Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 7)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener and it’s hard to look far past (7) MAGIC MOCCASIN. She has led in both of her races so far, at 1000M and 1200M, ultimately finishing in 4th place on both occasions but beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should have enough speed to get to the lead again here and it’s doubtful whether there is anything good enough to pass her. (2) SAENGIL SEONMUL has run fairly across four starts so far with a runner-up finish over 1000M her best. She ran 6th behind Magic Moccasin last time out and from a good draw can be on pace today and in this a long way. (3) MEOTJIN ARCH improved at her latest outing on April 24th when a close 3rd at this distance. A similar run would put her in placing contention again. (1) ECLAIR THE ONE and (9) BEST MAD CAM other minor money hopes.

Selections(7) Magic Moccasin (2) Saengil Seonmul (3) Meotjin Arch (1) Eclair The One
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

Three-year-old maidens here with four of the ten racing for the first time. Having won a very slow trial in February, (8) ROMA BLADE put in a solid effort on debut on April 2nd, running 3rd at this distance, well beaten by a good winner, but not far behind the runner-up. We are going to be looking for her to find a bit more here but with natural improvement for that run, she has winning chances. The one she will need to beat is (3) CAMP SAVER. She has steadily improved over her five starts so far, with a 5th and a 4th in her latest two, both at this distance and both in good times. In the absence of much early speed, she is likely to be on ace here and she won’t need to find much improvement to win. (9) KING HONOR ran 5th on debut behind Roma Blade and can build on that here. Of the first-timers, (2) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA is half-brother to Heunghaeng Jilju and while his trial was forgettable, he will have backers. (10) RUN BOY RUN won his trial, which is enough to put him in the mix in this company.

Selections(8) Roma Blade (3) Camp Saver (9) King Honor (2) Orae Hamkkehaja
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) FORT SEUONE is a model of consistency and while she has only won once in seventeen attempts, she has fair claims of another here. At her latest, in an all-filly race at this distance on April 9th, she broke well and sat handy, running on for a good 2nd. She comes down slightly in the weights today and while she does draw wider, can be on pace again and can win. (9) THE REAPER is anything but consistent, with three runner-up finishes his only times in the money. Nevertheless, the latest of those on April 17th was in a similar race to this when he managed to get to a handier position than he had in other recent starts. A repeat will see him in the finish again. (2) TINA gets a much better draw than in her latest two when she has come from off the pace and finished well. The slight step up in trip may be in her favour too. (7) FUN CRAZY comes up in class after winning at start number three over 1200M on April 10th. He comes up in trip too, but his running style suggests it can suit and he can go close. (8) FEDERAL EYE has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and while he can mix his form, could be appealing at an each-way price.

Selections(10) Fort Seuone (9) The Reaper (2) Tina (7) Fun Crazy
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start5, 10, 11, 12
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 6)

Korean Oaks weekend gets underway at Busan on Friday with eight-races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) TWO OF US has run well for 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far, both of them at this distance and both in fair times. She has been on the pace in both of those starts but the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem against this limited field and she will be expected to win this. (6) DOCTOR PERSIA has hinted at ability in two outings, both at 1300M and both times sitting midfield. He will do the same here and can run on and be a threat in the latter part of the race. (9) DOKBO improved at her second start on April 8th when sitting midfield and running on well. She is yet to show much in the way of speed but looks a place chance again here. Newcomer (4) QUEEN ALLIE and (2) SPECIAL WIND look to be others who can challenge for the money.

Selections(10) Two Of Us (6) Doctor Persia (9) Dokbo (4) Queen Allie
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

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

Filly maidens only here. (1) HAPPY SONG SONG looks to be the one to beat having run consecutive 3rd place finishes, the later having worked to the lead from the widest gate before tiring late over 1400M. She comes back in trip today, draws much better and she can exit the bottom rung of racing with a win. (8) TAKE ADELE significantly improved at start number seven on April 8th, running 3rd and beating three of today’s rivals at this distance. While it may have been a flash in the pan, she carries the same very light weight today and a similar run will put her in the finish. (2) FUSION QUEEN raced twice last spring and hasn’t been seen since. She finally returns here and having shown well in an April trial, can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) LADY GOLDEN has improved across her latest two and can maintain her momentum today while (5) PRETTY CHARM is another who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Happy Song Song (8) Take Adele (2) Fusion Queen (9) Lady Golden
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (7) YOUNG BOSS was a winner at this distance two starts back on March 18th when he settled back, quickly improved, and ran on to score in a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled this distance previously, have achieved. Although his first try at this class did not go well, he can be given another chance here. (5) CHEONGHO BOSS will probably be favourite. His win came at 1200M and at his latest start, he got a long way back before running on well for 4th at 1200M. The slight step up in trip can assist and he will surely be close. (10) SEONGSIL SIHWA was an unexpected winner at start number three at 1200M on April 1sr. She comes up in class but this is not a testing race so she may measure up. (9) SKY JEJUHYANG and (3) HAPPY MAGIC others who are unspectacular but can aim for places in this company.

Selections(7) Young Boss (5) Cheongho Boss (10) Seongsil Sihwa (9) Sky Jejuhyang
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

Djordje Perovic enters today needing just one more win to become the leading foreign jockey of all time in Korea and if he hasn’t already got it, he really should here as (12) SEOGWI POINT should take some beating. A good winner at class 6 level two starts back over this distance, she was an also-ran in last month’s Luna Stakes and skips Sunday’s Oaks to take her chance here in limited company. She should be able to overcome the wide draw and win. (3) GREAT GO is yet to win in twenty-two attempts, but she regularly picks up a minor cheque and from a great draw, this is the kind of race she can go close in. (10) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM enters with recent form reading well and despite the wide draw, she shouldn’t have too many problems finding a good position and she can go close. (1) SOUTHERN KING comes up in class but can measure up while (9) THE FIRST FACTOR is another with placing hopes.

