Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 9)

Racing gets underway for the weekend at Busan on Friday where there are ten races from 11:30 to 18:00. Six jockeys are in town from Seoul for a Jockey Challenge which will be held across races 7 to 9.

Busan Racecourse

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

English race cards are here. See below for notes on overseas simulcast races 4-10:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:35

(5) KING ICE was just beaten a nose last start on November 11th on his first try at this distance and will surely get it right today. He’ll be strong favourite to close from off the pace to win here. Two horses behind him that day are next best. A further length and a half back in 3rd was (1) MAPLE CLASSIC and he’ll be close once more. Setting the pace in that race was (3) HIGH SPEC – he’ll do the same here and can continue to improve. (6) KING CODE and (7) SUPER SONIC look the best of a limited rest.

Selections: (5) King Ice (1) Maple Classic (3) High Spec (7) Super Sonic
Next Best: 6, 4
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 3, 8, 9
Start-200M: 8, 3, 10, 4, 7
200M-Finish: 5, 6, 1, 7, 2

Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:20 

Peter Wolsley celebrated his 400th winner in Korea last weekend and if he didn’t get it earlier today, the Aussie trainer could well get number 401 here. He saddles (7) PERLIN, a handy winner on debut just two weeks who at class and distance who has every chance of making all here. (6) DAMYANG HWANHO led for much of her own debut last month only to be passed late on. She finished 3rd and can continue her development here. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, Thomas Gillespie’s (11) GREAT KING, a $30K purchase from Ocala this June, looks the best having won his trial last month. Jockey booking inspires confidence too. Those three stand-out with (1) VALID EFFORT and (12) WORLD TOWER perhaps most likely among the others.

Selections: (7) Perlin (6) Damyang Hwanho (11) Great King (12) World Tower
Next Best: 1, 8, 3
Rating: 7, 6
Fast Starters: 1, 6, 7, 9
Start-200M: 1, 7, 6, 9, 8
200M-Finish: 7, 6, 12, 10, 2

Race 6: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:05

Nice and tricky race this. (6) GALILEE HO was a surprise winner on debut, beating King Ice, who we saw in race 4, by a nose over 1300M. He is up in both class and distance here and could well follow up. He will be steadily away and look to finish strongly. (1) BEAUTIFUL and (5) ROYAL RUBY were both 5th on their respective first tries at this class last time out and may appreciate the extra distance here while (12) SONATILLED is up in class following a nice-looking maiden win at 1300M three weeks ago and can be respected here. Another up in class is (9) BULBIT JEONSA and he’ll likely be setting the early pace along with (3) CAPE MAGIC. The latter is one of only four to have raced at this distance before and he can look to match the 2nd he achieved over it in October.

Selections: (6) Galielee Ho (5) Royal Ruby (1) Beautiful (9) Bulbit Jeonsa
Next Best: 3, 12, 11, 7
Rating: 3=5, 6, 9=12
Fast Starters: 3, 9, 11
Start-200M: 7, 2, 3, 11, 6
200M-Finish: 6, 12, 1, 2, 6

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 15:50

The first of three “Jockey Challenge” races so six Seoul based jockeys are taking part. It’s not exactly a field of the highest quality so (4) SAEBYEOK BADA has as good a chance as any of getting his maiden victory. (9) PHILIP AND GIRAFFE is yet to win in four but won a trial in double quick time a couple of weeks ago and will be backed here. (11) CHEOGANG YONGSA hasn’t raced since a 2nd place over this distance in August having picked up an injury but looks nicely in here while (5) GIMAKHIN SEONTAEK and (7) SEUNGJEONPILSA are others to consider.

Selections: (4) Saebyeok Bada (11) Choegang Yongsa (9) Philip And Giraffe (7) Seungjeonpilsa
Next Best: 5, 8
Rating: 5, 9=11, 2, 4
Fast Starters: 3, 7, 9, 12
Start-200M: 9, 12, 7, 4, 3
200M-Finish: 5, 10, 4, 11, 2

Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 16:35 

The second race of the jockey challenge brings together a slightly better field and the up in class (10) KKOKDAEGI, a two-length winner over 1300M last month has every chance of overcoming the outside gate to score again. (6) PHANTOM BLADE comes in following a slightly disappointing 4th over the distance just two weeks ago and can make amends here from the early speed while (2) ARIKKARI can improve on 6th in a tough race from a couple of weeks ago. (1) FLAMENCO returns for the first time since June and looked sharp in a trial last month while (5) GANGJA DAERO, also disappointing in that race behind Phantom Blade two weeks ago, gets another chance here.

Selections: (10) Kkokdaegi (6) Phantom Blade (1) Flamenco (2) Arikkari
Next Best: 5, 9
Rating: 8, 1, 5, 3, 6
Fast Starters: 3, 6, 9
Start-200M: 3, 9, 6, 2, 8
200M-Finish: 5, 4, 8, 2, 10

Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 72 Million / 17:30

The final race of the jockey challenge and (2) GOLD LINE beat (1) TURBO ENERGY and the pair raced 2nd and 3rd over class and distance on October 30th and both have claims here with Gold Line being the pick. (3) GIGA SPEED has been no worse than 3rd in each of his last seven outings and there’s no reason why that run can’t continue here. (6) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE is up in class following back to back wins and while this is a stiffer test, he should be competitive as should (12) JANGGUNEUIHUYE, also up in class following a good win over 1400M last month.

