It’s KNN Cup weekend at Busan with the 2nd leg of the Queeens’ Tour series being run at the track on Sunday. That means top Seoul jockeys Lim Gi Won and Kim Yong Geun are both in action on the south coast on Friday when there is an 11-race card from 14:30 to 21:00:
Lim Gi Won will be riding at Busan this Friday
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Rather weak maiden to begin with to the extent that it might be worth looking to one of the three first-time starters purely on the grounds that they’ve done nothing wrong so far. Of them, (1) URANUS J fits the bill having looked competent and reasonably fast when running 2nd in a June trial. He couldn’t ask for a better race to debut in. Of those who have raced before, (2) TIZ POWER registered back to back 4th place finishes in March. She’s been out since but trialed reasonably well last weekend and go well first-up. (6) PARTY WINNER did ok on debut at this distance and while he didn’t go so well at 1200M on his reappearance, can be better dropped back to the minimum today. (4) YEOWANGUI GWIHWAN and (9) BUGYEONG STORY are others who could improve.
Selections
(1) Uranus J (2) Tiz Power (6) Party Winner (4) Yeowangui Gwihwan
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 9
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A maiden for two-year-olds and just two of the eleven runners have raced before. Of the two, (7) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT was by some margin the better, running 2nd at this distance on July 13th and that experience can stand him in good stead here. Kim Young Kwan’s debut-makers always attract attention and (3) KING SOCKS will be no exception. He trialed well enough and a top jockey is booked. Slightly preferred at this stage though is (5) TRUE KING. The Hansen colt raced prominently in his trial posting a good time and looks ready to hit the ground running. (2) MIGHTY POWER went through a pair of trials and was quicker in her latest one last week. The stable tends to have plenty of success with juveniles and the champion jockey is aboard. (6) JEONSAUI JULJU is another who showed promise in her trial and can be considered.
Selections
(7) Yeonggwangui Fight (5) True King (2) Mighty Power (3) King Socks
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
5, 7, 11
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
More two-year-old maidens, this time with four debut-makers and the rest having raced once each. Beginning with experience, (11) TIARA WINNER beat a couple of the others who go here on the way to 2nd place over this distance on July 20th. Seoul jockey Lim Gi Won, in town to ride in Sunday’s KNN Cup, takes the mount and she has a chance. (3) SINBIHAN YEOIN similarly beat two of today’s rivals on her debut a week earlier. She ran a solid 3rd that day and can build on it here. She too is ridden by a currently Seoul-based jockey as Kim Yong Geun – former Busan champion – returns for the weekend. Of the other experienced ones, (9) ARCADIA did nothing wrong when 5th on July 6th and should be in the hunt. As for the first-time starters, one of them may well begin as favourite. That’s (7) GEUMGANG CHILBO, who looked very sharp when winning a trial on July 21st in a quick time ahead of some experienced horses. While slightly slower, (4) GIDAEHAE went round in the same heat and also acquitted herself well.
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Back to regular maidens here and (9) MUJEOK VETERAN, 3rd on debut at 1000M on July 20th, looks very much the one to beat. He ran on well and will likely benefit from the additional distance today. (6) GOLDEN JOY and (1) SMART BANK came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other over a mile on July 20th and both can look to at least match those finishes today. (3) ROYAL CLUB registered her best finish to date on her only previous try at this distance back in May. She comes in following a solid 4th place at 1200M last time and should be in the hunt. There is just one first-timer starter. (2) TRUE WARRIOR won a trial two weeks ago and must be taken seriously.
Selections
(9) Mujeok Veteran (3) Royal Club (2) True Warrior (1) Smart Bank
Next Best
6
Fast Start
3, 5, 9
Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) QUEEN OFFICER looked to be making all on her first try at this class on July 13th, only to get overhauled by a long-shot in the closing stages and ending up in 2nd. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging performance and suggests that it won’t be too long before she adds to the maiden win she achieved back in June. (6) JANGHAN JILJU’s 7th last time was perhaps a touch disappointing but was in tougher company than this over 1400M and she can get closer today. It’s similar with (1) SIMON MAGIC, who had a hard time in a (more…)
With Seoul off for the weekend, Busan takes centre-stage on Sunday with a bumper 15-race program. And with the South-Coast track itself dark next week, plenty will be looking to head into the vacation on a positive note. The 15-races run from 10:45 to 18:00.
Busan hosts fifteen races this Sunday
The past month has been a quiet one for trainer Kim Young-kwan. Since the start of July he’s led in six winners, joint-top among all the track’s handlers but still low by his standards. He did, of course, send two horses to Singapore for the KRA Trophy two weeks ago – both ran well – and then had to contend with the disappointment of losing stable star Power Blade to a fractured sesamoid a day before he was set to jump favourite in the Owners’ Cup. Kim sends out seven runners on Sunday and his three-year-old colt World Day is one of three up-and-comers that make race 10 a tantalizing prospect.
World Day only debuted in April but has won three of four starts so far, going down by a neck in his sole defeat and he faces two other very competent three-year-olds in the shape of Great Rock and Cheonnyeonuitaeyang over seven furlongs on Sunday. All three of them come in having won their latest assignments and all look to have more to offer.
Kim could have a winner earlier in the day when he sends out two-year-old Glitter in race 4. The Officer colt ran well on debut a month ago and will be favoured to score in the juvenile maiden. Rounding out the card, Kim’s Finest Warrior also looks the most likely in race 15, the only class 1 race of the entire weekend. He was overmatched in the SBS Sports Sprint in Seoul in June but beat four of his seven rivals on his return to Busan last month.
