There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open with admission available on the gate. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Tricky maiden for three-year-olds to open with but we’ll side with the favourite. (6) MAGIC MOCCASIN has two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from three starts so far with the 3rd coming at her latest start at this distance on May 7th when handy throughout. It wasn’t a fast time but she draws well here to get to the lead and she won’t need to improve too much on that performance to win. (5) CLASSIC STAR ran a solid 3rd on debut in an all-filly race on April 16th. She should have benefited from that experience and with some natural improvement can run well again today. (1) CHANCELLOR improved at start number two on May 1st when running on pleasingly enough at this distance for 3rd and from a great draw on the inside, he can aim to bank some money. (2) LONDON MYEONGGA has the fastest time among these at the distance and can be competitive from a good draw. (7) K N TIZWON among others with placing claims
Selections
(6) Magic Moccasin (5) Classic Star (1) Chancellor (2) London Myeongga
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens. (8) DAPHNE unseated her jockey coming out of the gate when coming out of the gate having been sent off as favourite at this distance on May 29th. She was due to be first-up that day following almost six months out and had trialed nicely. She completed the course under her own steam that day and as long as that didn’t take too much out of her, she can be given another chance here. (1) DAECHEON BEAUTY has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place last time out at this distance on May 14th when on pace throughout. He draws the same gate today and can go well. (7) GANA FASHION was a good 2nd on debut at this distance on May 15th when settling forward, then dropping back and running on. She was well beaten by a good winner but it was encouraging nonetheless and a repeat of that run will see her in the finish again. (11) TOP POSITION and (3) CHAPEL PRINCESS can enter the calculations too.
Selections
(8) Daphne (1) Daecheon Beauty (7) Gana Fashion (11) Top Position
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A weak maiden but accordingly a very competitive one with no standouts but plenty of possibles. We’ll take a chance on (7) BARO QUEEN, who carries a lighter weight and draws a better gate than in her recent outings. She has two 3rd places to her name, has enough early speed compared with the rest of these to get to the front, and she has as good a chance as any. (1) QUEEN OF RACING has been relatively consistent across her most recent starts. She too draws well to contest the early lead and she will be in this a long way. (2) BURUI JILJU has mixed his form in his four starts so far but has hinted at ability with his 3rd place in a fair time over 1200M two starts back. He has tended to get a bit far back in his races but the additional half furlong today may suit. (6) TIZ FIGHTING and (9) EUREKA among others in minor money contention.
Selections
(7) Baro Queen (1) Queen Of Racing (2) Burui Jilju (6) Tiz Fighting
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) JAY PHOENIX debuted with an encouraging 3rd last December but didn’t reappear until May 8th when he made all to win by a full nine-lengths over this distance. He comes up in class today but the manner of that victory suggests that there is more to come and he has to go on top here. (3) COMPLETE TIME looks the logical second-pick. She races for the first-time since March 13th when she came from a wide gate to run 3rd in a fast time at this distance. She draws better here and even comes down slightly in the weights, and she can play a big role. (5) BLOOD MOON also gets a better draw than she did when 5th on her first try at this class on May 8th and can go closer today. (6) LONDON SKY has two 4th place finishes in two attempts at this class, both over today’s distance and both in times good enough to make him a contender here. The up in class (4) HWIPARAM another who will be on the early speed and who can be considered.
The final leg of the 2022 Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup will be run on Sunday at Seoul but the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an eight-race card on Friday running from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Friday
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s hard to go past (8) HUIMANG PUNCH. She debuted last October, beating just one home and then didn’t reappear until a trial in April. She was encouraging in that heat to the extent that she was well-fancied on her return to racing on May 13th when an on-pace 2nd at this distance. Her time for the 1200M was faster than any of the others here have achieved and she should win. (2) MORNING MUSE improved to 3rd place on her latest start on May 20th when she overcame a wide draw to sit handy and then ran on. She comes into a better gate today and can go close. (5) PURE MAGIC debuted in that May 29th race, running a solid 5th. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can go closer this time. (6) EURO STAR and (1) WONDERFUL TRICKS among others with scope to improve.
Selections
(8) Huimang Punch (2) Morning Muse (5) Pure Magic (6) Euro Star
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens. It’s not a strong field so we’re willing to take a chance on one of the two first-time starters. (3) WIDAEHAN HAMAN enters having won a May trial in which she looked assured, breaking well and then responding to urging late on and running through the line well. The time wasn’t fast but she demonstrated enough to suggest a bold showing first-up is possible. (7) SEOGWI CHUKJE was an improved 3rd at start number four on May 6th when settling back in the field and running on. An apprentice keeps her weight very light and she can place again. (1) STAR MATTA was well-backed on debut on May 8th having won a trial in April in a fast time. While he settled handy, he didn’t quite see the race out and ended up only beating one home. He should have benefitted from that and could be a different prospect today. The other first-timer, (2) SILVER ROAD, trialed fairly and along with (6) TAP STAR is another to consider.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) WONDERFUL BOBCAT enters in consistent form with a strong 2nd last time out when close to the pace over a mile. He has run well at this distance too and draws very nicely here to drop in behind the early speed and run on. This is his fourth start since returning from almost a year out and he could be peaking here. (10) MY SONG was a much-improved 2nd at her latest appearance on May 13th when she sat handy and ran on and while a long way behind a good winner, a similar run today will see her in the finish. (11) QUEEN’S DAERO beat both Wonderful Bobcat and My Song when 2nd at this distance on April 15th. That was her best result in eight starts so far and while she could only manage 6th behind My Song on her re-appearance last month, she should be competitive here. (3) RHIANNON POINT and (2) BLUE CAPTAIN are among others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Wonderful Bobcat (10) My Song (11) Queen’s Daero (3) Rhiannon Point
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(2) WONDERFUL SECRET comes in having won just the once but with no fewer than eight top-four finishes from twelve starts. That includes his latest on May 13th when at this class and distance he beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place having settled midfield and run on behind a good winner. From a good draw he will be on pace here and is the one to beat. (7) CENTUM THOR is yet to win in sixteen attempts but is ultra-consistent with thirteen top-five finishes. He has run good times at this distance and was 5th in the May 13th race. He comes down slightly in the weights here and can be competitive. (1) ADELE BOSS was 3rd in that same race having led for much of the way around. That was his first try around two turns and he should benefit from it. (3) DIA FORCE and (6) B J’S TERMS are others to take into consideration.
