Two out of the past three years have seen a single filly sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara and on Sunday Fantastic Value can go one step closer to emulating Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 by winning the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan.SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.
Fantastic Value comprehensively won the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
That the three-year-old Korean bred filly division isn’t a very deep one is reflected in only ten going to face the starter, one of which is a maiden with a rating of just twenty-six. FANTASTIC VALUE had little trouble seeing off her rivals in the opening jewel of the Tiara, the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at the end of March, when she pulled away in the home straight to win by five-lengths.
With that Luna triumph, the Lim Keum-man trained Fantastic Value moved onto four wins from nine starts and has experience of the 1800M Oaks distance having run 4th over it at class 4 level prior to her Tiara 1st leg score.
All first four home in the Luna return for another go in the Oaks, but the most fascinating runner is a newcomer to the Tiara trail. ONEULDO SMILE debuted as a juvenile last August and won but then got injured and didn’t reappear until this January. She has since won three on the spin, most recently a fourteen-length romp at Class 4 level on March 23rd.
CC Wong rides Oneuldo Smile for the first time and while she has never been further than 1200M, the daughter of Federalist looks an enticing prospect.
1. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – Ran 3rd in the Luna from a wide draw. A winner and runner-up in two tries at 1800M both at class 5 level puts her ahead of most of these. In the frame.
2. TEAM SURPRISE – Yet to win in eleven and that probably won’t change here but does have nine top five finishes. First try at further than 1400M can suit, but minor money chance only.
Sunday’s feature is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the 2nd leg of the Triple Tiara series for three-year-old fillies and mares. It’s the final race on a 60race card at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry won last year’s Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DRAGON FANTASY comes in following a best to date 2nd over this distance on April 12th when handy throughout and running on. From a good draw he will be on or close to the pace again and won’t need to improve much on that effort to win. The danger is (4) HAKSAN PRINCE. He is seemingly figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance recording the fastest time among these for the 1300M in the process. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (5) RAON PARANOMA finished off well from a long way back and a wide gate last time out. He can be further forward sooner here and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (10) HIGH CROWN and (11) ECLIPSE TANGO others who can improve.
Selections
(1) Dragon Fantasy (4) Haksan Prince (5) Raon Paranoma (10) High Crown
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and (5) MORNING WONDER shapes a short price favourite. From her four starts so far she has been no worse than 4th, including a close 2nd place in a quick time over 1300M two starts back and in this small field she will be on pace and should win. (6) GEOLJAK CHUJKE hasn’t done much in two starts so far but there was four months between them. She led on her return on April 12th and while she ultimately finished back in the pack, she can strip fitter here and in the absence of much early speed here, she can get an easy lead and may be in it for longer. (9) GLORY DAY was an improved 4th at start number three on April 5th, recording the quickest time among these for the 1200M. That’s enough for her to go in the numbers here. (8) WINNER GLORY and (1) MIRACLE SOCKS others to look out for.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SSOARA STAR got her maiden win on March 1st at this distance before running 3rd from gate ten on his first try at this class on April 6th. He draws better today and is the one to beat. (11) SMART TAKE returned from five months off on March 30th to get her maiden win over this distance. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she may well prove fitter for that run. (8) RAON NOTHERN DANCE will need a line drawn though his latest when he led before weakening late on over 1400M. He can lead again and the cut back in trip can suit. The up in class last start maiden winners (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (3) GEUMGYEPORAN both showed in their wins that they can measure up at this level.
Selections
(2) Ssoara Star (11) Smart Take (8) Raon Nothern Dance (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) CHAMP SONNY has two 3rd places and two 5th places from four appearances so far with the former coming at this distance and a mile. He has run both on pace and from behind and today should be his day over a limited looking set of rivals. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR was an improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar today and he looks the only credible danger to the favourite. (9) HEUIMANG GUNJU has a 3rd place at 1300M two starts back and that’s enough for him to go in the numbers here. (2) MEANINGFUL TIME and (1) SUN JAE other place chances.