In other races, the latest of the “Blades” to roll off the production line should score in race 9. Gioi Blade has won three of four so far and drops back to 1200M today. Favourite backers will also be getting stuck into I’m Your Star, who took eight goes to get his maiden win but shouldn’t have to wait too long for his second in race 6. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
She ran 2nd on her debut a month ago and it would it be a surprise if (3) CAR TWO were not to run out the winner of this modest opener. She didn’t get off to the best of starts that day but overcame it to run well and should be too good. (5) HARVEST GOLD’s best performance so far came at this distance in March and while he had a hard time on his return from three months out at the end of June over 1200M, he should go better today. (6) DAY STAR was 4th, albeit a long way back behind the winner, on what was an improved showing at the distance last month and could continue to get better today, while (7) BREAKING NEWS has also shown some aptitude for the distance and looks good for at least a place.
Selections
(3) Car Two (7) Breaking News (6) Day Star (5) Harvest Gold
Next Best
1, 2
Fast Start
2, 6
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(2) DREAM CAT has raced twice, without distinction on either occasion. In between times though, she has shown plenty of speed in trials and coming back almost four months after her latest effort, this is a fresh start of sorts. She has a top jockey on board and against this week set of opposition, can come out on top. (1) DIAMOND KING last raced in January when he finished 4th of 7 over 1300M having led until the top of the straight. He trialed up adequately enough last month and can run well first-up here. (6) SPERO SPERA has a 3rd place to his name and can at least match that today while (7) EL DREAM has been unspectacular but competent enough in two outings so far and may improve.
Selections
(2) Dream Cat (6) Spero Spera (1) Diamond King (7) El Dream
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5
Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(8) QUEEN’S FANTASY was a solid 4th on debut over 1000M two weeks ago and Kim Young Kwan’s filly steps up in trip for her re-appearance with a good chance of making-all. (2) OCEAN PHOENIX has shown good promise with a 4th and a 3rd from her two starts to date, both at 1200M and she can continue her development here. (9) CHEONHAUI KKUM has been getting closer and while he is still a maiden after twelve attempts, he can certainly match the 3rd place he secured last time. That day, (4) CHALLANHAN MISO, who was making his debut, ran 4th and he too can build on that here. (5) BICHUI HAENGJIN looks to be the best of a competitive rest.
Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Maiden for two-year-olds only hence the enhanced prize-money, and precisely half of the field has raced once before. Moreover, they all debuted in the same race at 1000M on July 6th. (8) WONDERFUL IJI came out the best of them that day, coming home in 2nd place although (2) GLITTER and (3) TOUGH GREEN weren’t far away either in 3rd and 4th. With Glitter being from Kim Young Kwan’s stable, he’s sure to be backed to improve here but Wonderful Iji, who was a 13/1 chance that day, showed she has plenty of potential and she cold come out on top again. Those three should be battling it out between them with the other experienced one, (6) MARU JJANG having a bit more to find. Among the debut-makers, (1) YEONGGWANGUI SIDAE and (5) WONDERFUL Lion look to have the best chance of making an impact first-up.
After getting his maiden win at 1200M in May, (4) MAGIC STREET was 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on July 6th, beating a couple of these in the process. He led for much of that race, being passed in the closing stages by a couple of useful looking types and is well drawn to get to the front again and this time go all the way. (1) RISING DERBY returned from just over a year out to run 3rd over 1000M on July 8th. It was a good return and with a top jockey booked today, he can build on it. (10) GIJEOGUIMYEONGSEON has been promoted to this level by virtue of two runner-up finishes. He too was returning from a lengthy absence on his latest start and he can be competitive today. (2) PARK MINISTER comes up in class as well, in her case off the back of three consecutive 3rd places. She’s been off since May but won a trial in July in handy fashion and can go well here. (5) DOCHI didn’t do himself justice last start but is much better than that and can (more…)
There’s no racing at Seoul this weekend with the capital’s track taking its one-week summer vacation, however, that means there is a rare Saturday card at Busan with 8 races from 16:30 to 21:00. There is also an afternoon pony-racing card on Jeju Island kicking off at 14:00. (Seoul Racecourse is open for simulcasting from both). Here are the previews:
It’s Saturday! It’s…Busan? It certainly is
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(7) OS HILL has gone progressively closer across four starts to date, culminating in 2nd place last time out, beating two of these in the process. She should be away to a fast start here and have too much for this weak set of opponents. (3) ARIYA and (8) ROCK HARD QUEEN were the two who were beaten by Os Hill that day and while they only managed to finish 6th and 8th respectively, Ariya especially can get closer today. However, a more credible challenge may come from (1) SEONBAL CAT, who steps back in trip today following recent tries at further. Again the start will be important but she has offered some glimpses of talent. As has (2) TAMNA HANEUL, who looks best of the rest on the strength of a 4th from 7 two starts ago.
