raced once before when 2nd to Clearly Winner in August. Clearly Winner had gone on to win by a big margin at a higher level this past Friday and punters had seen enough to make Supex Winner the second favourite here.

Undr Franco Da Silva, Supex Winner briefly touched the front approaching the furlong pole but Wild Park rallied and lifted the better of the pair, ultimately prevailing by a neck on the line. Doctor Centum “won” a completely separate race for 3rd, a full seven-lengths back.

Wild Park is a colt by Bayern and is trained by Choi Ki-hong, of Winner’s Man fame.

The next legs of the Juvenile Series take place at Seoul and Busan on October 19th before the best from the tracks come together on the South Coast on November 23rd to contest the Breeders Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) to decide the nation’s champion juvenile.

Juvenile Series Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 14)

Juvenile Series races headline both Seoul and Busan this Sunday. Seoul hosts 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Yongam Sesang returns for the first time since winning May’s Sports Chosun (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (8) LIVE STAR was 2nd on debut over this distance on July 29th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and he is the one to beat here. (9) DONGGANGUI STAR went through plenty of trials before debuting on August 16th when 3rd over 1000M coming from well off the pace and running on well.  The step up in trip can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (11) EAN FIRST was a fair 4th on his debut at big odds over this distance on August 3rd. He is another who can be finishing strongly. (2) BLUE RAIN and (4) REVERENCE have raced twice each, and both placed on their respective debuts.

Selections(8) Live Star (9) Donggangui Star (11) Ean First (2) Blue Rain
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) HEUNGHAENG DOLPUNG has a 6th and a 4th in two starts back, both at 1300M, following a three-month layoff. Third-up he can be peaking and the step up to two turns for the first time can suit.  (2) YEONMYEONGUI SUNGAN has been knocking on the doors of the places for a while and is another who may appreciated a bit of distance. His best finish of 4th came from on the pace and from a good draw, he may well aim to lead early here. (1) STREET RUBY needs a line drawn through his latest, but he was 2nd over this distance two starts back in June and that’s enough for him to be in the reckoning here. (8) PROOF and (3) P N S PA are other place chances.

Selections(5) Heunghaeng Dolpung (2) Yeomyeongui Sungan (1) Street Ruby (8) Proof
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Four last start winners among the nine-strong field. (2) WHITE CARLA returned to winning ways with an all the way score in a fast time over 1300M on August 23rd. He comes up 3.5kg here but draws well to lead again and he is the one to beat. (5) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG is up in class having secured his maiden win at this distance on August 17th, racing on pace. He is down 3kg in weight and can measure up in this company. So can (1) PERFECT DANAEUN. He races for the first time since July 26th when he beat Jeugeoun Sangsang on his way to a narrow win. Another up in class and down in weight, he is third-up three months off and should be in the finish. (7) GIDAEHARA and (9) SOMETHING DARK are others in the frame.

Selections(2) White Carla (5) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (1) Perfect Danaeun (7) Gidaehara
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) ALL THE BEST was ordinary on debut over 1000M in July but was an improved 3rd at start number two at 1300M on August 9th, racing on pace. She is drawn a touch wider than ideal but Seo Seung-un’s booking catches the eye and she can be the best of these. (8) CHAMPUI SIDAE has a best of 2nd in three starts over 1200M. She has been doing her best work late each time and the step up in trip can suit. (9) MAMBO SIDAE has similarly been running on in her races and 1400M can be to her benefit. (7) CRUELLA and (4) SINCHEON FREEDOM are others who can be considered on at least a place line.

Selections(10) All The Best (8) Champui Sidae (9) Mambo Sidae (7) Cruella
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only. After running 4th on debut, (2) VOSTOK was a winner when stepped up to this trip at start two on August 17th, leading all the way. She is up in class but down in weight and Ruan Maia will be hard to beat from the front here. (5) CHARMING QUEEN has a win and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far, with her latest 2nd being her first try at this class in a very similar filly race over 1300M. The slight step up in trip can suit, and she may well start as the betting favourite. (8) LUCKY DAY was a close 3rd at this class over 1300M on August 24th and under a light weight, she can be close again. (1) WONDERFUL PASS and (4) NAEGILUI ACE, the latter looking for a hat-trick of wins, are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(2) Vostok (5) Charming Queen (8) Lucky Day (1) Wonderful Pass
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 13)