Selections
(7) Champ Sonny (4) Doctor Solar (9) Heuimang Gunju (2) Meaningful Time
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA may be up in class without a win – or even a 2nd place – but looks rather nicely in here in what isn’t a strong race for the level. He has three 3rd place finishes, most recently at this distance on April 5th, coming from off the pace, and coming down a full 4.5kg, should be right in this. (2) ECO WORLD took a couple of goes to settle at this class but was a close 2nd at this distance on April 22nd, racing close to the pace throughout and a similar effort will see her close here. (3) HIGH FOLLY had a hard time on his first try at this class a month ago but comes back up to the trip at which he won in March and is worth another chance. (9) KYLIE and (5) MINT PLAY other possibles.
Selections
(10) Songdang Hwangtaeja (2) Eco World (3) High Folly (9) Kylie
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) VANGIE got his maiden win at start three over this distance on March 30th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has made progress across all his starts so far and while he is up in class, he comes down in weight and will be expected to make it two in a row. (5) HANEUL BOSS was an outsider on his latest over this distance on April 6th, but he led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 4th. He draws well to lead here and can be in things a long way again. The up in class pair of (2) ROAD TO SPRING and (3) GLOBAL HEROINE both come down in the weights and should be able to measure up at this level. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP another place chance.
Selections
(4) Vangie (5) Haneul Boss (2) Road To Spring (3) Global Heroine
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) PALO ALTO had a hard time when sent to Busan for the Luna Stakes, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara, at the end of March. She could have easily got into this afternoon’s Oaks but stays in Seoul to here instead and the drop back in trip as well as a light weight make her the one to beat. (7) GEOMIBULU overcame gate ten to win at class and distance on April 6th. An apprentice claiming 3kg means she comes in at the same weight and she can be close again. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG was a winner at this class over 1700M two starts back and while he had a hard time from a wide draw on his return at the end of March, this should suit, and he can return to form. (6) BEOLGYO CHADOL and (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS others to consider for the minors.
Korean Oaks weekend kicks off with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in the opening maiden. (10) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL ran 6th in debut before being an improved 3rd at start two on April 13th. Seo Seung-un stays on and third-up she can be peaking. On debut, she was beaten by (8) JJAK SARANG, who is the obvious danger. She has a 4th, 2nd, and a 3rd from three outings so far, racing handy each time and she will be there or thereabouts again. (7) OH FANTASTIC was beaten by a couple of these on debut in March but was an improved 5th at the second time of asking on April 6th when racing on pace. She has the best start among these, Franco climbs on, and she should be in the mix again. (1) NAMYANG RUBY and (6) TWOTWO PERFOR others who can improve.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) TAMNA FIRST took a while to get to the races, but it was worth the wait with a debut 2nd over 1200M on March 28th, when settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that run, he draws a much better gate, and he can win. (3) ALL THE WAY also debuted in that March 28th race, coming from well off the pace to run a useful 3rd. She too should have derived benefit from that and can be in this all the way. (9) SHOOT FOR THEMOON impressed in trials and was a fair 5th on debut on March 21st at this distance, settling back and running on. He is another who can have come on for the experience. (10) HIGH TENSION and (8) WONDER MOCCASIN have more experience and can be in this.
Selections
(2) Tamna First (3) All The Way (9) Shoot For Themoon (10) High Tension
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) GLORY WIND beat several of these in her way to 2nd from the widest gate on what was her first try over the mile on April 11th. She should get an easier run to the front today and she is favoured to go one better. (1) HIT MAJOR ran 3rd in that race which for him too was a best to date finish. He had been getting better across his last couple of outings and Tanaka stays on. (6) DORAON SAMSON has a 2nd place on his record and while he could only manage 6th on his first try at a mile last month, he can have learned from it and Seo Seung-un climbing up for the first time will make plenty take note. (4) GLORY ALPHA and (2) FLYING ICE other place chances.
