Juvenile Series

Mujehan Geup, Wild Park Claim Juvenile Series Openers

The 2025 Juvenile Series got underway at Seoul and Busan on Sunday. In the capital, Mujehan Geup saw off a field of twelve rivals to keep his unbeaten record intact in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, while on the South Coast, Wild Park only had to contend with seven rivals but was pushed all the way by Supex Winner to add the Busan Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Cup to the Rookie Stakes he secured a month ago.

Mujehan Geup and Johan Victoire (Pic: KRA)

Mujehan Geup entered the Munhwa Ilbo (1200M KOR-L) as the only one in the field to have already won twice and despite being drawn in the widest gate, the Old Fashioned colt was sent off as the 2.9 favourite.Under Johan Victoire, he settled right at the back of the field in the early stages as Ruan Maia bustled second favourite, the filly Wonpyeong Sket, to the lead.

Wonpyeong Sket would lead into the final furlong but Victoire produced Mujehan Geup at the right time to leave to pass his rival in the final furlong and go on to win by three-lengths, pulling away. Wonpyeong Sket was 2nd with Tony Castanheira’s filly Unica, a fast finishing 3rd.

For jockey Johan Victoire it was a welcome return to the Stakes race winner’s circle after a couple of years absence.

Winning trainer Moon Byeong-ki had a decades long career as one of the most sought after Assistant Trainers at Seoul Racecourse. He was finally licensed in his own right in 2022 and sheer winners wise, has quickly established himself as the top trainer at the track, leading this year’s Premiership. Yet to break through at Group level, he now has three Listed wins.

At Busan, Wild Park was sent off as the 1.6 favourite following his Rookie Stakes success. He led from the gate under Seo Seung-un and seemed poised for a comfortable score until it became clear that Supex Winner, wasn’t going to be shaken off easily.

Supex Winner had only raced once before when 2nd to Clearly Winner in August. Clearly Winner had gone on to win by a big margin at a higher level this past Friday and punters had seen enough to make Supex Winner the second favourite here.

Undr Franco Da Silva, Supex Winner briefly touched the front approaching the furlong pole but Wild Park rallied and lifted the better of the pair, ultimately prevailing by a neck on the line. Doctor Centum “won” a completely separate race for 3rd, a full seven-lengths back.

Wild Park is a colt by Bayern and is trained by Choi Ki-hong, of Winner’s Man fame.

The next legs of the Juvenile Series take place at Seoul and Busan on October 19th before the best from the tracks come together on the South Coast on November 23rd to contest the Breeders Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) to decide the nation’s champion juvenile.

Juvenile Series Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 14)

Juvenile Series races headline both Seoul and Busan this Sunday. Seoul hosts 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Yongam Sesang returns for the first time since winning May’s Sports Chosun (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (8) LIVE STAR was 2nd on debut over this distance on July 29th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and he is the one to beat here. (9) DONGGANGUI STAR went through plenty of trials before debuting on August 16th when 3rd over 1000M coming from well off the pace and running on well.  The step up in trip can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (11) EAN FIRST was a fair 4th on his debut at big odds over this distance on August 3rd. He is another who can be finishing strongly. (2) BLUE RAIN and (4) REVERENCE have raced twice each, and both placed on their respective debuts.

Selections(8) Live Star (9) Donggangui Star (11) Ean First (2) Blue Rain
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) HEUNGHAENG DOLPUNG has a 6th and a 4th in two starts back, both at 1300M, following a three-month layoff. Third-up he can be peaking and the step up to two turns for the first time can suit.  (2) YEONMYEONGUI SUNGAN has been knocking on the doors of the places for a while and is another who may appreciated a bit of distance. His best finish of 4th came from on the pace and from a good draw, he may well aim to lead early here. (1) STREET RUBY needs a line drawn through his latest, but he was 2nd over this distance two starts back in June and that’s enough for him to be in the reckoning here. (8) PROOF and (3) P N S PA are other place chances.

Selections(5) Heunghaeng Dolpung (2) Yeomyeongui Sungan (1) Street Ruby (8) Proof
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

Four last start winners among the nine-strong field. (2) WHITE CARLA returned to winning ways with an all the way score in a fast time over 1300M on August 23rd. He comes up 3.5kg here but draws well to lead again and he is the one to beat. (5) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG is up in class having secured his maiden win at this distance on August 17th, racing on pace. He is down 3kg in weight and can measure up in this company. So can (1) PERFECT DANAEUN. He races for the first time since July 26th when he beat Jeugeoun Sangsang on his way to a narrow win. Another up in class and down in weight, he is third-up three months off and should be in the finish. (7) GIDAEHARA and (9) SOMETHING DARK are others in the frame.

