Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup

Riccardi’s Wonderful Slew Retains Gyeongnam Crown, Captain P.K. & Wonderful Groom – Eventually – Take Juvenile Honours

Wonderful Slew claimed the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter by successfully defending the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile in the Juvenile Division, Captain P.K. scored in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) at Seoul, while Wonderful Groom was handed Busan’s Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) in the Stewards’ Room.

Wonderful Slew and Moon Se-young (Pic: KRA)

A maestro with the fillies, trainer Luigi Riccardi scored his first Korean Group race win with Choego Black in the Korean Oaks at Busan in 2021, but it is Wonderful Slew who has been his stable star, winning this race a year ago and then adding the KNN Cup, also at G3 level this June. The Italian handler has been operating at a win rate in of 18% and a top three rate of nearly 49% over the past year, the stable arriving on the south coast in peak form.

Sent off as the 1.7 favourite to overturn the defeat she was handed by Jeulgoeunyeojeong over 1400M in the Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul last month, jockey Moon Se-young sent Wonderful Slew out to track that filly, who herself had settled into 2nd early behind Flying Star.

They would remain in that order, Wonderful Slew glued to Jeugeounyeojeong’s tail, until the home straight when Moon asked for an effort from Wonderful Slew and the pair quickly zipped by their main rival, before dismissing Flying Star with similar disdain and ran on to win by two-and-a-half-lengths on the line. Flying Star held on for 2nd place while Jeulgeounyeojeong had to settle for 3rd.

“She was the defending champion, so I was confident” winning jockey Moon told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “It rained a lot on Friday, which wasn’t ideal, but I was thinking who would be the horses in front and assumed Jeulgeounyeojeong and Flying Star. The idea was to track them, and that’s how it turned out.”

“Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong have raced each other a lot, and at 1400M, 1600M, 1800M, we are the challenger and the underdog, but at 2000M, the expectations are on us, and (I am happy) we were able to do it.”

Moon also talked about his father, who passed away last week. “As I prepared for this race, I thought about it as one last gift I could give to my father, and I felt like he was watching me.”

With the victory, Wonderful Slew [Purge – Worldly Dude (by Volponi)] overtakes Jeulgeounyeojoeng at the top of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter Leaderboard with 650 points to 600. The final leg is the Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M KOR-L) at Busan on Sunday November 24th.

Also slated for Busan on November 24th, the top juveniles from Seoul and Busan will meet for the first time in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) and lead up races were held on Sunday at both Seoul and Busan.

At Seoul twelve lined up for the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) and just as he did in August’s Rookie Stakes, Captain P.K. emerged from the pack late to win by a length-and-a half. Blushing Rose was 2nd and Munhwa Ilbo Trophy winner Silver Rain 3rd, having set the early pace.

Capyain P.K. (Pic: KRA)

Trained by Song Moon-gil and ridden by Kim Jeong-jun, Captain P.K. [Race Day – P.K. Party (By Old Fashioned)] moved on to three wins from four starts and emulated his dam, P. K. Party, who won the very same race as a juvenile herself back in 2017 when it was open to overseas, as well as locally bred runners – P.K. Party that year was the only Korean-bred, beating eleven US-bred runners that included Moonhak Chief, who would go on to win both the Grand Prix Stakes and the Korea Cup in 2019.

In Busan, things were less straightforward in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup (1200M KOR-L). After running 3rd on debut, Winner Clear won his next two starts by a combined twenty-five lengths and was accordingly sent off as the 1.2 favourite. He was slow out of the gate though and while ridden up hard to take the lead, he wilted in the straight and crossed the line 3rd as his stablemate Oasis Blue romped home by five-lengths.

It was not to be for Oasis Blue, however. Around the 700M mark, he had shifted out slightly when not fully clear of My Dream Day and the resulting chain reaction of checking on heels ended with Mo Jun-ho being unseated from Union Champ.

Under rules of racing, there was no option but to disqualify Oasis Blue and Wonderful Groom [Testa Matta – Shesa Bud Girl (by Giant’s Causeway)] was promoted to 1st place. Winner Clear was awarded 2nd and quinella backers of the odds-on favourite rejoiced. Regardless of the disqualification, for which jockey Jung Do-yun copped a four-day ban, Oasis Blue will surely be a contender for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie in December.