Selections
(9) Glory Wind (1) Hit Major (6) Doraon Samson (4) Glory Alpha
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
1, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (7) FLY TO THE MOON remains a maiden but has never finished any worse than 5th and has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this class, both over this distance. In this company she can be on pace and today can be her day. (3) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was the winner of a similar class and distance race on April 11th, settling handy and running on. She has never failed to place over 1200M and while she is up 3kg in the weights, she draws nicely and can be a danger again. (1) SEOGWI LADY was 5th in that April 11th race having previously won on debut at this distance in March. She is another who will be on the speed and can be in this a long way. (5) DAESUNG FLY and (6) MOTHER CHUKJE are others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Fly To The Moon (3) Kyungnam Dragon (1) Seogwi Lady (5) Daesung Fly
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer when sixteen fillies and mares will line up for the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul. The big race is number eight on the 11-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Juelgeounyeojeong returns to the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After two ordinary outings, (10) NURI JILJU led at start number three on March 22nd, ultimately finishing 2nd. Despite the wide draw, she will almost certainly lead again here, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this limited set of opponents and her odds will reflect that. (3) HYEWONYONGMA is the only other one to have placed. She mixes her form but the 2nd and 3rd on her record, combined with a draw that should see her on the early speed, will be enough to make her the clear second pick. (8) SAINT WINNER may be on the right trajectory with a 4th place at start number three on March 29th and she should be aiming to better that here. Debut-maker (1) SLING STAR along with (9) SSAK DANAEUN, who has been back to trial since a poor debut, are others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(10) Nuri Jilju (3) Hyewonyongma (8) Saint Winner (1) Sling Star
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) GIANT BOSS enters looking to complete a hat-trick of wins having scored twice at 1300M, most recently at this class on March 23rd when racing handy throughout. He comes up 3kg in weight but got his maiden win carrying just 1kg less and he can score again here. (8) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win in seven attempts but has never finished outside the top five. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two tries at this distance, the latter at this class last time out, and he should be there or thereabouts again, coming from off the pace. (11) NURI CHEONWANG was a winner at this class over 1300M at big odds two starts back before running 4th on his latest. He does his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) TURBO CHARGE and (2) CANVASEN GO others to consider.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) GEUMSEONG BOSS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 30th and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place, coming from off the pace. He can have come on for that experience and has every chance of winning here. (6) HEEMANGBAND enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She has never finished any better than that, but she steps up to two turns for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggest that the increased trip can suit. (10) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL has similarly finished no better than 4th. He enters having been 5th behind Geumseong Boss on March 30th and while he doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, he does get Moon Se-young and he can be a danger. (4) X FACTOR and (9) BEST SHARK the other chances.
Selections
(8) Geumseong Boss (6) Heemangband (10) Gwanaksan Global (4) X Factor
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts here and they have drawn the inside two gates. (1) STARTMAN has a 3rd and a 4th from his two starts so far, showing close to the pace both times. From the inside he will be on pace and can go all the way. The danger is (2) TIP TAP. After an inauspicious debut last summer, he didn’t appear again until March 23rd, but he ran well, settling midfield and finishing off in 4th place over this distance. He can strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) SKY BOY too should be fitter for his debut on March 7th when he was a fair 4th over 1200M. He was doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) HIGH LEVEL and (10) WONDERFUL TEAM, the latter racing for the first time since last August but who looked well enough in a trial, are other placing hopes.