Selections(2) White Carla (5) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (1) Perfect Danaeun (7) Gidaehara
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) ALL THE BEST was ordinary on debut over 1000M in July but was an improved 3rd at start number two at 1300M on August 9th, racing on pace. She is drawn a touch wider than ideal but Seo Seung-un’s booking catches the eye and she can be the best of these. (8) CHAMPUI SIDAE has a best of 2nd in three starts over 1200M. She has been doing her best work late each time and the step up in trip can suit. (9) MAMBO SIDAE has similarly been running on in her races and 1400M can be to her benefit. (7) CRUELLA and (4) SINCHEON FREEDOM are others who can be considered on at least a place line.

Selections(10) All The Best (8) Champui Sidae (9) Mambo Sidae (7) Cruella
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only. After running 4th on debut, (2) VOSTOK was a winner when stepped up to this trip at start two on August 17th, leading all the way. She is up in class but down in weight and Ruan Maia will be hard to beat from the front here. (5) CHARMING QUEEN has a win and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far, with her latest 2nd being her first try at this class in a very similar filly race over 1300M. The slight step up in trip can suit, and she may well start as the betting favourite. (8) LUCKY DAY was a close 3rd at this class over 1300M on August 24th and under a light weight, she can be close again. (1) WONDERFUL PASS and (4) NAEGILUI ACE, the latter looking for a hat-trick of wins, are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(2) Vostok (5) Charming Queen (8) Lucky Day (1) Wonderful Pass
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Lala K Bounces Back in Style at Seoul While Hangang Class is all Class at Busan

Lala K brushed off his first career defeat a month ago and showed his formidable late speed to return to the winner’s circle in the second leg of the Juvenile Series, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But at Busan, hot favourite Baekduui Kkum suffered a shock defeat as Hangang Class secured victory in the southern track’s equivalent race, the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L).

Lala K dominated the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Lala K’s come from behind win in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August bizarrely went around the world even beyond racing circles, but the eccentric grey youngster couldn’t follow up when sent off as favourite for the opening leg of the Juvenile Series proper, the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, on October 8th. However, with that day’s winner and runner-up, Nice Time and Eclipse Berry, both absent, Lala K once more began the prohibitive favourite.

This time there was no mistake. Lala K was slow to begin but there was no panic from jockey Yoo Seung-wan who kept him inside with cover as Flying Star set the early pace. Once the field straightened up, jockey Yoo unleashed Lala K down the centre and he proved far too strong, running on to win by a full five-lengths from Ziggurat in 2nd and the previously unexposed Geuma Momentous in 3rd.

NACF Chairman’s Trophy finish (Pic: KRA)

“Lala K has become somewhat famous, so I admit I was nervous.” Jockey Yoo Seung-wan, one of the quieter members of the weighing room who is known for his self-deprecation, told in-house broadcaster KRBC after the race. “But (Nice Time and Eclipse Berry) were absent so it was easier this time. There was a lot of early speed in this race so my idea was to get out as forward as possible. It didn’t work out like that but just like in the Rookie Stakes, the horse was able to save energy.”

“(Lala K) is two years old. We don’t want to do too much or try to force things.” Yoo continued. “We want him to run at three and at four and five, so if you ask too much of them as a juvenile, they get injured or sick. So, we are just training and looking ahead to the future.”

At Busan there was a surprise as Baeukduui Kkum, the dominant winner of both the Rookie Stakes and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes, the latter the first leg of the Juvenile Series on the south coast, came unstuck in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. The filly was sent off the 1.6 favourite, but it was Hangang Class, a 10/1 chance, who won on debut but was 4th in the Areumdaun Jilju, who took a comprehensive five-length win.

“What particularly pleased me today was how he dealt with the kick back” winning jockey Park Jae-I told KRBC. “He hadn’t experienced that before, and it is a true test when they receive that sand. He came through it well.”

Doctor Kingdom, 2nd in both the Busan Rookie Stakes and Areumdaun Jilju Stakes took a third consecutive runner-up finish as Baekduui Kkum could only manage 3rd.

