Gyeonggi Governor's Cup

SUNRISE SHINES OVER CATCH RACE IN TIARA FINALE

For the first time in five years, a different filly has won each individual jewel of the Triple Tiara as Sunrise got the better of Korean Oaks winner Catch Race in a final furlong duel, to win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Sunrise bests Catch Race (Pic: KRA)

With Luna Stakes victor Clearly Winner skipping the race, Catch Race, who had got the better of her in a desperately close finish to the Oaks, was sent off as the 1.7 odds-on favourite for the final and longest test of the Tiara.

After early pacesetters Chief Star, Daebi Mama and Wild Magic gave way, Catch Race and jockey Seo Seung-un assumed the lead inside the home straight and looked set to go on score. But Under Jung Do-yun, Sunrise, who at 8.9 hadn’t exactly been missed by the market following her Oaks 4th place, loomed up from midfield and went by late to win by half a length on the line. A full six-lengths behind the first pair, Tiger Roar closed for 3rd.

It was a redemption of sorts for jockey Jung, who just a week ago had been demoted from 2nd to 3rd on Breedo Sol in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the colts’ Triple Crown. Not that he dwelt on that:

“It was the first time I had ridden (Sunrise) in a race” Jung Do-yun told KRBC. “But I rode her in training a few times and while there are always going to be a lot of variables in the final leg of the Tiara, I did think we had a good chance.”

“When she ran in the Oaks, she hadn’t previously gone any further than 1300M but as this was the second time, I thought she would come on for it and with only ten runners the positioning would be easier. It went exactly as planned and I felt the further we went, the stronger she got.”

(Pic: KRA)

Sunrise is trained at Busan by Ha Mu-seon and runs in the colours of owner Kim Geun-young. By Gemologist, she is out of Sun Crest (by Arch), who also did her racing in Korea, winning one of twenty-three starts.

“I felt really good coming in” winning trainer Ha Mu-seon said. “Sunrise really has no weaknesses, and I expected it to come down to her and Catch Race with our filly having a very good chance of winning.”

“As a stable, we won our first big race in the Breeders’ Cup Queen (with Ace High) last November so it’s good to carry that momentum forward and win today.”

Seo In-seok, trainer of Catch Race, wasn’t too downbeat. “I was hopeful for today, I don’t think she ran badly but Sunrise just ran a little bit harder. Running in these (Triple Tiara) races in three consecutive months isn’t easy so she will have a rest, and I think we will see her in some big races again.”

With a win and two placings from the three races, Catch Race is the comfortable winner of the Series in terms of points with Sunrise and Clearly Winner tied for 2nd. They will probably now move on to face their elders when the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter begins on September 20th with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3).

(Pic: KRA)

There is no Stakes action in Korea next weekend but there are still full programs at both Seoul and Busan. Group level racing returns with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the first instalment of the Premier Series, at Busan on Sunday June 28.

Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup: Preview & Form Comments for the Triple Tiara Finale

A week after Funny Wild claimed the Minister’s Cup, Catch Race will seek to emulate him by winning two of the three legs of the Triple Tiara series when she lines up as favourite for the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Catch Race won the Oaks (Pic: KRA)

Six of the ten come out of the Oaks, including that day’s winner. CATCH RACE showed before just getting the better of Clearly Winner in a tight finish. She had previously finished 3rd in the Luna Stakes, and she can thrive at the extended trip and trainer Seo In-seok and jockey Jo Jae-ro can continue their successful 2026.

Clearly Winner doesn’t take her chance. The Kim Hye-sun trained filly is in work but appears to have other targets ahead. But that doesn’t mean it will be straightforward for Catch Race.

TIGER ROAR was 6th in the Luna and then 3rd in the Oaks, coming from well off the pace both times under Johan Victoire. The French rider stays aboard today, and the Musket Man filly looks sure to be a big danger late on.

A newcomer onto the Tiara trail is WILD MAGIC. The Luigi Riccardi trained filly enters off back-to-back wins over 1700M and 1800M up to class 4 level. From a great draw, she will surely be on pace and is one they will have to come past.

They will also need to get past CHIEF STAR, who is perhaps the enigma in the field. Her ability isn’t in question – and in this kind of race, regardless of the distance, ability can be enough – although her staying power certainly is.

Oaks 4th-placed SUNRISE along with WORLD DANCER CAT are the others likely to be in the place market. There is one maiden. DAEBI MAMA has raced just twice before and is seeking to emulate Seirene, who recorded her first career win in this race in 2024. Here are the runners:

1. REGINA VINCIT – Sole win came in a maiden over a mile, but she came from a long way back to run 6th in the Oaks so she may like the trip. Form to overturn on four of these but she’s not the worst here and Seo Seung-un is an eye-catching booking.