Selections
(7) Os Hill (3) Ariya (1) Seonbal Cat (8) Rock Hard Queen
Next Best
2, 4, 5
Fast Start
2, 7
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(6) TRIPLE GOLD ran an improved 3rd, her best finish in nine outings to date, last start a month ago at this distance. She began poorly that day but finished off well in what was probably tougher company than this and she is in with a chance here. Plenty of others are too. (1) ROYAL TREE struggled last time at 1300M but was 2nd that start before that and can go close here, likely trying to lead from the gate. (2) GIRL CRUSH debuted indifferently all the way back in February and hadn’t been seen again until trialing encouragingly in mid-July. She’ll be expected to be better this time. (5) SEUNGNI STORY and debut-maker (7) BRIAN PARK are others to take into account.
Selections
(1) Royal Tree (6) Triple Gold (2) Girl Crush (7) Brian Park
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 8
Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(7) DARK TEMPLAR beat (5) GOLDUI INYEON and (1) MIRACLE ALICE as the three of them came home 3rd, 4th and 5th at this distance on June 8th. Dark Templar had seven-lengths on them that day but all three have raced once since with all three running well once more. Dark Templar is marginally favored to prevail although it should be closer than seven-lengths this time. She’ll likely try for the early speed along with Miracle Alice and (2) SOJUNGHAN GIRL, who came home just behind Miracle Alice in a close finish on July 13th and who, while inconsistent, also runs well on her day. (4) HWANGGEUM BEOLMA finished half a length behind Goldui Inyeon three weeks ago, again at this distance, and can get close once more.
Selections
(7) Dark Templar (1) Miracle Alice (4) Hwanggeum Beolma (5) Goldui Inyeon
Next Best
2
Fast Start
1, 2, 7
Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) SAKISAKI has been knocking at the door for a while now and that door could finally open here. She wasn’t far away last time at the distance and with a top jockey on board, this could be her day. (2) JITTERBUG was a good four-length winner at the distance at class 6 in June and while she had a hard time on her first try at this class three weeks ago, she had excuses and can be given another chance today. (1) EONJEONA SEUNGNI ran well for 3rd at class and distance last start and can back that up here while (3) (more…)
With Jeju Racecourse taking its midsummer break this weekend, there are bumper cards at both Busan and Seoul on Friday and Saturday respectively. Things get underway at Busan on Friday where there are 14 races from 14:30 to 21:00.
It’s Friday. It’s Busan
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
A maiden to begin with and it’s not a strong one. (1) B.K. UNO ticks most boxes having shown a bit of development across five outings so far and was a decent 4th against better than today’s opposition last time on June 24th. He should go close. (3) USEUNG TICKET finished 5th in that June race and can continue her development under a top jockey today. (9) MUCHO improved into 2nd last start albeit in even weaker company than this. He’ll be quickly out of the gate and is a contender. Also likely to be on speed early is (2) NOPIGOM DODASHA, two starts into a comeback after a long absence and not without ability. (4) SONGAK MYEONGJANG is one start into a comeback of his own and went promisingly enough last time.
Selections
(1) B.K. Uno (9) Mucho (3) Useung Ticket (4) Songak Myeongjang
Next Best
2, 11
Fast Start
2, 8, 9
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(3) WINNER CINDY is the only one of these to have a 2nd place to her name, achieved on her latest start three weeks ago. It was at this distance and she came close to making all in arguably tougher company than this and she can go all the way this time. (7) SWEEP MAN has been knocking at the door for some time now. He was only beaten half a length by Winner Cindy when 4th at this distance in June and Bart Rice’s colt looks the main danger here. (1) THUNDER GLORY raced three times without success last autumn but looked a better prospect on her return after seven months off at the end of June. (4) THUNDER QUEEN offered few clues in a forgettable debut three weeks ago but had previously trialed well and may improve today.
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Two standouts here should be battling it out with one another. (2) CHEONNYEONUI ACHIM has a 3rd and a 2nd from two outings to date, the latest of which was at this distance when he beat Winner Cindy (who we saw in race 2). A win shouldn’t be far off and it really should arrive today. He’ll likely try to lead all the way as will main rival (7) PERFECT ACE. After a slightly underwhelming debut in May, he returned on June 22nd to run a strong 2nd over 1300M, leading until the closing stages and has a chance of hanging on this time. All (5) SANDY managed to do on debut was get tailed-off and sent back to trial. She’s had four months off since then and the subsequent trial went very nicely so we’ll give her another chance here. (6) BAEDARI SINHWA and (8) ON DAY are others who can improve.
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Indifferent across three starts around the turn of the year, (5) WONDERFUL STORY has looked a much better horse since returning after five months off in June, running 3rd and 2nd, both at this distance and he can make the breakthrough here. (6) P.K. NINE ran a much-improved 2nd on what was his fourth start three weeks ago and will probably be the main danger. Both those will likely take a sit early behind (3) MR. COLORS, who has struggled on his latest two but had previously offered a hit of talent and is carrying significantly less weight today. (4) CHEONJI KINGS ran well last time on what was just his second start while (7) RENAISSANCE MAN did nothing wrong when 3rd on debut four weeks ago and can look to match that finish here.
Selections
(5) Wonderful Story (6) P.K. Nine (7) Renaissance Man (4) Cheonji Kings
Next Best
3
Fast Start
3, 4, 7
Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
There is an interesting debut-maker here in the shape of (3) QUICK MOVE. She’s the solitary first-time starter but looked very competent trailing two weeks ago and looks to have a genuine chance first up here. She’ll probably be ridden to the front early and can go all the way. (1) BAEKDU QUEEN registered her second 3rd place finish last time over 1200M and is likely to be in the hunt here while (8) FIRST VICTORY also ran 3rd on what was just his second career start four weeks ago and can build on it here. (2) HORTENSE ran promisingly on debut in June and while she only beat one home when well-backed on reappearance at this distance two weeks ago, is worth another chance here. (6) TIME SPEC too is capable of finding places, having been not too far away in better company than this of late.