Seoul and Busan will come together for the concluding leg of the Juvenile Series in the Breeders’s Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday December 10th. Lala K and Hangang Class will be there.

Juvenile Series Part 2 Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 5)

The Juvenile Series continues at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoon with the two tracks having their final separate races before they come together for the Breeders’ Cup finale in December. Baekduui Kkum will be hot favourite for the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan having won both the Rookie Stakes and Areumdaun Jilju Stakes, while at Seoul, with the first two home in the Monhwa Ilbo Trophy not in attendance, Lala K will be favoured to get back to winning ways. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Lala K will be expected to return to winning ways at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. (3) WONDERFUL PASS gets the nod having won her trial in a fair time on October 20th when racing handy throughout. She draws nicely here and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) NESSUN DORMA came through the same trial, finishing 2nd lest than a length in arrears. She had led for much of the way around so she has to contend with a slightly wide draw here, but she should be competitive. (7) RAON PANORAMA went through two trials and showed a bit more maturity in the second of them when a close 3rd in an average time. That’s enough to put her in contention here. (6) SHACKLE POINT and (2) BRGHT HANSEN others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.

Selections(3) Wonderful Pass (9) Nessun Dorma (7) Raon Panorama (6) Shackle Point
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(3) WINNER DRAGON looks the one to beat here. He has a 2nd place to his name and comes in off a last start 3rd over this distance on October 7th when he settled midfield and ran on, not going down by much. He has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin and may prove hard to beat this time. (8) HAKSAN MACHO has shown steady progress across three starts so far, most recently 4th over this distance on October 7th when settling right back and running on. He has a good finish on him and can run into some money again. (10) HEY MAMA has a couple of 3rd places in her recent form and with Johan climbing aboard today can aim for the places. (11) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and newcomer (4) DREAM CARD are others who could potentially go close.

Selections(3) Winner Dragon (8) Haksan Macho (10) Hey Mama (11) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here (7) STARTER was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on October 7th and duly obliged, leading every step of the way and crossing the line three-lengths to the good in a quick time. She comes up in both class and distance today, but neither should be an issue, and in restricted filly and mare company, she will be strongly favoured to maintain her 100% record. (11) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER got her maiden two starts back over this distance before running 2nd on her first try at this class on October 9th. She likes to race handy so she has to deal with the wide draw as well as an additional 3kg on her back, but she can go close again. (4) AL SIMON has been working her way back into form in recent efforts and there is no reason why she can’t come off the pace to at least match her last starts 3rd. (10) SMART SOCKS and (3) HAPPY PLAY others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Starter (11) Taepyeong Fighter (4) Al Simon (10) Smart Socks
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) CHARMING BEST took a couple of goes to find his feet but has looked to be figuring things out in his latest two with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place over this distance. Last time out he led for much of the way and stopped the clock in a time significantly quicker than any of today’s rivals have managed. He draws well and should win. (7) KING FIGHTER too comes in off a good 2nd place at this distance on October 6th when he led until the closing stages. An apprentice keeps the weight down and he should be on pace and in this a long way once more. (6) WONDERFUL ONE raced well for 3rd over 1300M two weeks ago. He makes a quick return here and can be in the finish again. (8) LAND BANK and (11) COLONEL FLYING are among plenty of other placing chances.

Selections(3) Charming Best (7) King Fighter (6) Wonderful One (8) Land Bank
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

The favourite here will be (4) ONE SPEAR. He got his maiden win two starts back over 1400M and then ran a strong 3rd over this class and distance on October 7th when settling right back and then finishing off smoothly.  He draws slightly better today to be ridden perhaps in midfield and he can use his strong finish to return to the winner’s circle. (8) ARGO MUJEOK comes back in trip after middling efforts at slightly further. The last time he raced at 1300M he won, albeit at class 6, and he can be a danger here. (10) EINSPANNER hasn’t quite lived up to his impressive debut but comes in off a front-running 3rd place over 1200M and will probably cross and attempt to lead again. If he can find a forward position and save some energy, then he can be in this a long way. (3) NAOL SKY and (11) CHADOL RUN other possibles.

