Busan

Jeju Governor’s Cup Sunday – Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 10)

It’s Jeju Govenor’s Cup day at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday and a full field of sixteen fillies and mares will line up for one of the final Korea Group races of the year over 1400M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.

Lead Money 2018 Jeju Governor's KRA

Lead Money held off Sinui Myeogryeong in a battle of the greys in last year’s Jeju Governor’s Cup. She returns to defend her title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Last year’s Jeju winner Lead Money returns to defend her title as one of the few established class 1 contenders in the race and will accordingly be among the favourites. However, she will face stiff competition from the lightly raced Dia Road as well as other more established runners such as Hello Venus and Doctor Thunder. See below for race-by-race for Seoul with Busan Selections at the bottom:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with five of the ten having raced before. Of those five, (4) GEOMPO has looked the most promising with a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, the latter at this distance. He’s drawn well to lead and can win. None of the others have impressed to any extent so it’s to the first-timers we need to look for the other chances. Possible favourite is (8) WISH ME. She ran out a very good trial winner last month, running on very well and should go well first up. (9) JEONJEONGSAGUEM also won her trial while (1) A TO Z and (3) CHAMILHO hinted at ability too.

Selections (4) Geompo (8) Wish Me (9) Jeonjeongsaguem (1) A To Z
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 4, 6, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Very weak maiden. (4) BOMNALUI GIEOK hasn’t shown much in the way of speed – he’s not alone in that regard in this race – but he seems a reasonable type who has run on well in better company than this and if he can put himself in a handy position may be able to pass the rest in the closing stages here. (1) J M FIGHTER looked promising on debut and while he has had a couple of setbacks, looks like he has some ability. (3) J. S. POWER too has run reasonably well in better company and can go close. The only one of the field to have a runner-up finish to their name so far is (5) BEST GOLD. That came at this distance and she comes in following a 4th place last start. That’s enough to put her in the frame today.

Selections (4) Bomnalui Gieok (5) Best Gold (1) J M Fighter (3) J.S. Power
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) DONGBANG JIJON comes in off a 3rd place in a similar race to this and having shown proficiency at the distance is the slight pick to finally break his maiden at the thirteenth time of asking. (6) DAECHEON ACE and (10) MAENGJU have both beaten Dongbang Jijon in the past and both come in off reasonably recent outings. (1) CORRE MI CABALLO debuted all the way back in September of 2018 and actually ran rather well. He’s not been seen since but returned to training this autumn and looked very well when 2nd in an October trial, which brings him straight into contention first-up. (4) MY SISTER NINA had a poor day at the office last start but is better than that and can be given another chance here.

Selections (2) Dongbang Jijon (1) Corre Mi Caballo (6) Daecheon Ace (4) My Sister Nina
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 4, 8, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) EAGLE EYE ran a solid 4th place over 1000M at the end of September and having previously run 2nd and 3rd at this distance, looks to be the favourite to take the honours here. The others are going to need to step up. (7) SAEROUN BOBAE had to be scratched on the way to the start last week after her jockey aggravated a back injury. The same jockey returns today and so long as they make it to the gate this time, she will have a chance. (3) MACH NEDAN and (4) BAEK HAK have hardly impressed so far but both are likely to be on the early speed and that could be enough to get them close at the end. (10) FAMILY HOPE the best of a limited rest.

Selections (2) Eagle Eye (7) Saeroun Bobae (10) Family Hope (3) Mach Nedan
Next Best 4, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

(6) DYNAMIC PUNCH led all the way to record his maiden win by a length over this distance on October 12th. Although that wasn’t the strongest of races, he and the rest of the place-getters were a full ten lengths clear of the remainder of the field and he looks to have enough development in him to be favoured here. (3) SUNSHINE TEUKGEUP and (5) YEONGGWANGUI BEAT are similarly up in class following maiden victories on their respective last starts and both should be competitive at this level too. (9) GEUMBIT YEOLJEONG comes in off a string of near misses and should be close at hand again while (2) PRIME QUEEN too ran a really good 3rd place at class and distance last start and looks a danger.

Selections (6) Dynamic Punch (9) Geumbit Yeoljeong (2) Prime Queen (3) Sunshine Teukgeup
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 9, 12

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ELITE LADY got her maiden win at the third time of asking at the end of September, scoring by four lengths over 1000M, having previously run 4th in a valuable race in August. She is up in class and in distance here but should be able to overcome both of those things and can win again. (9) P.K. HILL is similarly up in class following a maiden win last time, also at 1000M and is set to be competitive too, likely joining Elite Lady on the early speed. (8) CHEONEUN JJANG was beaten a nose on her first try at this class in (more…)

President’s Cup 2019: Full Preview / Seoul & Busan Sunday Race-By-Race (November 3)

This decade there have only been four different President’s Cup winners. From 2010 to 2012, the great Dangdae Bulpae monopolised the race. Indie Band and Gyeongbudaero then each took a turn in the winner’s circle before Triple Nine won the first of what would be four straight successes in 2015.

There will be a new name on the trophy this year. Now aged seven, Triple Nine is back in training but he hasn’t made the starting gate and instead sixteen horses will vie to succeed him in winning the President’s Cup (KOR G1-2000M), the nation’s richest age-open race for Korean-bred horses at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. Race-by-race notes for Seoul below followed by Busan selections.

Simjangui Godong KRA

Simjangui Godong (Pic: KRA)

It’s a deep field. The last two Korean Derby winners, Ecton Blade and Wonderful Fly, are present but both will be outsiders in a bunch headed by Simjangui Godong. The three-year-old ran 2nd in the Derby and 6th in the Minister’s Cup but has since embarked on a purple patch of three wins including the Ilgan Sports and HRI Trophies.

Jockey Moon Se Young had more than one option but ultimately plumped for Simjangui Godong. However, a heavy fall on Saturday that landed him in hospital, seems likely to rule him out of the mount and a chance of winning one of the few elite races still to elude him.

Speaking after Thursday’s barrier draw, Moon had been bullish about Simjangui Godong’s chances and excited to ride a horse on whose sire, Jigeum I Sungan, he finished 3rd in the race in 2013. “I rode his sire in this race. We didn’t win it, but he was a great horse and I would love to win on his son. He’s a good horse, so it’s down to me. He’s so good that we can overcome even one mistake – obviously if we make more, it will be difficult”.