Selections
(1) Startman (2) Tip Tap (8) Sky Boy (9) High Level
Next Best
10, 12
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) CHOEGANG GOLD was a very rare debut maker over 1700M on March 30th, but the plan came together when he led all the way to win. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and down in weight and well-drawn, he can lead all the way again. (8) FASHION STAR is up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd at class 6 level. She hasn’t tackled further than 1300M, but she has been finishing off her races very well so the step up in trip can be exactly what she needs and under a light weight she can be competitive. (5) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, most recently beating three of these on March 29th. He comes in under the same weight and can beat plenty again. (1) TAEPYEONGMU and (6) PLAN B others in the frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) B.K DANCING GIRL got her maiden win at this distance in January and then, following a challenging introduction to this class in February when weakening over 1400M, she returned to this trip on March 23rd and finished a close 4th having led for much of the way. Franco climbs on for the first time, she should lead again, and she can go all the way. (8) ROAD TO ACE led all the way at start two to get his maiden win and then ran a decent 4th when coming from midfield at this class over 1300M) on February 7th. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and back at 1200M, he can be a danger. (11) GRAND DREAM enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on April 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but a similar effort should see him close. (1) DONGBANG JEONSA and the up in class (4) GREAT MARU are others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(9) B.K Dancing Girl (8) Road To Ace (11) Grand Dream (1) Dongbang Jeonsa
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (11) PURGE STEP got her maiden win on debut over 1300M in January and has since run 4th and 2nd in two efforts at this class and distance, most recently on March 29th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter as she can settle behind the pace and run on and she looks the one to beat. (9) RED DRAGON had an abysmal performance all around when favourite at class and distance on March 16th, parting company with her jockey in the parade ring and then being restive at the start before proceeding to run very badly. She had looked very good in her two prior efforts though with a win and a 2nd so she gets another chance here. (8) KARA K is yet to win but is up in class following a few near misses and she can be competitive under a light weight. Up in class last start winners (7) SUHYANG MIIN and (4) ALL NUT others to consider.
Selections
(11) Purge Step (9) Red Dragon (8) Kara K (7) Suhyang Miin
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 11.25 to 18.00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (6) BREEDO MIRACLE, the only one to have raced twice. She did nothing on debut but was a close 2nd at start two on March 14th when leading until close to home. Third-up she can be peaking and won’t need to improve much to win here. It took (11) WIN GATE took plenty of trials to figure things out, but she looked well in her latest two, running 4th and 3rd in quick times and if she brings that form to the races, she will go close. (4) PACHAMAMA went through just one trial but was a close 2nd in a good time and she is well drawn to play a big role on debut. (5) GUREUM BIT also hinted at ability in her trial while returning the experience, (10) YONGBI LEGEND is the most likely to improve.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BEOLGYOUI BOM took a few goes to figure things out but has run back-to-back 3rd places in his latest two, most recently on March 23rd over 1300M when coming from well off the pace. The step up in trip can suit and he can win this. (5) DOCTOR KAREN led in her most recent outing on March 28th, ultimately finishing 5th, but beating a couple of today’s rivals. There isn’t much early speed in this race so she should lead again and can be in this a long way. (6) BANGTANUI JEONSA returns to action for the first time since last November. He had put together a decent record before the layoff with a 3rd and a 2nd and looked well enough in a trial earlier this month. (2) DAEJI DAEBONG and (3) DIA MATE others in the frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (2) POWER TIME beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 28th, settling midfield and running on. He draws better this time for Tanaka to pick his spot, and he can go one better. (3) FATE was 3rd in that race, a length and a half behind Power Time. He also has a 2nd place over the mile and with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, he will have plenty of supporters to overturn that form. (4) QUEEN RACE comes in following a 4th place at 1200M on March 14th when settling midfield and finishing off well. That was her first race in almost three months so she can strip fitter here and step up to the mile can suit. (7) STAR FORCE and (11) CRUELLA others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Power Time (3) Fate (4) Queen Race (7) Star Force
Next Best
11, 12
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) SEKWANG LIGHT got his maiden in at start two and while he has mixed his form in five goes at this class, he comes in off a smart 2nd place at this class over 1400M on March 30th, coming from off the pace. Shifting back up to the mile can suit and he can win here. (6) FORCE BE WITH YOU was a winner on debut at 1300M on March 21st, taking things up halfway home and proving too strong. He is up in class and in distance but is down in weight and can measure up. (3) ROCK CANDY was a maiden winner two outings back before running 4th on her first try at this class and distance on March 21st when getting a long way back before running on. She can go closer today. (11) NEOM CITY and (2) FAIRY are others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Sekwang Light (6) Force Be With You (3) Rock Candy (11) Neom City