Selections(12) Seogwi Point (3) Great Go (10) Cheonnyeonuigureum (1) Southern King
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Two standouts here and they raced each other on April 3rd in the Selangor Turf Club Trophy over 1400M when (5) WONDERFUL FAGER finished in 5th place ahead of (6) GEUMA STARLET in 6th. They both come down 3kg in the weights under today’s conditions, both draw similarly, and both have top jockeys booked. We’ll tentatively go with them finishing in the same order but this time as winner and runner-up. The logical third choice here is (8) KING BROTHER. He ran on well for 3rd place at his latest start when drawn wide in a bigger field than this and should be working home strongly again today. (9) ALPHA AGAIN’s recent form has been a little cold but he has plenty of ability and this small field may suit. (3) ROAD TO V another to consider for at least a place.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fager (6) Geuma Starlet (8) King Brother (9) Alpha Again
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM is a bit of a tongue-twister, but he has definitely shown ability in a flawless start to his career, winning both his starts in fine fashion. He comes rapidly up in class and in trip as well and while this is certainly more testing for him, there is no reason why he can’t be equal to it and maintain his 100% record. It’s been almost a year since (4) ACE JACKPOT’s solitary victory, but she comes in here with her recent form reading well. She has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and from a nice draw should be well positioned to challenge at the business end of the race. (6) GALLANT WARRIOR has won at this distance and while he is significantly up in weight under today’s conditions compared with his 4th place at a mile on his last start, he should be competitive. (3) GREAT DANCE and (1) DUMUSAN are others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Hamyangeun Sansam (4) Ace Jackpot (6) Gallant Warrior (3) Great Dance
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A winner of five from eleven so far, (10) ACE DAY is up 3.5kg for his win at this class over 1200M back in February. This is his first start in twelve weeks but that shouldn’t be an issue and he has won at this distance carrying even more weight than he does today. He may need a touch of luck at the start, but he has enough speed to get to the lead and he will prove hard to pass. (1) GODDESS MOON returns to action after a lengthy injury layoff. She showed loads of ability though, winning six of her eight starts at distances up to a mile. She looked well in an April trial and has every chance of making an impression first up today. (4) B.K. LOOKS is another one who returns to action after a lengthy spell, in his case since October last year. He can mix his form but he too looked excellent in his trial. (9) RAON THE POWER looked like he was returning to form with a good 3rd at this class over 1200M last time out and can build on that here. (6) NICE ONE another placing chance.

Selections(10) Ace Day (1) Goddess Moon (4) B.K. Looks (9) Raon The Power
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Good race to conclude with. We’ll side with (5) ROCKY SKY to repeat his class and distance win from March 20th when he settled in midfield but quickly asserted his authority and ran on to win well in a fast time. He comes up slightly in the weights but draws well and can win again. (1) AKER’S DREAM was 2nd in that race, returning to form following a couple of misses. He is a class and distance winner, and the inside gate can help here. (4) COPY THAT comes back in trip following a good 2nd place in a Trophy race at 1400M a month ago. He is nicely weighted here and from a good gate can go close. (2) ILNYEOM TONCHEON won that trophy race. While her best work seems to be at 1400M she likes to be on pace so can be competitive again here. (9) DOCTOR FASHION among others in the frame.

Selections(5) Rocky Sky (1) Aker’s Dream (4) Copy That (2) Ilnyeom Tongcheon
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Winner’s Man Steps Up To Claim Herald Business

Winner’s Man scored a dominant win in the first leg of the 2022 Stayer Series, last year’s Korean Derby winner scoring by four-lengths in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M-Korean Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Winner’s Man in the Herald Winner’s Circle (Pic: KRA)

In front of a post-shutdown record crowd of 26,000 on course, Winner’s Man was sent off as the even-money favourite ahead of Touch Star Man, the 2021 Grand Prix Stakes runner up, who shared second-favourite status with the up-and-comer Good Pilseung. There wasn’t much love in the market though for Moonhak Chief, who started the race a 7/1 fourth favourite.

Touch Star Man hampered his own chances by dipping as the field exited the gate, immediately putting him at a disadvantage while Winner’s Man broke well and got right behind the pace which was set by Jeongmun Sai, while Good Pilseung and Great King were to the fore as well. Moonhak Chief, meanwhile settled in midfield alongside Touch Star Man after the latter’s poor start.

That’s how it would remain until the top of the straight when jockey Seo Seung-un asked Winner’s Man for an effort and the Musket Man colt responded, striking the front and then never looking anything other than a winner, crossing the line four-lengths ahead of a blanket finish for 2nd place, which was held onto by a game Jeongmun Sai, with Heuk Jeonsa and Good Pilseung within a nose in 3rd and 4th.

Winning jockey Seo Seung-un, speaking to in-house broadcaster KRBC, admitted the race went better than he could have hoped: “I expected Jeongmun Sai and Great King to lead but my horse was better out of the gate than I expected, and we were right up there from the start.”

Seo also said that Winner’s Man had not given him cause for optimism in his work in the past week: “This horse is very smart. In the mornings, he just wasn’t doing anything, but when it came to race day, he knew it was time to be serious. He conserved his energy during the week and really let loose today.”

Seo Seung-un is notoriously self-deprecating in his post-race interviews, and continuing to KRBC, he wasn’t afraid to say out loud what many had been thinking: “The other main reason we could win is that Simjangui Godong and Haengbok Wangja didn’t come” he said, referring to the 2021 President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winners. “But I am looking forward to riding Winner’s Man against them,” he added, to a polite chuckle from the assembled local racing press.

There is no reason to doubt that Winner’s Man can defeat both of those when the inevitable match-up happens. Winner’s Man is by Musket Man and is out of Winner’s Marine (by Volponi, the long-shot winner of the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Classic, and who is now pensioned from Stud duties in Korea) and he moves on to ten wins from fifteen starts. He was bred by Kim Gi-seok of Saemi Farm and is trained by Choi Ki-hong for whom, after seventeen years as a trainer, Winner’s Man is proving the horse of a lifetime.

Moonhak Chief finished well back in the field and an initial vet check didn’t find any obvious issues although a full examination will take place.

The Stayer Series continues with the Group 3 YTN Cup at Seoul over 2000M on May 29th and concludes on the south coast with the Busan Mayor’s Cup, also Group 3 but run over just 1800M, on June 26th.