Selections: (2) Gold Line (1) Turbo Energy (3) Giga Speed (12) Jangguneuihuye
Next Best: 6, 8, 4
Rating: 5=8, 11, 1, 4
Fast Starters: 6, 7, 8, 9
Start-200M: 7, 6, 3, 12, 11
200M-Finish: 8, 2, 1, 3, 11
Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00

Back to the handicaps to finish with and (7) VANJEFE was 2nd on debut three weeks ago but finished well and with an extra half furlong to play with today, looks to be the one to beat. (8) ITSAGAINT WARRIOR was an encouraging 4th on his own debut last month and can build on that here. Those two are imports while locally-bred (2) DAESTAR is up in class having won two of his first four outings at the locally restricted classes 5 & 6. He’s a winner at this distance and will be dangerous here. Among the others, the experienced pair of (9) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE and (11) FIRST MOVER look capable of finding the money in this company.

Selections: (7) Vanjefe (2) Daestar (8) Itsagaint Warrior (9) Wonderfulcheonghae
Next Best: 11, 6
Rating: 6, 11, 1=4, 7
Fast Starters: 7, 9
Start-200M: 7, 3, 9, 5, 2
200M-Finish: 8, 2, 6, 5, 7

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 2)

This Sunday will see Korea’s Juvenile Champion of 2016 crowned at Seoul Racecourse. There’s plenty going on before that though with 10 races at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00.

English race cards can be found here. Notes on simulcast races 4-10 are below. With a number of the track’s top jockeys already in Seoul for Sunday’s big race, Seo Seung Un is very much the one to follow on Friday afternoon:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:35 

Fillies only in this maiden race and (2) SULTRY HUMOR is favoured to be the one to make the breakthrough having scored 3rd place finishes on both her two starts to date. She beat two of her rivals here last time and can lead from gate to wire. Her main danger is (7) KING STORM. She was 2nd on debut in an admittedly slow race on November 11th and should be close again here. (11) DONGNAM CHOEGO has shown glimpses since coming back from seven months out while the experienced pair of (4) PALMYRA and (5) IGIPPEUM GEUDAERO should be capable of finding minor money in this company.

Selections: (2) Sultry Humor (7) King Storm (11) Dongnam Choego (4) Palmyra
Next Best: 5, 10
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 3
Start-200M: 3, 2, 11, 6, 10
200M-Finish: 5, 6, 11, 12, 10

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:20 

A winner on debut all the way back in July, (1) ADELE STAR has failed to fire on two subsequent stats, both at 1200M and most recently in Busan’s top juvenile race. Back at 1000M and in more amenable company today, she can return to form. In as good a form as he’s ever been in four-year-old gelding (5) MOMENT. He has three 2nd places among his last four starts and should be continuing that record here. (7) VEGA KHAN must be respected having beaten (4) MADEIN MYEONGSEONG as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at class and distance last month and both should be competitive here with the latter favoured to overturn that form today. (8) NAMYANG QUEEN and (10) PARTY CONCEP are both up in class here and both have potential for development.

Selections: (1) Adele Star (5) Moment (4) Madein Myeongseong (10) Party Concep
Next Best: 8, 11, 7
Rating: 5, 4, 6=7, 1
Fast Starters: 1, 4, 8
Start-200M: 8, 1, 10, 4, 6
200M-Finish: 6, 4, 11, 5, 2

Race 6: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:05 

(1) SANDIEGO MARINE was an impressive winner on debut at this distance on November 18th and while he carries an extra 3kg today, there’s no reason why he can’t follow up. (5) AMERANCE FASHION also won on debut before running 5th in a tough race over 1200M a month ago and can come into consideration here while (7) WHITE BLUE returns to racing for the first time since July. She won two of her first five races and impressed in a November trial. (10) YEONGGWANG SEUNGNI debuted in 4th in the same race as Sandiego Marine while the wildcard is (8) SECRET RHAPSODY. She returns for the first time since April but looked quick in a trial a month ago.

Selections: (1) Sandiego Marine (5) Amerance Fashion (7) White Blue (10) Yeonggwang Seungni
Next Best: 8, 12
Rating: 1=5, 6=9, 4
Fast Starters: 1, 5, 7, 11
Start-200M: 11, 1, 7, 4, 10
200M-Finish: 5, 1, 6, 10, 11

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 

(6) ADELEUI BOM won over 1000M in August and has run exactly to expectations when recording a 4th and 5th in two tough races since, both over 1200M. He tries 1300M for the first time but could well get an uncontested lead here and if he runs to expectations again, he wins. It’s a similar story for (8) BAEKDUBONG who while slightly less impressive, has shown potential. (3) GANGHO IRON is yet to win in twenty-four attempts but is always close and will be close again while the up in class (1) HWAJEONG and the returning from a spell and making a first start for a new trainer (2) JEONGMAL JOA look best of the rest.