In gate 5, Simjangui Godong also has the plum draw. “In the President’s Cup, it’s so hard to win if you’re not within the inside 10. Gate 5 is perfect”, said Moon. Should Moon not make the race, a replacement rider has yet to be confirmed.

New Legend hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise. A Korea bred, he spent the early part of his career in the United States, even winning at Arlington Park, and for his first few outings back home looked unstoppable. The he hit the elite level and things haven’t been so easy with his latest being a disappointing run in the Keeneland Korea Cup (KOR G1).

This time though, New Legend faces only domestically-bred rivals and Kim Uk, assistant trainer to Kim Young-kwan, believes better is to come. “There is a myth that Menifee’s progeny aren’t good around 2000M or further, but we know that’s not true after Gyeongbudaero and Power Blade (both Grand Prix Stakes winner at 2300M). But we heard it again after New Legend was beaten (in May’s YTN Cup). We think he’s ready. After the Korea Cup he had a bit of a rest then we brought him back and started training him early with this in mind. We put him through a trial, and he went really well, and we think he is a chance here.”

Another serious chance is New Legend’s stablemate Captain Force. The four-year-old, by Peace Rules, is a winner of nine from twenty so far, but last raced in June. That doesn’t concern jockey Lee Hyo-sik. “He has been out a while and we initially wanted him to run once before this race, but we trialled him and felt he wasn’t ready so went back to training. We trialled him again at the beginning of October and were really happy with him so decided to come straight here. He did his fast work on Thursday and he was excellent. He’s exactly where we want him to be.”

Busan’s strong challenge is fortified by Final Energy. The Testa Matta gelding ran 5th behind Blue Chipper in the Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) in September but showed his staying credentials when beating fellow contender here Toham Ace in a strong race over 1800M five weeks ago.

Jockey Lim Sung-sil won this race on Indie Band in 2013 and likes what he sees in Final Energy. “It’s his first time around 2000M so we’ve been working on his stamina. He’s got good gate speed so I wasn’t worried about the draw although getting gate 7 is great, we just have to make sure he sees out the whole race. If he does that then he’s right in there. He travelled well, has eaten well and he likes it at Seoul – the stable here is bigger!”

There are plenty of other contenders too. Among the three-year-olds, Minister’s Cup winner Rock Choice takes his chance while top filly Clear Geom will also be in the gate. Among older contenders, the prolific winner Dokdo Jigi, a winner of eight from eleven lifetime starts, returns to action for the first time in five months and while he was given an easy time in a barrier trial last week, has plenty of quality about him. As for foreign interest, Thomas Gillespie saddles Toham Ace while Richard Oliver rides Ecton Blade and Ioannis Poullis gets the big leg-up on New Legend.

Seoul Comments

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) GEOSEN JILU comes in having run 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far, both at 1000M and both times running on well. She steps up in trip for the first time today and could well be the one to beat. (4) DAESEUNG QUEEN ran well for 2nd on debut on October 5th. She too steps up in trip for the first time and looks to be a danger. (7) ILBO DEUNGCHEON does have experience of this distance having run 4th in what was quite a strong race last start and must be considered for improvement. (2) CHOGANGGUK and (8) BAEKDUSAN CHEONJI look to be the best of the rest.

Selections (5) Geoseon Jilju (4) Daeseung Queen (7) Ilbo Deungcheon (8) Baekdusan Cheonji
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 5, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Competitive – if not especially strong – maiden. (6) SHARK JJANG and (4) EAST BAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced each other on September 28th. That was just East Ban’s second start and e should have improvement in him. He’s drawn better today to get to the lead and can win. (2) MUNHAKUI JEONSA already holds a win over 1200M and while he disappointed last start can be given another chance today back at the minimum. (9) POP STREET comes in off a very narrow defeat last time out over 1700M and is interesting dropped all the way back to 1000M today. (5) GOLDEN SERVICE (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 1)

It’s President’s Cup weekend up at Seoul but before that, November’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an eleven-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan World Sun

A number of Busan’s top jockeys are in Seoul so Choi Si Dae could have a good day at Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden with only four of the twelve having raced before. (3) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT is set to be firm favourite having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts to date. He’ll be leading early and it’s hard to see anything stopping him here. Of the others who have raced before, (2) SPRING WALTZ was perhaps the most promising but greater threats should come from the first-timers. (10) JANGMI GONGJU ran 3rd in a trial (eight-lengths behind Triple Nine) in early October while (5) DOCTOR GREY and (7) QUEEN GRACE also hinted at some competence. As every with the debut-makers, watch the market for additional clues.

Selections (3) Jeonseoului Bulkkot (5) Doctor Grey (7) Queen Grace (10) Jangmi Gongju
Next Best 2, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 8

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

More juvenile maidens here and ten of the eleven are fillies. Four of them have raced before. The slight pick is (4) OASIS GIRL. Having run 4th on debut, she was 6th on her reappearance at the end of September. She was less than a length behind 2nd and this looks to be a simpler task so she could well come out on top today. (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY did nothing wrong when 4th on debut at the beginning of October and can build on that here, but there are some promising first-time starters. (11) MASTER BELLA ran 2nd in a trial on October 5th in a fast time. She’s drawn wide but if she brings that form to the track, then she should go well first up. (9) KKUMEUL NEOMEO ran a fast time in what was a slightly unusual trial and looks to be in the hunt. (2) SIMON LADY was another mature looking trial performer.