Next Sunday the big race action returns to Busan with the Korean Oaks, the second leg of the filly Triple Crown.

Herald Business Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 1)

The opening leg of the Stayer Series is the feature race on the opening day of May. See here for a full preview. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan From 12:00 to 16:45. Here are the previews:

Winner’s Man, 2021 Derby winner, returns to Seoul for the Hearld Business

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It is perhaps safe to assume that a future Korea Cup winner will not emerge from this opening contest. Something has to cross the line first, though. It might be (4) CUPID BELLE. She has the least slow time among those who have previously tackled the distance, recorded when 7th on March 26th. That was an improvement on her opening two appearances, and she won’t need to improve very much more to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG finished in 8th place in the same race. It was an improvement of sorts and again, it won’t take much development to get closer here. (5) THAT’S MY GIRL has a pair of 6th place finishes from her latest two, leading in one of them at 1400M. She may get an easy lead here and it’s possible she could hold it the entire way.  (8) NAMSAN BYTE was a slow 7th on debut but did at least show on the front. The drop in trip may help. Given the standard of the race, a chance must be given to the first-timers. (10) HEEMANG WARRIOR perhaps is the more likely of the three.

Selections(4) Cupid Belle (2) Haengbok Yeowang (5) That’s My Girl (8) Namsan Byte
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

More three-year-old maidens and it’s hard to look too far past (9) TRIPLE JOY. While it took him three attempts to qualify, he looked the part on debut, coming from well back to run 3rd over this distance on a wet track on March 19th. With some natural improvement from that run, he will take some beating. (2) DONGBANGUI HON has been improving across her latest two at 1300M. She draws nicely again and can be in the mix here. (3) HIGH PARK ran an improved 2nd in an all-filly race at this distance on April 2nd when handy throughout. She will be on pace again and has claims. Also on pace will be (1) HWIPARAM. She weakened at her latest outing but had previously hinted at ability and can be given another chance here. (10) DISCO BOY is another with potential to go better.

Selections(9) Triple Joy (2) Dongbangui Hon (3) High Park (1) Hwiparam
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

Tricky maiden this. On the strength of her latest outing, (10) LOST WAR has to go on top. She led for almost the entire way around at this distance, ultimately finishing a close 2nd in a good time. She comes down 3kg in the weights with an apprentice being engaged today and while the draw isn’t quite as favourable, she should be able to find the lead and can win. She is though thirteen starts for no wins. (1) BICHUI DAERYUK has a few less defeats behind her and ran a fair time for the distance when 6th last time out. Nicely drawn on the inside, she will be challenging for the early lead and has claims. (2) QUEEN LION was a good 3rd at this trip three starts back. She can settle handy here and has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these which should out her in good stead to challenge. (4) BITNANEUN JILJU and (5) EUNHYE DREAM among others in placing contention.

Selections(10) Lost War (1) Bichui Daeryuk (2) Queen Lion (4) Bitnaneun Jilju
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) FUSAICHI put in a solid effort on debut on March 11th, settling in midfield and then running on well for 3rd place over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit, and she looks the one to beat here. (3) ETTEUMI comes back in trip following bit of a chastening time around a mile at his latest start. He has previously put in a couple of decent efforts over today’s distance though and can be considered for improvement here. (9) BABEL PHOENX has two 3rd places among three starts so far, including last time out over 1200M. He can sit midfield or better here and finish off strongly with another place finish a more than realistic aim. (11) DONGBU STAR and (1) WIND WINNER are others who can aim for at least the places.

Selections(10) Fusaichi (3) Etteumi (9) Babel Phoenix (11) Dongbu Star
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

(9) NAMSAN KKOT comes up in trip here having run well in her second start on March 27th, which came a full five months after her first. She went right back that day, running on well for 4th and the additional half furlong may well suit with the wide draw not set to be a problem. The probable favourite is (3) K N SKETCH. He stepped up to this trip on her most recent start on March 26th and ran a good 5th, setting the fastest time among these for the distance in the process. She can settle midfield here and challenge late on. (1) HONEY PUNCH came from well back to score her second consecutive 3rd place finish on March 27th. It was at this distance and in a good time on a wet track. From the inside gate, Moon Seung-hyeok can pick his spot and she can go close. (10) BLACK INDY and (5) SWEET KAKAO others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Namsan Kkot (3) K N Sketch (1) Honey Punch (10) Black Indy
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10
(more…)

Herald Business Trophy: Moonhak Chief, Winner’s Man – Horse-By-Horse Preview of Stayer Series 1st Leg

Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner Moonhak Chief squares off with last year’s Korean Derby winner Winner’s Man in a battle of the generations in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M-Listed) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Can Moonhak Chief return to the top? (Pic: KRA)

In many ways it is an up-and-comers race. Five of the thirteen have yet to win at class 1 level, while three have won just the once at class 1. The remaining five have won twice or more at the top level.

Yet the old guard is headed by Moonhak Chief, who swept all before him in 2019, wining the International Korea Cup in the summer before finishing off that year by taking the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes. That was a long time ago but while failed to retain his Grand Prix title, he has remained a force to be reckoned with and was on target in a class 1 handicap three starts back and at his latest appearance, ran a good 2nd to President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong.

Winner’s Man was a good winner of the Korean Derby and in his only start as a four-year-old so far, ran out a class 1 winner at this distance at Busan. The Herald Business marks his first real test among the elite.

Touch Star Man and Jeongmun Sai are among the others in the field likely to attract attention. Here’s a full run-down of all the runners:

1. GOOD PILSEUNG (USA) [Distorted Humor – Rossezza (Megdalia d’Oro)] – A winner of five from ten and last ran in February when he won at 1800M at class 2 level. Trialed up pleasingly in March, draws well and carries a light weight, but this is a big step up.

2. SHAMROCKER (USA) [Dublin – Portera (Lemon Drop Kid)] – A stalwart of Seoul, the nine-year-old has just the six wins but forty-two top-five finishes from fifty-two starts. Has run – and found the money – in almost every big race he has been eligible for. Excellent 4th in last year’s KRA Cup Classic but finished midfield in three starts since. Weight not ideal.