It’s an afternoon and early evening meeting at Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 13:15 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. (10) POWER BEST was marginally the fastest in trials, showing on pace and crossing the line in 3rd. The widest gate isn’t ideal but shouldn’t be too problematic, and he has as good chance as any. (2) WHIZ DREAM similarly ran 3rd in her trial in a decent time. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can be close. The one with racing experience is (9) THUNDER RUN and he did improve at the second attempt. He gets a 3kg claim today and may have a fitness edge. (8) RAPTURE and (6) POWERFUL SLEW are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(10) Power Best (2) Whiz Dream (9) Thunder Run (8) Rapture
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) ANYANG GIPPEUM was a class and distance winner on August 17th, settling midfield and running on well. That win had been coming and only up 1kg in weight here, he has every chance of repeating. (1) SMART TAKE has finished outside the top five on just one occasion. She was 4th on her first try at this class over a mile on August 16th, showing close to the pace and dropping back in trip here, she should be in the finish. (3) COMPLETE PARTY has a 5th and a 4th in two outings at this class and has been back to trial since her latest effort. She has won at this distance and shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) DAESEUNGMA and (2) CHEONJI SKY are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Anyang Gippeum (1) Smart Take (3) Complete Party (8) Daeseungma
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) MUNHAK CHUKJE is up in class having run 1st and 2nd in his latest two, both at this distance. He comes down a full 5.5kg in weight and in today’s company, he can sit just behind the early speed and can prove too strong. (2) VINCERO KING is also up in class, in his case having won at this distance on July 27th. While not as dramatically as Munhak Chukje, he too is down in weight, and he can measure up. (1) CANVASEN GO was 4th on his first try at this class over 1200M on August 24th having won at that same trip earlier in the month. A previous try at 1400M didn’t go well but he can be ready for another crack. (4) SLAM DRAGON and (3) BLOOD MOUNTAIN are other place chances.

Selections(6) Munhak Chukje (2) Vincero King (1) Canvasen Go (4) Slam Dragon
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only. (6) RAON FINALLE was a close 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 2nd, coming from well off the pace. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she is the one to beat here. The main danger is (3) MUNHAK DANCE. It has taken her a little longer to figure things out, but she seems to have done it with a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two. From a good draw, she can be ridden closer much earlier today. (7) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has a couple of 4th places from her latest two and can continue to make progress here. (9) GLORY DAY and (4) DAEHAN COCO’S are others in line to dispute the minor placings.

Selections(6) Raon Finalle (3) Munhak Dance (7) Wonderful Tune Up (9) Glory Day
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) WONDERFUL CATHY has a 3rd and two 4th places from her latest three, most recently when favourite on July 26th. The in-form Ruan Maia stays on and today can be their day over a very modest set of rivals. She will need to overturn the form on (8) SAINT WINNER, who was 2nd in that July 26th race. That was his best finish to date, and he has since followed up with a 5th place from the widest gate at 1300M on August 23rd. He’ll be on pace, and he can be in this a long way. (2) THUNDER LUCKY is yet to finish in the top two but has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th. He should be there or thereabouts again. (4) NAMCHON SERVE and (9) P N S ME other place chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 12)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the ten racing for the first time. (4) GEUMA ADEPT was the best of the newcomers in trials, leading all the way in an August heat and crossing the line plenty of lengths to the good in a fast time. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) GEUMSEONG was sent off as favourite on his debut on August 15th at this distance but despite racing handy throughout, was a well-beaten 3rd. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Those two will be a long way clear at the top of the market. (9) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN did nothing on debut in July but has since been back to trial and can improve here. (2) TOP RANKER and (7) ANY WIN other place chances.

Selections(4) Geuma Adept (6) Geumseong (9) Hwaryeohan Sungan (2) Top Ranker
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) HIGH LEVEL has looked like she is figuring things out in his latest two when 2nd and 3rd, the latter at this distance on August 15th when coming from midfield and beating three of today’s rivals. She won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (8) CHAMP KING was a slightly disappointing 5th in that race but he has shown consistency with three top five finishes now from four starts, He can sit handy here and can finish strongly. (4) PERFECT HAN was another also-ran in the August 15th race. He was sent off as favourite after a runner-up finish at this distance on July 18th and with Seo Seung-un aboard for the first time, he will have plenty giving him another chance. (7) REMENT and (10) BREEDO CAPTAIN can be considered on a place line.