Selections
(3) Quick Move (8) First Victory (1) Baekdu Queen (6) Time Spec
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
3
Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) MISS PERFECT was an eye-catching five-length winner on what was just her second start on June 22nd. It was a fast time too and while she is up in class here, she’ll be favoured to repeat, leading all the way. (9) GOLDEN KNIGHT got up to win by a nose at this class and distance on July 8th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can finish strongly once more. (3) HURRICANE DREAM returned from five months out to run a good 4th at the distance on June 17th. She remains a maiden but has proven competitive (more…)
There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. The feature race is the Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul where Sharp Kaylan, 2nd in the final leg of the Triple Crown last month, has the chance to pick up a piece of silverware. Immediately after the last race at Seoul, the KRA Trophy at Kranji in Singapore will be shown . Three Korean horses, Today, Gakbyeolhan and Approach, have made the trip over. Here are race-by-race comments for the Seoul meeting. Busan selections (and one for Kranji) are below:
Sharp Kaylan came close in the Minister’s Cup but had to settle for 2nd place. He can win Sunday’s Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(3) GYEONGGUKJIMA ran a strong 3rd in a good time on debut on June 16th, racing on pace throughout. She’s well drawn to lead early and should make all the running in this all-filly maiden. (5) HEUNG OREUM debuted in the same race, ending in a creditable 5th and she can build on that here although she has plenty to find on the favourite. (7) LUCAS was also 3rd on her debut last month and while she was slightly less impressive than Gyeonggukjima, she can at least match that here. First-time starter (4) DANGDAE SONYEO looks an interesting proposition under Manoel Nunes while (9) STAR LIST beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 3rd on her fourth career start four weeks ago.
Selections
(3) Gyeonggukjima (7) Lucas (5) Heung Oreum (4) Dangdae Sonyeo
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(7) HANIL DALBIT has shown promise across four prior starts. His best finish came when he was just beaten a neck over the distance at the end of April having led almost until the line. Last time out he was favourite and while he could only manage 4th, is worth another chance here. (2) SOKBO WANGWI was 6th that day on her first try at this distance and she can continue to progress. (6) SANTOS has been inconsistent but has shown some talent and can be a danger most likely challenging Hanil Dalbit for the early speed. (3) DAEGIL SANGJON offered few clues in two outings last year but returns here after ten months off having trialled up very promisingly a couple of weeks ago and can go well first-up. (9) BEST LEVEL was a much-improved 2nd, albeit a full thirteen lengths behind the winner, at this distance on a soaking wet track three weeks ago and could maintain that momentum.
A convincing winner over 1000M in May, (4) PALDO DAEJANG stepped up to this class and distance on June 17th and ran a good 2nd place. He was favourite that day but can be given another chance here. He’ll try to get the lead straight from the gate and can go all the way. (7) HAMBAK MISO won on debut back in March and has been close in all three outings since, culminating in 2nd place behind Penetro at the end of May. He comes in here reasonably fresh and should be close again. (2) RAON PRO SENSE is up in class after his maiden win at 1000M on June 23rd and while he has struggled on both previous tries at this distance, could go better today. (3) DUAL CHOEGANG remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but looks to be getting to grips with this level and could make a place.
Selections
(4) Paldo Daejang (7) Hambak Miso (2) Raon Pro Sense (3) Dual Choegang
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
2, 4
Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(5) UNDEFEATED won on debut in May but hasn’t quite lived up to his name in two starts since although he has run well, finishing 2nd and 3rd at 1200M and 1000M respectively. He’s with a new trainer today and tries this distance for the first time and can return to winning ways. (1) ROYAL PRINCE scored his maiden win at 1000M and steps up in class here. He’s raced reasonably well at this distance before and can be competitive. (7) DAECHEONUI SARANG ran a good, if slightly unexpected 3rd at class and distance last start four weeks ago and can be given more respect today while (8) CHUKBOGUI (more…)
It’s been a baking hot week on the Korean peninsula and that looks set to continue as we head into the weekend’s racing. Things kick off at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 14:30 to 21:00:
It’s Friday, It’s Busan!
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Five of these raced each other over the distance on June 22nd and (5) OFFICE TAP, who was debuting that day, came out the best of them finishing in 3rd place. He was well beaten by the top two place-getters but showed enough to suggest he can build on it here and can win. It is fair to say though that the ones he beat that day aren’t necessarily his main rivals here. Instead, the debut-maker (3) MUJEOK VETERAN looks dangerous following a nice-looking trial and can be backed first up while (4) FASHION WANG was 2nd when sent off as favourite at the distance last month and will be in the frame to go one better here, likely leading from the start. (7) BREAKING NEWS and (11) QUEEN’S FANTASY, the latter another debut-maker and form the strong Kim Young-kwan stable, are others to take into account.