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JUVENILE SERIES: LALA K ROLLED AS NICE TIME CLAIMS MUNHWA / BAEKDUUI KKUM SCORES AT BUSAN

A precocious, slightly uncontrollable, and still unbeaten grey two-year-old made his way into the winner’s circle as expected following the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, the first leg of the Juvenile Series at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But it wasn’t Lala K, whose exploits in August’s Rookie Stakes went around the world. Instead, Nice Time was the grey who emerged with his reputation enhanced and unbeaten record intact.

Lala K can only manage 3rd as Nice Time defeats Eclipse Berry in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Last to first Rookie Stakes winner Lala K was sent off as favourite in the Munhwa Ilbo (1200M KOR-L). There was never any likelihood of the same kind of fireworks as in the Rookie Stakes, a situation that came about because of an unfortunate start leaving him a long way behind. This time, Lala K began well but from gate nine was quickly caught in no-man’s land four-wide. It was not a promising platform from which to launch any kind of challenge.

Outsider Gana Power led from the gate with Eclipse Berry joining him. Gana Power gave way at the top of the straight leaving the Rookie Stakes 3rd placegetter along with Vincero Cavallo out in front. The latter was quickly beaten and with Lala K struggling to go through the gears, it seemed Eclipse Berry was set to win.

Nice Time is another…eccentric…grey (Pic: KRA)

That was to reckon without Nice Time. Like Lala K, he came into the race two for two and was sent off as second favourite. Under Kim Dong-soo, he tracked Lala K in the early stages, also racing wide, before coming past on the turn and launching a late charge, catching, and passing Eclipse Berry in the shadow of the post.

Nice Time is by Overanalayze and is out of the Tenpins mare Country Club Sue. He was a KRW 105 Million purchase by his owner, Park Nam-sung, at last year’s KTBA October Sale. He is trained by Moon Byeong-ki, who only gained his license last year and was winning his first Listed race. For jockey Kim Dong-soo, it was a second big race win having won the Busan Ilbo Sprint on Silver Wolf in 2018.

As for Lala K, while he won’t be going viral this time, he may benefit from the experience of having been in the kickback for the first time. He still finished strongly for 3rd place and there is plenty more racing to come.

Busan also hosted its first leg of the Juvenile Series, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (1200M KOR-L). On the south coast the Rookie Stakes winner did oblige as filly Baekduui Kkum, sauntered to an easy victory.   

Sent off as the odds-on favourite following her four-length score in August’s Rookie, this time it was even more straightforward for Baekduui Kkum. Franco Da Silva, who is enjoying a golden year in the saddle, stalked the early leader before briefly giving Badauui Kkum her head in the home straight and she didn’t need long to establish her superiority, cruising across the line five-lengths to the good of Doctor Kingdom, who also chased her home in the Rookie.

Baekduui Kkum and Franco Da Silva win the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (Pic: KRA)

Baekduui Kkum is by Uncaptured and is out of the Discreet Cat mare Baekdu Cat. She was a KRW 30 Million purchase from the KTBA November 2022 sale by owner Hong Kyung-pyo, who is best known for top sprinter Ssonsal. She is trained by Lee Sang-young, also the current trainer of Ssonsal.

Seoul and Busan will also hold separate races for the second leg of the Juvenile Series on November 5th, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, both over 1200M. The best of the two track’s two-year-olds will then come together at Busan on December 10th for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) and a huge KRW 700 Million purse. Nice Time and Baekduui Kkum will surely be there, but will Lala K?

Next week the there is Stakes race action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) with rivals Winner’s Man and Tuhonui Banseok set to clash once more.

Lala K To Defend 100% Record as Juvenile Series Starts Sunday

Lala K, the striking grey two-year-old who shocked the world with his scarcely believable last to first run to win the Seoul Rookie Stakes in August, returns to action at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday as he seeks to maintain his 100% start to his career in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed), the capital track’s first leg of the Juvenile Series.

Lala K (Pic: KRA)

Although the overall race time was not especially quick, Lala K’s figures as he went from out of sight at the back to out of sight at the front in the Rookie Stakes certainly held up to scrutiny. He may have been running at tiring and inexperienced young horses, but his final furlong time was one-tenth of a second quicker than that clocked by Remake when the Japanese star set a new track record in the International Group 3 Korea Sprint two weeks later.