Selections (4) Oasis Girl (11) Master Bella (2) Simon Lady (3) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2, 8, 10, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) SMILE WINNER ran an improved 3rd on what was her fourth career start on September 20th. It was her first try at this distance and she can build on it today. The one she’ll need to beat is (5) ACE JACKPOT. She was considered good enough to be allowed to take her chance in the Gold Circle Trophy at the end of September and while she only managed 6th of 9, didn’t run badly. She can run well from the front today. (2) WILD GERANIUM drops back in trip following a couple of useful spins around a mile since returning from five months out in September. (1) CENTER FORWARD and (9) DAESAN GAPBU are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (8) Smile Winner (5) Ace Jackpot (2) Wild Geranium (1) Center Forward
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 4, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) WORLD TODAY ran 4th on debut over 1000M on October 8th. He started steadily and ran on well and stepping up to 1300M here should be in his favour. He’ll probably be ridden on pace this time and looks the one to beat. (3) WORLD SLAM and (4) RAON FLYING came home 3rd and 5th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on October 4th. Both should be competitive again here with World Slam again (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

Seoul and Busan both host their respective 2nd legs of the 2019 Juvenile Series on Sunday with the best in both races qualifying for the final at Busan on the first Sunday in December. There is an 11 race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Roller Blade

Roller Blade won the 1st leg of the Juvenile Series at Seoul (Pic: KRA) 

 

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

Maiden juvenile fillies to kick things off and all twelve of them are racing for the very first time. (9) BOHEMIAN MUSIC is the only trial winner among them, taking her heat by leading all the way back in September in a decent time and she’ll be among the top line of favourites here. Fastest though in trials was (7) ROAD RAN. She too led all the way until the closing stages and under Moon Se Young could well start favourite. (3) SONGAM PLAYER took part in a slowly-run heat but ran on very competently and can go well first up here while (8) CHEONJI YEOGEOL also hinted at ability. (11) SOSEONO LEGEND is out of Soseono, a filly who ran well in Korea and has a top trainer/jockey combination aboard.

Selections (9) Bohemian Music (7) Road Ran (3) Songam Player (11) Soseono Legend
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not the strongest of maidens here. There were six months between his first and second starts and (3) GOOD MOUNT returned to run 4th at this distance on September 28th. He’ll most likely be on the early pace here and won’t need much improvement to win. That’s true too of (8) JOLLY ROGER, an improved 4th on his third start last month. He led for much of that race and is in weaker company here. (7) PRETTY JOY races for the first time since February. And trialled up adequately enough to suggest she has a chance first-up here. (5) GWACHEON ACE and first-time starter (11) ULTRA ANNIE are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (3) Good Mount (8) Jolly Roger (7) Pretty Joy (11) Ultra Annie
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Competitive maiden. (7) CHOEGANG MAGIC gets the decision having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two, at this distance and at 1700M. He’s likely to be among the early leaders here and could have too much. (9) ROYAL REMEMBER ran an improved 4th at this distance last month and should join Choegang Magic on the early speed and pose the biggest threat. (10) BEST LUCKY showed some progress on his latest outing and may appreciate the increase in trip today while (12) CHEONNYEONUI GODO has finished 4th in each of his last three starts and coule well finish 4th again today. (4) SOUTHERN MAN looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Choegang Magic (9) Royal Remember (10) Best Lucky (12) Cheonnyeonui Godo
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 9

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

Banker favourite of the day time. (2) KING OF RULES may still be a maiden, but he’s finished as runner-up in four of eight starts so far, beaten by useful ones each time. From gate 2, he should lead from the start and would be a big surprise where he to not finally make the breakthrough here. (5) LUCKY BEOPJEON is in a similar position having finished as runner-up behind TK Day and Stretto, both talented juveniles. He’s up in class here but does have a win in him sooner or later.  (10) BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE ran 2nd on his first try at this level on September 29th and should be competitive here too. (1) KAHINAH and (11) SOLGAEBARAM look best of the rest.

Selections (2) King Of Rules (5) Lucky Beopjeon (10) Baeksaek Gwangchae (1) Kahinah
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 1, 2

Busan Race 1 Selections: 5, 1, 10, 11

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

(8) SPEEDOM was an emphatic five-length winner on debut over 1000M on September 21st. He’s up in distance today but looks to have plenty more in him and he can make it two from two today. (3) CHEMI BLUE remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but comes in having finished as runner-up in each of his latest three, just beaten a nose last time. He’ll be on pace from the start and today looks as good a chance as any he has had so far. (4) MUNHAK REWARD showed some progress on what was his second start a month ago, running 3rd and can build on that today. (5) EOMAMUSI was a good maiden winner last start and should be competitive. (9) SOULY MAJESTIC looked sharp when winning a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections (8) Speedom (3) Chemi Blue (4) Munhak Reward (5) Eomamusi
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 3, 5, 8, 9

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

Having debuted last November, it wasn’t until September 27th that (11) YEONGSEONG HOPE finally returned to the track. It was a winning return though, as he scored by three-lengths over 1000M. He’s up in class and distance today but should be equal to both and is favoured to win again. (4) AMOR FATI got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking a month ago. It was at this distance and he made all. He’ll try to get to the lead right away today and looks the main danger. (8) NAEGA SAEGANGJA enters with recent form reading well and should be challenging for a place, as should (3) DONE IT MY, who may be a twenty-nine-race maiden but is capable of finding the money in this type of company. (9) GIDAEHAE another in the hunt.

Selections (11) Yeongseong Hope (4) Amor Fati (3) Done It My (8) Naega Saegangja
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race but (4) HWANGGEUM DOYAJI looks the pick. She may only have been 5th last start but she was only half a length off 4th and ran on strongly. Today marks her firs try at 1700M and it may well suit. (3) CITY CHAMP is still a maiden after twenty-six starts but comes in having raced well lately with a 3rd and a 2nd from his most recent two, both at this distance. He should be placing again. (6) INDIAN BOSS and (1) CHEONJI MYEONGJANG came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on September 29th and both should be aiming for some money here. (11) CHOEGANG SINGI, up in class today, looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Hwanggeum Doyaji (3) City Champ (11) Choegang Singi (6) Indian Boss
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 5, 10

 Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) WONDERFUL COUNTRY ran out a good class and distance winner just two weeks ago. As a result, he carries an additional 4.5kg today but if anything, the competition is not as strong as it was that day and another win is possible. (5) DAEHO JILJU enters in similarly good form with a win and runner=up finish from his latest two and should be a threat while (3) YEONGGWANGUI CHEER is better than his latest couple of outings suggest and back in trip today, can get closer. There are two wildcards. Both (1) SPEED FURY and (7) TANGENT are returning from lengthy spells on the sidelines and both looked well in trials.

Selections (6) Wonderful Country (5) Daeho Jilju (1) Speed Fury (7) Tangent
Next Best 3, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) VICAR BRACING enters having completed a hat-trick of victories in his last three starts, the most recent of which was at class and distance and four in a row is not (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

Headlining this weekend’s racing will be the 2nd legs of the Juvenile Series Championships to be held at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday. It’s Busan that gets racing underway though with 11 races on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

multi

We got a new TV at Busan – this is a poor photoshop version of it….