Selections
(2) Wonderful Secret (7) Centum Thor (1) Adele Boss (3) Dia Force
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 7
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A maiden winner at this distance two starts back at class 6 level, (5) INDIE MAGIC ran a solid 3rd on his first try at this class on May 1st when settling back in the field and steadily improving. He looks to have scope for more development and from a fair gate will probably be a bit closer to the speed this time around and he can win. The biggest danger may well be his stablemate. (10) PURPLE MANGO comes up in class following an all the way score at this distance on May 15th. While the draw is not ideal, she can get forward again and a Rice-quinella looks a real possibility. Also up in class is (4) INTO MARINE. He similarly made all over this distance on March 4th and comes in fresh after three months. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and can go close. (8) SPICE INDIE and (3) JEONGDEUN-RO others in the frame.
Raon First asserted her authority atop the filly and mare ranks at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday with a dismissively easy win in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) and in doing so, moved closer to what seems an inevitable victory in the Queens’ Tour. A potential new foe has appeared, however, as a day earlier on the same track Golden Power completed a clean sweep of the filly Triple Crown with a similarly comprehensive triumph in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3).
Golden Power and Choi Si-dae return to scale (Pic: KRA)
Returned to its early spot on the calendar, the filly Triple Crown – or “Triple Tiara” as it is known locally – was a three-way affair throughout the series between the only fillies who really looked up to the task at this stage; Golden Power, who secured narrow wins in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) and the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G3), and rivals Raon The Spurt and Chamjoeun Chingu, who filled out the placings in both those races.
Mindful of the extended trip, punters couldn’t split Golden Power and Raon The Spurt, the latter having finished off very well in the Oaks and sent them off as practically co-favourites in Saturday afternoon’s Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup.
Outsider Lunar Silver bounded out of the gate and led for most of the way around but as they got down to business in what was unchartered territory distance-wise for the entire field in the home straight, the usual suspects amassed at the front.
Then Golden Power took control. She struck the front just inside the final furlong and eased clear to score by four-lengths on the line from Raon The Spurt in 2nd with the fast finishing Eunseong Winner edging out Chamjoeun Chingu for 3rd.
Golden Power is by Afleet Express and is out of Cherokee Sheikh (by Cherokee Run). Owned and bred by Song Boing-chul, she is trained by Kwon Sung-ju at Busan and was ridden in all three legs of the filly Triple Crown, by Choi Si-dae. She now has five wins from ten starts.
A likely target next year for Golden Power is the Queens’ Tour and potential meeting, with Raon First, who on Sunday all but wrapped up victory in this year’s series with two races to spare by winning the Ttukseom Cup as easy as her triumph in the Segye Ilbo.
Raon First was an easy winner of the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)
Sent off as an almost un-bettable favourite in the local market, Raon First settled in 2nd place early with jockey Choi Si-dae content to allow second-favourite Wish Me, who was drawn much better, to set the pace. That’s how it remained until the home straight and once Choi asked for an effort, Raon First’s superior acceleration took her to the lead and away from the field.
Wish Me held on for a battling 2nd place four-lengths behind the winner, while Lady Kelly also stayed on well for 3rd.
Raon First is by Musket Man and is out of Pink Candy (by Southern Image). She was bred by her owner Son Chun-soo and is trained by Park Jong-kon at Seoul, who trains the majority of the “Raon” horses. The Ttukseom Cup was Raon First’s eleventh win from eighteen starts.
The third leg of the Queens’ Tour is the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) which will be run at Busan on Sunday July 17th. The series then goes on hiatus for four months before the concluding race, the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on Sunday November 27th, also at Busan. Next weekend the focus returns to the three-year-old colts and the final leg of their Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). The winners of the first two-legs, Captain Yankee (KRA Cup Mile) and Winner Star (Korean Derby) are both expected to be in the starting gate at Seoul Racecourse this coming Sunday.
The Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares gets underway on Sunday and Raon First will be hot favourite to score in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:15. Here are the previews:
Raon First will be favourite for the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and (11) MARUMA is the one to beat. He has the fastest time among these at the distance, recorded at his last start on April 23rd when he sat in 3rd place the entire way around. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue and he won’t need to improve too much on that to win here. (10) TRIPLE JOY has raced fairly in two starts so far, finishing in 3rd and 5th. He steps up to this distance for the first time and can make further progress. (9) OCHEONBOK has come from off the pace in both of her races to date, finishing 4th and then 2nd, the latter at this distance on April 30th. She has posted impressive final furlong times and so long as she doesn’t get too far back, can be a danger late on. (1) GEUMA CHIC and (7) KING HONOR are others to take into consideration.