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

Plenty going on Sunday around Korean racing with the G3 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, featuring another clash between Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew the highlight. Both Busan and Seoul also host legs of the Juvenile Series. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Alan Munro will be back in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field of juvenile maidens with (3) GLOBAL TIME as the warm favourite. He comes in having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far, most recently over 1200M on September 15th when he led until the closing stages. Third up he can be peaking and from a good draw he can lead again, and this time go one better. (4) MUNHAK BOY debuted in that September 15th race and ran a very solid 3rd, coming from off the pace. He was five-lengths behind Global Time so he has plenty to make up, the slight step up in trip can suit and he should have some natural improvement. (1) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL did nothing on debut make in July but has since been back to trial where he looked a better prospect, and he can improve today. Debut-maker (8) RAON THE AFFIRMED trialed up with Munhak Boy, finishing 3rd to his 2nd and she can go well first up while the other first-timer (2) BEOLGYO BAKGANGGUL also hinted at ability in a trial. 

Selections(3) Global Time (4) Munhak Boy (1) Gwanaksan Global (8) Raon The Affirmed
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Standard maiden here with (2) WONDERFUL NORTHERN the standout. He didn’t do much on debut but in two subsequent starts, has landed a close 2nd followed by a 3rd, both at 1200M. Both times he did his best work late on and stepping up to 1400M may be just what he needs to make the breakthrough. (7) CHRYSOL MAJOR came from well off the pace to land a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on September 29th, well behind a good winner, but showing promise and he won’t need to improve much to go close here. (5) ORANGE TIME too improved to 2nd place at his latest start on September 15th and is another for who the additional distance may benefit. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) GANGCHEOL DRAGON among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Wonderful Northern (7) Chrysol Major (5) Orange Time (8) Craze Chang
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. Moon Se-young is in town to ride Wonderful Slew in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup later and he picks up a potential winner here on the shape of (7) FLYING CHAMPION. After an inauspicious debut, he has finished 2nd and 4th in two subsequent outings at 1200M and 1400M and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this lot. (9) EUNBIT DAERO is the only other experienced one with any form to speak of, having run 4th on debut in a decent time over 1000M. With some natural improvement she can get close here. (10) DOCTOR CURLIN did nothing at start number two but if we go on his 5th of eleven form a wide draw on debut, he can shape as a place chance. Other than that it is the debut-makers and (1) DAEGIL HERO and (3) WONDERFUL FORTUNE were the best in trials.

Selections(7) Flying Champion (9) Eunbit Daero (10) Doctor Curlin (1) Daegil Hero
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SCALE KING is yet to win in eight attempts but got promoted to this level with a few too many near-misses and then showed he can compete with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 14th when handy throughout. He has raced well at this trip already and today can be his day. Probably betting favourite is (6) STING JET. After running 4th on debut, he was a winner at start number two over 1200M on September 15th when tracking the leader and pulling away late. He is up in class and slightly in trip but is down in the weights and can measure up. (3) AUSTIN LEADER mixes his form, but this is the kind of company among which he can compete for at least a place. (11) BELOTERO and (7) EAST RISING among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Scale King (6) Sting Jet (3) Austin Leader (11) Belotero
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) NINETY PLUS got his maiden in at start number two on August 11th before running 2nd in the valuable Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy for juveniles on September 8th, settling midfield and running on. He has by far the quickest final furlong among these, and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem (2) HAPPY CHARMING was a front-running winner on debut over 1200M on September 8th. She comes up in class and in distance here and from a good draw, she can get on pace, and she can win again. (7) ROAD TO FIGHTER is up in class following a maiden win over 1200M at start number three on September 13th. He doesn’t get much of a weight break, but he can measure up here. (8) WE LIKE MONEY and (6) DOCTOR FIGHTER among plenty of other place chances in a competitive race.

Selections(11) Ninety Plus (2) Happy Charming (7) Road To Fighter (8) We Like Money
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Wonderful Slew Upsets Jeulgeounyeojeong in Queens’ Tour

Wonderful Slew upset the odds and Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong to win the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter, in emphatic fashion for Italian trainer Luigi Riccardi at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Wonderful Slew and Antonio Da Silva win the Gyengnam Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Having won all three legs of the Triple Tiara with increasing authority and subsequently adding a class 1 victory over males and then the first leg of the current series in style, Jeulgeounyeojeong was sent off as a prohibitive 1.2 favourite. Wonderful Slew, who placed behind Jeulgeounyeojeong in both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, was the only other one sent off in single digits.