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens to begin with. (3) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH ran an improved 3rd on what was his second start just two weeks ago and recorded a time significantly faster than his opponents here. He’ll be on pace from the start and is favoured to make the breakthrough.  A few of the others also look to be heading in the right direction following promising runs second-up. (10) ADELE SPIKE also ran a good third when dropped back to this trip after weakening over 1200M on debut, while (1) QUEEN OF THE QUEEN defied three-figure odds to come a useful 4th back at the end of last month. (12) FAMILY DANCER too showed significant progress last start and can build on it today. There are five first-timers and of them, (7) SPICE CANDY looks the pick over (4) EAGLE STAR.

Selections (3) Jeonseolui Punch (10) Adele Spike (7) Spice Candy (12) Family Dancer
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 3, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens again but this time they’re all fillies. Following a couple of promising trials, (1) CHOEGANG TOUCH was relatively well-backed on debut on September 27th and duly beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place. She won’t need to improve much off that run to win again today. (8) NANSAN YEOJE was a disappointing 9th in the same race. She previously ran 2nd behind the very promising Dongteuja Day and should get much closer today. (6) MILE QUEEN ran an unexpected 4th on her debut in sloppy conditions while (4) BEAUTIFUL KOREA and (5) MAX POWER both put in reasonable performances on their respective last starts and could get close here.

Selections (1) Choegang Touch (8) Nansan Yeoje (6) Mile Queen (4) Beautiful Korea
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Filly maidens here. One of the two debut-makers catches the eye. (7) HAPPY YOJEONG is a “full” sister to Cheongu, who won five of fifteen starts and raced at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, as well as Segi Gangja, who continues to run well at Busan. She was only average in her trial, but a top jockey has been engaged and she couldn’t get a weaker race to start her career in. (3) SECRET LEGACY registered a best of 4th in five starts between October last year and March this. She’s been off since but looked a much better prospect when requalifying and winning a trial two weeks ago and goes straight into contention here. (4) THUNDER VEGAS wasn’t too far off 2nd in a tight race last time and shapes to be in the mix here. (6) PEREFCT ANGEL and (8) MAGIC STEALTH look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Secret Legacy (4) Thunder Vegas (7) Happy Yojeong (6) Perfect Angel
Next Best 8, 2
Fast Start 3, 4, 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(3) CHEONNYEONUI GIL and (4) FLYING KINGS came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other on what was for the former, a debut, back on September 20th. Both look nicely in here and can go well again. The one they’ll need to beat though is (2) ADELE CLASSIC, a solid 4th on debut over 1000M last month. The additional trip today should be in his favour and he can get closer here. It’s a similar story for (11) TOUCH STAR MAN from top trainer Kim Young-kwan’s stable. He debuted two weeks ago and should be better for the run. She’s out of Oaks winner Useung Touch. There are three debut-makers, all of whom did well in trials. Thomas Gillespie’s (9) JEONSEOLUI FIGHT perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections (2) Adele Classic (11) Touch Star Man (9) Jeonseolui Fight (3) Cheonnyeonui Gil
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 5, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) SHINING EYE has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place last start on her first try at this distance. She can overcome the wide draw here and can win. (5) SEOBU GENTLEMAN showed significant improvement to run 2nd at this distance earlier this month and should be in the hunt here although (2) PARTY LION has also demonstrated ability with some solid finishes so far and should be involved too. (1) ARA MYUNGMA was a slightly disappointing 6th lats start but can be given another chance here. (6) BARAMUI YEOSIN should be on pace from the start with the only question being how long she can hold on for.

Selections (9) Shining Eye (2) Party Lion (1) Ara Myungma (5) Seobu Gentleman
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 9

Race 6: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) CHEONNYEONUIHUIMA was just beaten a head over 1300M last start, running on well. Although previous attempts at a mile haven’t gone especially well, she looks ready for another crack and has an excellent chance here. (4) TOP FIRE showed promise in her first two outings and while she had a poor day at the office last time, can be given another chance today on what will be her first try at this distance. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (6) JANGGUNEUI JILJU did beat a couple of these on her way to an unlikely 3rd place last time and could pull off a repeat. (3) SUN MOUNTAIN, behind her that day, looks more likely to overturn that form though.

Selections (1) Cheonnyeonuiheuima (4) Top Fire (3) Sun Mountain (6) Jangguneui Jilju
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 5, 5, 7

Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(6) MAN OF THE MATCH has won three of nine so far and comfortably defeated a couple of these on his way to a three-length score at class and distance on September 27th. He does carry an additional 3kg today but still looks very much the one to beat. (8) MGIC FLYING and (5) DOCTOR WEEK came home in 3rd and 4th in that race with just over a length separating them. They have plenty of find on Man Of The Match but should be competing for the places at least. (2) GANGHAN NAMJA, racing for the sixtieth time today (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

Silver Wolf will bid to sweep all three legs of the Queens’ Tour for the second time as the nation’s top fillies and mares come together for the final time this season in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00). 

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Silver Wolf has already won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour

Silver Wolf won the Ttukseom Cup, KNN Cup and Gyeongnam Govenor’s in 2017. Under the old rules, only fillies and mares aged 305 were eligible for the Queens’ Tour but that was changed this year and the now seven-year-old Aussie-bred Silver Wolf (Oratorio) was able to rejoin. In her absence last year, Sky Bay took full advantage and she also returns to Busan in what is set to be an uphill battle to retain her Crown.

Below are race-by-race comments for Seoul, followed at the bottom by selections for Busan as well as a comment on the big race:

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

Banker of the day is in the first as (2) WORLD BEYOND will be heavy favourite to score. One of only two in the field to have raced before, she was 3rd on debut in a good time on September 21st. She should be leading from the start and a run that is in any way similar to last time will be enough here. The other one with prior experience is (8) MAY BLUE, who was an improved 4th on her second outing last month and she should at least match that here. Among the first-time starters, (6) FIGHTING NOW and (7) BRAVO GWACHEON look the most likely to make to make an immediate impact.