Selections
(11) Maruma (10) Triple Joy (9) Ocheonbok (1) Geuma Chic
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
6, 8, 9, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) ACE PLAN has looked to be working towards a win from his latest few appearances, culminating in a 3rd place last time out on May 21st when he was an on-pace 3rd at this distance. He returns just two weeks later and from a better draw, should be on or close to the pace from the start and he will be favoured to win here. Coming out of the opposite end of the gate will be (12) APPLE MINT. He has started to hit some form in his latest two and an apprentice jockey brings the weight down considerably today. He has settled midfield or worse in those two recent outings so the wide draw may not be too much of an inconvenience. (6) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE has four to-five finishes from six outings to date and can continue her solid run of form following a last start 3rd. (7) FLYING BARBIE and (11) TORUK MAKTO others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Ace Plan (12) Apple Mint (6) Neoreul Eongwonhae (7) Flying Barbie
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A competitive maiden for three-year-olds gets things underway on the south coast. We’ll go with (8) WORLD FOUR A, who after participating in a fast trial to qualify in April, ran a good 2nd on debut at 1200M on May 22nd when he was on pace throughout and led in the straight. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can win here. (4) TRIPLE THUNDER is yet to finish any worse than 5th in four career outings. He was an on-pace 2nd at this distance on May 8th and form a nice draw, will be expected to be on the early speed again and to be in this a long way. (11) DOCTOR PERSIA has run fairly across three starts. He got a long way back last time out but ran on well enough for 5th and if given slightly more of a chance here, can get closer. (2) MAHAMERU and (1) WIND WINNER are others to consider.
Selections
(8) World Four A (4) Triple Thunder (11) Doctor Persia (2) Mahameru
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(12) GLOBAL PRIME returned from a couple of months out to run an improved 2nd in what was an admittedly slow race at this distance on April 10th. He had hinted at a bit of speed before though and despite the wide draw, in this company, he has every chance. (4) SPEED GALLOP has finished outside the top-five only once in five attempts so far. At her latest appearance back in February, she ran a good 3rd at this distance in an all-fily race having sat back from a wide draw. She comes in fresh here and can go close. (2) YONGCHEON JISANG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three on May 8th at this distance. He should have come on for that experience and can aim for at least the places again. (8) EPIPHANY and (6) KING MOUNTAIN are among others who may be considered for the minors.
Selections
(12) Global Prime (4) Speed Gallop (2) Yongcheon Jisang (8) Epiphany
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
5, 6, 11, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and two mares) only here. It’s a full sixty-seven weeks since we saw (7) BLACK OLIVE make her one solitary appearance, but it was memorable as she led from gate to wire over 1000M scoring comfortably. Her setbacks hopefully behind, she caught the eye when fairly bolting up in a barrier trial in late April and having won first-up before, she can do so again, especially as she gets another crack at class 6 what with that race last year being run for significantly reduced prize money. (12) FANTASTIC MAGIC has hinted at ability across seven outings so far. She ran a good 4th at her latest on May 15th and can be running on well here. (9) HAPPY SONG SONG seemed to take a few goes to figure out what she’s supposed to do but she now has a pair of 3rd place finishes and a 4th from her latest three. (11) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL and (5) TAKE ADELE others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(7) Black Olive (12) Fantastic Magic (9) Happy Song Song (11) Seungriui Bulgil
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
A competitive race here with two standouts. We’ll tentatively side with (2) WILD SOCKS. He was a winner at this distance at class 6 level and comes in off a good 2nd place at 1300M at this class on May 21st when he settled midfield and ran on. He draws nicely here and can win. The big danger in (5) WONDERFUL KITTY. She may be yet to win in six starts but has three-runner-up finishes to her name, including on her latest start at class and distance on May 8th when, as has tended to be her style, she went right back and finished fast. An apprentice jockey brings her weight right down today and that could be crucial when she launches her late challenge. (10) TOUCH NINE comes up in class after a good win over this distance on May 15th. He drew wide that day as well and can measure up in this company. (9) GLOBAL BOBAE and (6) RIVER TAEYANG are others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Wild Socks (5) Wonderful Kitty (10) Touch Nine (9) Global Bobae
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (11) DONGBU WORLD here. While he does remain a maiden after five attempts, he is yet to finish outside the top-four and has three runner-up finishes. That includes his latest outing, which was at this class and distance on May 13th when he was on pace throughout and went down narrowly. He does come up 2kg in the weights and may need a touch of luck at the start, given the wide draw, but he is still the one to beat. (3) ACE GUY races for the first time since last September. He had put together a good run of form before the layoff and looked well when trialing up at the end of April. He has a strong finish on him and a bold-showing is possible first-up here. (6) YOUNG BOSS has got a bit far back in his latest two races but there is ability there and he has won at this distance. He may be worth another chance here at a probable each-way price. (5) MONEY BAG and (1) MAJOR FORCE among others with placing chances.
Selections
(11) Dongbu World (3) Ace Guy (6) Young Boss (5) Money Bag
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (5) SIRIUS ALPHA got her maiden win two starts back over 1200M at class 6 level with an on-pace run and then overcame the widest gate to lead until the closing stages on her first try at this level over 1400M on May 1st. She looks nicely in here from a better draw to get to the lead and she may well go all the way. (3) WILD RUNNER comes up in class following smart win over 1200M when odds-on favourite at start number three on April 23rd. She stalked the leader before striking the front a furlong out and running away for a comfortable win. This is harder but she draws well to be on pace again and should measure up in this company. (4) CONCORD QUEEN weakened when in a promising position over 1400M on her first try at this class on May 1st. She was favourite that day having been a strong winner at class 6 over 1200M the time before and can be given another chance today. (8) CHEONEUNCHONG and (7) RISING HAWK others to look out for.
The filly Triple Crown – the “Triple Tiara” – comes to a close at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday with Golden Power, who has won the first two jewels, the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks, looking to complete a clean sweep. The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup is race 7 on a 9-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Golden Power once more faces Raon The SPurt and Chamjoeun Chingu (Pic KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open the program. (5) CHANGER is probably worthy of favourite status, following a good 2nd at his latest start on April 23rd over this distance when he led for much of the way around. From a good draw, he can lead again and this time can go all the way. (3) RAY BOLT was significantly improved at start number three on April 16th when settling midfield and running on for 2nd place. It was a slowly run race but she looks nicely in here again and can go close. (1) RUN BOY RUN won a trial in April and then ran a decent 2nd on debut on May 7th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement should be in the finish again. There are four first-time starters and among them, (9) HIDDEN BLADE looks the more likely to make an impression first-up. (8) CLASS HEEMANG has been through a lot of trials and ran on well from an unpromising position in the latest of them.