Selections: (6) Adeleui Bom (8) Baekdubong (3) Gangho Iron (1) Hwajeong
Next Best: 2, 7
Rating: 5, 6, 3=8, 1
Fast Starters: 6
Start-200M: 6, 8, 7, 4, 1
200M-Finish: 3, 8, 6, 1, 5

Race 8: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:35

(7) SISEON POCHAK was 2nd at class and distance, two lengths behind the useful Beolmaui Sin and plenty ahead of three who go here and he has solid claims to go one better today. He’s one of two stand-outs, the other being (11) SPECIAL ROOKIE. She was 4th in the Korean Oaks at this distance in June and can be forgiven her last start in a big Stakes race at Seoul in October. She’ll be on the early speed here and has every chance of going all the way under an apprentice jockey who gives her even more of a weight advantage. (9) GLORY DAYS was 3rd, seven lengths behind Siseon Pochak last month and can compete for the places again while (3) FINE DREAM and (12) BOUND MYEONGUN can also have similar ambitions.

Selections: (7) Siseon Pochak (11) Special Rookie (9) Glory Days (3) Fine Dream
Next Best: 12, 5
Rating: 7, 1=5, 3=9
Fast Starters: 6, 9, 11
Start-200M: 11, 6, 9, 7, 8
200M-Finish: 2, 1, 3, 5, 4

Race 9: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:30

2nd on debut over this distance on November 11th, (11) GOOD CASTING looks to be the one to beat here. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can finish well. Kim Young Kwan’s (6) SUPER MATCH was 4th on debut and is sure to go well again while (1) SPEED MARK was a creditable 6th in a Listed race on what was just his second career start last month and can be competitive today. The more experienced Korean-bred (4) ACE POWER will be dangerous from the early speed while (9) POKPUNGUI JEWANG also looks to have potential for further development.

Selections: (11) Good Casting (1) Speed Mark (6) Super Match (4) Ace Power
Next Best: 9, 2
Rating: 9, 11, 1, 2, 5
Fast Starters: 4, 8, 9
Start-200M: 12, 4, 9, 8, 5
200M-Finish: 7, 1, 6, 9, 2

Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:00 

Up in class following five wins from eight career starts, (10) JANTEUGAREU is very much the one they need to beat here. The wide draw isn’t ideal but he should be able to overcome it to sit handy and finish strongly. The experienced (4) JEONGSANG JEAP beat two when racing 3rd over class and distance last time out as indeed did (8) SUPER STORM and those two look to be the main dangers. (1) WORLD LOVE and (6) SINHEUNG GOSU were the two defeated ones on each occasion and they look best of the rest here.

Selections: (10) Janteugareu (4) Jeongsang Jeap (8) Super Storm (6) Sinheung Gosu
Next Best: 1, 9
Rating: 9, 3=5, 7, 8
Fast Starters: 4, 6, 8
Start-200M: 2, 4, 3, 6, 8
200M-Finish: 9, 8, 10, 6, 7

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

It’s been a busy week off the track in Korean racing with the US racing media reporting Take Charge Indy is the latest stallion to be Jeju Island bound. Racing gets back underway at Busan on Friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

English race cards are here. Notes on overseas simulcast races 4-11 are below:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:35

(2) TIMELESS was 4th of 12 on debut over 1000M at the end of last month. She finished strongly that day and is favourite to score over an extended distance here. The main danger is (10) HWANGGEUMBIT JILJU, who debuted unimpressively in June but returned much more strongly last month to actually beat Timeless on October 28th. (5) ALSO POWERFUL showed improvement last month and can be considered while (11) DESTINY and (12) JIBONG YEONGUNG also look capable of finding the money here.

Selections: (2) Timeless (10) Hwanggeumbit Jilju (11) Destiny (5) Also Powerful
Next Best: 12, 1
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 4, 10
Start-200M: 4, 2, 11, 3, 12
200M-Finish: 2, 5, 7, 1, 8

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:20 

(1) REALLY ONE has just one win from eleven but two 2nd places among his last three outings an on October 28th was beaten only by the very promising Evergreen Tree at this distance with a couple of others here behind him He’ll be a front-runner, has a strong finish and should take this. One of the ones he beat last time was (8) TIGER SLAM, 4th in that race on what was his first try at this level and he can continue his development today. (9) GOLD FLYING was an unexpected winner last time and while up in class, will get more respect today while the ever so slightly disappointing (4) MISS CANBERRA and the unlucky (6) MOHAVE WANGJA, who did manage to get his maiden win last time out, are the others to watch.

Selections: (1) Really One (8) Tiger Slam (9) Gold Flying (6) Mohave Wangja
Next Best: 4, 10
Rating: 1=6, 8, 3=9
Fast Starters: 4, 8, 9
Start-200M: 8, 10, 4, 5, 9
200M-Finish: 8, 1, 6, 2, 4

Click  “More” for the rest…

(more…)

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

It’s the final leg of the 2016 Queens’ Tour to determine this year’s champion filly or mare at Busan on Sunday, but before that there is a busy day of action on Friday. There are 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00

English race cards can be found here. See below for notes on races 4-11:

Key
Rating: Top five official rated
Fast Starters: Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M: Fastest average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish: Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:35 

Two stand-outs here looking to get their maiden wins at what for both of them is the fourth time of asking. (9) NAMBANG JEONSEOL is favoured. He debuted all the way back last year before immediately suffering a setback and didn’t return until September. A 4th and 3rd in two starts since returning in reasonable company suggest he should be favourite to claim this (8) CAPI RUN is the main danger having shown promise in his own three outings and has an apprentice jockey taking a significant amount of weight off. They should account for the quinella with (1) WINNING ALL, (2) PUREUN GANGJA and (6) SONATILLED looking best of the rest.