Cosmo and Chamjeoun Chingu set the early pace with Jeulgeounyeojeong setting up camp just behind them. Wonderful Slew meanwhile sat in the middle of the thirteen-strong field before being ridden up in the back straight to sit behind the favourite.

At the top of the stretch, it seemed inevitable that Jeulgeounyeojeong would go past Cosmo and Chamjoeun Chingu. She did, but not with the dismissive ease that might have been expected. And then looming up on her shoulder was Wonderful Slew.  Under Antonio Da Silva, Wonderful Slew flew by before they even reached the furlong pole, immediately opening up daylight between herself and the rest. Jeulgeounyeojeong couldn’t respond and Success Time also came past. The gap between 1st and 2nd was a full five-lengths on the line with the clock stopped just seven tenths of a second outside the track record.

For trainer Luigi Riccardi it was a second Korean Group success with the first also having come with a three-year-old filly at Busan when Choegang Black won the 2021 Korean Oaks. For jockey Da Silva, it was a fourth Group winner in Korea and completed the set of G1, G2 and G3 wins. He is also running away with the Seoul Jockey Premiership with 79 wins in the capital this year, more than thirty more than his nearest rival.

Wonderful Slew (Purge – Worldly Dude (by Volponi) was bred by her owner Chi Dae-sub’s Nokwon Farm. Her dam Worldly Dude is a half-sister to American champion Game On Dude, being out of Worldly Pleasure, who was sold to Nokwon Farm in 2009, just before Game On Dude started to win back home. In her brief time at Nokwon, she had Worldly Dude. She was re-exported in 2011 but returned to Korea in 2019 and died in 2022.

The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter is a new race on the calendar, the Breeders’ Cup Queen, at Busan on December 10th. With only Listed status and a prize fund only just over half that of the Governor’s Cup, it is uncertain if both Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong will line up again. One thing is for certain though; the filly and mare division is a lot more exciting than it was twenty-four hours ago.

Next weekend attention turns to the two-year-old ranks and the Seoul and Busan’s respective Juvenile Series 2nd legs on Sunday afternoon. Lala K will go hunting for redemption in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and may well get it with Nice Time, the impressive winner of the Munha Ilbo Trophy, not set to run. At Busan Baekduui Kkum heads the lineup in a likely small field for the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. Both are over 1200M.

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 29)

The best filly or mare in Korea returns to action on Sunday as Jeulgeounyeojeong, the Triple Tiara winner, lines up for the second leg of the Queens’ Tour fall and winter in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. The big race is race 5 of a 6-race card at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong should be too good again on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens and plenty look like they have a win in them. (1) GEUMAK JINJU has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts so far, both over 1000M in good times and racing on pace. He draws very nicely here, the additional furlong shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. (6) MULLEBANGA comes in off a strong 3rd place over this distance on September 23rd when settling midfield and running on. It was a decent time, and a similar performance would put him in the finish again. (8) YONGAM MARENGO similarly enters following a good 3rd place, in his case over 1000M on September 16th. He was doing his best work late and the additional furlong can suit. (9) FINAL GO and (4) MAGIC STRONG are among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Geumak Jinju (6) Mullebanga (8) Yongam Marengo (9) Final Go
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(2) SUPER ONE will be hot favourite in this ordinary maiden. He’s shown steady improvement across his latest couple of starts with a 5th and a 4th, the latter at this distance on September 23rd when racing much handier than in his previous starts. From a good gate he should so the same here and is the one to beat. (10) MAX MA enters off back-to-back 4th places in the summer, leading both times. He has been back to trial since his latest outing and looked well. He draws a touch wide but if he can get on pace, he should go close. (6) AUSTIN LEADER has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) SHOUT KURO and (4) HEART K are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(2) Super One (10) Max Ma (6) Austin Leader (11) Shout Kuro
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