Selections
(5) Changer (3) Ray Bolt (1) Run Boy Run (9) Hidden Blade
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies only here. (3) CAMP SAVER has steadily improved across six starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at this distance on May 7th when settling handy and running on. She was the beaten favourite that day but she looks well in here and from a good draw, should be looking for another career-best finish. (1) CHEONDUNG OREUM is the probable betting favourite, based on a last start 2nd place on April 24th when settling back and running on well with a couple of today’s rivals back down the track behind her. She draws nicely on the inside to drop in again and she will be working home well. (5) DONGSEO YEOGEOL enters off a useful 4th place at this distance on March 20th in a fast, though wet assisted, time. She’ll be challenging Camp Saver for the early lead and can be in this a long way. (11) GUK HYANG was one of those beaten by Cheondung Oreum on April 24th and while drawn wide again can get closer today. (9) AL SIMON another in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(2) MIRACLE DAUGHTER’s maiden win had been coming and it arrived in emphatic style as she made all to score by nine-lengths over this distance on April 30th. She comes up in class here but keeps a nice light weight, draws very nicely and the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come. (7) MAKALU POWER returns to action for the first time since December when finally broke through at the twenty-first time of asking. It came at this class over 1400M and while he comes up in weight and will probably need this run, he looked sharp when trialing on May 13th and can go well first-up at an each-way price here. (6) GREENBACK took a couple of races to get accustomed to this level. Having previously raced forward, including on her maiden win at 1000M, last time out she was slowly away and went right back, running on well for 4th. She carries a light weight and should go close here. (1) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK, another racing for the first time since December, and (12) SONGAM BEST are other potential placers.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(10) RAON THE PEARL is yet to finish any worse than 4th in four attempts with her win coming at 1200M at class 6 level two starts back. On her first try at this class and distance, she ran 4th on April 16th, settling in midfield and finishing off pleasingly enough. She may need a touch of luck from the gate given the wide draw, but if she can find a decent position, she has the strongest finish of any of these and is the one to beat. (3) CUPID WAY enters off a fair showing at this class and distance on May 8th when 5th. She likes to settle behind the speed and run on and she should be a danger late on here. (4) ROAD ACE went right back on his most recent appearance on April 24th, before finishing off strongly for 4th and he can match or better that here. (1) HOEDURYEONG mixes his form but has run a great time at this distance and from a good draw looks a place chance. (12) SMART HIGH another in the frame.
Selections
(10) Raon The Pearl (3) Cupid Way (4) Road Ace (1) Hoeduryeong
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
2, 9, 10, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) PIEONADA has shown signs of getting back into form and was a good 2nd at this class and distance on May 8th when prominent throughout. Under today’s handicap conditions she comes down 2kg in the weights, draws well and is she can get on the early speed, could well go all the way. The main danger is (5) DREAM SPEED. A model of consistency having missed the top-five on only one of nine starts so far, she comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class, both over 1300M. This is her first try over 1400M and an apprentice jockey keeps her weight down. She has a big chance. (4) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA was a gate-to-wire winner on debut on May 7th. He comes up in class and in distance here but is down in weight and another bold showing is possible. (11) SMART JEONSA and (10) REAL PACK are others in the placing hunt.
June kicks off with the final leg of the filly Triple Crown, the Gyeonggi Govenor’s Cup at Seoul on Sturday before the capital track hosts the Ttukseom Cup. the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, on Sunday. Before that there is an 8-race program at Busan on Friday which runs from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan,
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open proceedings, with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Among the newcomers is probable hot favourite (5) CAPTAIN GOLD. He produced one of the most impressive trial performances seen recently when leading all the way and crossing the line thirteen-lengths ahead of anything else and only asked for minimal effort. If he brings anything like that form to the races, he’ll win easily. (11) JOSEPHINE QUEEN is the best of the experienced ones. She’s finished in the top five on all four of her starts so far, registering fair times in the process. She can go close here. (9) CHONGAL CHARM has hinted at ability in three outings to date and should be in the placing frame here. (10) GRAPHENE KING and (12) TOMYRIS are other first time starters who looked well in trials.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
There is one debut-maker among this field of maidens and (11) INDIE BULPAE is likely to attract plenty of interest. He’s a half-brother to KRA Cup Classic winner Mr. Afleet and debuts here having improved in the second of two trials. This is not a very strong race and a bold showing first up looks on the cards. (1) DOCTOR KONGDOLI mixes his form but does have a runner-up finish to his name and from a good draw today can be competitive. (10) DAEJI SPECIAL has been reasonably consistent across his seven outings to date and drops back in trip following recent starts at 1400M and a mile. He is a touch one-paced but will can run on into some money here. (9) GALLOP BOY and (6) RUNNING WARRIOR are among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(11) Indie Bulpae (1) Doctor Kongdoli (10) Daejii Special (9) Gallop Boy
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(4) CHOEGANG FORCE looks to be the one to beat here. He races for the first time since February, when he ran a good 3rd at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He does tend to get a bit far back in his races but he has a strong finish and he should prove too good for this lot. (1) CHOEGANG DUDEURIM enters off her two best finishes having run 3rd and 2nd. She too can leave herself a bit too much to do, but from a good draw and with an apprentice keeping the weight right down again, she can go close. (2) DOCTOR CANDY beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place over a mile last time out. She has run fairly at this distance too and can be in the placing frame at least here. (7) URI JOEUNNAL and (3) MY PAL are others to consider.