Selections: (9) Nambang Jeonseol (8) Capi Run (2) Pureun Gangja (1) Winning All
Next Best: 6, 4
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 4, 5
Start-200M: 5, 4, 9, 1, 8
200M-Finish: 6, 7, 9, 5, 2

Click “More” to show full article…

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Full Race-By-Race Preview for President’s Cup Day (November 13)

Sunday is President’s Cup Day at Seoul. The big race is the highlight of 11 contests at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00. Meanwhile at Busan there is a competitive 6-race card running from 12:50 to 17:05.

See here for a runner-by-runner preview of the President’s Cup. Full English race cards can be found here and see below for a race-by-race preview of the whole day (click continue reading):

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40

Five first-timers and five with prior experience here and we’ll go with the experience. (7) K KING has shown improvement over his two outings to date and can keep that going here. He should lead from the gate and can win. (8) CHARMING GOOD was an encouraging 4th in a tight race on debut last month and also improve today while (4) RAON ROCKY also showed promise when racing 5th on debut on October 2nd. Among the debut makers, (2) BEST CAMP looked the pick in trials.

Selections: (7) K King (2) Best Camp (8) Charming Good (4) Raon Rocky
Next Best: 6, 10
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 4, 7
Start-200M: 8, 7, 9, 4, 1
200M-Finish: 1, 7, 8, 9, 4

click “more” to continue…it’s too long to keep on the front!

(more…)

Sunday Preview: Munhwa Ilbo, Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo (November 6)

Busy day of racing at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with big prizes at both tracks for imported 2-year olds. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:50 to 17:00.

Ottug Ottugi

Oaks Winner Ottug Ottugi faces Perdido Pomeroy on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

At Seoul, It’s the Munhwa Ilbo Cup and Spirit Of Hansen looks set to be favourite for a race that has attracted a full field of fourteen runners. Fourteen go too in Busan’s equivalent, the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Cup, a really open event in which the excellently named I’m Your Father, Sillaui Jeonseol, and Wonder Wall are likely to be among the favourites.

Also at Busan, there is an intriguing match-up in the finale as two of the track’s best sprinters, Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi and Korea/Japan Cup winner Perdido Pomeroy face off over six furlongs. Races 9-11 at Seoul will be shown in Australia on Sky Racing 2. English race cards are here. Notes on those three races below:

Race 9: Class Open – The Munhwa Ilbo Cup / 1200M / Allowance (2yo Only) / KRW 200 Million / 16:35

Following three 2nd place finishes, (5) SPIRIT OF HANSEN was perhaps a touch fortunate to get his maiden victory last time out when his main rival missed the break enabling him to comfortably make all. Nevertheless he has shown enough to suggest he should be favourite to take this valuable prize with champion jockey Moon Se Young on board for the first time. (14) NEW CITADEL made his own breakthrough last time with a visually impressive win over 1400M and while the draw is far from ideal, looks the main danger. There are plenty of unknowns in the race though. (7) CHEONGDAM DOKKI and (2) GRACE CITY have both won their only starts to date and will have backers while (8) DOLKONG may have only managed 2nd on debut behind one of his rivals at the end of August but clearly needed further and gets it today. (12) INGWANGDO has also shown promise in two outings so far and is to be considered.

Selections: (5) Spirit Of Hansen (14) New Citadel (7) Cheongdam Dokki (8) Dolkong
Next Best: 12, 2, 11
Rating: 5, 14, 4, 1=2
Fast Starters: 3, 4, 5, 12
Start-200M: 12, 4, 3, 14, 10
200M-Finish: 8, 11, 7, 13, 14

Race 10: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30

Nice competitive race here and while (6) SMART TIME found herself overmatched in the Jeju Governor’s Cup last month, she should go much better here in more amenable company. She races best when she gets a forward position from the gate and can do that today. (2) GREY KAISER beat a couple of these when racing 3rd over 1200M a month ago and will also be on speed today while (3) BAEKSAN can improve on a 6th place in tough company last start. (4) CUPID POWER and (12) SUN SHOT look best of the rest.

Selections: (6) Smart Time (2) Grey Kaiser (3) Baeksan (4) Cupid Power
Next Best: 12, 5, 1, 8
Rating: 85=85, 83=83, 82
Fast Starters: 2, 5, 6, 12
Start-200M: 12, 5, 1, 10, 2
200M-Finish: 4, 8, 7, 12, 3

Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00

It took (10) WINNER RED six starts to get his maiden win but he’s now won four of his last five and tackles class 1 opposition for the first time here with every indication being that he can be equal to the task. Also up in class is (11) SAMBONG. He was a, eight-length winner over 1900M last month but is a very solid sprinter too and must be considered. (7) DIPLOMATIC MISSION was 2nd at class and distance three weeks ago and can match that today while (1) WORLD JJANG and (6) CITY HUNTER have proven competitive at this level, the latter having returned from seven months out with a solid 3rd last month. (4) SUN STRONG and (12) GUMANSEOK are longer shots who also can’t be ruled out.

Selections: (10) Winner Red (7) Diplomatic Mission (11) Sambong (4) Sun Strong
Next Best: 12, 1, 6
Rating: 12, 8, 10, 2=7
Fast Starters: 2, 7, 8, 9
Start-200M: 8, 9, 10, 2, 7
200M-Finish: 6, 11, 1, 2, 10

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 4)

November is here and it has been a suitably cold week on the Korean peninusla with temperatures dipping below freezing for the first time since March. It could be a long winter. And right on cue, Friday’s Busan races shift to daytime meaning the first of eleven events get underway at 11:30 and the last at 18:00.