Selections (2) World Beyond (6) Fighting Now (7) Bravo Gwacheon (8) May Blue
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 8

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

More juvenile maidens with just three of the nine having raced previously. Of those, both (2) YEOLRIN MUN and (7) MONEY CHAMP have shown enough to suggest that wins at this level will be possible and both will have plenty of backers here. The favourite though is likely to be one of the first-timers. (6) GEUMA KITTEN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd in a fast trial last month and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) WONDERFUL GLITTER was a trial winner last month and while the time wasn’t fast, she looked very competent, leading all the way. (4) YAHO GOLDEN CAT is another trial winner who can go well first-up.

Selections (6) Geuma Kitten (2) Yeolrin Mun (5) Wonderful Glitter (7) Money Champ
Next Best 4, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Decent little maiden here. (7) YEONHUI ILCHUL ran a very good 3rd over 1300M on debut last month. She was a full ten-lengths behind a good winner, but the time was creditable and while it’s interesting to see her drop back in trip when she took to the distance so well, she probably deserves favourite status here. (6) MASEONG TUHON has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far, showing a good turn of foot along the way and should at least maintain that record here. (1) MAD DIVA improved on her second outing on September 22nd and while it was a weaker race than this, showed she has some ability. (2) BAEDARI SUMMIT and (5) HAMYANG SANGRIM are others to consider.

Selections (7) Yeonhui Ilchul (6) Maseong Tuhon (1) Mad Diva (5) Hamyang Sangrim
Next Best 2
Fast Start 2, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) FEDERAL KING makes for a warm favourite here. He ran 2nd in a similar strength race to this over 1000M four weeks ago and having previously demonstrated he can run at this distance too, should really be making all. (1) PENUMBRA backs up quickly following a career-best 2nd two weeks ago and should be figuring again while (6) CLEAR STORY has two good runs to her name at this distance and should be challenging Federal King for the early lead. (3) MANE HANA has been knocking on the door of the places for some time now and could improve here while (7) CHEONSE MANSE is another who could compete for the minor money.

Selections (4) Federal King (1) Penumbra (6) Clear Story (3) Mane Hana
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) JEONGJOUI KKUM has moved rapidly up in class having won two of his latest three including a four-length score last start. The manner of that victory suggests more to come, and he can win this. A couple of others step up in class following last start victories too and of them, (4) VALLEY QUEEN looks best equipped to immediately challenge at this level. As for those with experience in this class, (3) PRIVATE MAN has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since being promoted. He somewhat surprisingly drops back to the minimum trip here, but he looks competitive. (6) WINNER CROWN and (1) HANEULEUL DALRIDA are others who can go close.

Selections (7) Jeongjoui Kkum (3) Private Man (6) Winner Crown (4) Valley Queen
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 6

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) UTGE HAEJULGE was a beaten favourite at class and distance on September 7th. He’s drawn well to get a fast start here though and looks worth another chance on top. (6) HOMECOMING was a good class and distance winner last start and while he carries a couple of additional kilograms today, has strong claims to follow up while (7) FLYING JOY drops back in trip for the first time in a while and can come into contention. (10) ACE WIN remains a maiden but is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes, both times behind the favourite and she should be able to hold her own here. (9) HEUNG KKAEBI returns to racing for the first time since April and is the wildcard having trialled well last month.

Selections (4) Utge Haejulge (6) Homecoming (7) Flying Joy (10) Ace Win
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 6

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) PANORAMA VIEW was a winner on debut over 1200M on September 21st. He came from off the pace to run on well and the slight step up in trip should only be to his benefit and he is favoured to win again. The main danger is still a maiden. (3) BRIGADIER GENERAL has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far and the Aussie import looks sure to get a maiden win sooner or later. It could be here. (1) ALL THAT KOREA enters with recent form reading well and should be close once more while (5) DOLGYEOK APEURO and (8) BROWN ROSE others in the placing hunt.

Selections (4) Panorama View (3) Brigadier General (5) Dolgyeok Apeuro (8) Brown Rose
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 4, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) JANGSAN FLY prevailed at class and distance by two and a half lengths on September 7th, leading from gate to wire. He carries an additional 3kg today, but with seemingly no other early speed in the race, it would be a surprise if he didn’t get a soft lead and come out on top again. (7) JEONGSANG BAEKHO ran a good 2nd on debut four weeks ago. He’s up in trip today but that could well suit and he looks to be the main danger. The experienced (3) BAEKSAN GUNJU showed some signs of returning to form with a useful 4th place in a good race at class and distance at the end of August and comes in here after eight weeks off with placing claims. (4) TWIN JET and (9) WHIZ REINA are others worthy of consideration.

Selections (2) Jangsan Fly (7) Jeongsang Baekho (3) Baeksan Gunju (4) Twin Jet
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2

Race 9: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) DETERMINATION ran out a four-length winner on what was his second career start on September 21st. he is accordingly up in class and in distance today, but the manner of that win suggested there is more to come. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue as he won’t be looking to lead, and he can win this. (4) GEUMSUNI STAR enters off back to back 3rd place finishes, the latter at this distance and he should go close again while (7) CRAZY QUEEN has two runner-up finishes in her latest two but steps up to this trip for the first time. (6) BAEKDUI TAEYANG and (10) SPEED HEUKRYEONG look best of the rest.

Selections (11) Determination (4) Geumsuni Star (7) Crazy Queen (10) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 10

Race 10: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(5) COLORFUL JOY has won three of his latest four and steps up in class and up to this trip for the first time. His running style suggests that it can suit, however, and we’ll put him on top to score again. (9) EAST KINGDOM and (12) BEST VICTORY are both up in class having won at this distance in their respective latest outings. The former looks better equipped to compete at this level right away. (11) SOJUNGHAN MANNAM enters with recent form reading well and looks a solid placing chance while (2) GEUMA KINGDOM and (4) ELAN are others who can aim for the money.