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s the biggest day of the season so far as Japan’s Yumeno Honoo takes on Global Hit, Success Baekpa and the rest of the top two-turn horses in the country in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). It’s race 7 of an 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. At Busan there are 6-races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews with full form comments for the YTN to follow:
Success Baekpa won the 1st leg of the Stayer Series but will face a bigger challenge in the 2nd (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After thirteen starts, (4) DAEWONYONGMA looks to have finally figured it out and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on March 16th when he led almost the entire way. He draws nicely to lead again and today should finally be the day. (8) JISAN FRIEND was an improved 4th at start number two on March 22nd over this distance, settling just behind the speed and finishing well. It was a slow race, but he finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and he can continue to make progress here. (11) CHEONGRYONG GIUN was a fair 5th of eight on debut a month ago. He should have come on for that run and go closer. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST and (9) FLYING CONCORD, the latter looking well in a March trial, are others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AWESOME QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in January before following up with 4th at this distance on March 15th. She has been doing her best work late so can sit behind the leaders here and she will be a short-price favourite to be too good. (3) BULGUKSIDAE enters off an improved 4th place at this distance on March 23rd. Well drawn in this company she should be among the pacesetters and can be in this a long way. (9) GEOLJAK HAPPY has a 3rd place on her record and against limited opposition, that’s enough to put her in with a chance of a place. (7) KIA ORA and first-time starter (1) CHARMING QUEEN are others to consider, the latter having hinted at ability in a decent trial earlier this month.
Selections
(4) Awesome Queen (3) Bulguksidae (9) Geoljak Happy (7) Kia Ora
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) QUANTUM K ran a fair 5th on debut and followed up with an improved 2nd place at 1300M on March 15th. He has run through the line well suggesting that the slight step up in trip can be in his favour and he will be odds-on to go one better. (6) MASTER KWAIGON similarly made progress at start number two on March 15th when 2nd at 1300M, coming from well off the pace. He too should go well at the 1400M and shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after that pair but (1) BLACK SMILE has been knocking on the door of the places in her latest few and can so similar here. (3) PURGE RUBY and (7) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG are others who can challenge for the minors.
Selections
(5) Quantum K (6) Master Kwaigon (1) Black Smile (3) Purge Ruby
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) CHOEGANG TRIPLE has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd when close to the pace throughout and posting a time half a second faster than any of these have managed over 1200M. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate, but he won’t need much improvement to win this. Second-favourite will be (2) LION MAGIC. After running-on too late on debut he was ridden much closer at start two on March 21st, ultimately running 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. Expect similar tactics today and he shouldn’t be far away. (1) DIA KNIGHT ran twice without distinction last year, most recently in October. He looked well in a March trial and can make a fresh start here (although do note he trialed well last year too. Debut-makers (3) GREAT UP and (8) WIND ROSE showed well in their respective trials and can be considered on a place line first up.
Selections
(11) Choegang Triple (2) Lion Magic (1) Dia Knight (3) Great Up
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two last autumn before straining a ligament on his first try at this class in early December. He returned to action on March 9th at this class and distance and led a long way and ultimately ran 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but should have come on for that run and he can win here. (5) HAKSAN CAIRO remains a maiden after eight attempts but he has been ultra consistent with seven top five finishes. That includes his latest when 2nd over 1300M on March 29th and while he may once again find one too quick, he can be a danger late on for his first try at 1400M. (8) TAEGISAN KING comes up in class having scored over 1300M on March 8th, coming from midfield. He is down slightly in weight, and he can measure up. (1) ECLIPSE EDGE and (10) BULGEUN POKPUNG other place chances.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After running 4th on debut, (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 31st at, racing handy throughout having overcome the widest gate. Drawing slightly better this time, he can go one better. (6) BLACK SQUALL was similarly 2nd at start number two, in his case over 1200M on March 7th, tracking the leader throughout. The slight step up in trip should be no problem and he too has every chance of peaking third-up. (1) WIND VAIN was 2nd on debut before running 3rd behind Apdojeok Numberone in that March 31st race with very little between them He comes into a much better gate and it’s not impossible that he overturns that form. (10) QUEEN SPICY and (12) SEOBU DANCING are others who can improve.