There is plenty of action on Sunday too but for now English racecards are here and notes of Friday’s Busan races 4-11 are below:

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:35 

(6) EGSEU BAND tries further than the minimum distance for the first time and it could be what the 2-year-old colt needs. He’s been traveling nicely for 4th in each of his last two and can go better here. (4) DREAM ACE beat (1) HWAJEONG as the pair raced together at this distance on October 7th. The latter was favourite that day and although Dream Ace went on to record another 3rd place later that month it is Hwajeong who will be the more fancied here with a top jockey taking over in the saddle. (10) PYEONDAEMYEONGMUN was a much improved 3rd at the minimum at the end of September and looks ready to stretch back out to 1300M; she’ll be on speed early along with (2) SAMHYEONGJE, disappointing behind Egseu Band last time but with potential for improvement.

Selections: (6) Egseu Band (1) Hwajeong (10) Pyeongdaemyeongmun (4) Dream Ace
Next Best: 2, 9
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 9, 10
Start-200M: 2, 6, 10, 4, 9
200M-Finish: 1, 2, 9, 6, 7

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:20 

Two 2nd places at class 6 sees Peter Wolsley’s (4) DINAH forced up in class today here but there’s little to be intimidated by here and she could well pull off her maiden victory. The main danger is (3) MOMENT, 2nd at class and distance on October 14th and the experienced gelding can at least match that here. Neither will necessarily lead from the gate. That’s more likely to be (6) KWAEDO YEOGEOL, 2nd in a weak race over this distance in early October having been beaten by Moment the time before. She’ll be competitive. (1) B.K. ONE and (7) LADY CHARTERED look best of the rest.

Selections: (4) Dinah (3) Moment (6) Kwaedo Yeogeol (1) B.K. One
Next Best: 7
Rating: 3, 6, 1=4, 8
Fast Starters: 1, 6, 8
Start-200M: 6, 8, 1, 4, 5
200M-Finish: 8, 4, 3, 2, 6

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:05 

A winner on debut and then 3rd on her first try at this class three weeks ago, (1) YUSEONG FIRST is the pick to claim this all-filly (and one mare) affair. (10) BLUE TIME steps up in class and distance having secured her own maiden victory over five furlongs on October 14th and will be one of the main dangers. The experienced (3) USEUNG CHEONJI landed a very good 3rd place in a solid race over 1300M just two weeks ago and can seek the money once more. (6) DANCING BLAZE has been inconsistent in four starts so far but has a 2nd place at this distance at class 6 and showed she can compete at this level with a 5th place in a decent race on October 9th. She’ll also be on speed early. (4) FOCUS LINE looks to have scope for improvement.

Selections: (1) Yuseong First (3) Useung Cheonji (10) Blue Time (6) Dancing Blaze
Next Best: 4, 8
Rating: 1, 10, 5=7, 6
Fast Starters: 1, 6, 10
Start-200M: 10, 1, 6, 4, 8
200M-Finish: 10, 3, 4, 5, 6

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:50 

It took Bart Rice’s (2) SWOOP seven races to get his maiden win but he’s gone on to land three in a row and, taking on potentially weaker imported opposition here, has every chance to get his fourth. Apprentice Choi Eun Gyeong is unbeaten on him and can continue that record today in Barry Irwin’s Team Valor colours. Another Korean-bred, (12) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM, disappointing last start, looks among the main contenders to stop him. Aside from a disappointing run in wet conditions last start, she’s been in good form of late and must be considered. Among the imports, (8) SINHEUNG QUEEN won her trial in decent fashion and we’ll look for a promising debut while (11) POINT LUCK was a creditable 4th at his first attempt a month ago. (3) TAEGWON CHAMP is yet to win in eighteen but at this distance and in this company, should be looking for the money.

Selections: (2) Swoop (8) Sinheung Queen (12) Kwaehan Myeongpum (11) Point Luck
Next Best: 3, 1
Rating: 6, 9, 2=12, 3
Fast Starters: 1, 4, 6, 8
Start-200M: 1, 6, 11, 12, 2
200M-Finish: 3, 10, 7, 11, 9

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:35

Kim Young Kwan’s (3) HWANGJEUI TANSAENG has won two of his last three and was only narrowly defeated last time. He’ll be on speed early here from a good draw and can go all the way. (7) SEUNGJEONPILSA and (8) SHARP WIN are both up in class after victories last start but you’d fancy both have plenty to find here which leaves (6) FIVE VICTORS, 6th behind Hwangjeui Tansaeng last start and (9) GANGHAN NAMJA, also beaten by Hwangjeui Tansaeng on his last start as the main dangers. (10) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG and (11) GIFTED SUN both look competitive at this level and should be considered.

Selections: (3) Hwangjeui Tansaeng (9) Ganghan Namja (6) Five Victors (11) Gifted Sun
Next Best: 2, 10, 7, 8
Rating: 3, 6, 2=4=9
Fast Starters: 3, 7, 11
Start-200M: 11, 7, 3, 4, 8
200M-Finish: 4, 9, 8, 5, 2

Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:00

Open contest this with a number having claims. (1) PUT IT BACK TIM beat three of these when racing 3rd over 1400M at the end of September. He’s a strong finisher and can come from off the pace here. He has only won once in fourteen starts though and at today’s distance, one of those he beat last time, (6) YOU’RE HILARIOUS has every chance of overturning that result. (11) GOLD MOON drops back in distance after several tries around two turns and is to be considered while the very experienced (5) JILJU HWASIN was 3rd in a decent contest at class and distance just two weeks ago and can repeat. (2) KWAESEOK BARAM and the reliable (8) FOR MY SIS are others to consider for the money.