Selections(5) High Level (8) Champ King (4) Perfect Han (7)  Rement
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) ACE SUN was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 9th, showing close to the pace throughout. He was a full ten-lengths behind the winner but should have come on for the run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and go one better. After an inauspicious debut, (9) SILVER STONE has scored a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent efforts, both over this distance and both times coming from off the pace. Given her racing style, the wide draw won’t matter, and she is a chance here. (7) WINNING TREE raced twice in late winter with a 2nd on debut his best. During his layoff, he has been gelded, and he looked well enough in an August trial to suggest he can be a player first up here. (10) BAEKPAL BOEUN and (5) TIGER UPPERCUT others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Ace Sun (9) Silver Stone (7) Winning Tree (10) Baekpal Boeun
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) GRAND MORE was 2nd on debut in May but unseated his rider before a scheduled start at the end of June and had a gallop by himself. He reappeared on August 9th when he ran out a ten-length winner (beating Ace Sun, who we saw in race 3). He is up in class, but the manner of that victory suggests that there can be more to come. (9) TIGER MONSTER was an all the way winner on debut over 1000M on August 15th, scoring comfortably in a quick time. He is up in class and in trip, but he is down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (3) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE was a winner at this class and distance on August 10th and while up in weight, can be in the mix again and will probably be favourite. (6) HANEUL POKPUNG was very close 2nd in that August 10th race and along with (7) GREEN SHARPEY, is another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Grand More (9) Tiger Monster (3) Apdojeok Numberone (6) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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INTERNATIONALS, LOCALS READY FOR WHAT COULD BE A FASTER THAN EVER KOREA CUP & SPRINT

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SEE HERE FOR KOREA SPRINT FORM COMMENTS

SEE HERE FOR KOREA CUP FORM COMMENTS

The eve of the international OBS Korea Cup and Korea Sprint (1200m) saw torrential rain showers drench Seoul Racecourse and while the forecast for Sunday is good, the wet track could make for some lightning-fast times on Seoul’s big day.

London Town is the track record holder at 1800M (Pic Ross Holburt/KRA)

If Remake’s 1200M record is to fall in the Korea Sprint (G3 1200M), CHIKAPPA is set to be the favourite to break it, and legendary jockey Yutaka Take is flying in to partner the four-year-old. The Japanese challenger will have to deal with the widest gate, but connections say that’s not a problem.

“I think it is better for us” said assistant trainer Ueno Takaya. “It’s far better than risking getting stuck inside. He’s got a fast start, and he can get himself in a good position and the rest we will leave for Yutaka Take to decide his strategy.”

Veteran TAGANO BEAUTY has had a storied career but remarkably has never tackled 1200M before. “He’s eight-years-old now, but he has the playfulness of a foal” remarked Assistant trainer Koji Yamamoto.

“Sometimes he thinks he’s at a rodeo but at race time with a jockey on his back, he knows his job. We know we’re not the favourites but that’s ok for us, he has great late speed, and we know he will be strong at the end.”

SUNRISE HAWK could be well suited to Seoul, according to Assistant Trainer Takuya Saito. “We feel this track is tougher than the ones in Japan but he is a strong horse so this could work to his advantage. He is an intelligent and careful horse, and it is important to follow his rhythm. Yes, Chikappa is fast, but I think Sunrise Hawk is just as good.”

Hong Kong’s SELF IMPROVEMENT may be the lowest rated international runner in the race by a significant margin, but the team behind him are adamant he is not just there to make up the numbers and according to Assistant Wang Ip, they have a clear strategy for jockey Jerry Chau.

“Gate seven is fine, we will just worry about the three or four horses immediately inside us,” said Wang. “His gate speed is good; he can lead or track the pace. We think this race can suit him and that’s why he is here.”

The top local contender is VINCERO CAVALLO and make no mistake, he is a live chance if he brings his best. He is racing for the first time since sweeping the Sprint Series in May and trainer Seo In-seok says he is ready.

“We were going to race him in the summer but decided not to because it was too hot, so we put him through two trials instead. We have him at 90% and with the intention to be at 100% on race day.”

There are thirteen in the Korea Sprint with a local post time of 15:25. The race offers qualification for the Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar.

The Korea Cup (G3 1800M), which offers automatic qualification for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, is headlined by US-bred Hong Kong Group race mainstay CHANCHENG GLORY.