Selections
(4) Choegang Force (1) Choegang Dudeurim (2) Doctor Candy (7) Uri Joeunnal
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A small field of fillies here but it is competitive. We’ll give a chance to (7) DOKBO, who comes up in class having registered her maiden win on her third start in May 6th when leading all the way. She looks to have scope for more development and can be on pace here and win again. The probable favourite is (2) CHEONGHO BOSS. She’s yet to finish outside the top five and was a smart winner over this distance at class 6 level. At her latest start on May 6th, she beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place and from a great draw, will be in this a long way. (5) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN got her maiden win two starts back and then ran 3rd on her first try at this class over 1300M on April 24th. She has a strong finish on her and can be competitive here. (8) BLUE CARSON and (4) BURNING PASSION are others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Dokbo (2) Cheongho Boss (5) Haman Yeohangsan (8) Blue Carson
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) GOLD TAP was a winner on debut back in February and since then has run 5th an d 2nd in two assignments at this class. The most recent of those was on his first try at a mile on May 8th when prominent throughout and leading for part of the home straight, and he will be expected to return to the winner’s circle here. (2) WONDERUL FILE was a good winner over 1300M two starts back to get promoted to this class and ran 3rd on her first crack at it over the same distance on April 29th. She comes up in trip here but it can suit and she should be going close. (8) CHOEGANG MARINE and (7) GRAND CHUKJE can both have a line drawn through their respective latest starts. The former is a winner at this distance while the latter has placed at class and distance. (9) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN another who can be competitive.
Selections
(4) Gold Tap (2) Wonderful File (8) Choegang Marine (7) Grand Chukje
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 8
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A small field but a very competitive affair. (5) GALLANT WARRIOR was a class and distance winner on May 6th when on pace throughout. Both his wins have come at this distance and while he does come up 2kg from that run, he has every chance of winning again. (1) ROSE BULLET came home in 3rd place in that race having been on pace throughout. He draws nicely here and can be a danger again. (8) CHEONGHO LEADER enters off a solid runner-up finish at class and distance on May 15th. He came from well off the pace that day and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue. (3) GREAT DANCE is another who comes out of that May 6th race when he was 5th. While he only has the one win to his name, he has ten top-three finishes and should be close again. (7) YEONGWON POWER another to consider.
Selections
(5) Gallant Warrior (1) Rose Bullet (8) Cheongho Leader (3) Great Dance
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 6
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(12) BEAUTIFUL KING won back-to-back races over this distance in March and April the second of which was at this class. He weakened in the straight at 1400M on his latest outing on May 8th but this looks a more suitable assignment and he can return to winning ways. It’s a tricky race though. (6) A ONE PLUS is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but has no fewer than thirteen top-five finishes. He has some fair performances at this distance to his name and under a light weight again, can go close. (11) ROCKET SORI didn’t do too much wrong on debut at this distance on April 29th. He should have benefitted for the experience and with natural improvement can get closer today. (2) MUJEOK CHARLIE and (8) ONE PICK are among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(12) Beautiful King (6) A One Plus (11) Rocket Sori (2) Mujeok Charlie
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
A very competitive race to finish with. (10) SONIC KING IJI might be ready to return to the winner’s circle. He’s been getting closer across his latest few appearances and ran 2nd at class and distance on April 22nd, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. The draw is not ideal but he doesn’t need to lead and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he has a chance. (11) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON won back-to-back races at this distance in March and April. She comes in off a 4th place when dropped back to 1200M on May 6th but back up in trip today, she can be a big threat. (1) COPY THAT beat Ilnyeom Tongcheon in that May 6th race having previously run 2nd to her at this distance. He gets a great draw here and can be a danger. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC and (3) BABEL HIT are others to consider.
Selections
(10) Sonic King Iji (11) Ilnyeom Tongcheon (1) Copy That (6) Geuma Psychic
Winner’s Man’s stock continues to soar as last year’s Korean Derby winner defeated last year’s Grand Prix Stakes winner, Haengbok Wangja, in a home-straight joust in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Seo Seung-un salutes the crowd aboard Winner’s Man (Pic: KRA)
The YTN Cup was the second leg of the 2022 “Stayer Series” but while Winner’s Man ran out the easy winner of the first race, the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-L) earlier this month, he was still only sent off as second favourite for Sunday’s race. That was because Haengbok Wangja, emphatic winner of the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes on Boxing Day, joined proceedings and was locked in as the odds-on favourite.
Drawn the widest in the field of eleven, Winner’s Man was ridden hard from the gate by jockey Seo Seung-un to get up on the pace but had to yield the lead Touch Star Man, a winner of two legs of the Triple Crown in 2020, on his inside as the field headed into the first corner. Touch Star Man’s stablemate King Of The Match joined them on pace while Haengbok Wangja was settled into 4th.
Touch Star Man was the first to give way turning for home and King Of The Match’s challenge promptly folded too, leaving Winner’s Man and Haengbok Wangja to battle it out over the final two furlongs. Always on top, Winner’s Man never let his rival get to within less than a length of him and ultimately crossed the line going away. The pair were a full seven-lengths clear of Geuma Mystic in 3rd while the nine-year-old Shamrocker ran an excellent 4th.
Winner’s Man is by Musket Man and is out of Winner’s Marine (by Volponi), who was a six-time winner in Korea. He was winning for the eleventh time in sixteen starts and for the second time at Group level, following his triumph in the delayed Korean Derby last November.
(Pic: KRA)
Just as it was a second Group win for the horse, so too it was for trainer Choi Ki-hong, for whom Winner’s Man is turning out to by far the best horse in an eighteen-year career. Jockey Seo Seung-un, was partnering his ninth Group race winner.
The win means that Winner’s Man now has an unassailable lead in the Stayer Series with one race still to come, the Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2), the most valuable leg of the series in terms of prizemoney, which will be run over the slightly shorter distance of 1800M at Busan on June 26th.