Selections: (6) You’re Hilarious (11) Gold Moon (1) Put It Back Tim (8) For My Sis
Next Best: 5, 2, 9
Rating: 6=11, 5, 7, 3
Fast Starters: 3, 4, 7, 11
Start-200M: 7, 9, 3, 11, 6
200M-Finish: 8, 10, 2, 11, 6

Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:30 

(6) GASOK ENGINE defeated (11) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK as the pair ran 1st and 2nd over class and distance in wet conditions on September 30th. They should battle it out again and we’ll go for the Korean Oaks 3rd place-getter Hoseungjibyeok to take the honours today. (7) BARAMUI JEONSEOL is up in class following two consecutive wins and looks most likely to upset the favourites with (8) SEONGSAN PAECHEONG and (9) JEONGSANG JEAP the best of the rest.

Selections: (11) Hoseungjibyeok (6) Gasok Engine (7) Baramui Jeonseol (8) Seongsan Paecheong
Next Best: 9, 3
Rating: 6=8, 4=1, 7
Fast Starters: 4, 6, 9, 10
Start-200M: 9, 4, 10, 6, 7
200M-Finish: 3, 8, 5, 10, 11

Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 18:00 

(4) SEOUL BULLET pushed triple-crown winner Power Blade close in a Stakes race over this distance a month ago on what was just his second start back following well over a year off. He was six-for-six before his extended lay-off and can get back to winning ways here. Top-rated (5) WONIL GANGJA comes in looking for a hat-trick of victories. His past two have been achieved at reasonably lengthy odds and the same apprentice who won on him last time takes some weight off today and he can challenge the favourite. (2) MAC AND CHEESE returns to action for the first time since April. He looked is good shape when unhurried in a trial two weeks ago and can put in a good run first-up. (6) GOJI JEONGBEOL and (7) POKPUNG CHOEGANG can compete for minor money.

Selections (4) Seoul Bullet (5) Wonil Gangja (2) Mac And Cheese (6) Goji Jeongbeol
Next Best: 7, 3, 1
Rating: 5, 3, 1, 6, 4
Fast Starters: 1, 5
Start-200M: 3, 2, 5, 4, 1
200M-Finish: 7, 5, 4, 6, 3

Sunday Preview: Nonghyup Trophy At Seoul / Beolmaui Kkum At Busan

Sunday is a big day of racing across the peninsula with good quality match ups at both Seoul and Busan. The unfortunately named Goreous Dream goes after what would be his eighth win on his ninth start in Seoul’s Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy while Beolmaui Kkum, such a disappointment in last month’s Korea Cup, headlines Busan’s feature.

beolmaui-kkum-korea-cup-lead

Beolmaui Kkum quickly led the Korea Cup but quickly faded. He returns to action on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Formerly for fillies and mares, this year the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy has been repackaged as a race for 3-year-olds. And at Seoul, Goreous Dream (yes, he really is actually called “Gorgeous Dream” in Korean, it seems to be a typo but we’re going to go with it anyway) looks a talent, at least at sprint distances. He’s going to be the strong favourite to keep his record going in the 1200M Nonghyup.

Beolmaui Kkum went out like a train in the Korea Cup at Seoul last month but quickly ran out of steam and handed the race on a platter to the two Japanese visitors. There’s a jockey change today with an apprentice coming in to take some weight off but it still won’t be easy for Beolmaui Kkum in the 1800M race 6. Dongbang Daero, Supreme Magic – 6th in the Korea Sprint – and the ever-reliable Heba will also go.

At Seoul there are 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:50 to 17:00. English race cards are here. Three races will be shown in Australia on Sky Racing 2 for betting on the TAB, including the Nonghyup Trophy. Notes on those below:

Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 14:45

(3) KODIAK LOVE will be the strong favourite here. He didn’t get the greatest of trips in a tough race over this distance on October 2nd but if he can get on speed early today, he has every chance of going all the way in what is slightly weaker company. (9) POWER AND SPEED returned from a full ten months off in September to record an unexpected win at domestic class 4. She’s up in class today but has a strong finish and looks to be the main danger. Also up in class is (10) BARAM SOGEURO. He didn’t disappoint with an all the way win over 1300M and while the draw is less favourable today, he’s should be competitive. (5) SKY JEWANG has a 4th and a 6th from two outings at this level and can build on those today while (1) TAEYANGBYEOL looks best of the rest.