3. YAHO SMART CAT (KOR) [One Cool Cat – Fly Top (Petionville)] – It’s been a while since his last win and more than a year since his last placing finish. Has been running in sprints so hard to know what t make of him here but he will be among the longest shots on the board.

4. JEONGMUN SAI (KOR) [Simon Pure – Kayville (Giant’s Causeway)] – A revelation at the end of last year with a 4th place in the President’s Cup and 3rd in the Grand Prix. Has begun this season with 6th in the Segye Ilbo before a good 3rd at this distance at class 1 level. May not be a winning chance here but could go close. Settles back and runs on.

5. GREAT KING (USA) [Majestic Warrior – Margaret Smile (Concerto)] – Another old warrior whose best days might be behind him but is still capable of putting in a performance, including two starts back when 4th behind Winner’s Man. Can settle handy here and be in this a long way but a minor money finish would be an excellent result.

6. BOLT MAN (USA) [Midshipman – Just A Flash (Henny Hughes)] – He is the lowest rated in the race but has been prolific at the lower levels and while his wins haven’t been by huge margins, he has run good times. He comes out to 2000M, but he runs on in his races, he draws nicely and is down in the weights and could be an each-way prospect here. Tactically versatile and with a strong finish.

7. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (Volponi)] – He won the 2021 Korean Derby at this track and while he was then beaten in the Minister’s Cup, he was a winner on his only start so far this year which came over this distance at Busan on March 13th. He draws nicely, gets some weight from rivals and has every chance. Expect him to be on pace or handy.

8. MOONHAK CHIEF (USA) [Pioneerof The Nile – Tallulah Lula (Old Trieste)] – A Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner and while he is carrying 59kg, shouldn’t be ruled out. At his latest start, he led under 60kg, ultimately running 2nd to Simjangui Godong and he will be better suited under today’s non-handicap conditions. He’ll be handy in the run and could win

9. TOUCH STAR MAN (KOR) [Testa Matta – Useung Touch (Menifee)] – An excellent 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes over 2300M at this track in December, he returned to run 4th in the Segye Ilbo at a sprint distance in January, showing his versatility. Finished an underwhelming 6th behind Winner’s Man when sent off as favourite on March 13th over this distance at Busan. At his best, he is a winning chance here, but he can be hard to catch on his day.

10. BRIGADIER GENERAL (AUS) [Tapit – Amature’s Prize (Pure Prize)] – A horse who is perhaps better than his win-record suggests. He has a tendency to get a bit far back, a bit far wide, and find a bit too much trouble. Nevertheless, he runs on well and will be doing his best work late on. With a touch of luck in running, he can be close.

11. HEUK JEONSA (KOR) [Flat Out – Ballad Of Bertie (Saint Ballardo)] – A three-time class 1 winner over 1800M and has been placed in his latest two starts at this distance, the latest of them being a 3rd behind Simjangui Godong and Moonhak Chief. He is not favoured at the weights under today’s conditions, but can run a big race, nonetheless

12. WANG BEOTKKOT (USA) [ Discreet Cat – Folk (Quiet American)] – Yet to win at class 1 level but he has proved his credentials with an excellent 3rd in the Owners’ Cup at Busan over a mile last November and then kicking off this year with a solid 2nd place over 1800M. in February when handy throughout. He steps up to 2000M for the first time and while others are favoured, he can be competitive.

13. MUNHAK TIGER (USA) [To Honor And Serve – A Precious Memory (Honor Grades)] – It’s been a long time since his attest win and his last run of note was a 4th place behind Moonhak Chief four starts back. In company with Yaho Smart Cat, he will be one of the two big outsiders.

Selections: (7) Winner’s Man (8) Moonhak Chief (11) Heuk Jeonsa (6) Bolt Man

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 30)

April concludes with a nine-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. The racecourse is open for walk up admission for non-reserved seats. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s a good race with plenty looking ready to win. (1) BEST JEONSA has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1300M on his latest start on March 26th. He has raced best on pace and has a great draw to get to the front here. (9) MIRACLE DAUGHTER enters off a good 2nd place at this distance on a wet track on March 26th. She too likes to be on pace and can go close again here. (6) OKCHEON CHOEGANG has the fastest time among these who have tackled the distance before, achieved on debut on March 27th when he settled handy and ran on for 4th. He should have come on for the run and can be in the mix here (5) GLOBAL BOBAE has acquitted himself fairly in three outings to date and was a good 3rd on his first try at this distance. He is another likely to be on pace and can be in this a long way. There are two first-time starters and of the par, (2) CHOEGO BLACK looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Best Jeonsa (9) Miracle Daughter (6) Okcheon Choegang (5) Global Bobae
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old-maiden fillies here. (1) SOARA DAERO has shown good consistency across her four starts to date with a 2nd and a 3rd at 1200M to her name. She comes up in trip but should be on the early pace from a nice draw and she can win for an in-form stable. (3) WONPYEONG QUEEN was a much-improved 2nd on her latest start on March 27th when for the first time she was ridden handy to the speed. Expect similar today and a repeat of that run would make her a winning chance here. (10) OCHEONBOK came from well off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1200M on March 26th. He should have come on for that run and the slight increase in trip should suit. (2) CITY CHARM and (4) TTEOOREUDA are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Soara Daero (3) Wonpyeong Queen (10) Ocheonbok (2) City Charm
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

Small field here and (3) K N POST is probably the one to beat. She was an improved 2nd on what was start number three for her over this distance on March 27th when she settled right at the back of the field before rattling home well. She should find herself with a little less to do in this small field and can win. (5) HANGANG DOLPUNG ran well for 2nd on debut at this distance on April 2nd. It was a slower time than that of K N Post, but it was on a slow-running track. He should have benefitted for the run and can make progress here. (8) P N S GAMBOL hinted at improvement at his latest outing on April 2nd when a much better 3rd over 1300M. This race is no harder and he can build on that today. (2) FAMILY CAPTAIN and (7) KKANGDORI are others who can enter the calculations

Selections(3) K N Post (5) Hangang Dolpung (8) P N S Gambol (2) Family Captain
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