(9) LONDON ACE ran out a class and distance winner on September 24th when settling just behind the pace and running on strongly. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of striking again. (6) RAON THE COBRA was a strong winner over this distance in May, making all and has subsequently run 5th in both starts at this level. He should be on pace here and shapes as a potential danger. (7) GEUMJEONSA settled midfield and then ran on to score a tight win on debut over 1000M on September 22nd. He comes up in class and in distance here but should have benefited from that run and with some natural improvement can be competitive. (1) MEOTJIN GIROK and (5) HIGH PARK among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) London Ace (6) Raon The Cobra (7) Geumjeonsa (1) Meotjin Girok
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll not dismiss the experience though, because (12) SHINE FOREST ran well on debut over 1000M on September 15th racing midfield and running on for 3rd in a quick time. With that in the tank, she may just be a bit further down the line than the rest of these and she goes on top. The pick of the first timers is (5) SAENAE HIT. She looked assured in her trial, running through the line well in a fair time, and the 1200M can suit first up. (11) ROADTOMOMENTUM beat a couple of these in her heat when crossing the line 4th in a decent time and with some natural improvement can be in the finish here. (4) FLEX DAY and (1) MOTHER WONDERFUL others who caught the eye in qualification. 

Selections(12) Shine Forest (5) Saenae Hit (11) Roadtomementum (4) Flex Day
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 11, 12

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

After twelve tries and plenty of near misses, it’s about time that (5) DAEHEUNG CLASS got his maiden win. He has placed in each of his last seven races, the five most recent being at this class. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and it should finally be his day. Should he mange to find one too quick yet again, then it might be (11) GLADIUS. A good winner on debut over 1000M, she ran a very close 2nd on her fist try at this class over 1200M on September 17th. She draws a touch wide, but she should have plenty of scope for more development and she can be a big danger here. (2) STAND BY ME got his sole win at this distance and enter off a fair 4th over 1400M last time out. He races for the first time since July so comes in fresh and in with a shout. (10) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG and (1) DORIPO others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Daeheung Class (11) Gladius (2) Stand By Me (10) Challanhan Pokpung
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) GANGSEO BULPAE will be hot favourite in this maiden. She ran a close 2nd on debut in June having led for most of the way before being an on-pace 3rd on her return three months later in September. Both were at 1200M and both times she was the beaten favourite, but she should strip fitter for the shorter layoff this time and she can win here. (4) YONGBI STAR is the main danger. She enters off a strong 3rd place finish over 1300M when she was ridden much further forward than her previous starts. Expect her to drop in handy here and challenge late. (9) HI LEGEND ran a fair 5th on debut over 1000M earlier this month having taken an age to get into top gear. The extended trip should suit, and he can get closer this time. (8) DOCTOR LICA and (6) GREAT BOY looks to be the other placing chances.

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Raon The Spurt Dominates Gyeongnam Cup as Raon Empire Expands Grip

After a campaign of mainly coming off second-best when it really counts, Raon The Spurt finally got her reward in the shape of a big Group race win as she dominated the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon, securing the final leg of the Queens’ Tour for herself and the overall series title for stablemate Raon First.

Raon The Spurt and Choi Bum-hyun have time to celebrate (Pic: KRA)

Golden Power won all three legs of the Triple Tiara, with Raon The Spurt trailing her home in 3rd in the Luna Stakes and then 2nd in both the Korean Oaks and the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. Since the end of that series Raon The Spurt had maintained her form better, winning back-to-back races at 1800M and 1200M before running second to Wish Me in the Jeju Governor’s Cup and punters accordingly sent her off as the favourite as the three-year-old pair faced off with their seniors.

Those favourite backers never had a moment’s cause for concern as Raon The Spurt broke well from the plum draw of gate three and quickly got to the lead. Jockey Choi Bum-hyun was able to set a tempo to suit and it proved too hot for the rest as Raon The Spurt cruised to a six-length win in a very fast time.

As for Golden Power, she began as second favourite, but at no stage did she look a danger, settling back and making it up to fifth in the home straight before ultimately weakening and crossing the line in ninth.

Jeju Governor’s Cup track-record breaker Wish Me was sent off as third-favourite and under Antonio Da Silva, was hurried along from her nightmare draw of gate sixteen to loop the field and take the early lead. That gamble was her only chance of prevailing and the question was how long she would stay on after such an early effort over an unfamiliar distance. She ran gamely but would ultimately run out of steam in the home straight, finishing seventh.