Selections (5) Colorful Joy (9) East Kingdom (11) Sojunghan Mannam (2) Geuma Kingdom
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 9, 11

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It took (1) LIL’ PATRON six goes to get his maiden breakthrough but he seemed to enjoy it as he followed up immediately with another. That latter one was at this class and distance and he beat three of these in the process. He carries an extra 3kg today, but he can overcome it to complete his hat-trick. (5) BARAMEUL GEURIDA won back to back races in June and July to be promoted to this level. He put in a useful 3rd place last start in a similar strength race to this over 1400M, leading for much of it, and he looks a threat here. (7) CATS MIRACLE has proven himself competitive at this level and should be good for a place while (2) BIG GARLAND and (8) CUPID GUY, the latter up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections (1) Lil’ Patron (5) Barameul Geurida (7) Cats Miracle (2) Big Garland
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 5, 9, 11, 12

Busan Selections

Race 1: 10, 5, 3, 12

Race 2: 3, 1, 7, 5

Race 3: 3, 1, 4, 7

Race 4: 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 5: 7, 2, 8, 10

Race 6: Class Open – Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M) KOR G3 –

There are no grounds for opposing (11) SILVER WOLF as she is simply significantly better than anything else in the fillt and mare division. She made a clean sweep of all three legs of the Queens’ Tour last year and while 2000M may not be her optimum distance, she surely has enough to win. The most credible opponent is (5) SKY BAY. She won this race last year (Silver Wolf wasn’t there) and has looked to be coming back to her best having run 2nd to the favourite in the KNN Cup in August. She looked very sharp when winning a trial at Seoul last Friday. (7) COVERGIRL JUSTICE is a stablemate of Silver Wolf and looks to be improving rapidly. This may be a bit soon for her to compete for the win but she certainly has placing claims. (3) YEONGCHEON DERBY and (12) DAMYANG HWANHO are others who can aim for the money.

Selections: 11, 5, 7, 3

Next Best: 12, 10, 6

Fast Start: 2, 6, 7, 10

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_2448

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

Juvenile maidens to kick things off and only one of the twelve has raced before. That’s (1) DAEMANGUI GIL, who has actually appeared twice, improving significantly in the second of them, which was a valuable juvenile race (Gold Circle Trophy) over 1200M. Back down in trip here and his experience may come through. (2) TOP OF CHALLENGER caught the eye in a fast trial back in August and is perhaps the pick of the first-time starters although (5) FANTASTIC WINNER looked good coming from off the pace to win a second trial at the end of September ahead of some established horses and can be taken seriously too. (7) TOP BEST and (11) BURNING STAR also ran in some competitive times and look likely to go well first up, the latter partnered by former Busan champion jockey Kim Young Geun, who is in town for Sunday’s Governor’s Cup. As ever, keep an eye on the market.

Selections (1) Daemangui Gil (2) Top Of Challenger (5) Fantastic Winner (7) Top Best
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 4

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) WORLD TODAY is a “full” brother of World Day, a winner of nine of twelve starts so far. He looked competent enough when trialling two weeks ago and this isn’t the most intimidating. The biggest danger may be (8) BEYOND. He returned from six months off on September 20th only for his saddle to slip and his jockey to fall off. He had been relatively well-fancied in that race due to an impressive trial and he surely will again here. (1) BORYEONG JILJU drops back in trip after a solid 4th over 1300M last start and should be in contention to build on that today. (5) RAINBOW PARK and (12) MYEONGGA DAERO are others in the hunt.

Selections (7) World Today (8) Beyond (1) Boryeong Jilju (5) Rainbow Park
Next Best 12, 2
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(11) HANSEN FLASHY found himself a little overmatched facing the current top juveniles in a valuable race at the end of August but he finds himself in much shallower waters today and should be winning. (7) SUPER GREAT is the only one of these to have a 2nd place to his name and that in itself marks him as a major contender up against this lot. (1) NEPTUNE is a thirty-four race maiden but ran a solid 3rd ahead of a couple of these two weeks ago and should beat a few again. (6) DREAM CHASER hasn’t beaten many across three starts so far but his times have been creditable, and he has been facing much better opposition than this. (8) I AM CHAMPION too can beat a few.

Selections (11) Hansen Flashy (7) Super Great (6) Dream Chaser (1) Neptune
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 6, 9, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(9) BLUE POWER comes in having run a decent 4th in the Gold Circle Trophy at the end of last month, and while he was some way behind the winner, it was a reasonable performance. He already has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and could be the ne to beat here. (4) PINEUI KKUM raced very greenly when 6th on debut last month to the extent that he was sent back to trial. He duly won that trial in a fast time and goes straight into contention here. (2) ANGEL KING STAR and (3) MAJOR GUY came home 3rd and 4th with just a head between them when they raced over this distance on September 27th and both have placing claims. (11) SANBANG ANY DAY was 3rd over 1000M last start and steps back up in trip for the first time since his debut.

Selections (9) Blue Power (4) Pineui Kkum (2) Angel King Star (3) Major Guy
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 11

Race 5: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(1) ALPHA RUNNER enters with recent form reading well and while it’s ten starts since his last win, he looks nicely in here. 2nd last time out over 1200M, he was 4th at this class and distance at the end of August and can come from off the pace with a late run. (10) B.K. GAMBOL upset the highly thought-of Mr. Afleet, making all and just holding on in a fast time on a wet track at class and distance on September 29th and while he carries an additional 3kg here and will need to make his way to the front from a wide draw, he warrants respect. (5) WHITE POINT beat a couple of these in his way to an unexpected 2nd a month ago, his first try at this distance. He can go well again although (2) MUJEOK VETERAN, who was behind him that day, could overturn the form. (9) IGGYDA had a poor day at the office over a mile last time but is better than that and can improve today.

Selections (1) Alpha Runner (10) B.K. Gambol (5) White Point (2) Mujeok Veteran
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 9, 10

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) FINAL DREAM ran 3rd on her first try at this class over 1200M on September 20th. She (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

Racing on Sunday is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05) . Previews for Seoul follow with Busan selections underneath:

Spring Back Korea Sprint

Spring Back, seen here at the Korea Sprint, takes on the unfamiliar distance of 1800M todau (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA) 

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

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with just three of the twelve having raced before and it’s two of those who are likely to be at the top of the market. (4) RAON TAP MAN ran a very good 2nd on debut on September 8th. His stable is in good form and he’ll be well-fancied here. So will (5) HAECHAN, who despite coming 4th in his debut, was closer to the winner than Raon Tap Man and ran a faster time. Both will be on pace from the start and both are strong contenders. Among the debut-makers, (2) CHODONG ROCKET was the most impressive in trials, running a competent 2nd in a heat back in late August. (9) MEOTJIN SEUNGBU and (10) WILD WOODS also caught the eye when qualifying.