Don’t necessarily expect a repeat of those come from behind antics on Sunday though as Lala K’s extraordinary finish was only rendered necessary after he received a big bump coming out of the gate which put him a long way back. On his debut appearance over 1000M in July, he broke cleanly and sat in 2nd place before pulling away from the field to win comfortably and jockey Yoo Seung-wan will probably have little appetite to do things the hard way again as Lala K seeks to go three for three.

LALA K will be sent off as hot favourite in the Munhwa Ilbo with Rookie Stakes 3rd ECLIPSE BERRY perhaps the main danger. She overcame the same wide gate as today to get on pace and ran on well. Aside from Lala K the only other unbeaten horse in the race is NICE TIME. The Overanalyze colt won on debut over 1000M in August before following up with a victory at class 5 level at today’s distance when settling midfield and running on. He has shown a decent final furlong turn of speed – not Lala K speed – but he looks to have scope to get better.

HANGANG CROWN was sent off as favourite for the Rookie Stakes but after showing prominently early endured a dismal final furlong to ultimately finish last. She had previously shown good speed and will be given another chance by plenty. VINCERO CAVALLO ran out a seven-length winner at this distance to get his maiden win on September 16th and is another who has potential.

While only two come back to face Lala K from that Rookie Stakes, some pointers to how that form is holding up will come on Saturday. Runner-up Dalbitjogaksa, who led all the way under Lala K cleaned her up, goes in Saturday’s class 4 race 7 over 1400M. while 4th place Flying Star runs in race 6 also at 1300M at class 5. One race earlier on Saturday, 5th place Geosen Bangyeok goes in race 5, also at class 5 over 1300M. All three are likely to be sent off as favourite.

For all the attention lavished on Lala K, Busan’s equivalent Rookie Stakes was probably the better race although only three who come out of it are among the eight who will contest Sunday’s Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (1200M KOR-Listed), Busan’s equivalent race to the Munhwa Ilbo (the two tracks’ juveniles only come together for the final race of the series, the Breeders’ Cup at Busan in December). They are headed by the impressive winner, BAEKDUUI KKUM, who having been handy throughout, eased away from his rivals to score by four-lengths.

Baekduui Kkum will be a strong favourite to score again. That day’s runner-up DOCTOR KINGDOM returns for another crack while the Bart Rice trainee CONTROLLER, with a win and two placings from three outings so far, is given his chance. The potential main danger though is Thomas Gillespie’s YEONGGWANGUI GLORY, a winner of both his starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and who draws very nicely on the inside to get to the lead again.

The Munhwa Ilbo Trophy is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul and will be broadcast live on the KRA’s KRBC International YouTube channel.

The Areumdaun Jilju Stakes is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan.

Munhwa Ilbo Trophy Selections: (9) Lala K (11) Eclipse Berry (10) Nice Time (2) Vincero Cavallo

Areumdaun Jilju Stakes Selections: (2) Baekduui Kkum (1) Yeonggwangui Glory (3) Controller (6) Doctor Kingdom

Speed Young Downs Fantastic Kingdom For Juvenile Crown

Fantastic Kingdom came up short in his bid for a clean-sweep of top juvenile races, as Speed Young romped by for a comprehensive victory in the Breeders’ Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Speed Yong wins the Breeders’ Cup – no, not that Breeders’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Having prevailed in the Busan Rookie Stakes, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, Fantastic Kingdom was sent off a slight favourite over the filly Jeulgeounyeojeong who had pushed him all the way in the Gimhae, over the shorter distance of 1200M a month ago.

The filly was scarcely a factor though as Fantastic Kingdom sat on an early pace that was set by Sun Dragon and Lucky Sun. Both “Suns” would fall away quickly as Fantastic Kingdom took up the running three furlongs from home. He looked set to go on, only for Speed Young, who had drawn the widest but one gate and then sat back in the field, to loom up.

With just over a furlong to run, Speed Young sped by and ran on to win by a comfortable five-lengths with Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy 3rd placegetter Nanometa also emerging from the rear to claim 2nd place ahead of a tiring Fantastic Kingdom in 3rd.

The winner, who was racing for just the third time, was sent off slightly in excess of 10/1, fourth overall in the market. The relatively short odds reflected that in addition to his Areumdaun Jilju Stakes 2nd, he was just one of four who had previously won over the 1400M, coming from off the pace and beating a filly in Smarty Dolpung who herself went on to win in fine style on Friday.