The second leg of the Stayer Series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) highlights the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there is a class 1 sprint headlining the 6-race program from 12:00 to 16:45. Click here for a runner-by-runner guide to the YTN Cup. Here is the race-by-race:
Moonhak Chief won the YTN Cup during his breakout 2019 season (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open the program with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. (7) DAPHNE has hinted at some ability when 3rd over 1000M at start number three last December. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when 2nd in a trial on May 6th and from a likely on pace position, she has as good a chance as any here. (3) OKCHEON CHOEGANG has finished in 4th place in both outings so far, both of them over this distance and most recently when beating a couple of today’s rivals on April 30th. He’ll be challenging Daphne for the early lead and has every chance of going all the way. (6) CHOEGO BLACK was 5th behind Okcheon Choegang on what was his debut on April 30th. He should have come on for that run and can get closer today. Of the first-time starters, (4) EURO TEUKGEUP improved in his second trial and from a great draw can go well first up. (9) KINGS EYE another in the frame after an adequate debut.
Selections
(7) Daphne (3) Okcheon Choegang (6) Choego Black (4) Euro Teukgeup
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Filly maidens only here. (5) TIFFANY BLUE looks to be the one to beat following an on-pace narrow runner-up finish over 1300Mon April 10th. She has run well at this distance too and with an apprentice jockey taking 3kg off her back, she looks extremely well in here. (6) SWEET KAKAO similarly gets the benefit of an apprentice claim, in her case a full 4kg. That brings her down from her back-to-back 4th places in her latest two where she has settled behind the early speed and run on. There isn’t much early speed here so she should be on the pace and can go all the way. (10) NAMSAN KKOT was 5th behind Sweet Kakao on her latest appearance on May 1st having run 4th the time before that and should be in at least the placing frame here. (2) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (11) NAEGILUI BYEOL are others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
It has been a full forty-nine weeks since we last saw (7) VICTORY SAM in a race. He did quite well that day to, running 2nd over 1000M on her third career outing. She has had setbacks since but seemed very much over them with a bold showing in a trial on April 22nd when she led from gate to wire. She couldn’t really pick a nicer race to return in and despite her absence, she will be a strong favourite here. (4) SHINE MUSIC is yet finish in the top-two places in fifteen starts but she has shown some consistency in her latest few outings and comes in off a useful enough 5th at her latest start on May 8th. She can settle behind the early leaders here and run into some money. (3) FAMILY CAPTAIN has a 2nd place to his name at this distance three starts back and after two indifferent spins when carrying 56kg, gets a 4kg allowance with an apprentice climbing aboard. That should bring him into the placing frame here. (12) GLOBAL CASTLE and (2) BEST BIG BANG are others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Victory Sam (4) Shine Music (3) Family Captain (12) Global Castle
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old filly maidens in the South Coast opener. (1) QUEEN ALLIE gets the nod following an encouraging debut over 1200M on May 6th when she settled back before running on well for 2nd place. She should have come on for that run, she has a great draw, and the additional half furlong should pose no problems. (8) HANEUL JILJU has improved across her three starts to date, culminating in 3rd place last time out when leading until the closing stages. She will be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (5) ALL CROWN already has positive experience at this distance, running a good 2nd at it on her latest appearance on March 20th. She settled back and ran on and similar can be expected here. (9) STAR CATCH ad (2) CROWD ONE are others with at least placing claims.
Selections
(1) Queen Allie (8) Haneul Jilju (5) All Crown (9) Star Catch
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies only here and while plenty enter in good form, (7) RAON THE WEEKEND is the one to beat. Her solitary win to date came at this distance in a good time at class 6 level three starts back and since then she has run well in two attempts at this level. First, she overcame gate thirteen to get to the speed but ultimately end up 6th over 1200M and then most recently, on April 9th, went right back after a slow start but finished off well for 4th. With a better start today, she will prove hard to go past. (4) INVICTUS is the logical second pick. Her win over 1200M at class 6 at the beginning of April had been coming and she showed she can measure up at this level when 4th over 1400M on May 1st. She can sit on the speed or settle back and run on and should be a factor here. (2) GREEN JJANG took a couple of tries to get to grips with this level but has been coming back into form in her latest two, especially her last start 2nd at 1200M. From a good draw, she can be on the speed here and go close. (11) CUPID JUMBO and the up in class (6) V QUEEN among others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Raon The Weekend (4) Invictus (2) Green Jjang (11) Cupid Jumbo
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(7) GEUMA INFINITE ran a solid 3rd place on debut over 1300M on May 8th when settling midfield and finishing off well. The additional half-furlong should suit and with some natural improvement from that run, he should be winning this. He will be a hot favourite in a field where the form of the rest is less than convincing. (2) BOUNTY HUNTER doesn’t look in any danger of winning a race, but he has picked up minor money on five of eleven occasions so far. An apprentice brings him down 3kg in the weights here and from a good draw, he can be aiming for a career best finish. (10) MILK DAY too has been loitering around the minors, most recently beating a couple of these on his way to 4th place over 1300M on May 13th. The wide gate shouldn’t matter, and he looks a solid placing chance. (5) THE PRINCESS and (8) YEONGGWANGUI RIDER others who can find some minor money although the latter does tend to save his best for barrier trials.
Selections
(7) Geuma Infinite (2) Bounty Hunter (10) Milk Day (5) The Princess
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
After seven top-five finishes, it’s about time (7) REMARKABLE finally came home in top. He enters after back-to-back 3rd places at class and distance, both in good times and once more carries a light weight. He draws fairly, and today can be his day. (6) NONSTOP CAT enters off two consecutive runner-up finishes at class and distance, both times having been drawn wide. From a better gate today, he can pose a threat again. (1) K N SKETCH is up in class following a maiden win over 1300M on May 1st when he sat behind the leader before taking things up just before the furlong pole and never looking back. He draws well for Antonio to sit handy here and he should measure up at this level. (12) COMPLETE WEAPON was a winner at start number two at 1200M on April 2nd. It wasn’t a fast time, but he looks to have potential the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (5) CONCORDE SPURT among others with placing chances.