Luigi Riccardi’s stable has been in fine form over the past couple of weeks and they can maintain it with (2) DAESARI. Having made all in a trial, he was a winner on debut over 1200M on March 26th, when he sat handy before running on very well over 1200M. He comes up in class today but slightly down in weight and draws a much better barrier. He has strong claims to preserve his 100% record. (8) REMARKABLE is yet to win but has a solid record of six top-five finishes from nine attempts. She comes in following a good 3rd place at class and distance on April 3rd and under a similarly light weight, can be dangerous here. (12) WILD SOCKS ran 4th in that same race having drawn the same wide gate as today. He has a good finish on him though and if he can get a bit of luck position-wise, he has a chance. (4) MEOTJIN GIROK came from well back to run 2nd at class and distance on March 27th and while he is up slightly in the weights, that’s balanced by a much better gate. (3) DAESE MANSE was a long-shot winner of that April 3rd race, ahead of Remarkable and Wild Socks and warrants a little more respect this time.

Selections(2) Daesari (8) Remarkable (12) Wild Socks (4) Meotjin Girok
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

(8) FLY STAR is up in class following a good win at 1200M on March 27th. That was his maiden, but it had been coming after a near miss at the start before. He comes up in class but can measure up and will be expected to be on or close to the pace here. He is set to dispute favourite status with (10) WORLD RACER. He was a good winner on debut at this distance before struggling over 1400M on his reappearance on Boxing Day from gate fourteen. He returned to action on March 12th, again drawing the widest gate, and he came from off the pace for a slashing 4th. The draw is still not good, but it is marginally better, and he can be powering home late again here. (12) YONGAM BOSS is another up in class following a good maiden win at 1300M on March 27th. He draws wide but that is balanced a little by coming down in the weights and he has a chance. (3) ENERGIZER, racing for the first time since last September, looked well in a trial two weeks ago and can put in a decent effort first-up here. (6) CHEONGSAN GASE another in the frame.

Selections(8) Fly Star (10) World Racer (12) Yongam Boss (3) Energizer
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) RAON THE TIGER comes up in class following a good win over this distance at class 5 level on March 27th when he broke well, sat handy and then ran on. The class rise is balanced by a drop in the weights, and he has every chance of winning again. (7) MUNHAK TAPIT enters having run 3rd at class and distance on March 26th when he settled right back and then ran on. He carries the same light weight today but draws much better and can go close again. (8) DUSON MEONGGUNG was 4th in that same race, having also gone back and closed strongly. He is yet to win but has been a prolific placer and should be in the mix again. (3) GWANGHAE has raced only twice and there was a five-month gap between them. He acquitted himself fairly though and looks nicely in here to improve. (9) DOLGYEOK APEURO another in the frame.

Selections(5) Raon The Tiger (7) Munhak Tapit (8) Duson Meonggun (3) Gwanghae
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 11, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(10) MIGHTY GEE will be hot favourite to score here. A winner at this class and distance two starts back, he then ran 2nd to Victor Moon when favourite, again at class and distance on March 27th, which several of today’s rivals behind him. He does give weight away to all but one of his opponents, but he should have too much. (4) MOST SPEED came home in 4th place in that race, continuing a positive run of form. She has run fair times at the distance and can push the favourite here. (2) QUICKLY SUN comes up in class following and all the way score at this distance on April 2nd. He drops significantly in the weights, and from a good draw, he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (12) MUNHAK FIRE and (7) MONSTER K are among others who can enter the calculations.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 29)

There are eight races at Busan on Friday from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open as usual. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener, most of them fillies, and it’s hard to look past (1) DIABLO QUEEN. She led on debut on April 1st over this distance, ultimately finishing a good 2nd. She should have come on for the run and can win here. (2) HOLLYWOOD PARTY debuted back in January, running fairly over the 1000M. She too should have improved for that and can be a better prospect this time around. (7) HAENGBOKAN HAMAN is one of two first-time starters here. She went through two trials and improved significantly in the second of them, registering a good time, having settled back and ran on. She will have backers here. (10) TWOTWO ARCH GIRL and (5) SUPER CRACK are others who can place.

Selections(1) Diablo Queen (2) Hollywood Party (7) Haengbokan Haman (10) Twotwo Arch Girl
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) MAJOR FORCE is yet to finish in the top two, but he has no fewer than ten top-five finishes from his seventeen starts. He was a beaten favourite last time when 4th at class and distance, but he has the fastest time of any of these at 1400M and today could be his day. (5) JIN MARK beat Major Force as the pair finished 2nd and 4th at this distance on April 15th. That continued her run of positive recent form, and she has every chance of going close again today. (1) GALLOP BOY is another long-time maiden who enters with recent form reading well. He beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place over 1300M on his latest start on April 1st, and from a much better gate today, can be considered for better. Solitary debut-maker (9) WONDER GOAL trialed up well and along with (8) B J’S TERMS, can be considered for a place.

Selections(6) Major Force (5) Jin Mark (1) Gallop Boy (9) Wonder Goal
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) ARTIE’S GAL has been consistent across her eight starts to date including a solid last start 4th place over 1200M. She draws well to get on the early pace here and she has every chance of making a breakthrough. Following a good trial, (10) YASAENGHWA ran fairly on debut. She should have benefited from that and with some natural improvement, she can challenge here, despite the wide gate. (6) RHIANNON POINT comes in off a good 3rd place on her latest start on April 10th. She will be much shorter than the 100/1 she was sent off at in that race and has every chance of a place again. (8) HWARANG SKY and (5) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Artie’s Gal (10) Yasaenghwa (6) Rhiannon Point (8) Hwarang Sky
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This is a very competitive race. (6) MONEY BAG is a potential winner, having run a very 2nd at class and distance on March 25th, when he settled handy and ran on. He looks nicely in here and with similar tactics can win today. (12) B.K. NEW MOON doesn’t get the best of the draw but looks similarly ready to win. She got promoted to this class with back-to-back 3rd place finishes and then ran an excellent 3rd over this distance on April 1st. She may need a bit of luck at the start but if she can find a decent position, she has every chance. (10) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG is another who is yet to win but has finished no worse than 5th across his five outings. At his latest, at class and distance on April 1st, he ran a good 2nd when sitting midfield and running on, and he enters the calculations here. (7) WONDERFUL FILE comes up in class following victory at this distance on April 15th. She is nicely weighted and can measure up. (1) SPICE INDIE is another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Money Bag (12) B. K. New Moon (10) Eunseong Yeongung (7) Wonderful File
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Another very competitive race. (9) RAON THE FIGHTING was a smart winner at 1400M on March 25th when he sat handy to the speed early, before taking over and winning well. He comes up in both class and distance but should be able to cope with both and can win again here. (2) HWARANG ACE is another up in class and distance following a maiden win at start number four on March 27th. He draws very nicely to get to the front and is another who has every chance of measuring up at this level.  (6) HIT THE ROAD already has a 3rd place at class and distance to his name, when he beat a number of today’s rivals. He enters off a good 2nd place over 1400M at his latest start and should be a danger here. (12) TRIPLE STORM and (8) GREAT ONE are others who can place.