Selections
(5) Office Tap (3) Mujeok Veteran (4) Fashion Wang (11) Queen’s Fantasy
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 11
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A maiden for two-year-olds only. Two of the eight have raced before and it’s one of those, (3) YEONGGWANGUICHEON, who will start the strong favourite here. He ran a good 2nd, leading in the closing stages, on his debut on June 22nd and he should be quick out of the gate here and lead all the way. (5) GIMABUDAEJANG was 7th on his own debut in that same race and showed enough to suggest he can build on that here. Thomas Gillespie sends out two first-timers and both can go well first-up. (2) MUJEOK YEONGUNG will be the most favoured of the two having won a trial in fine fashion at the end of June. (8) ACE CRUSH too ran well in his trial, finishing behind a pair of experienced horses while beating other newcomers. (4) B.K. THUNDER looks best of the rest.
Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(5) CHEONHAUI KKUM has race eleven times and is yet to finish any better than 3rd but he comes in with recent form reading well having managed a 5th and two 4th place finishes from his latest three in similar strength company to this. He can settle behind the early leaders and may well pass them all late on. (1) MONEY BLACK HOLE is the only one in the field who has a 2nd place finish to his name, achieved over a mile in May. He was well-backed for his re-appearance dropped back to 1200M last month and while he never really got involved – and lost a shoe along the way – could be better at slightly further today. (2) BAENGNYEON JIJON ran a good 5th on debut on May 25th and can build on that under a top jockey today. (8) TOJONG CHAMP and the solitary debut-maker (9) CHALLANHAN MISO, are other who should be in the hunt.
Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
On the strength of a 2nd place over 1200M in June, (7) I’M YOUR STAR was sent off as favourite for his latest start at that same distance two weeks ago. He didn’t get off to a great start that day and then became stuck in kickback which made him run wide around the turn and he ended up in 4th. He’s given a bit more distance today which could well suit, and he gets another chance. (6) SILENT PARK is another for whom the extended (more…)
It’s Oaks weekend at Busan and while the big race is on Sunday, things get underway with a 10-race Friday card from 14:30 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(4) OCEAN PHOENIX ran a decent race on debut at this distance at the start of June and should come on here with solid claims to win. He’ll settle behind the early leaders and can finish well. (7) ROYAL CLUB started poorly and then suffered in kickback when relatively well-supported last time. He has shown ability though and if he can get away to a good start today, he can go very close. (1) BAEKDU JANGSU offered precisely nothing across his first two outings but was a much-improved 2nd when tried at this distance for the first time four weeks ago and he can build on that here. (3) GIJEOGUIMYEONGSEONG ran very promisingly on debut all the way back last September but only ran once more before being out for nine months. He trialled up well at the end of June and can be backed first-up. There are two debut-makers and of them, (9) GOLD TREE has a top trainer/jockey combination and looked competent in trials.
Selections
(4) Ocean Phoenix (7) Royal Club (3) Gijeoguimyeongseong (9) Gold Tree
Next Best
1, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 7
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Two-year-old maidens here hence the enhanced prize-money. Just two of them have run before and (7) POWER WINDY is likely to be strong favourite. He ran a very solid 3rd on debut in a similar race three weeks ago and the experience should see him in good stead. He led in that race from the gate and can do so again – without being caught this time. (6) TROPHY COLLECTOR debuted in the same race on June 22nd and while he only beat three home, didn’t run badly after a slow start and he can improve here. Of the first-timers, (5) FRIDAY is from the track’s top stable and is out of a Korean Derby winner and will get some backing. Others impressed a little more in trials though, with (2) SINBIHAN YEOIN and (4) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT looking most likely.
Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Since returning from five months off in early June, (3) INTERCEPTOR has run well twice, coming 3rd over this distance three weeks ago, beating a couple of these in the process. He’s one of a number with a chance in this competitive contest. (4) THE FACT and (6) HORTENSE too come in off the back of 3rd place finishes on what was their respective second and first starts. Both should be firmly in the frame here. Hortense is likely to be on the early pace along with (7) ROYAL BLUE. Thomas Gillespie’s colt has been close in four of his five starts so far and just missed out by a nose at 1200M on June 1st. He can go well here under a brand-new apprentice, who is claiming 4kg. (8) MIRACLE ALICE hung outwards throughout her last start but still managed to finish 5th and with manners no doubt better today, she can get closer.
Selections
(4) The Fact (3) Interceptor (6) Hortense (8) Miracle Alice
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 8
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
After a nondescript trial, (6) VICAR BLADE ran on very nicely for 2nd on debut over 1200M, pushing the talented Christiano all the way to the line. It’s been seventeen long weeks since then, but he returns here surely ready to get his maiden win. He’s not necessarily going to be a fast starter but with the extra half-furlong today, should have too much. (9) PEACE RIDER finished four lengths behind Vicar Blade that day. He’s race three times since and has acquitted himself well each time and can get close once more. Aside from those two, we’re looking for improvers. (10) HWANGGEUM BEOLMA did indeed improve last start, registering a 4th place at this distance in what was arguably a deeper field than this and can aim to at least match today. (2) GEODAEHAN WONSEOK and (5) GOLDUI INYEON should contest the early lead and both are capable of staying involved at the business end of the race.