Selections (5) Haechan (4) Raon Tap Man (2) Chodong Rocket (9) Meotjin Seungbu
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 10

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

Maiden fillies. (9) STORM FORCE has been knocking on the door throughout her five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1000M in august. She’s had nine weeks off since then and looks nicely in to make the breakthrough here. She’ll be hot favourite. (11) GI RO ran on nicely over 1000M last night and can have some confidence coming back up to 1300M today while (8) BAEK HAK may also improve for the slight increase in trip. (1) SINUI CHUKBOK and (7) FAMILY HOPE are others with scope to improve in what, the favourite aside, is not a strong race.

Selections (9) Storm Force (11) Gi Ro (8) Baek Hak (1) Sinui Chukbok
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens. (1) HIT THE PACE returned from seven months off to run 4th in what was admittedly a weak race on September 1st. He’ll have needed that though and should come on for it today and he has winning chances here. (2) J.S. POWER has hinted at ability over three outings so far, all of them at 1000M. He’s run through the line pleasingly enough each time and could appreciate the additional trip here. (8) TOUR DIA and (10) KHAN ACE are the only two in the field to have 2nd place finishes to their names and both can aim to place here. (5) COLORS DE LAGO best of the rest.

Selections (1) Hit The Pace (2) J.S. Power (8) Tour Dia (10) Khan Ace
Next Best 5, 12
Fast Start 2, 9, 10, 11

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

(3) LOVE RACE got her maiden win in March and was then off for four months. Since returning, she’s run three times with a 3rd and a pair of 4ths. She’s nicely drawn to get to the lead here and she could well win. (2) MAPAEBONG comes in off back to back 3rd place finishes, both of them at class and distance and in arguably slightly tougher company than this so he should be firmly in contention. (8) ROYAL SMARTY has three 3rd places since being promoted to this level and 3rd should be a minimum requirement here. (6) HANEUL ACE and (7) TAEPUNG EYES look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Love Race (8) Royal Smarty (2) Mapaebong (6) Haneul Ace
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 3, 5

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens here with just three of them having raced before. All three are likely to be towards the upper end of the betting market with (4) J.S. GUNJU the likely favourite having run 4th on debut three weeks ago, coming from well off the pace after a shaky start. Expect him to be ridden much closer much earlier today. (2) OKRYONG was well back in the same race but there was nothing wrong with his time and he can improve today. (6) MOVIECUS is the only one to have raced twice and he’s done well, registering a 2nd and a 3rd and looks good for at least another in the money finish today. It therefore won’t be easy for the newcomers although Daredevil colt (1) ECHO BILL and Street Boss filly (7) THANK YOU BOSS both looked competent enough in trials.

Selections (4) J.S. Gunju (6) Moviecus (1) Echo Bill (7) Thank You Boss
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 4, 6, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) MUDO returned from five months off at the end of August to resume normal service of running 2nd, something he’s now done in three of five starts. He was only beaten less (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 11)

The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday at Busan with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan World Sun

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

Juvenile maiden with all but one racing for the very first time. That one, (7) JEONSEOULUI PUNCH didn’t make much impact on debut last month so it’s the first-timers who will be preferred. A few of them look quite handy. (1) TOUCH STAR MAN is the second foal out of Korean Oaks winner Useung Touch. The first, Power Touch, is a winner of three from eight so far and Touch Star Man trialled up nicely in September. (6) MAN OF THE WORLD trialled up slightly better and looks set to be favourite. He’s a half-brother to Brig, a winner of nine races and who is still going round as a nine-year-old now. (2) YEONGSEONG VICTORY and (3) GRAND YEOWANG are others who looked good when trialling up and who can go well first-up.

Selections (1) Touch Star Man (6) Man Of The World (3) Grand Yeowang (2) Yeongseong Victory
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 6

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

More juvenile maidens, this time with four of them having raced before. All four have shown a bit of ability. (2) CENTUM BEONGAE was an improved 4th on his second start at the beginning of last month. He’s drawn nicely to be on pace here and should improve again. (6) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT and (7) FUTURE KING both did nothing wrong on their respective debuts and have firm foundations to build on here while (8) YEONGWON DYNAMO was well back on his second racecourse appearance in August but had previously run 3rd on debut and comes in here after ten weeks off with scope to go better. The one they will all need to beat, however, is a first-time starter. (3) MIRACLE DREAMING looked very sharp in two trials and if he brings that form to the races, could be hard to beat.

Selections (3) Miracle Dreaming (2) Centum Beongae (6) Jeonseolui Bulkkot (7) Future King
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) POWER WONDERFUL ran 3rd when sent off at long-odds on what was his second start on September 20th. He beat a couple of these in the process and if he runs similarly today, will take some beating. (8) YEONGSEONG BRAVO was 6th in that race, just under two-lengths in arrears, and could prove to be the biggest danger here, likely coming from off the pace. (6) TWO TWO WAY has shown ability in the past and can benefit from the eight weeks she’s had since her latest run. (11) MASEONG KWAEGEOL has shown slight but noticeable improvement over three outings so far and can continue it here.

Selections (2) Power Wonderful (8) Yeongseong Bravo (6) Two Two Way (11) Maseong Kwaegeol
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 9

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(3) TWO TWO FAIRY beat two of these on her way to a good 2nd place over this distance in a similar all-filly race to this three weeks ago. She led for parts of that race and today can be leading when it counts. (5) CHEONNYEONUIHEUIMA ran 4th in that race and while she was a full nine-lengths behind Two Two Fairy. She may not overturn that form here but can get closer. (1) ARA MYUNGMA has a 2nd place to her name and comes in following 5th in a stronger race than this. That was back in July and the three months off may be to her benefit. (8) BARAMUI YEOSIN steps up in trip for the first time and could improve while of the two first-time starters, Thomas Gillespie’s (2) FASHION KEY looks the more likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections (3) Two Two Fairy (5) Cheonnyeonuiheuima (2) Fashion Key (1) Ara Myungma
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) WILD GERANIUM returned from five months out to run 4th at this distance on September 20th, beating a couple of these along the way. It took her a while to get going that day, but she should have come on for the run and can win here. (6) AFLEET YOUNG has run through the line well in both his two outings so far. Both times he’s been a long way back though so the additional furlong and a half today may well suit. (7) SAEROUN SEUNGJA raced twice without distinction around the turn of the year but looked much better when brought back last month. He too tries the distance for the first time and can benefit for it. (5) KING DOMBO and (8) TWO TWO DAY are others who should be aiming for improvement.