2. CHIEF STAR – A front-runner she was a Listed winner as a juvenile before problems in the gate scuppered her Breeders’ Cup Rookie attempt. Led the Luna and was on pace in the Oaks but others stayed on better and while she has a load of talent, the 2000M is a big question.

3. DAEBI MAMA – A maiden and unrated she was 2nd at start two over 1200M on April 18th, coming from off the pace. Totally unexposed so impossible to recommend or rule out but this has to be classed as a big ask. A maiden did win this race two years ago.

4. WILD MAGIC – Could be the wildcard. She has won her latest two at 1700M and 1800M up to class 4 level, leading all the way in both. There’s no reason the additional furlong can’t suit and from a good draw she can lead again and be in this a long way.

5. CATCH RACE – 3rd in the Luna and then won the Oaks in a stretch duel with Clearly Winner. She likes to race on pace or handy, the step up to 2000M should pose no problems, and she will be the favourite.

6. WORLD DANCER CAT – Second-favourite for the Luna but finished well back. She came out lame in the following days so there was an excuse. Back in work since May 15th and having run a close on pace 2nd at class 4 over 1800M prior to the Luna, she can be given another chance here.

7. COSMO LONG – Sole win was in a maiden, and she was a long way back in both the Luna and the Oaks. Should stay the trip but has a lot of form to overturn if she is going to get close.

8. TIGER ROAR – A winner of just one from ten but came from well off the pace for 6th in the Luna at a mile and then 3rd in the Oaks at 1800M. The 2000M here should be even better and she will probably start as second favourite.

9. MYEONG DREAM – Won three of four as a juvenile but hasn’t held her form into her three-year-old campaign and was well back in the Luna Stakes and only beat one home over 1800M at class 4 level last time out.

10. SUNRISE – Won back-to-back races at 1200M and 1300M up to class 5 before taking her chance in the Oaks where she stayed on for 4th place having settled in the front end of midfield. Can match or better that here.

Selections(5) Catch Race (8) Tiger Roar (4) Wild Magic (2) Chief Star
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10
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Jeulgeounyeojeong Completes Triple Tiara Sweep

For the second year in a row the Triple Tiara series has been swept as Jeulgeounyeojeong emulated Golden Power by adding to her Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks successes with a resounding victory in the final jewel, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) under the lights at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday evening.

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Franco Da Silva win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)/

Sent off the odds-on favourite in a thirteen-strong field, Jeulgeounyeojeong was kept handy in the early stages by jockey Franco Da Silva as Raon Giant and Doctor Oscar set the early pace over a distance at which all were tackling for the first time. At the top of the home straight, those leaders started to tire and with minimal urging, Jeulgeounyeojeong cruised by and put the race to bed a long way out.

The margin on the line was four-lengths with Wonderful Slew, a revelation when 3rd in the Oaks at just her fourth career start, getting the closest to Jeulgeounyeojeong. Raon Forest, 2nd in both the Luna and the Oaks, completed a hat-trick of Tiara placings, coming home in 3rd place.

“Anywhere internationally for a horse to be a Triple Tiara winner, it takes a good one.” Winning jockey Franco Da Silva told KRBC immediately after the race. “Thanks to the owner and the trainer for giving me a chance and now the pressure is all off because we are done. We proved that she is the best and everything is perfect.”

“This horse is just getting better and better.” Da Silva continued. “Today the only things I was worried about were the track condition and that we had travelled from Busan (for the first time). But she never lost weight, she was happy, and she was very professional. I was just a passenger; I just had to sit and wait for the straight.”

(Pic: KRA)

Trainer Kim Young-kwan also noted the challenge of winning a Triple Tiara series. “In a Triple Crown or a Triple Tiara, the races come very quickly with short intervals between them. So, health and fitness are just as important as ability if you want to win all three.” Kim, who is Korea’s all-time leading trainer in terms of both career wins and Group race wins, told KRBC.

“At the Breeders’ Cup (Korea’s Champion Juvenile race, where Jeulgeounyeojeong was a short price but finished 9th), she had some respiratory issues, so we took great care to fix that, and she has stayed healthy and sound since.”

(Pic: KRA)

Although he recently passed the compulsory retirement age for trainers, Kim has been granted an extension in recognition of his record over the years which includes the Triple Crown with Power Blade in 2016. “It is great to add a Triple Tiara to Power Blade’s Triple Crown. I would like to thank the racing fans for accepting my extension.”

Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and is out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo) and was bred by owners Nasca, of Eoma Eoma fame, at their farm. She moves onto six wins from twelve starts.    

The big question now is what is next for Jeulgeounyeojeong and just how good is she? Winning trainer Kim noted that after sweeping last year’s Triple Tiara, Golden Power endured a scoreless end to 2022, being outclassed in two Queens’ Tour races. She finally returned to the winner’s circle for the first time since her Gyeonggi victory, this past Friday evening. In the meantime, Raon The Spurt, who Golden Power vanquished comfortably in the Tiara, is a Group 2 winner this year and firmly ensconced at the elite level.

(Pic: KRA)

Jeulgeounyeojeong is not necessarily Golden Power, but the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter series would be the logical next item on her agenda.

Next Saturday at Seoul, there is another floodlight big race engagement with the final jewel of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There is no Triple Crown on the line, but Korean Derby winner Global Hit is expected to head a full field of sixteen in the final three-year-old Classic.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 15)

The twilight racing season comes to Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00 including the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Tiara. Here are the previews:

Floodlight racing is back

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juveniles here with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN and (4) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA debuted together on June 17th and came home in 2nd and 4th respectively. The time was not quick, but the real race experience should be beneficial, and they shape as the leading two contenders here with Naegilui Captain favoured to score, potentially leading all the way. Of the debut-makers, (11) RAON THE TAP won his trial, leading for most of the way around. He isn’t done any favours by the draw, but if he brings that form to the races, he has at least solid placing chances. (7) YONGBI POWER went through a rare quick trial. She was a long way behind the winner but that is enough to put her in the frame first-up. (3) HANGANG GLORY is another who hinted at ability in his trial and can be considered.

Selections(6) Naegilui Captain (4) Seoul Choegangja (11) Raon The Tap (7) Yongbi Power
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. She has rarely found herself in such amenable company as this and from a good draw, she can be on pace and can perhaps go all the way. (9) GHANA DREAM has a 2nd and a 3rd among her four starts so far. She needs to be given a pass on her latest when she got too far back but she generally has a strong finish on her and if she is in striking distance at the business end of the race, she will a danger late on. (11) NEMO SPIRIT comes in having run an improved 5th on her latest appearance on June 11th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she is another who can be doing her best work late on here. (6) YEJIMONG and (3) JEONGSANG HIT don’t inspire much confidence, but both have shown themselves capable of running a good race in this kind of company.

Selections(2) Haengbok Yeowang (9) Ghana Dream (11) Nemo Spirit (6) Yejimong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) SHARP SUNSHINE has picked up in her latest three with two 4ths and a 3rd, that latter finish coming over this distance on June 17th. Her times haven’t been special but there is not much pace here and from a good gate she can lead and potentially go all the way. (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG showed a sharp uptick in form when 2nd at start number four over 1200M on June 18th, settling back and finishing well. A similar run here will put her in the finish again. (6) EXPECT has mixed his form across five starts so far but going on his 3rd place over 1400M at the end of April, he should come into the calculations here. (7) GOLD MIGHTY, with a 2nd to his name is another, while (8) SMART SOCKS has also hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Sharp Sunshine (10) Binnaneun Geumseong (6) Expect (7) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(2) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK enters in good form with a 2nd two starts back over 1200M followed by a 3rd place at today’s trip on June 17th when she led for much of the way and only went down narrowly. She beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process and from a good gate she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (8) LUCKY POWER had a hard time when stepped up to 1700M last time out, showing close to the pace and then weakening. He may be happier back at one turn here and he has a smart finish on him. (5) ORCHID VALLEY has four top-three finishes from six stats so far including last time out when a solid 3rd at this class over 1200M. In this company he can be on pace and in this a long way. (1) LEMON BLADE comes up in class following a maiden win at start number seven over 1200M. He comes down in weight and from the inside gate can measure up. (11) GRAND POWER another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Haengbokan Munmak (8) Lucky Power (5) Orchid Valley (1) Lemon Blade
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(5) SINUI BANJEON is a ten-race maiden, but she has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest start at this class and distance on June 4th when, as is her preferred style, she was on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she really should have the measure of this field and she is the one to beat. (6) CLUB D is also a maiden, but he has been finishing off his races well and the step up to two turns could well suit him. He can go close. (3) P N S AI comes back up to two turns for the first time since a shy at the stumps in last year’s Minister’s Cup (it missed). He has been steadily working back into form across recent starts, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M last time out and he can be in the mix again here. (7) GREEN FEELSTAR and (2) STAR K are others in the hunt.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 4)