Calm Strong, the KNN Cup winner, also drew a poor barrier for a front-runner, having to navigate to the front from gate fourteen and while she was able to race prominently throughout the back straight, she was one of the first to be beaten.

Stepping up to get closest to the winner on the line were 19/1 chance Flat Babe, who settled back under Franco Da Silva and gradually improved as the race went on. She came home in second-place, two-and-a-half lengths clear of Eodigana, a Smarty Moonhak filly who won over the distance in last year’s Triple Tiara final leg. She set off in excess of 80/1.

Raon The Spurt is by Raon’s own stallion Musket Man and out of Japanese-bred mare Tomiken Spring (by Suzuka Mambo). Owned by her breeder, Son Chun-soo of Raon, she is trained by Park Jong-kon. Her victory propels Musket Man to the top of the Leading General Sire rankings despite having just 274 starters throughout 2022 compared to 899 for now second-placed Cowboy Cal. It’s not necessarily only Musket Man’s influence, but also Raon’s attention to early pre-training on their uphill track at their Jeju training centre staffed with not only some very good local, but some skilled overseas grooms too, that is coming together to pay huge dividends.

So Raon The Spurt won the race and Raon First the series for Son Chun-soo and his Raon organization. Raon First is expected to head to the Grand Prix Stakes on December 11th, where she will be joined by Raon The Fighter, the Korea Cup runner-up and KRA Cup Classic winner. The latter is then scheduled for a tilt at the Dubai World Cup Carnival. The Raon Empire is building momentum.

Next weekend, the Champion Juvenile will be crowned with the running of the Breeders’ Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Busan. Then on December 11th it’s the traditional final Group 1 of the season, the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1), with Raon going in with both barrels, at Seoul Racecourse.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Busan Selections

Race 1: 10, 5, 3, 12

Race 2: 3, 1, 7, 5

Race 3: 3, 1, 4, 7

Race 4: 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 5: 7, 2, 8, 10

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

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

Selections: 11, 5, 7, 3

Next Best: 12, 10, 6

Fast Start: 2, 6, 7, 10

Sky Bay Lands Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup / Victoire Bags Seven / Gaon Champ Steps up

Sky Bay ran out the emphatic winner of the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the 2018 Queens’ Tour at Busan last Sunday. The three-year-old US-bred filly ran away from the field in the home straight to win by five-lengths and secure a first Group race victory for trainer Lee Shin Young.

Sky Bay - KRA

Sky Bay was sent off as favourite for the 2000M test and was prominent throughout. While other early pace-setters Blue Flag and Catch Nine gave way, the Adios Charlie filly was too strong and fast-finishers Seouri Byeol and Damyang Hwanho never looked like getting close. With Sky Bay not having competed in either of the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour, 4th place-getter Cheongsu Yeogeol, winner of the Ttukseom Cup and 2nd in the KNN Cup, was crowned the overall Series winner

Sky Bay [Adios Charlie – KK’s Kitty (Yes It’s True)] was a $95,000 purchase from the OBS 2017 Spring Sale of two-year-olds and has now won five of her nine races. It is the biggest win of trainer Lee Shin Young’s career as she becomes the first Korean female trainer to saddle a Group winner.

For jockey Lee Chan Ho, one of the most naturally gifted riders Korea has produced but who has seen his career weighed down somewhat by suspensions for off-track issues, it was a second Group winner following Choegang Schiller’s triumph in the 2015 Asia Challenge Cup.

Speaking of jockeys, up at Seoul it was a sensational weekend for Johan Victoire. The French rider rode three winners on Saturday and then managed to top that feat on Sunday, partnering four more for a total of seven across the weekend.

Victoire, who is seventeen months into his Korean sojourn, has now ridden 73 winners from 729 rides in the country.

While Sky Bay’s win was impressive, the performance of the weekend, however, may have been up in Seoul. In the very last race on Sunday, Gaon Champ stepped up to class 1 for the first time and completely dominated, running in the second fastest time of the year over 1400M for an untroubled length-and-a-half victory.

Gaon Champ (Ecton Park) is a three-year-old colt whose only defeats so far have come at the hands of Mask, in the Seoul Classic trial back in March, and then in the KRA Cup Mile at Busan when he played up in the gates beforehand. He moves on to six wins from eight total starts and will hopefully be one to look out for in the bg sprints next year. He’ll probably not get the opportunity to carry just 51kg again though.