Bart Rice’s (11) CLEVER WILLIE was a five-length winner on what was his second career start – a full nine months after the first – on June 24th. It was at this distance and while he is up in class and will be coming out of the widest gate, he’s very much the one to beat here. (4) DANCING BLAZE was a touch unlucky in running last start four weeks ago but still finished a very creditable 5th, proving he can be competitive at this class and he can build on that here. (5) HAEDONG YEOGEOL remains a maiden after twenty-two attempts but comes in off the back of a 3rd and a 4th in her latest two, both at class and distance (more…)
It’s a big day of racing in Korea on Sunday with 11 races 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:
New Citadel (foreground) was only narrowly beaten by Cheongdam Dokki when the pair were juveniles. He returns from his latest layoff at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(9) LIVINGSTONE has been getting closer across six starts so far and ran well for 2nd last time out behind a good winner. He can get off to a fast start from the outside gate here and is very much the one to beat. (3) SEUNGRI LIKE has also shown improvement across his latest two and should be the main danger. (1) SCARLET PERFECT and (4) ULTRA MISSILE both have a 3rd in their records although both have put in two disappointing showings since, but they could improve. (7) CHANGSEONG HERO sneaks into the top picks by virtue of the jockey booking.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
Small field but nice and competitive. (1) GWACHEON HERO stepped up to this trip for the first time on June 3rd and ran a solid 3rd place, finishing off well and could go two better this time. (4) MACH SEUNGNI also enters off the back of two good showings at 1300M and 1200M respectively and should be a factor. (5) DAEMYEONG SOLAR moves up to this distance for the first time and it may suit a little better than the 1000M she’s run at before. (7) WHITE FLOWER offered few clues on debut four weeks ago and could improve here. (3) GREEN TEA drops back in distance after some reasonable performances at 1700M and can be a factor.
Selections
(1) Gwacheon Hero (4) Mach Seungni (7) White Flower (3) Green Tea
Next Best
5
Fast Start
1
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) JUNGLE BEAT is yet to win but has been no worse than 3rd across four starts to date and was a good 2nd to the promising Hansen Glory on his first try at this class last time with a couple of the others here well back behind him. Today really should be his day. (3) CHODONG RACE made all to win at class and distance on June 9th. That was his maiden win at the tenth time of asking and a repeat isn’t out of the question. (6) HI EUREKA was 3rd that day and can get close once more. (1) JEONSEOLUI MANYEO and (5) MJ JILJU look best of the rest.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) GARA GARA GA was 2nd on his first try at this class back at the end of April and returns here after a couple of months off with strong claims of going one better today. He’ll face a stern challenge from (2) STAR PERFECT, also a class and distance 2nd last start four weeks ago. She remains a maiden after twenty-four attempts but has come close on plenty of occasions and a win isn’t impossible here. Also a maiden after even more attempts, (5) GONSEOL comes in with recent form reading well and could go close while (1) SAEBYEOCK JANGGUN and (6) DUSON WANGJA have chances to improve on indifferent latest efforts – Duson Wangja especially, has already come close in a similar race at the end of May.
Selections
(7) Gara Gara Ga (6) Duson Wangja (2) Star Perfect (5) Gonseol
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
1, 2
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) SPECIAL GOLD is up in class having secured her maiden win at this distance last time out, coming from off the pace to run on well. She won’t need to improve too much to be very competitive here. (2) MAY PRINCE got promoted to this level while still a maiden but proved he’s equal to it with a good 3rd on June 9th. He steps up to 1300M for the first time today and can get close again. (8) OPI RIVER was 4th on his first effort at class and distance three weeks ago and can build on that today while (7) DONGSEO GADEUK enters (more…)
Korean racing’s summer schedule begins at Busan on Friday where there are 10 races from 14:30 to 21:00.
Jo In Kwen rode his 500th career winner at Busan last weekend – he could add a dew more this weekend.
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
It took (4) FASHION OF MARINE a long time to get to the track having initially qualified at the beginning of last summer but when he finally made it two weeks ago, he ran well finishing 3rd at this distance having led for part of the race. He can have learned a bit from that and with some more progress today, he can win. He’ll try to lead from the gate and will be challenged by (3) GIPPEUM SARANG. She’s much more experienced and has been getting closer in her latest three starts, running 2nd to the promising Ihyen last time on June 1st and she’ll be a danger here. (1) EUTTEUM CHAMP was further back in that race but can get closer today while. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, (5) CAR TWO looked like he knew what he was doing in trials and can put in a positive showing first-up here.
Selections
(4) Fashion Of Marine (3) Gippeum Sarang (5) Car Two (1) Eutteum Champ
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 8
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Unraced two-year-olds competing for boosted prize money here and plenty of potential among them. No fewer than five won their latest trial and the most likely first-up here come from the top two stables at the track. Kim Young Kwan’s (4) GLITTER and Peter Wolsley’s (8) UNION QUEEN both looked competent and comfortably won their heats. Union Queen is likely to go to the front from the gate while Glitter will settle further back, and both should be involved in the finish here. (2) DAEJI CHAMP is also likely to be on the early speed having done the same when winning his heat in a fast time at the start of last month. (3) TOUGH GREEN and (5) WONDERFUL IJI are the other two who enter after doing everything asked of them in trials and both can have claims on some prize-money here.
Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(4) I’M YOUR STAR ran an improved 2nd at this distance on June 1st. He’d shown some ability prior to that but it was a break-out performance in similar strength company to today and he looks to be the one to beat. (5) HUNTER PARK beat a couple of these on his way to a 2nd place finish of his own three weeks ago over 1000M. It was just his third start and he previously ran well at 1300M. His stable is in form and he should get close. (2) WINNER CINDY is another one who looks to be figuring things out. She led for much of her latest effort at the distance a month ago only to end up in 3rd place and she can at least match that today. (7) BICHUI HAENGJIN hasn’t offered too many clues in two outings to date but ay appreciate the additional distance here. (11) HWANGJE BONSAEK weakened a little late on last time over 1300M and can get closer dropped slightly back in trip today.