Selections: (3) Kodiak Love (9) Power And Speed (10) Baram Sogeuro (5) Sky Jewang
Next Best: 1, 6, 7
Rating: 3, 10, 4=8, 6
Fast Starters: 3, 4, 5, 10
Start-200M: 4, 3, 6, 10, 5
200M-Finish: 7, 9, 3, 5, 8

Race 9: Class 1 / 1200M / Allowance (3yo only) – The Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy / KRW 120 Million / 16:35

He may be a typo in the registry but (8) GOREOUS DREAM has proved a very effective sprinter on the track. The Sharp Humor colt has won seven of his eight outings to date, almost all of them having led from gat to wire and he will be hot favourite to do exactly the same here. (1) SUN ROK comes in having won his last two and drops back to this distance for the first time since last year. He’s won seven of ten and is a danger. Under the same ownership as Sun Rok (although a different trainer), (5) GWANGBOK CHILSIP is another talent who drops back to a sprint distance for the first time in many months and must be taken seriously. (7) SUSEONG CAPTAIN and (3) SHAMROCKER too will appreciate the distance with the former likely to challenge Goreous Dream and Gwangbok Chilsip for the early lead. It’s a competitive race with seven of the eight having claims (it’s hard to make a case for the still maiden Hwanggeum Cheonha), but the favourite should be too good.

Selections: (8) Goreous Dream (5) Gwangbok Chilsip (1) Sun Rok (7) Suseong Captain
Next Best: 3, 6, 4
Rating: 8, 5, 3, 1, 7
Fast Starters: 5, 7, 8
Start-200M: 8, 2, 7, 5, 6
200M-Finish: 3, 6, 7, 1, 4
Race 10: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:30

Small but competitive field here with two standouts. (3) WINNERS GLORY looked like he was heading to the top earlier this year but hasn’t managed to build on a 4th place in the Korean Derby. He managed another 4th in the Ilgan Sports Cup in July but his only race since then was a disappointing run over 1400M. He gets another chance here though and should be on speed throughout. Among those beating Winners Glory in that 1400M race was (2) SEOMGWANGI. He was recording his third consecutive 2nd place finish that day but with champion jockey Moon Se Young back in the saddle, he should also be on speed early and can go one better today. He’s the pick. (4) DIXIE PLOIT, a half-brother to a Derby winner, is up in class following a smart win over this distance last month and looks best of the rest. He’ll come from off the pace as will the next best (7) GRAND PNYX and (8) CARDIFF HWANHUI.

Selections: (2) Seomgwangi (3) Winners Glory (4) Dixie Ploit (8) Cardiff Hwanhui
Next Best: 7
Rating: 7, 2, 6=8, 3
Fast Starters: 2, 3
Start-200M: 2, 3, 7, 1, 5
200M-Finish: 4, 3, 1, 2, 5

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 28)

Evening racing finally wraps up at Busan today. There’s a 10-race card from 14:20 to 21:00. On Saturday there is racing at Seoul while both tracks run daytime cards on Sunday.

English racecards are here. Notes on simulcast races 1-7 are below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20 

(5) ADELE ACE was 3rd on debut on October 7th. He didn’t start especially quickly that day but finished strongly. Expect him to be on speed here and he’ll be the strong favourite. (11) KEUN MABEOP led for much of her debut back in September before fading late on and she can also compete here. Among the debut-makers (1) FREE CARE and (7) CITY WINNER looked best in trials.

Selections (5) Adele Ace (7) City Winner (11) Keun Mabeop (1) Free Care
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Starters 5, 7, 11


Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:45 

Thomas Gillespie’s (8) AGNES was a strong finishing 2nd on debut earlier this month (beating Adele Ace who we saw in race 1) and she’s the pick to go one better today. (2) KEUNJAYU and (7) PARTY TONIGHT have both shown promise in their two starts to date and can threaten here while (1) EOREUM GONGJU gets a top jockey booking, should be on speed early and can make a big improvement from her debut. (11) TEUKGEUP GAMDONG, a much improved 4th last time, looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Agnes (2) Keunjayu (7) Party Tonight (11) Teukgeup Gamdong
Next Best 1, 12
Fast Starters 1, 4, 6


Race 3: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30 

Nothing much here so Peter Wolsley’s debut-maker (7) TIMELESS has as good a chance as any of making a breakthrough. Kim Young Kwan’s (8) HWANGGEUMBIT JILJU also looks an interesting one having debuted disappointingly in June but was solid in a trial earlier this month. Favourite is likely to be (5) YEONGGWANGUIHUNTER who showed improvement in a decent race over the distance on October 7th and can build on that here. (4) SINMYEONGSEONG recorded back to back 3rd places much earlier this year and returns following seven months off with (1) QUEEN MEDIA and (12) GOLD FLYING looking the best of a limited rest.

Selections (7) Timeless (5) Yeonggwanguihunter (1) Queen Media (8) Hwanggeumbit Jilju
Next Best 12, 4, 11
Fast Starters 4, 5, 7

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 16:15 

(9) BIG GOLD was 2nd on her first try at this distance in what was admittedly, a weak race at the end of September. This one isn’t much stronger though and she has as good a chance as any. She’ll likely try to lead all the way. Also on speed early will be (6) FRENCH GIRL, who should have come on for her debut two weeks ago. (7) AREUMDAN OECHIM has been inconsistent in four prior starts but has shown ability and should be considered while (2) TIME CASTLE and (10) SOUL also have potential for improvement.

Selections (9) Big Gold (7) Areumdaun Oechim (6) French Girl (2) Time Castle
Next Best 10, 11
Fast Starters 6, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:00 

The first of the handicaps and the first of two banker favourites of the day. That’s Thomas Gillespie’s (10) EVERGREEN TREE who impressed with a five-length win on debut and while up in class, should be too good for this lot. Also up in class is (3) TIGER SLAM and he could well prove to be the main danger while (5) REALLY ONE has proven capable of winning money at this level and can do so again. (6) LOOK AT ME was a surprise winner last time beating (7) CHARTERED DREAM. Both are up in class here with the latter looking more likely to be able to make the step up. (8) BEST PERFORMER is best of the rest.