Queens’ Tour Finale Day – Sunday Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (November 11)

The Queens’ Tour concludes at Busan on Sunday afternoon with fifteen fillies and mares linig up for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 as well as 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews along with horse by horse for the big race:

Cheongsu Yeogeol Ttukseom Cup - KRA

Cheongsu Yeogeol won the Ttukseom Cup in June, the 1st leg of the Queens’ Tour and was 2nd in the KNN Cup (Pic KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Weak maiden to begin with so a good opportunity for plenty of these who otherwise wouldn’t come close to a win. (5) JEONGMUN K has been getting better across five starts so far and comes in off a decent 3rd in a better race than this last time out. He has as much chance as any here. (6) GOD OF SOCKS registered a 3rd place on debut back in July and while he hasn’t yet managed to match that. He doesn’t look completely bereft of ability and should be on pace early today. (4) REIGN too showed improvement last time and should get close here while (1) KING N I and (7) ROAD MAN are slightly lesser prospects but can challenge for the places.

Selections (6) God Of Socks (5) Jeongmun K (4) Reign (1) King N I
Next Best 7
Fast Start 3, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden here with all except one having raced before. (4) ACE SOLONGO is one of three who have raced twice and she comes in off a close 2nd place over 1000M a month ago. She ran on well and could benefit from stepping up in trip for the first time. The increased distance may also benefit (2) DOKDO YA, who ran 5th in debut last month finishing off well. (7) GEOM HONG debuted at this distance four weeks ago and ran well for 4th. He started well that day before dropping back and then rallying and today could be on pace. (8) STRIDE UP was 2nd – albeit a fair way behind the winner – when up to this trip for his second start. (5) WONDER BRACING ran very greenly on debut all the way back in August but still managed to finish 3rd. He’s had some time off so it’s a fresh start today and with Antonio Da Silva taking the mount, he can go close.

Selections (4) Ace Solongo (7) Geom Hong (5) Wonder Bracing (2) Dokdo Ya
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 7

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

(7) BEST EVER was a five-length winner on debut on October 14th, coming from just off the pace to score impressively at this distance. He’s up in class here and will need to improve but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (2) MAPAEBONG was a similarly impressive class 6 winner in August and beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on his first try at this level last month. He looks the main danger here. (5) JEWANGUI BYEOL returned from more than six months off to run a creditable 5th at this distance at the end of September. He should come on for the run here. (10) DUSON WANGJA and (12) STAR LIST remain maidens but both come in off the back of useful 2nd places at class and distance and both have a chance to repeat.

Selections (7) Best Ever (2) Mapaebong (5) Jewangui Byeol (10) Duson Wangja
Next Best 12, 11
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) MAJJABEUN SON was a slightly unexpected winner at class and distance on September 29th, coming from off the pace to record his maiden win at the seventeenth time of asking. She only carries and extra couple of kilos today and Johan Victoire remains aboard and a repeat can’t be ruled out. (1) TRIPLE HAPPY took to this distance well when sent up for the first time last start, running out a close 2nd. He’ll join Majjabeun Son in looking to close strongly. That pace could be set by (2) FLYING JOY who can have a line drawn through his latest effort as he was impeded by a riderless horse and who has shown he can be competitive at class and distance. (3) SISPUMA WINNER and (9) ONNURI ALBA are others to take into account.

Selections (6) Majjabeun Son (1) Triple Hapy (2) Flying Joy (3) Sispuma Winner
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 2, 7

Busan Race 1 Selections: 4, 1, 11, 6

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

This isn’t a very strong race so attention needs to be paid to (6) DONGSEO GADEUK, whose 6th place at the distance last time was in stiffer company, He was some way behind the winner but not far off 3rd and can go very close here. (7) POX RANGER remains a maiden but ran well at this distance last time out and should be in the hunt while (4) GEOBOOGI MANSE similarly can be given another chance after a lackluster showing last time out, with good form leading up to it. (2) SO ARA DAEWANG and the up (more…)

Silver Wolf Completes Queens’ Tour Sweep

Silver Wolf cruised to victory in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup on Sunday and in doing so, completed a clean sweep of the 2017 Queens’ Tour, assuring her the title of Champion Filly or Mare of the year.