Selections
(4) I’m Your Star (5) Hunter Park (2) Winner Cindy (11) Hwangje Bonsaek
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 11
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(5) CHEONGDAM BLADE has a 4th and a 3rd from his two starts so far both times running on well but left with a bit too much to day. He’s up slightly in trip today and that may be what he needs to see him home on top for the first time. (1) TEXAS SIDAE has been getting closer across his five outings to date and comes in after back to back 3rd place finishes and should be aiming to at least match those here. (7) WONDERFUL STORY ran a decent 3rd at the distance three weeks ago. That was his first start since January and he can show some more progression here. (4) CHOEGANG STEALTH has been a touch one-paced over his twelve prior efforts but he s never too far away and should have the beating of plenty of these. (10) SWEEP MAN also seems to be finding some consistency and can go close.
(7) RACHEL was a class and distance winner on June 10th, making all and holding on to score by a nose. The competition today looks slightly stiffer, but a repeat isn’t impossible. (2) NURI ACHIM also come sin off the back of a victory and while he perhaps has a bit more to find, he’s not without a hope on what is a first Busan ride for apprentice jockey Jeong Hyeong Lae. (8) TAGONAN JILJU remains a maiden after seven attempts but has three 2nd places and a 3rd to his name. He was a touch disappointing in 4th last start but (more…)
One of the highlights of the summer racing season takes place at Busan on Sunday when thirteen of the best horses on the peninsula go to post in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Korean Group 3) over 1800M. They include last year’s winner I’m Your Father, but all eyes will be on the clash between three-time President’s Cup winner Triple Nine and the new star on the stable-block, Cheongdam Dokki.
Cheongdam Dokki
Cheongdam Dokki and Triple Nine have met once before, in the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul in December last year. In a remarkable race, Cheongdam Dokki set a blistering early pace but wasn’t quite able to keep it up over the punishing 2300M – the longest distance currently used in Korean racing – and he ultimately finished 4th with Triple Nine running a big race in 3rd. Dongbang Daero, who closed late on and beat both running 2nd to winner Power Blade, is among those who join them on Sunday.
Since that Grand Prix, Cheongdam Dokki has looked invulnerable. He’s raced three times for three facile victories and has been steadily relieving Clean Up Joy, formerly the top-rated horse at Seoul, of the silverware he had amassed in recent years. Having beaten him in the KRA Cup Classic last autumn, Cheongdam Dokki beat Clean Up Joy in both the Herald Business and YTN Cups this Spring, the older horse having won all three of those races the year before. Now in advance of a likely tilt at the Korea Cup in September, he faces a true test, going to Busan to face Triple Nine on his home track. It is a test he will be expected to pass.
(I didn’t have the multi-million dollar studio at my disposal for this one so here’s a 10 minutes on Moviemaker Special!)
Triple Nine remains the benchmark against which all other horses are judged in Korea. He held his own at the Dubai World Cup Carnival at the start of 2017 and returned to beat stablemate Power Blade on his way to a record-equalling third straight win in the President’s Cup. Power Blade would gain revenge in the Grand Prix but Triple Nine lost nothing in defeat that day. He has only raced once in 2018, making a rare foray into the handicap ranks in March and coming away, inevitably, with another victory. He did trial in public last week although offered few clues. The torch may be passed at Busan on Sunday.
Here are Busan’s Race-By-Race Comments including all-horses in the big race. Scroll down for the race-by-race from Seoul:
Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) SMART DANCER has won her latest two, both at this distance, in front-running fashion and while it means she is rapidly up in class, there is little for her to fear here and she has an excellent chance of making it three in a row. (9) MAY STAR beat (3) BAENGNYEON SONNIM as the pair came home 2nd and 3rd at class and distance on May 27th. Both can go well again with Baengnyeon Sonnim favoured to overturn that form. (1) WONDERFUL SHOW races for the first time in almost a year but has looked competent across a series of trials in the last couple of months and can go well first up. (6) RETURN OF THE KING comes in off a useful 2nd place ahead of three of these on June 10th and can go close again. (8) CHERRY VANQUISH was one of the vanquished that day, but it was just her second outing and she can improve here.
Selections
(7) Smart Dancer (3) Baengnyeon Sonnim (8) Cherry Vanquish (6) Return Of The King
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9, 12
Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Franco Da Silva was on (1) WONDERFUL MEMORY for his only previous win and he should be guiding the Lookin At Lucky colt to another here. He was a decent 3rd last time on his first try at this class and should have too much. (7) JANGHAN JILJU and (11) SAKISAKI came home 2nd and 3rd at class and distance on June 1st and look among the most likely to challenge the favourite although (2) JAEDOYAKUI BANSEOK was an improved 2nd last time out and is well drawn to get to the front from the gate once more. (10) WHITE POINT was disappointing behind Janghan Jilju and Sakisaki but came back out just two weeks ago to run a much better 4th and can look to at least match that today.
Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(8) WORLD DAY is two for two and the Kim Young Kwan trainee steps up in class and also in distance with solid claims of maintaining his 100% record. This is a significantly stiffer test than what he has faced so far but he should be close to the front from the start and can overcome it. (6) MABEOPUI JILJU and (4) VIVA VICTORY come in having run 2nd and 3rd behind World Day’s stablemate Sun Day at class and distance on May 27th. Both are proven performers at the distance and cause World Day problems. So too can (5) CHOEGANG THUNDER, a winner at the distance in April and 2nd when dropped back to 1300M for his first try at this class three weeks ago. (10) YONGGU is up in class after a surprise win at a mile six weeks ago and while he will need to improve, could be an interesting outsider.
Selections
(8) World Day (5) Choegang Thunder (6) Mabeopui Jilju (4) Viva Victory
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 8
Race 4: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Eight of the twelve raced each other at class and distance on May 27th (race 4) so we have plenty to go on. The surprise winner that day was (7) YEONGGWANG SEUNGNI, who struck the front late and ran on to win by half a length. She warrants more respect today, but we’ll still fancy her to get beaten. (2) JUSTINE MAGIC led for most of that race, ultimately finishing 2nd in what was his first try at a mile. He should have learned from that and can overturn the form here. (1) DYNAMIC ROOKIE was favourite that day and while he finished well back, is worth another chance today but the other likely ones didn’t run that day. (4) BAENGMUNBAEKDAP is up in class following a convincing win at the distance at the end of April and can be considered while (11) TUFELLO ran a solid 3rd on his first try at this class three weeks ago and should be in the frame as well.
Race 5: Class Open “The Busan Mayor’s Cup” (KOR G3) 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 500 Million
IRON TRAIN – Class 2 winner over this distance in May but only beat one home on his first class 1 try three weeks ago. Generally goes right to the back and closes. May pick off a few in the home straight.
CHAMP LINE – Thomas Gillespie’s six-year-old is a very consistent type and he beat Buhwarui Banseok and Saengil Gippeum on his way to 2nd at 2000M last time. Usually runs at further than this but he can certainly make the minor money.
DONGBANG DAERO – Ran a huge 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes last December but has been a little indifferent in five starts since. Another who perhaps wants a little further to be at his most effective, but he could make a value bet for the places.
I’M YOUR FATHER – Last year’s winner returned from seven months out to land a narrow win over King Of Ace over a mile at the beginning of June, finishing very strongly. Fergus Sweeney keeps the mount today and he has a chance of an upset.
BUHWARUI BANSEOK – Ran 2nd to Triple Nine at 2000M in March and beat Dongbang Daero and Champ Line at the same distance in April. Champ Line returned the favour last time, but this is a very solid, consistent horse. Another who probably prefers further.
CHEONJI STORM – Won the Seoul Owners’ Cup over 1200M in March before crushing a class 1 field by ten-lengths in the capital at the end of April. Lots of talent he is a front-runner who is likely to take on Cheongdam Dokki early. That’s risky but anything could happen.
WINNER RED – Only two starts in 2018 so far and was a long way behind Cheongdam Dokki in the YTN Cup last time out. An outsider today.
CHEONJEOK – Last home in the YTN Cup at the end of May continuing a run of indifferent form. Little to no chance here.
WORLD NUMBER ONE – A stablemate of Iron Train, he was a class 2 winner at this distance in March but has been a touch disappointing in two efforts since. Likely to go right to the back from the gate and may improve late but is an outsider.
KING OF ACE – Has suffered from a number of injury setbacks and is two starts into his latest comeback. He ran very well for 2nd to I’m Your Father in a tight finish on June 3rd and makes for an interesting outsider here.
TRIPLE NINE – The gold standard in Korean racing. He beat four of these when winning his only start of 2018 to date in March, giving them plenty of weight too. He offered few clues when trialling up half-heartedly last weekend. Superior to all of these except Cheongdam Dokki and were he to win, it would be arguably his greatest achievement yet. He won’t challenge the Seoul horse for the lead but at this distance, neither will he let them get too far away. He often takes some time to hit top gear and that may be his undoing at 1800M.
SAENGIL GIPPEUM – Has been beaten by plenty of these in recent starts at varying distances. Plenty of talent and has Busan’s champion jockey on board but will be an outsider here.
CHEONGDAM DOKKI – His three outings this year have simply confirmed what we already knew – he is now better than Clean Up Joy. Here he has a chance to stamp his authority on all of Korean racing by beating Triple Nine at his home track. He is stepping back in trip for the first time since last September but even that should be in his favour. The widest gate is perhaps not ideal, but he has the speed to get to the front anyway and it would be a surprise were he not to hold off all-comers – including Triple Nine.
VERDICT: (13) CHEONGDAM DOKKI should take a big step towards asserting his hegemony by defeating (11) TRIPLE NINE. He’ll be on pace early and while there is a risk of an early speed battle with (6) CHEONJI STORM, he should have too much to able to cope with this and to see off everything else over 1800M. Cheonji Storm can go well as well as can last year’s winner (4) I’M YOUR FATHER. (2) CHAMP LINE and (10) KING OF ACE make for some potential value.
Selections
(13) Cheongdam Dokki (11) Triple Nine (4) I’m Your Father (6) Cheonji Storm
Next Best
2, 10, 3
Fast Start
6, 13
Race 6: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Small field to finish with and there are two up and comers here. After a few near misses, (1) UNSEOK has now won three in a row by handy margins and while he’s up in class and slightly in distance today, has every chance of making it four. (3) GEUMSURYEONG has the best chance of beating him. He’s won three from five and was runner-up in the other two and there could well be more to come. He will lead early and Unseok will have to (more…)
Horse Racing in Korea 