Selections
(7) Remarkable (6) Nonstop Cat (1) K N Sketch (12) Complete Weapon
Winner’s Man was a dominant winner of the first leg of the Stayer Series earlier this month, but last year’s Korean Derby faces perhaps his sternest test yet as he must contend with Grand Prix Stakes winner Haengbok Wangja in the second race of the series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Raecourse on Sunday.
Winner’s Man in the Herald Business Winner’s Circle (Pic: KRA)
The YTN Cup was one of the races that didn’t make it into the abbreviated Stakes program that was crammed into the final three months of 2021. There is one former winner going around though, as Moonhak Chief, who bagged the 2019 edition along with the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes on his way to Horse of the Year honours, returns, amplifying the test for Winner’s Man.
Haengbok Wangja will be favourite. The five-year-old ran out a three-length winner of the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) on Boxing Day. In his only race so far this year, he ran a close 2nd to President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong at the end of March and having sat out the first leg of the Stayer Series, the Herald Business Trophy, he can be ready to peak here.
Moonhak Chief has mixed his form since that stellar 2019 campaign but remains very good on his day while trainer Kim Young-kwan brings two contenders up from his Busan base. Touch Star Man won two legs of the Triple Crown in 2020 and ran a strong 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes last December. Meanwhile the relatively unexposed King Of The Match has won five of eight starts, never finishing outside the top three, and he takes his chance against the elite for the first time.
As for Winner’s Man, he won the Herald Business by a full four-lengths. Another step up today in the YTN isn’t impossible and would almost certainly go down as his most impressive achievement to date. Here is a full look at all the runners in the YTN Cup which is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul on Sunday:
1. TOUCH STAR MAN (KOR) [Testa Matta – Useung Touch (Menifee) 5-H
Owner: Uh Mun-sik Trainer: Kim Young-kwan Jockey: Lim Sung-sil
The winner of two legs of the 2020 Triple Crown, he hasn’t actually crossed the line 1st in eleven starts since the latter of those, the Minister’s Cup, over this distance twenty-one months ago. However, he ran a big 2nd here in the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) here last December and meets that day’s winner Haengbok Wangja 4kg to the better here. Beaten by Winner’s Man in both of his latest two but draws well today and could well put in a big run. Worth an each-way chance.
A winner of eight of his last ten starts, he was runner-up in the KRA Cup Classic at this distance last November before winning the Grand Prix Stakes here in December. His only run since saw him run 2nd to Simjangui Godong at this distance on March 27th when hand and wide and going close under the same weight as today. Tactically versatile, he can be on pace or settle back and run on but given the favourable draw, is likely to go forward and he will be a big player here.
O: Kuem A Industry Co Ltd T: Lee Sang-young J: Kim Cheol-ho
15/6/3/3 – KRW 251,510,000
A winner of six up to class 2 level and 1800M. He ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance, which was at class 2 behind Power Wonderful. Well fancied for his first crack at class 1 on April 8th but finished down the pack and is one of the outsiders here.
4. MOONHAK CHIEF (USA) [Pioneerof The Nile – Tallulah Lula (Old Trieste)] 7-H
O: Kwon Kyung-ja T: Jung Ho-ik J: Johan Victoire
30/14/5/3 – KRW 2,252,900,000
The winner of this race in 2019, the year he went on to score in both the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes. He has mixed his form of late, last winning four starts back at 1800M. A good 2nd to Simjangui Godong at 2000M in February is sandwiched by two disappointing showings in the Grand Prix Stakes and then last time out in the Herald Business when he settled midfield but failed to quicken and only beat two home. Grand galloper who can still mix it with the best on his day, you just need to catch him right. A chance.
5. KING OF THE MATCH (USA) [Cairo Prince – Fought The Fight (War Front)] 4-C
O: D R M City T: Kim Young-kwan J: Choi Si-dae
8/5/2/1 – KRW 213,850,000
An up-and-comer who enters off super wins at 1800M at class 2 level and then an on-pace score over a mile on his first try at class 1 on April 15th, narrowly beating Barbarian over a mile, both in fast times. This is his first time among the elite, his first time at Seoul and his first time at 2000M, but he gets weight from the leading lights and a top jockey comes up to ride him. He’ll be on or close to the pace and a bold showing is expected. Stablemate of Touch Star Man.
6. CONSTI SOLO (USA) [Constitution – Solo Survivor (Pleasant Tap)] 5-G
O: Park Cheol-geun T: Jeon Seung-gyu J: Jang Chu-youl
6/3/3/0 – KRW 116,550,000
A first start since last August when he ran 2nd to the then hype horse Carving Cross. A winner of three from six, his running style suggests the distance won’t be an issue for him but while he won a trial in fine style two weeks ago, this is a very stern test first-up.
7. SHAMROCKER (USA) [Dublin – Portera (Lemon Drop Kid)] 9-H
O: Cho Mong-ju T: Song Moon-gil J: Song Jae-chul
53/6/12/10 – KRW 1,306,450,000
The old warhorse. It’s been thirty-three runs since he has saluted back in 2017, however, he has been regularly picking up a check right up until very recently, and only ever racing among the elite. At his last start he ran 7th in the Herald Business Cup and given recent form, a midfield finish will be expected but with the potential to sneak a 4th or 5th place money finish,
8. MUNHAK TIGER (USA) [To Honor And Serve – A Precious Memory (Honor Grades)] 6-H
O: Hwang Bong-ki T: Park Jae-woo J: Lim Gi-won
27/5/4/2 – KRW 369,550,000
Only beat three home in the Herald Business when he had the challenge of the outside gate. That wasn’t out of keeping with recent form though and it has been eight starts since he managed to finish in the placings. He will drop back and look to pass a few in the home straight, aiming for minor money.
9. LOOKING GOOD (KOR) [Federalist – Quail Run (Wagon limit)] 6-H
O: Shin Woo-chul T: Jeon Seung-gyu J: Lee Hyeok
16/4/0/6 – KRW 175,170,000
A big 3rd place in the Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M KOR-L) on March 20th at odds of 75/1 enables him to take his chance there, although with that race having been restricted to Seoul-based Korean-bred horses, this is much tougher. Nevertheless, he went right to the back that day, making up excellent ground in the home straight and similar tactics may see him pick a few off again.