Selections
(8) Apdojeok Numberone (6) Black Squall (1) Wind Vain (10) Queen Spicy
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. After finishing 2nd in February, (7) QUEENS DRAGON was sent off as favourite in a similar event to this over 1200M on March 14th but was caught wide of the early speed and ultimately finished 5th. The increase in distance can give her more time to settle and Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests this can be the day. (12) LOILOI was an improved 2nd at start two over 1300M on March 14th, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit here and she should have a big chance late on. (3) BABEL COME ON has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from six starts so far racing both on pace and from behind. She’s drawn well here and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) REIGN QUEEN and (6) TUHON FIGHTER other placing hopes.
Selections
(7) Queens Dragon (12) Loiloi (3) Babel Come On (8) Reign Queen
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not an especially strong maiden. (1) NICE GIRL ran a best to date 2nd when coming form well off the pace over 1400M on March 28th, adding to an earlier 3rd. Her previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, but the opposition here is weaker and she has ss good a chance as any. (9) USANG RYUNG enters off a fair 5th of eleven over 1400M on March 9th when coming from well back. She has a 2nd and a 3rd at this trip already and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (6) BAEDARI BOSEOK could only manage 7th last time out on March 14th but she did finish ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She has a 4th place at this distance and while one-paced, can beat plenty of these again. (7) JOJOBA and (5) RIVERSTONE are perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race with plenty entering in form. They include (6) QUEEN TYCHE, a winner of two of her latest three, most recently on March 23rd on an all-filly affair at this class and distance when on pace throughout. She only comes up 2kg in weight, and she can repeat. (5) DONGNAM GANGTAJA got his maiden win last October and has since had three goes at this class with two of them ending in 3rd place, including last time out at this distance on March 9th when coming from well off the pace. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will probably be sent off as the favourite. (3) UNLIMITED RUN won at 1300M at start three in February, leading all the way, before finishing 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 23rd, again racing on pace. He’ll be on pace here too and can have a big say. (10) SPEED TOP and (4) CHEONGWAN, the latter needing a line through her latest but who has since trialed well, others to consider.
Selections
(6) Queen Tyche (5) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Unlimited Run (10) Speed Top
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s a big day of racing on Sunday with the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series at Seoul as well as six International Trophy exchange races across the two tracks, each with a big prize on offer. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Vincero Cavallo won the first leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) RACE ROSE took a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has a 4th and two 3rd places from her latest three, most recently at this distance on March 15th racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays on, she draws well and today should be her day. (4) TIGER K was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on March 8th when being ridden further forward than in his first two appearances. Expect similar tactics today, and he can be a danger. (5) DIA ROOK has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a better gate can go much better than last time. (9) CHEONGHAE STAR and (7) DUSON EUTTEUM others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Race Rose (4) Tiger K (5) Dia Rook (9) Cheonghae Star
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an inauspicious debut, (9) POWER BAND has run 3rd in both subsequent outings, both at 1200M and most recently on March 16th when close to the speed throughout. The wide draw shouldn’t stop her getting a forward position, and she can win here. (4) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around over this distance on March 2nd before ultimately having to settle for 5th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) BEST KINGDOM has two 3rd places from his latest three. An apprentice keeps his weight nice and low, and he can be doing his best work late on. (5) NONSTOP SERVE and (6) LASER RUN are perhaps the best of a somewhat limited looking rest.