The “Pride of Iowa” is racing on a surface other than turf for the first time, but Assistant trainer Vincent Sit, representing Francis Lui in Korea, good-naturedly batted away the obvious question for possibly the one-hundredth time this week, insisting that yes, Chancheng Glory can handle the sand.

“He is American bred; he has experienced dirt when he was young. This horse likes a fast pace so he will be happy if the speed is on. I know the racing pattern in Korea, and I think this horse can like it.”

Sit knows what he is talking about far more than us asking the questions, as in his jockey days, he completed a short-term license at Busan.

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Korea Cup 2025 – Form Comments

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Form Comments

1. GREAT WINNER – By a Korean Derby winner, he has won two of three starts since being promoted to class 1 level. His latest was a six-length score over 1800M on July 13th when he led from gate to wire. 5th behind Success Baekpa in the final leg of last year’s Triple Crown, he is untested at elite Group level. He will want to be on pace and draws well to do so.

2. CHANCHENG GLORY – A mainstay in Group races in Hong Kong, the most recent of the five-year-old’s eight wins came in the G3 Centenary Vase in January and he has also placed at G1 level. How he takes to the sand track will be key with all his racing experience coming on the Sha Tin turf, but he is bred for it, and Hong Kong-trained horses with fewer credentials than him have run well in previous editions of both Cup and Sprint. He rates as a big chance and draws well.

3. RAMJET – A winner of five from twelve, four-year-old Ramjet has been running in elite company finishing off his three-year-old campaign with 3rd place in the Tokyo Daishoten behind Forever Young, earning him a trip to both the Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup running 6th and 9th respectively. He last ran 6th in the Teio Sho Mikki Fight in July but this race has long been the target. Tactically versatile, he generally sits midfield and aims to run on He has looked very good in morning work and shapes as the one to beat.

4. SUCCESS BAEKPA – A two-time Classic winner in 2024, he downed Global Hit by four lengths to win the KRA Cup Classic (2000M) at the start of August, having tracked his rival on the pace throughout. That added to the Herald Business (2000M) he won earlier in the year again from on pace. The best chance among the local horses, he is tactically versatile and has a strong finish.

5. GALAXY ROAD – A good 5th at odds in excess of 150/1 in this race last year before running 5th in the President’s Cup (2000M) and then well back in the Grand Prix (2300M). He has missed most of this season through injury but came back on August 15th and ran a solid 3rd at class 1 over 2000M, coming from off the pace. He should strip fitter for that run, but it will take a big leap for him to be close here.

6. DURA EREDE – Remarkably the five-year-old hasn’t won since his two-year-old campaign, but he has been racing against the very best ever since. Across the turn of the year, Dura Erede ran 3rd in the G1 Champions Cup behind Lemon Pop at Chukyo and then 3rd again to Sunday Funday in the G2 Procyon Stakes at the same track. Previously he was 5th in the 2024 Dubai World Cup. His latest start saw him finish midfield in the G3 Elm Stakes at Sapporo on August 9th, a run he can benefit from in Seoul

7. DIKTAEAN – Veteran seven-year-old and a four-time Listed winner in Japan, he has a 2nd and three 4th place finishes to his name this year, all at Listed level, most recently in the Teio Sho at Oi in July, where he beat Ramjet when coming from off the pace. He is not to be dismissed, and jockey Takuyuki Yano has previous experience of Seoul.

8. SPEED YOUNG – A Swiss army knife of a horse, he was the best placed local in last year’s Korea Sprint, but he has won at up to 2000M. His last win was more than year ago but he always runs in Group company and placed in all three legs of the Stayer Series behind Global Hit and Success Baekpa this year. Likes to settle back and run on.

9. SOMETHING LOST – The only horse trained at Seoul to show up as all the other locals have travelled from Busan. Something Lost is a sprinter, although as a three-year-old, he did run 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile and then 5th in the Minister’s Cup (2000M). He took part in the Sprint Series this year but made little impact and he tries something very different here. He probably isn’t backable.

10. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Multiple Group race winner and 6th in this race in 2023, but it has been a while since he showed his best form. Unplaced in four outings this year, all of them in group company, and most recently 7th behind Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic. In his Group winning days, he used to race on pace but recently has been settling back. Hard for him on current form.