Speed Young is from the final crop by Menifee and is out of Tapestry (by Fusaichi Pegasus). He was bred by Nokwon Farm and was purchased for 100 Million Korean Won by owners D R M City at the November 2021 KTBA Yearling Sale – a sale at which D R M signed for five of the top seven sale-toppers. He is trained at Busan by Bang Dong-suk, who sent out Hit Yegam to win two legs of the Triple Crown last year. You Hyun-myung, who rode Hit Yegam to both those wins, also partnered Speed Young.

Given that it was the only Group race on the schedule, the victory was enough to see Speed Young win the Juvenile Series and for Nanometa to leapfrog Fantastic Kingdom to claim 2nd. Only time will tell but the early indications are that this year’s two-year-old crop has been a good one and we could be set for a fascinating Triple Crown series in 2023, which will kick off in April with the KRA Cup Mile.

https://youtu.be/EpZk9V8-Dv0

Next week the Stakes season draws to a close with the traditional season finale of the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man is scheduled to run as is that day’s runner-up and subsequent KRA Cup Classic winner Raon The Fighter. President’s Cup heroine Raon First is also expected to be in the starting gate as is defending champion Haengbok Wangja as well as Simjangui Godong and Dubai Carnival hopeful King Of The Match with seventeen remaining in at this stage.

Juvenile Series: Fantastic Kingdom Wins Again, Hangang Ace Unseats Park Tae Jong as Saenae Town Scores

Fantastic Kingdom maintained his dominance of the juvenile ranks at Busan by winning the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, but at Seoul Hangang Ace spilled his jockey at the start ensuring that a new name would claim the NACF Chairman’s Trophy. That name would prove to be Saenae Town who came through late to score in a topsy-turvy finish.

At Seoul, Munhwa Ilbo Trophy winner Hangang Ace was sent off as warm favourite for the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M Korean Listed). His challenge would end barely three strides out of the gate though as he stumbled, causing jockey Park Tae-jong to tumble forward and onto the sand.

That left Sun Dragon, the second favourite who had skipped both the Rookie Stakes and the Munhwa Ilbo, to set the pace. This he did with gusto, and he seemed set for a gate to wire victory until the very final strides when Saenae Town, 4th in the Munhwa Ilbo a month ago, swept by under Song Jae-chul in the shadow of the post.

Sun Dragon was 2nd a head in arrears while a stewards’ inquiry determined that a length behind them, Kwaehyang, who crossed the line in 3rd place, had interfered with Nanometa in 4th and their placings were reversed.

Saenae Town is by Purge and is out of Oh My Creek (by Creek Cat), who raced in Korea. He was bred by Nokwon Farm and is owned by Moon Geum-cheol and trained at Seoul by Seo Hong-soo. The victory kicked off a remarkable end of Sunday’s card for trainer Seo, who proceeded to send out the winner of the remaining three races as well.

At Busan, it wasn’t easy for Fantastic Kingdom, but he managed to hold off a determined challenge from Jeulgeounyeojeong to add the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M Korean Listed) to his previous successes in the Busan Rookie Stakes and Areumdaun Jilju Stakes.

Fantastic Kingdom was beaten on debut but has since won four in a row to top the juvenile rankings. He is by Concord Point and out of Union Belle (by Dixie Union). He was bred by Jung Hwan of Taesan Farm, is owned by Moojigae Rentcar and is trained at Busan by Lim Keum-man. Seo Seung-un piloted.

Jeulgeounyeojeong was just half a length back in 2nd place and intriguingly has already won over 1400M which is the distance of the Breeders’ Cup (KOR-G2), the race which will decide the ultimate destination of the title of Champion Juvenile on Sunday December 4th. With Saenae Town also threatening to get stronger as the distances get longer as well as a host of other juveniles who were steered away from this weekend’s features, and Fantastic Kingdom may not have things all his own way next month.

Next weekend, the top locally bred horses in the country will gather at Seoul for the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) on Sunday afternoon. Korea Cup hero Winner’s Man currently tops the expected field.