Silver wolf Gyeongnam

Silver Wolf & Yoo Seung Wan complete the Queens’ Tour sweep (Pic: KRA)

Having narrowly won the Ttukseom Cup over 1400M in June and then easily winning the KNN Cup at a mile a month later – and finding time then to run 5th in the Korea Sprint and win the Munhwa Ilbo Cup – Silver Wolf was sent off a prohibitive favourite for the 2000M final leg, a race in which she could only manage 8th place last year and 7th in 2015.

It was never in doubt this time. Queen’s Queen provided the early drama by dumping Song Keong Yun on the ground exiting the starting gate but the race from then on was routine with jockey Yoo Seung Wan content to keep Silver Wolf in 2nd behind early pacesetter Hello Venus. Entering the home straight, they struck the front and never looked like being caught, finishing two lengths clear of fellow Seoul-raider O.K. Yeondab. Gold Blue arrived on the scene late to take 3rd with KNN Cup runner-up Mighty Gem in 4th.

Silver Wolf [Oratorio – Ready For More (More Than Ready)] is a five-year-old Australian-bred mare. She was a $40,000 purchase from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale in 2014. She’s won nine of nineteen outings to date with career winnings not in excess of US$1Million.

 

Seoul & Busan Sunday – Queens’ Tour Finale: Race-By-Race Preview (November 12)

Silver Wolf on Sunday gets the chance to make a clean sweep of the 2017 Queens’ Tour when she lines up at Busan Racecourse for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. The Aussie-bred 5-year-old by Oratorio  narrowly won the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in June but then romped away with the KNN Cup over a mile month later. She returns to Busan as favourite but having to go 2000M in a race in which she was 8th last year.

Silver Wolf

Along with winning the Ttukseom, KNN & Munhwa Ilbo Cups this year, Silver Wolf also found time to run 5th in the Korea Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt)

The Cup is the highlight of a 6-race program at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 while up at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field of fillies to begin with and the champion jockey should get off to a winning start on (3) SAUVIGNON. She’s been getting closer over three starts to date and should have too much for these. (2) CUPID DOCTOR has also made a positive start to her career although Sauvignon’s experience over this distance is what gives her the edge. (4) RUBY BEOLKIN is two starts into a comeback following a layoff and was only narrowly beaten by Sauvignon last time so does have claims too but it’s slim pickings among the rest with possible (5) BABY STAR most likely to improve.

Selections (3) Sauvignon (2) Cupid Doctor (4) Ruby Beolkin (5) Baby Star
Next Best 1, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Two standouts here who both look close to their maiden wins. (8) WONDERFUL CHAMPION was a close 3rd over 1200M last time out and comes in fresh following eight weeks off. He’s not a fast starter but should be able to sit handy from gate 8 and finish strongly. The other likely one is (5) GIDONG DAEJANG. Much improved on first try at this distance last time out, he narrowly missed out on 2nd place and should make the running here. (9) STORMY also showed improvement when finishing 4th last time out while (1) JEGUKUI HUYE and (11) NEULPUREUN CHEONHA are also capable of finding the money.

Selections (8) Wonderful Champion (5) Gidong Daejang (9) Stormy (1) Jegukui Huye
Next Best 11, 10
Fast Start 5, 6, 7, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / 60 Million

Three of these have raced before, five haven’t and of those with experience, both (2) CITY ANGEL and (3) HIGH BEAT ran 5th. Neither were particularly impressive although probably did enough to be reasonably well fancied here but we should give a chance to some of the debut-makers. (5) BACK TO BACK looks the pick of them following a swift showing in a trial at the end of October while both (1) ACE CANT and (4) HWANSANGUI BIT also showed they know what they are supposed to do and have every chance of going well first up.

Selections (5) Back To Back (2) City Angel (1) Ace Cant (3) High Beat
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 2, 4

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Allowance / 40 Million

(7) LUCKY MISS was a three-length winner on debut over this distance on October 14th and while she steps up in class today, she is favourite to strike again. There will be plenty looking to get on the early speed and (1) REBECCA and (3) NAMWON QUEEN are contenders to do just that and stay on for the business part of the race. The latter was 5th behind (11) PARTY POWER last start but is better drawn to overturn that form today. (12) (more…)