The filly Triple Crown – the “Triple Tiara” – comes to a close at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday with Golden Power, who has won the first two jewels, the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks, looking to complete a clean sweep. The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup is race 7 on a 9-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Golden Power once more faces Raon The SPurt and Chamjoeun Chingu (Pic KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (5) CHANGER is probably worthy of favourite status, following a good 2nd at his latest start on April 23rd over this distance when he led for much of the way around. From a good draw, he can lead again and this time can go all the way. (3) RAY BOLT was significantly improved at start number three on April 16th when settling midfield and running on for 2nd place. It was a slowly run race but she looks nicely in here again and can go close. (1) RUN BOY RUN won a trial in April and then ran a decent 2nd on debut on May 7th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement should be in the finish again. There are four first-time starters and among them, (9) HIDDEN BLADE looks the more likely to make an impression first-up. (8) CLASS HEEMANG has been through a lot of trials and ran on well from an unpromising position in the latest of them.

Selections(5) Changer (3) Ray Bolt (1) Run Boy Run (9) Hidden Blade
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies only here. (3) CAMP SAVER has steadily improved across six starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at this distance on May 7th when settling handy and running on. She was the beaten favourite that day but she looks well in here and from a good draw, should be looking for another career-best finish. (1) CHEONDUNG OREUM is the probable betting favourite, based on a last start 2nd place on April 24th when settling back and running on well with a couple of today’s rivals back down the track behind her. She draws nicely on the inside to drop in again and she will be working home well. (5) DONGSEO YEOGEOL enters off a useful 4th place at this distance on March 20th in a fast, though wet assisted, time. She’ll be challenging Camp Saver for the early lead and can be in this a long way. (11) GUK HYANG was one of those beaten by Cheondung Oreum on April 24th and while drawn wide again can get closer today. (9) AL SIMON another in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Camp Saver (1) Cheondung Oreum (5) Dongseo Yeogeol (11) Guk Hyang
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) MIRACLE DAUGHTER’s maiden win had been coming and it arrived in emphatic style as she made all to score by nine-lengths over this distance on April 30th. She comes up in class here but keeps a nice light weight, draws very nicely and the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come. (7) MAKALU POWER returns to action for the first time since December when finally broke through at the twenty-first time of asking. It came at this class over 1400M and while he comes up in weight and will probably need this run, he looked sharp when trialing on May 13th and can go well first-up at an each-way price here. (6) GREENBACK took a couple of races to get accustomed to this level. Having previously raced forward, including on her maiden win at 1000M, last time out she was slowly away and went right back, running on well for 4th. She carries a light weight and should go close here. (1) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK, another racing for the first time since December, and (12) SONGAM BEST are other potential placers.

Selections(2) Miracle Daughter (7) Makalu Power (6) Greenback (1) Yukwaehan Seontaek
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

(10) RAON THE PEARL is yet to finish any worse than 4th in four attempts with her win coming at 1200M at class 6 level two starts back. On her first try at this class and distance, she ran 4th on April 16th, settling in midfield and finishing off pleasingly enough. She may need a touch of luck from the gate given the wide draw, but if she can find a decent position, she has the strongest finish of any of these and is the one to beat. (3) CUPID WAY enters off a fair showing at this class and distance on May 8th when 5th. She likes to settle behind the speed and run on and she should be a danger late on here. (4) ROAD ACE went right back on his most recent appearance on April 24th, before finishing off strongly for 4th and he can match or better that here. (1) HOEDURYEONG mixes his form but has run a great time at this distance and from a good draw looks a place chance. (12) SMART HIGH another in the frame.

Selections(10) Raon The Pearl (3) Cupid Way (4) Road Ace (1) Hoeduryeong
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) PIEONADA has shown signs of getting back into form and was a good 2nd at this class and distance on May 8th when prominent throughout. Under today’s handicap conditions she comes down 2kg in the weights, draws well and is she can get on the early speed, could well go all the way. The main danger is (5) DREAM SPEED. A model of consistency having missed the top-five on only one of nine starts so far, she comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class, both over 1300M. This is her first try over 1400M and an apprentice jockey keeps her weight down. She has a big chance. (4) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA was a gate-to-wire winner on debut on May 7th. He comes up in class and in distance here but is down in weight and another bold showing is possible. (11) SMART JEONSA and (10) REAL PACK are others in the placing hunt.

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