11. STAR MATTA – Enters in good form with a class 1 win two starts back over 1400M before running 5th of ten over 1800M behind Great Winner on July 13th. Tends to settle back and he does have a decent finish on him but previous attempts in Group company haven’t gone well enough to suggest he can make an impact here.

Korea Sprint 2025 – Form Comments

SEE HERE FOR SUNDAY’S RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW

1. MIGHTY NEO – An up and coming three-year-old who won four times and never been outside the top five. Mighty Now was a smart winner at this distance at class 2 level before running 4th at class 1 over a mile in early August, his best performances have come from on the pace. This is a tough assignment against harder opposition than he has faced before, but he can be competitive.

2. SUNRISE HAWK – A three-time winner at Listed level in Japan, the six-year-old began this   year with back-to-back runner-up finishes at the same level at 1500M and 1200M. Returning from three-months off, he was well back in the G3 Tokai Stakes at Chukyo at the end of July but that is a level at which he has previously achieved consistently good results at and he can be better here. Great draw and can be in the mix.

3. BLACK MUSK – Making his fourth appearance in the race, he was 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in April’s SBS Sports Sprint. He can mix his form, as shown when a long way back in the final leg of the series but he was a class 1 winner at the end of July by a full four-lengths. He has a strong finish on him and at his best, he is a top five chance for an in-form stable.

4. DESPITE WIN – A winner of five from eleven, he ran 2nd in the G3 Owners’ Cup at a mile in June before struggling in the KRA Cup Classic at 2000M a month ago. He has won at distances from 1200M to 2000M and looks to have more scope for development. He likes to come from off the pace and minor money is possible

5. VINCERO CAVALLO – A breakout 6th in this race last year, he has since established himself as Korea’s best sprinter with a sweep of all three legs of the Sprint Series this spring. He missed a scheduled prep race at the end of July, so he is first-up, but he went through two trials in August so should be fit. Tactically versatile, at his best, he is a winning chance.

6. ACHIM DONGJA – A stablemate of Vincero Cavallo, he gets his chance having won two of his last three at class 2 level, all at today’s distance and most recently on August 3rd when he came from a long way back. Untried against this level of opposition but he benefits from the services of Ruan Maia aboard.

7. SELF IMPROVEMENT – A rare Hong Kong All-Weather track specialist, the six-year-old was a two-time winner during the 2024/2025 season, both at 1200M. His wins have come when he has raced on or close to the pace and if he takes to the sand track and gets a good start, then he can give a strong account of himself at probable big odds.

8. MIGHTY GO – He ran a super 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint at this distance in February but has struggled to recapture that form in three subsequent starts, all at Group race level. He has a smart finish and will be running on, but that recent form doesn’t inspire much confidence.

9. KING ANYDAY – It’s fair to say he doesn’t win out of turn and that he isn’t a winning chance here, but he rarely runs a bad race and was most recently 3rd over this distance at class 2 level on August 1st. He likes to race on pace or handy, but he is yet to run the kind of time that will be necessary to compete here. Outsider.

10. CARDINAL FORCE – A three-year-old who has been ultra consistent as he has moved through the grades this year, most recently landing his first class 2 level win over a mile on August 10th when on pace throughout. This is his first time tested against the elite and while he can hold his own, others will be favoured at this stage.

11. SUPER FINISH – He was 4th behind Vincero Cavallo in the final two legs of the sprint series before running 2nd over this distance at class 1 level on July 27th having led for part of the way around. More to find in this company and not an ideal draw, but he can be on or close to the speed and be in this a long way.

12. TAGANO BEAUTY – The veteran eight-year-old rounded off last season with victory in the Listed JBC Sprint at Saga and has in the past been placed at G3 level on the JRA. Remarkably in a career spanning forty-two races and stretching back to 2019, he has never raced at less than 1400M, but the ability to stay further than the 1200M can be a big plus for sprinters on the often-grueling Seoul sand.

13. CHIKAPPA – Won the Listed Hokkaido Sprint Cup and Tokyo Hai last year and he kicked off his four-year-old season with a trip to Saudi Arabia for the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint. While he had a hard time there, he showed a return to form when 4th in the Listed Cluster Cup on August 11th and could be peaking in Seoul. A big run is expected, and Yutaka Take rides, who won the race on Graceful Leap in 2017, rides. Widest gate, but the favourite.