Selections(9) Raon The Fighting (2) Hwarang Ace (6) Hit The Road (12) Triple Storm
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The banker favourite of the day goes around here in the shape of (10) MILLION BANK. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in seven career starts and she won well at class and distance in February, beating a few of today’s rivals. At her latest start she was a beaten favourite at 1400M but back to this distance today, she looks hard to go past. (3) HAENAM HAMMER returns to action for the first time since last August. She had shown ability across her six outings before that and comes in having trialed up well. She may need this run but from a good draw, has every chance of going close. (8) ACE KILLER has proven consistent at this distance. He can sit back here and run on for another place. (5) MIRACLE SON and (2) TRAFFIC MARINE are among others who can go well.

Selections(10) Million Bank (3) Haenam Hammer (8) Ace Killer (5) Miracle Son
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Djordje Perovic is aiming to break the record for most wins by a foreign jockey in Korea and he has a chance here on (11) MY DESTINY. She has the fastest time of any of these at the distance, recorded when 3rd at her latest outing on a very wet track on March 18th. The draw is not in her favour here as she likes to be on pace but with a bit of luck at the start, she can be up there and can win. (7) ACHIM BIT has only won once in twenty-six appearances, but she has eleven top-three finishes and is ultra-consistent at this distance. She will settle midfield and can run on into some money. (3) SONHADOR won back-to-back races to get rapidly promoted to this class. She comes back in trip following a creditable enough effort over a mile on March 27th and should be in the mix here. (8) GOOD TANK and (6) QUEEN HARLEY among others to consider.

Selections(11) My Destiny (7) Achim Bit (3) Sonhador (8) Good Tank
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(3) WORLD CHANGE has won five of his ten starts and comes in having been a beaten favourite at class and distance on March 25th when he led almost the entire way around, only to ne beaten by Hill More. He had a few of today’s rivals behind him though and will be favourite again to go one better. (9) TUHONUI BANSEOK returned to action on March 18th following six months out and he ran a very good 3rd place at class and distance. He comes up a couple of kilos as a result but should have come on for the run and can be competitive here too. (4) MALIBU BYEOL races for the first time since last November but looked well when trialing up earlier this month. He has placed at this distance at class 2 level and can be taken seriously here. (7) DOCTOR TAKE and (10) RAPID GAME among others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) World Change (9) Tuhonui Banseok (4) Malibu Byeol (7) Doctor Take
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 11, 12

Raon The Fighter Downed By Eoma Eoma In Sprint Series Opener

Raon The Fighter stumbled at the gate and ultimately went down to the very first defeat of his career as Eoma Eoma won the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M – KOR G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Entering Sunday’s race a perfect ten from ten and having beaten the other big guns in the field in last autumn’s SROA Chairman’s Trophy Raon The Fighter was sent off a prohibitively short-priced favourite for the Busan Ilbo, the first leg of the Korean Sprint Series.

Eoma Eoma, who had looked a picture when parading, was second in the betting while a resurgent Blue Chipper was third in the market.

Calamity struck the favourite coming out of the gate.  Raon The Fighter stumbled and then dipped, losing any chance of getting to the lead. Jockey Lee Hyeok had a split-second decision to make and rather than dropping in behind, he opted to take Raon The Fighter up wide and to the speed. It was a gamble that didn’t pay off.

Eoma Eoma meanwhile got an easy tow to the lead from East Jet, who set the pace on his inside. Under Moon Se-young, Eoma Eoma would take up the running with just over a furlong left to travel and while Raon The Fighter finally appeared on the scene in the home straight and ran on bravely and gamely, he couldn’t get to the winner.

Eoma Eoma won by a full three-lengths with Raon The Fighter swooping late for a very competitive 2nd while Dixie Again was a revelation in 3rd.

Winning jockey Moon Se-young was uncharacteristically emotional after the race and, swerving questions about the run of Raon The Fighter, he talked to in-house broadcaster KRBC only about his own mount.

“I thought Eoma Eoma was working so well this week, so I really need to thank the guys who came down to Busan and prepared him so well” said Moon Se-young. “I only rode him the last two days in trackwork, so it is nothing to do with me, they prepared him perfectly – really when you guys (KRBC) asked me how he was on Thursday, well, I almost wanted to hide how good he was doing.”

Moon went on to describe what it meant to him personally to win the race. “I usually ride in Seoul, but I am from Busan. I am a Busan guy. I grew up in Milyang (northern Busan suburb) so I have desperately wanted to win a big race in Busan; in my home town. It had never happened for me before, but now it has.”

It might be a blemish on his record, and Raon The Fighter is now probably not going to break Mister Park’s unbeaten streak. However, he didn’t lose much in terms of reputation, and he will surely win many more.

Blue Chipper, who was sent off as third in the market but who ultimately crossed the line a long last, was found to have bled.

The next leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint at Seoul on May 22nd before the final leg in the SBS Sports Sprint, also in the capital on June 19th. The Korea Sprint itself is on September 4th.