10. SENSE JAENGI (USA) [Munnings – Balansense (Street Sense)] 6-G
O: Kim Jong-chul T: An Byung-ki J: Cho Han-byeol
28/1/2/0 – KRW 186,690,000
Sense Jaengi running in Graded Stakes company is probably not something many had on their 2022 bingo card. Unable to get into a full class 3 race back on January 8th, the then twenty-five-race maiden was thrown in at class 2 to get a run and duly won at odds of 130/1. In both outings since, he has run 2nd, both at 1800M. He loves to – or at least has recently discovered he loves to – go right back and run on but surely this is too hard.
11. WINNER’S MAN (KOR) [Musket Man – Winner’s Marine (Volponi)] 4-C
O: Lee Gyeong-hui T: Choi Ki-hong J: Seo Seung-un
15/10/2/1 – KRW 861,730,000
Last year’s Korean Derby winner and very hard to find fault with here. He is in terrific form, winning three of his last four starts including the Herald Business by a full four-lengths at this course and distance on May 1st. He likes to race forward, and while he draws wider and is up in weight on the Herald Business Cup win, he cannot be left out.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open with reserved seats available for reservation through the MyCard app or general admission on the gate. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
The two-year-old races are finally upon us and that means for the first time in a few months, we are back to having five-furlong juvenile races for big money. It’s to the trial videos we head and after watching them, it is hard to put anything other than (8) LION HEAD on top. The only filly in the race, she won her heat very pleasingly, registering a good time on a slightly wet track. If she brings that form to the races, the wide gate will be irrelevant, and she should win. (2) NUT PLAY came through the same heat, crossing the line a full second and a half slower than Lion Head but having to work around from the outside gate and making up ground late. He draws well here and can be considered. (5) WONPYEONG KILLAR came through a very slow trial but did cross the line in 2nd place. Expect him to be up with the early lead here and run on. (7) WONDERFUL CARO was also on pace in his heat and for a top stable a bold showing will be expected first-up. (4) WHITE NUMBER ONE another who posted a fair time when qualifying.
Selections
(8) Lion Head (2) Nut Play (5) Wonpyeong Killar (7) Wonderful Caro
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Back to the three-year-old maidens here although five of the twelve are racing for the very first time. It’s very competitive but we’ll tentatively side with experience and opt for (5) GAGIMAN GODANG. He didn’t do much on debut but improved enough at start number two on April 24th when sitting handy and running through the line for 3rd over this distance. If he continues to improve, he can win here. (2) WORLD CHARM looks the pick of the first-timers. He was on pace in his trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd in a fair time (the heat was won by juvenile Lion Head, who is entered in race 1, so by the time this race goes to post, we may have a clearer picture of how impressive or otherwise it was). He draws well to lead and should go well. (7) DEVIL K won his heat and while the time wasn’t hugely quick, that’s enough to give him a chance first-up in this company. (3) FLY JENNY went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them. Her dam was a very good racehorse and has produced one decent one so far, K Top King. (8) GEUMSEONG CROWN isn’t a first-timer but hasn’t raced since last November. He has a 3rd place to his name and won a trial just last week so should be kept safe.
Selections
(5) Gagiman Godang (2) World Charm (7) Devil K (3) Fly Jenny
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(7) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG has five top-five finishes from eight starts so far and steps up slightly in trip following a good 2nd place over 1300M on April 24th when handy throughout. While this is his first try at seven-furlongs, he has already raced around two-turns, running 4th over 1700M two starts back from a wide draw so this can suit, and he can win. Logical second pick is (8) TTEOOREUDA. She’s steadily improved across her four outings to date and ran on well for 2nd place over 1300M on April 30th. She is another for whom the slightly extended trip can suit and with a strong finish on her, she can settle midfield and run on here. (12) ECHO ZONE draws the car park, but he came from off the pace last time out to run 3rd at 1200M, so it may not matter too much. He has improved his finishing position in all his four appearances and further improvement shouldn’t be ruled out here. (2) SAEROUN BITKKAL and (9) EUNHYE RECORD others in at least the placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
This is a very competitive race. We’ll go with (11) ICE STAR, a winner of two from thirteen so far ad who enters in reasonable form, coming back in trip following a 2nd place at 1400M in March and a 4th over 1700M in April. He draws wide but he has the best finish of all of these on him and has run well at this distance in the past. (9) ENERGIZER has mixed his form but returned to action following a seven-month layoff with a string runner-up finish at class and distance on April 30th when he led for almost the entire way around. He hasn’t always been on pace in his races, but his solitary win came that way and he should be aiming to get forward again here. (6) B.J. STORM comes up in class having won on debut on April 23rd over 1200M when tracking the leader throughout and running on well for a narrow victory. This is harder but he draws well again, comes down slightly in the weights, and with some natural improvement, can be in this. (1) SONGAM RACER and (2) QUEEN LION are among others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(2) K N UNDERKING has finished no worse than 6th in six starts with his solitary win coming at this distance last October. He enters in good form and in this company and with this draw should be looking to be close to the pace and he can prove too strong late on. (5) MIGHTY GOOD looks the logical main danger. He came from well off the pace to get his maiden win over 1200M two starts back before running 4th on his first try at this level, over 1400M on April 24th, again coming from a long way back. If anything, he can get a bit too far back in his races but if he can be within touching distance at the top of the straight, he has a big chance here. (1) LUXURY KING has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and he hasn’t been too far away in recent outings. He draws very nicely on the inside to take a sit behind the highly speed and should be working home well. (10) BICHUI DAERYUK and (9) YONGAM BOSS among others who can enter the calculations in another competitive race.
Horse Racing in Korea 