Selections (3) Wild Geranium (6) Afleet Young (7) Saeroun Seungja (5) King Dombo
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 6: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

After all those maidens suddenly a class 2 jumps out at us. (12) CAPTAIN GUY is up in class following a nine-length score over this distance on September 20th. He was 15/1 that day and it was a big uptick in form but he it was a really good performance in a fast time and a repeat can’t be ruled out. (6) YEONGGWANGUI CHAMP comes in having won at class and distance on June 30th, with two of these behind him. He’s been off since and he (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 29)

Two big juvenile races headline Seoul and Busan on Sunday. Both will have strong favourites with Choegang Team looking hard to beat in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at Seoul while Save The World is set to start at a short price in the Gold Circle Trophy at Busan. We also get to see several of Seoul’s top three-year-olds take each other on as Derby Winner and Runner-up Wonderful Fly and Myeongpum Chukje are joined by Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Clear Geom as well as Thunder Blade and Rapidocus over 1800M in race 11.

There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the Seoul previews with Busan Selections below:

Wonderful Fly Derby KRA

Derby winner Wonderful Fly races on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Filly-only maiden to kick things off and what it perhaps lacks in quality, it makes up for in competitiveness. Five of them race for the first time and among these first-timers, (2) CHOEGANGMA was a lively looking trial winner in August and from an inside draw could potentially get to the front and lead all the way. Accordingly, she’s the slight pick. (4) LUCKY SMILE ran a good 3rd on debut at the beginning of this month, coming from off the pace and running on well and she can match or better that today while (6) ELITE LADY has a 2nd and a 4th in two starts so far, the latter in a valuable juvenile race over 1200M which she led until the closing stages. She’ll join Choegangma on pace and looks a real danger. (3) PEACE OF RULES and another debut-maker, (9) NUNBUSIN HANSEN, look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Choegangma (6) Elite Lady (4) Lucky Smile (9) Nunbusin Hansen
Next Best 3, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(10) SYDNEY MONEY came from well off the pace to run a good 3rd in a slightly better race than this on August 10th. He’s shown progress in three starts since returning from a lengthy absence and he could make the breakthrough today. (1) RUFFIAN PARK ran promisingly enough for 4th on debut at the end of July and should have come on for the run and a nine-week layoff. He’ll be on pace early. (3) PUNCH POWER did nothing wrong on his first start four weeks ago and will be expected to improve on the 5th he scored that day. (7) DREAM CHAT debuted in 3rd place all the way back in March. She’s had her setbacks since but looked competent enough in a recent trial. (12) DONGSEO JEPAE was a much improved 2nd last time and is another with placing claims.

Selections (10) Sydney Money (1) Ruffian Park (3) Punch Power (7) Dream Chat
Next Best 12, 9
Fast Start 1, 4, 8, 9

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

(3) RAON BEST MAN is up in class following an eye-catching seven-length win over 1000M on August 31st. He made all that day and while he is up in distance for the first time as well, he has every chance of repeating. (10) KING OF RULES enters off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes and should be going close again while (11) HWARYONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two and the step up in trip today should suit well. (4) BISAYEON and (9) GEUMBIT YEOLJEONG, the latter just a neck behind King Of Rules last start and likely to challenging for the early lead here, are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections (3) Raon Best Man (10) King Of Rules (11) Hwaryong (4) Bisayeon
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 3, 4, 9

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

(12) RAON TOUGH MAN was a good winner in a fast time on debut on August 11th He only won by a neck but he and the runner-up were a full eight-lengths clear of the rest of the field and while he steps up in both class and distance today – and is drawn in the car park – he can make it two out of two. (4) ROYAL GHOST remains a maiden but comes in having run a very good 2nd on her first try at this class last time out. That was at 1000M, but she’s run well at this distance as well and should go close. (11) DAEHAN CHAMP and (8) IL MARE were both a touch disappointing when well down the field in an admittedly stronger race then this last month. Both should go better today. (9) STAR LIST has been holding her own in useful company lately and can aim for some minor prize money.

Selections (12) Roan Tough Man (4) Royal Ghost (8) Il Mare (11) Daehan Champ
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 4, 8, 12

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) CITY SONGAM beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over 1300M on August 31st. His style across four starts so far has been to come from well off the pace so it’ tempting to suggest that the additional trip – his first time around two turns – should suit perfectly. (10) CHOEGANG SINGI provides French trainer Tony Castanheira with his first Korean runner and it could be a good one. He was just beaten half a length last start six weeks ago and is another who should appreciate a bit of distance. (6) FASTEST already has a 3rd place at this distance to his name and should be aiming to at least repeat. (1) CHEONNYEONUI GODO and (4) MACH SEUNGCHEON are others in the frame.

Selections (2) City Songam (10) Choegang Singi (6) Fastest (1) Cheonnyeonui Godo
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) DAEGUN POWER won back to back races in June and July to get rapidly promoted to this level and then ran a creditable 3rd on his first try at it on August 25th. From the inside gate, he should be on speed from the start and he can return to the winner’s circle here. (3) GAON FORCE ran in the first two legs of this year’s Korean Triple Crown, and while he finished well back both times, he has ability. His latest run saw him come rom off the pace to run 4th over 1200M last month and he should better that today. (2) SUN OF THUNDER was a class and distance winner last start and while he carries more weight today in what is a tougher race, he warrants respect. (11) P.K. JEONSA is up in class following back to back wins and should be competitive while (12) STRONG VULTURE is another who is very capable on his day.

Selections (1) Daegun Power (3) Gaon Force (11) P.K. Jeonsa (12) Strong Vulture
Next Best 2, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 11

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

Another competitive race. (4) SKY DOLPUNG was a class and distance winner on August 11th, coming from off the pace to win by a neck. That was the culmination of a run of good form and he’ll be in the hunt again. He carries 3.5kg more today though and chances are that (6) DADDY GLORY, a couple of lengths back in 3rd that day, will overturn the form. She’s a winner of three from nine and looks to have potential for more. She can sit behind the early speed and be too strong late on. (9) MIREU STORM has beaten plenty of these on his way to back to back runner-up finishes at class and distance and should (more…)