Selections (10) Evergreen Tree (3) Tiger Slam (5) Really One (7) Chartered Dream
Next Best 8, 2
Fast Starters 3, 7, 10


Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:50 

(1) MADEIN MYEONGSEONG returned from almost ten months off with an encouraging 5th place over 1000M two weeks ago and he can build on that here. Expect him to compete for favourite status with (9) KKOKDAEGI, who was slightly disappointing last time out but can go better here. Also set to improve are (3) GEOWIUI KKUM and (6) NAMYANG TOWER, both of whom have been inconsistent. (12) DONGGWANG JEIL was an improved 5th last start and can match or better it here.

Selections (1) Madein Myeongseong (9) Kkokdaegi (3) Geowiui Kkum (6) Namyang Tower
Next Best 12, 2
Fast Starters 1, 3, 6, 8


Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:30 

(1) DAESTAR will be strong favourite here. He has a win a 3rd and a 2nd in three starts to date and this should be his last appearance at this class. He was 2nd last time ahead of (8) BAEDARI GOSU and it’s that one who is likely to be his biggest danger today. (9) BEAUTIFUL was a narrow winner over 1200M last time and is up in class here. Apart from the favourite there is little to be intimidated about. The very experienced pair of (3) YAKSOKUI SIGAN and (7) SAMDA GONGJU are capable of winning money in this company.

Selections (1) Daestar (8) Baedari Gosu (9) Beautiful (3) Yaksokui Sigan
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Starters 1, 2, 10

Sunday Preview (October 23)

There’s a busy day of racing in Korea today with 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:50 to 17:05. 

Feature race is at Busan in the shape of the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup, the southern track’s top juvenile race of the year. English racecards here. Just three races will be simulcast overseas today and notes on them are below:

 Busan Race 4: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 15:20

(9) GABO STAR is the one to beat here. He’s won his last two in comfortable style, beating (6) FOR MY SIS by a length three weeks ago at this distance. Both of them are up in class here. Gabo Star should be on speed early and he can complete a hat-trick of victories. The reliable For My Sis can find the money once again but the main danger may turn out to be (10) BIO BLUE. He’s back in the winning habit with two from his last three and while 1200M may be a touch short for him, he’ll be a danger coming from just behind the early pace. (1) JUNGANG YEOJE has suffered a couple of setbacks when favourite in both his last two outings but will surely find at least the places again while (4) ILMANGMUJE weakened late on in a good race over 1400M last month and should go better back at 1200M today.

Selections (9) Gabo Star (10) Bio Blue (1) Jungang Yeoje (6) For My Sis
Next Best 4
Rating 2=8, 3, 10, 7
Fast Starters 1, 4, 7, 9
Start-200M 7, 1, 4, 9, 5
200M-Finish 6, 10, 1, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 250 Million / 16:15

This race is Busan’s top juvenile race of the year with those who perform well likely to go to Seoul in early December to contest the overall Championship. It’s a tricky one too with plenty of unknown quantities. We’ll start with the known though and on that basis, (9) ICE MARINE gets the nod. She’s won three of four so far and beat three of these in a valuable race for domestic sales graduates last month. A fast starter, she’ll possibly be the favourite here. Of those she beat in that race on September 11th, (3) ADELEUI BOM and (7) MUHAN YEOLJEONG look capable of going well here. Trainer Kim Young Kwan saddled winner and runner-up last year; those two went on to win the Oaks and the Triple Crown respectively and Korea’s top trainer comes in well-armed again today. (2) EUROPA is the pick of his pair. He tied up from two furlongs out when up against older horses over 1300M last start but has had two months off since and should be factor here. Kim’s other entrant (6) SINUIPUMGYEOK was 3rd in challenging company at the distance last month and is also likely to have come on. (4) ILLYU STAR comes in two for two and is another who’ll want to be on speed early while (1) QUEEN’S QUEEN and (11) HWARANGUI HUYE are the wildcard picks, both running under in-form expat jockeys.

Selections (6) Sinuipumgyeok (9) Ice Marine (2) Europa (11) Hwarangui Huye
Next Best 4, 10, 3, 1
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9
Start-200M 9, 4, 7, 2, 8
200M-Finish 11, 4, 1, 7, 3

Busan Race 6: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:05

Another competitive race and while (10) SAEROUN STEALTH demonstrated that he can get two turns with a solid 2nd over 1800M last month but it is at this distance and shorter where he has excelled most so far and he is very much the one to beat here. (4) PUREUN ACE beat (2) AJU CHOEGANG when the pair ran 4th and 5th at class and distance exactly a month ago and both can challenge here with the latter favoured to overturn that result while (3) SEONGSAN PAECHEONG returned to form with a 2nd place at class and distance two weeks ago and can build on that here despite carrying an extra three kilos. (11) MORNING DAERO enters following back to back 2nd place finishes most recently at class and distance and can be fancied for a late charge here.

Selections (10) Saeroun Stealth (2) Aju Choegang (11) Morning Daero (4) Pureun Ace
Next Best 3, 8, 7
Rating 4, 1=11, 2, 3
Fast Starters 5, 6, 10
Start-200M 5, 6, 11, 10, 7
200M-Finish 2, 11, 3, 4, 5