Selections
(9) Power Band (4) Alpha Female (2) Best Kingdom (5) Nonstop Serve
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. It’s been twelve runs at this class for (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT since getting her maiden win, but she has been working her way back into contention in her latest few, most recently when 3rd at class and distance on March 9th sitting behind the speed and running on. The same apprentice keeps her weight from coming up too much and she has as good a chance as any. (8) EXCELLENT MATTA is yet to win in seventeen, but recent efforts are a cause for optimism, and she beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd in a similar race to this at 1300M on March 8th. In this company she should be on pace and she could break through. (7) UPPERHAND is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in filly maidens. Both times she was beaten by decent winners and there isn’t much to fear here. (9) GOOD FIGHTER and (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA others to consider.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) HANNAM QUEEN enters in the best form with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at 1200M and both times close to the speed. In this company she should be among the early pacesetters again, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (12) SEOGWI CHOWON beat a few of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on March 14th. That was by far her best effort so far and she can build on it here. (3) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL was a fair 6th of nine on debut at the end of February. She should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and she can improve here. (1) SPEED MORE and (5) HOLIDAY QUEEN are others to consider for the places.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After winning a trial, (2) WHITE CARLA led every step of the way to win on debut over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is down in weight, draws well, and he can maintain his 100% record here. (11) LEGEND WOW won on debut and following an undistinguished first try at this class, ran 3rd at this distance on March 2nd. CC climbs on and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) HAKSAN DARK HORSE has been working towards a second win, most recently running 3rd at class and distance on March 23rd when coming from well back. He can leave himself a bit much to do but should be dangerous late on. (3) SEOUL BINGO and (9) RYAN HEAT, the latter up in class following a last start maiden win, are others to consider.
Selections
(2) White Carla (11) Legend Wow (8) Haksan Dark Horse (3) Seoul Bingo
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) RAON THE MASKE was a winner on debut over 1200M in February before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on March 7th racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight, he should be on speed, and he will be a short price favourite to win this. (9) BEOLGYO WANGCHO is the danger. His maiden win had been coming, and it arrived at start four in January when leading all the way at 1200M. He was on pace on his first try at this class on February 28th, ultimately finishing in 2nd in what was his first try at this distance. He should have come on for that run and while up in weight and drawn a touch wider than ideal, he can go close. (4) BEST BOY is yet to finish in the top two and was 7th behind Beolgyo Wangcho last time out. He has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th though and from a good gate may make for some each way appeal. (12) ASTRE and (10) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Raon The Maske (9) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Best Boy (12) Astre
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) TOP DOG debuted inauspiciously last September and only reappeared, gelded, on February 21st when he ran a solid 2nd over this distance from a wide draw. He should have come on for that run, he comes into a much better gate, and he can win here. (2) STUKA Debuted in that February 21st race, finishing 7th. He came back out on March 14th when he was an improved 3rd at 1300M having raced on pace throughout and he is a big danger here. (8) JUST SHINY ran 2nd in two trials in quick times. Seo Seung-un is on and if he brings that form to the races, he can co close. (11) PLUTO has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far and has the best time among these for the distance. He has the challenge of a wider gate this time but warrants another chance. (10) YEOSU SUPER STAR another fast timer who caught the eye when winning a trial.
Selections
(3) Top Dog (2) Stuka (8) Just Shiny (11) Pluto
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) DOCTOR MATTERS enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on March 16th when handy throughout. She comes up to 1400M for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and she has every chance here. (1) STORM POINT has shown signs of figuring it out with a 5th and a 4th in two starts back from a six-month layoff, most recently at this distance on March 21st, coming from off the pace. Munro stays on and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (11) GEUMA PANTHER didn’t do much on debut a month ago but previously trialed well and can improve here. There is no early speed in this race so (5) HANEULPYEONGJEONG can get an easy run to the lead and can be in this a long way. (3) BAEKPAL BOEUN another in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Doctor Matters (1) Storm Point (11) Geuma Panther (5) Haneulpyeongjeong
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
A very ordinary maiden. (4) DOCTOR CURLIN was away slowly from a wide gate before running on for a best to date 4th place at 1300M on March 9th. She draws much better this time and in very modest company won’t have to improve much to win this. (1) COWBOY MAN has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record, something that has led him to be sent off as the favourite in each of his last three starts. None of those went especially well, but from the inside gate he can be on pace here and in things a long way. (9) SUN LIGHT was slow away on debut over 1200M on March 14th, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 6th place. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (11) HOUND POKER and (2) DOCTOR SOLAR others who may have a say.