Busan Ilbo Sprint Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (April 24)

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is the highlight of a big day’s racing in Korea this Sunday. See here for a full horse by horse preview of the race. The Busan Ilbo is race 5 on a 6-race card at Busan from 12:00 to 16:45, while at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All racecourses and betting locations are open to spectators and attendance can either be booked using the MyCard app, while non-reserved seating is available on the gate. Here are the previews:

Can Raon he FIghter make it 11 from 11 in the Busan Ilbo Sprint? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old filly maidens in the opener and it is very competitive with several holding genuine winning chances. Based on her lively debut, we’re putting (8) GREEN DRAGON on top. She sat handy and ran on well for 2nd in a fair time at this distance and while she was well beaten by a good winner, should have come on for the experience and a similar run will mean she isn’t far away. (7) GORGEOUS SERVE improved at start number two on March 13th when beating a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place at this distance. She has drawn wide in both her starts so far and has gone back but gets a better gate today and should be close. (5) HERA BLADE has raced four times with the latest her best on April 9th, when 3rd at this distance having been on pace throughout. She backs up at the earliest opportunity here and is expected to be on the speed again and in this a long way. (2) MUSTANG CHARM and (6) WIDAEHAN HANMA others who appear on the right trajectory.

Selections(8) Green Dragon (7) Gorgeous Serve (5) Hera Blade (2) Mustang Charm
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

Another tricky maiden. (11) SINJURYU comes in off a smart 2nd place behind King Crush at this distance on March 20th. The time was fast, although it was assisted by the wet track, but it wasn’t the first time he has shown ability and despite the wide draw, there isn’t much early speed here and he can go one better. (10) GUK HYANG returned from over six months out in January and has run an encouraging 5th and 3rd, both times over today’s trip and both times settling midfield and pushing on late. She could be peaking third-up here and has claims. (12) SKY FUTURE is a wildcard. He raced three times up to March last year, registering a 2nd and two 3rd placed finishes. He didn’t offer many clues in a trial just last week and will obviously need this but if he has retained his ability, then he can go well first-up. (2) NEW SMART comes into the calculations following a good 3rd place in an all-filly race over this distance on April 10th. She draws a better gate today, should be on pace, and is a chance. (6) CHEONDUNG OREUM another with minor money hopes.

Selections(11) Sinjuryu (10) Guk Hyang (12) Sky Future (2) New Smart
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Without an abundance of confidence here, we’ll side with the probable favourite (3) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG. He enters here following a 5th and a 4th in his latest two starts, both at 1700M and last time overcoming the widest gate and beating a couple of today’s rivals. The step back in trip can suit and he can sit off the pace and run on. (7) TOUGH YEOJE showed signs that she is figuring things out when running an improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on March 26th when she came from well back and worked home strongly. She was beaten a long way by a good winner but with more improvement plus an extra half furlong to play with, she can be close today. (12) QUEEN OF RACING may need a touch of luck early from the widest gate, but her recent form reads adequately enough to suggest she can play a role here. (5) BIG ENERGY and (6) SMART BLUE are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Cheongsan Yeongung (7) Tough Yeoje (12) Queen Of Racing (5) Big Energy
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(4) YEONGGWANGUI POWER races for the first time since February 2021. He had looked ready to win before his injury and he went through a trial last October in fine style but didn’t make it back to race at that time. He completed another trial two weeks ago in a fast time. It’s not impossible he can defy the sixty-three-week layoff and win first-up here. If that puts you off, then (5) CROWD ONE is the probable favourite. Her best finish was 2nd place three starts back but she has since run twice fairly at this distance. The Moon-factor aboard will ensure she gets plenty of backing, she should be on pace from the start, and she can go all the way. (9) WIND CROSS has been consistent over his four appearances so far. He has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and should be in the finish again here. (1) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (3) VICTORY NINE among others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Yeonggwangui Power (5) Crowd One (9) Wind Cross (1) Fantastic Magic
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

(11) RAON THE TEUKGEUP’s solitary win came over 1200M at class 6 level last November and after two indifferent runs to start his class 5 campaign, showed he was back to form with a 3rd place, again at 1200M on March 12th when he went right back and powered home. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and the extra half-furlong can suit, giving him solid claims to go close here. (9) CHAMPION GAMUN is a winner at this distance at class 6 level. His two efforts at this class have also been at the 1300M and he has run well. A front-runner, he should be on pace from the start, and it would be no surprise were he to go all the way.  (1) HAPPY MIX had a hard time on her first try at this class following a maiden win over 1200M in February. She drew wide that day and it was a very wet track, so she has excuses and from a much better draw and probably in different conditions, she can be given another chance. (5) JEONGSANG FIGHTING and (7) SAINT LUCCA others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Raon The Teukgeup (9) Champion Gamun (1) Happy Mix (5) Jeongsang Fighting
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (5) STELL LUNA had a poor day at the officer when favourite for a similar race at class and distance on March 11th when she raced relatively prominently early but was flat in the home straight, ultimately finishing 7th of twelve and beaten by two of today’s rivals. That was her second disappointing run in a row but previously she had shown plenty of ability with some fast times, especially when winning at this distance and she is worth a third chance here. (8) BORAMI gained her sole victory at 1000M but didn’t run badly when overcoming gate fourteen to run 5th on her first try at this class over 1200M on February 18th. She has had a couple of months off since then and with an apprentice making for a very light weight, she can be competitive here. (6) SUNSET MELODY comes back in trip following a good 3rd at 1400M on March 25th when she was a little more forward a bit earlier than in other recent starts. She can be in the finish again. (9) SLIM QUEEN comes back in trip and into the calculations while (10) SANGIM YEOWANG is another to consider.

Selections(5) Stell Luna (8) Borami (6) Sunset Melody (9) Slim Queen
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

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

(7) MONEY GARAK has beaten a few of these across his three outings at this class since his maiden win at this distance on Christmas Day. At his latest start, he was a close 3rd at class and distance on March 27th, having come from off the pace. He will settle midfield again and can prove too strong. (10) MIGHTY GOOD didn’t do a whole lot on his first two outings but pulled off a good win at start number three over 1200M on March 27th at class 6 level when he flew home from almost last to first in the home straight. He is up in class here but down in the weights and the additional furlong should suit. (8) HANGANG CHAMP ran 5th behind Money Garak in the March 27th race. He is yet to win in six attempts but has three runner-up finishes, including one at this class over 1300M and he can be competitive here. (12)  NAMSAN YEOLMAE and the returning (1) CHODONG ROCKET among others with placing claims.