Selections
(4) Doctor Curlin (1) Cowboy Man (9) Sun Light (11) Hound Poker
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The maidens continue. (2) OASIS GREEN has been knocking on the door of the places and was a beaten favourite when leading on his first try at a mile on February 7th, ultimately finishing a fair 5th. Drawing well to be on pace again, he can go all the way this time. (6) ARONDIGHT was a much-improved 2nd at start number seven over 1400M on March 9th, settling midfield and running on well. Franco climbs on for the first time and he can build on that effort here. (4) EAGLE POWER will need a line drawn through his latest when never a factor but if we instead go on his 2nd place two starts back over this distance then he has to be considered a chance here. (9) SUN JAE and (11) HIT MAJOR among plenty of other chances.
Selections
(2) Oasis Green (6) Arondight (4) Eagle Power (9) Sun Jae
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
2, 9, 10, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan. It is the last race on a 6-race card on the south coast that runs from 12:05 to 16:30. Up at Seoul there are 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Succes Baekpa won the race a year ago (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) STUNNING WORLD has a 2nd place to her name, recorded on her final run as a juvenile over this distance at the end of December. She has raced just the once since when slow away from a wide draw and running on for 5th. She comes into a much better gate today and won’t need to improve much to win this modest maiden. (10) CHOEGANG SPEED was a fiar 5th in debut over this distance on March 1st, settling back and finishing off well enough. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Debut maker (3) RAON THE BIG RED tried and failed to qualify a couple of times last summer. He was then gelded and put away until this March when he was a good 3rd in a trial. If he brings that form to the races he has every chance. (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) DREAM LYZE others who can improve.
Selections
(1) Stunning World (10) Choegang Speed (3) Raon The Big Red (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2., 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) HIGH CROWN is the one to beat here. He has a 2nd on his record and enters off a solid enough 4th place at 1300M on March 15th when settling just behind the speed and running through the line. In this company he should be on or close to the speed and he can goa ll the way. (5) GWACHEON QUEEN got a long way back when well supported over this distance on February 9th. At the start before she was a good 3rd, running on, and coming in fresh after eight weeks off and with conditions now different, she can be given another chance. (10) LOVE SCARLET was an improved 4th at start number two on March 9th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and 3rd up she can be peaking. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO and (6) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(4) High Crown (5) Gwacheon Queen (10) Love Scarlet (9) Eclipse Tango
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) KING WARRIOR has hinted at ability across six starts so far with his best being a 3rd and his most recent a solid 4th over 1300M on March 2nd when on pace throughout and briefly leading. Ruan Maia rode him that day and stays on and he has as much chance as any. (3) MALSGO was a significantly improved 3rd when beating a couple of these at this distance on March 8th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day and from a good draw, expect similar tactics with the chance of going all the way. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE and (8) ISEUL CHEOREOM were 4th and 5th respectively in that March 8th race and both should be able to have a say here. (6) LALA GIRL also picked up when 2nd on her latest and can build on that here.
Selections
(5) King Warrior (3) Malsgo (2) Haksan Prince (8) Iseul Cheoreom
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
It’s not often we start a card at 1800M but here we are, and it is very competitive with just fillies and mares. (5) BROWN FALCON was the longest but one shot on the board at a mile on March 14th, but she made a mockery of that by coming from well back to run 2nd, beating a couple of these in the process. She remains lightly weighted and from a better gate she can go one better. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA was one of those beaten in that race but she has a class and distance 4th on a tougher race than this as recently as January and with Franco climbing on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) ARION QUEEN mixes her form but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG and (4) LASER GRIT others to consider.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) TAPDINE was 3rd in both his first two starts before breaking through at start three over this distance on February 23rd when leading from gate to wire. He comes up in class today and while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, he draws very well to lead again, and he can repeat. (2) WONDERFUL FAPPY has been a touch disappointing in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win in December. In this company and drawn well he can be challenging Tapdine for the early lead and is worth another chance. (8) BEOLGYO D Y is yet to win in eight attempts but has three 2nd places including last time out over 1300M at this class. He can settle behind the speed and run on here and he should be close. The up in class pair of (9) UMA DACHI and (7) YES ANGEL others to consider.
Selections
(1) Tapdine (2) Wonderful Fappy (8) Beolgyo D Y (9) Uma Dachi
Horse Racing in Korea 