Selections(7) Money Garak (10) Mighty Good (8) Hangang Champ (12) Namsan Yeolmae
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11
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ROAD TO KOREA SPRINT BEGINS SUNDAY WITH RAON THE FIGHTER SEEKING PERFECT ELEVEN

After a two-year enforced hiatus, the Korea International races are to return in September and the local contenders take their first step towards the first weekend in September as ten of the nation’s fastest gallopers line up for the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M – KORG3) on Sunday afternoon, the first leg of the three-race series that concludes with the International Korea Sprint.

The winner of the last Korea Sprint to be held in 2019, Blue Chipper, takes his place in the gate. But it is a sign of the strength of the race that the six-year-old, who went on to run 3rd in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita, won’t be in the top two of the betting, despite a bullet trial at the end of last month.

Instead, most eyes will be on Raon The Fighter, the brilliant Bayern four-year-old, who is yet to be tested in ten starts, all of which he has won effortlessly. He has usurped Eoma Eoma, who had the misfortune to emerge on the scene just as racing was closing down in early 2020 and he dominated when racing for the reduced prize money on offer in behind-closed-doors racing. He did though win last October’s SBS Sports Sprint and at five, still has plenty to offer.

East Jet is a Graded Stakes winner at sprint distances too and will be another at the head of the market, while along with Blue Chipper, the up-and-coming Yeongung Louis heads Busan’s challenge. Here is a run-down of the field.

1. EAST JET (KOR) [Strike Again – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)] – A Group winner, he began the year running 2nd to Raon First in the Segye Ilbo Cup, having led for much of the way around. He then stepped up to 1400M when he, alongside Eoma Eoma, had a testing day at the office.

The 1200M suits him better, he draws the inside gate and while a place chance might be realistic, he will be in this a long way.

2. EOMA EOMA (USA) [Algorithms – Lignite (Run Away And Hide) – A winner of ten including the SBS Sports Sprint. Disregard his last start on March 20th, when on a very wet track he uncharacteristically settled midfield and while he did make up ground in the straight, appeared to hang in a little and was well back behind the winner, Dixie Again. The time before, on January 9th, he ran 4th behind Raon The Fighter when giving away plenty of weight, and ahead of Dixie Again. He is nicely drawn today and at level weights, things might be closer

3. YEONGUNG LOUIS (USA) [Violence – Don’t Stop To Shop (Unbridled’s Song)] – an up and comer having won his last 2 starts, the last in Class 1. He is better known as a 1400m horse but has won over 1200m at lower levels At his last start on March 27th, which was at 1400M he was an excellent five-length winner over a field that contained, Doctor Carson and the former champion sprinter Doraonpogyeongseon, both of whom go again in the Busan Ilbo. If there is too much pace up front, Yeongung Louis may be the closer and while he is very much up in class, he could measure up.

4. RAON THE FIGHTER (KOR) [Bayern – Clarinda (Empire Maker)] – The current hottest property in Korean racing. He has been flawless in ten starts so far, winning them all and is now only seven short of equaling the all-time record for consecutive wins. He has run super times at this distance, eased down and at his latest start on February 20th, he overcame gate thirteen to ease to the front and win by eight lengths from one of today’s rivals, Dixie Again. The time before on January 9th, he comfortably beat a field containing Eoma Eoma and Dixie Again. He likes to race forward so and will be very hard to beat from a nice draw.

5. MIRACLE DREAMING (KOR) [Federalist – Miracle Worker (Menifee)] – Not a prolific winner but he has fifteen top-three finishes from twenty starts. Enters off a good 3rd place at this distance at class 1 level in February behind Daemangui Gil and Heat Yegam when on pace throughout. He has run solid times, but it is hard to see him being able to run the kind of time that would be needed to beat some of today’s rivals.

6. DORAONPOGYEONGSEON (USA) [Kantharos – Smartybegone (Smarty Jones)] – A two-time SBS Sports Sprint winner, the nine-year-old perhaps has his best days behind him but he is still able to run a good race, as evidenced by his 3rd place over 1400M at class 1 in January. He settles midfield or further back and runs home strong, but he will probably find himself with far too much to do against this kind of speed.

7. SINGSING MARY (USA) [With Distinction – Amylimehouse (Limehouse)] – The probable longest shot on the board and the only mare in the race. She is still at class 2 but there is space in the race, and she takes her chance here. It is a very slim chance. Does get a 2kg allowance on the rest of the field.

8. DIXIE AGAIN (KOR) [Ecton Park – Wild Dixie Gal (Wild Event)] – A winner of eight from sixteen, he took a while to get to grips with class 1 level but ran (a distance) 2nd to Raon The Fighter at this distance in February, before upsetting Eoma Eoma and East Jet on a wet track over 1400M on March 20th. He was getting plenty of weight in those races and today will ne harder. Half-brother to multiple Korean Graded winners Beolmaui Kkum and Kkakjaengi.

9. DOCTOR CARSON (KOR) [Hansen – Carson’s Cat (Mountain Cat)] – He came to prominence in a series of wins over Blue Chipper when well weighted in handicaps throughout last spring and summer during the reduced prize-money racing season but has just come up a little short in the biggest races at level. At his last start, he was 4th behind Yeongung Louis at 1700M. He has run fast times for the distance and can be competitive but minor money would be a good result.

10. BLUE CHIPPER (USA) [Tiznow – Dixie City (Dixie Union)] – The 2019 Korea Sprint winner and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile 3rd placegetter has had his setbacks over the past couple of years but showed he remains a force on his day with victory at 2000M at class 1 level in January. He hasn’t raced since but stormed home in a trial on a wet track on March 26th. The draw is unkind, but the quality is there and at level weights, don’t rule out a good run.

Selections: (4) Raon The Fighter (2) Eoma Eoma (1) East Jet (3) Yeongung Louis

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is race 5 on the six-race card at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and has a post time of 15:55 local time.