Juvenile Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

The juvenile series kicks off at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in the capital and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes on the South Coast. Both will have hot favourites with the respective track’s “Rookie Stakes” winners Giant Punch and Fantastic Kingdom both expected to kick on. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 with 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. Here are the previews:

Juvenile Series races in times gone by have been good (Pic KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

An unusual start to the day in that it is for juvenile fillies at class 4 level, so it is targeted at imported horses, the first such race here for a while. Five of the eight race for the first time but they find themselves up against a proven winner in (1) FIRE GIRL. She made all to win over 1200M on debut on August 28th and from the inside gate, the Pioneerof The Nile filly will be odds-on to make it two from two. The main dangers are set to be first timers. (6) MEDICI WOLF won a trial having been handy throughout. The time wasn’t quick, but she did it well and should have derived benefit from it. (2) MOONHAK SONG and (8) BS POWER both went faster than Medici Wolf in their heats and can go well first up. (7) MISS HIGH FLY another who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Fire Girl (6) Medici Wolf (2) Moonhak Song (8) BS Power
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

The first division of two juvenile maidens and six of the twelve are racing for the first time. (1) DRAGON STAR gets the nod following a 3rd and a 5th in his opening two races, both in decent times when coming from off the pace. He draws very well here and with some natural improvement can win. The draw doesn’t favour (12) HIGH GRAND. He comes in off a solid 6th and a 4th in his latest two most recently behind Naol Sniper, who has gone on to win again. With a bit of luck at the start, he can find a good position and he can tun on well. (5) JANGBI MUJIGAE ran on well for 5th place in a fast race on a wet drack over this distance on debut and a repeat of that would put him right in this. As for the debut-makers, (9) TOUR QUEEN and (3) CUPID WARRIOR look best equipped to make an immediate impression.

Selections(1) Dragon Star (12) High Grand (5) Jangbi Mujigae (9) Tour Queen
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees five of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. There are a couple of standouts and given the draw, we’ll side with (1) SINUI YEOIN. She ran on for a close 4th on debut over this distance on August 14th in a fast time on a wet track. She can be on pace or handy here and could prove too strong. (10) GLOBAL CHANGA was well-backed on debut when he ran 2nd to Ranut, who takes his chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy later today. He overcame gate eleven that day and while he scarcely draws any better here, he may well start as favourite. (8) DALGEUM is the logical third pick, following an improved 3rd in her second outing on August 20th when sitting in midfield and then running on over a wet track. She can finish strongly again here. (4) GIPPEUM HWANHO didn’t do too much wrong when 5th on debut and should have come on for the run. The debut-makers don’t really jump out here although (5) AMAN BAROWS went through a lot of trials a registered a couple of decent times.

Selections(1) Sinui Yeoin (10) Global Changa (8) Dalgeum (4) Gippeum Hwanho
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast. (3) HANSEN COD GIRL was a close 3rd on debut on September 2nd just getting the worst of a desperately tight three-way finish. She draws well to be on pace again and won’t need to improve much on that to win. (12) PISTOL STAR also suffered a near-miss on debut. That was back in July when handy throughout and just narrowly being beaten into 2nd over 1000M. He races for the first time since and if he can get a bit of luck position-wise from the wide draw, he can have a big say in this. There are three first timers and (1) META QUEEN looked good when winning an August trial. She draws well and could sneak a place on debut here. Likewise (9) GEMIJIN was a distance 2nd in his heat to an experienced racehorse but stopped the clock in a fair time and can be competitive. (11) ARTHUR KING IJI is one of a few with the potential to improve on their debut effort.

Selections(3) Hansen Cod Girl (12) Pistol Star (1) Meta Queen (9) Gemijin
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) ARGO TAP has shown potential across three starts to date with a best of 3rd. He has led all three including his latest when he tackled 1200M for the first time and led for most of the way, before ultimately finishing 5th of nine. He should have come on for that experience, can lead again, and this time go all the way. Any top-three finish will put (3) HWANGWOO GANGJA up to class 5 and it could well be a win. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip. Last time she was on pace, something that will be expected again from a good draw, and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight down. He has solid claims. There was a full ten months between (7) CUPID WOW making his debut and re-appearing. He was better the second time around, running 3rd on his return. That was in early July so he has had another three months off since, but a repeat of that run will put him close at the finish. Solitary debut-maker (1) JILJU DAESE and two-time placegetter (8) GEUMA ALLURE are others in the frame.

Selections(6) Argo Tap (3) Hwangwoo Gangja (7) Cupid Wow (1) Jilju Daese
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A big field of maidens but (9) MIGHTY STORM will be expected to score. After three consecutive 4th place finishes, he managed 3rd on his latest outing at 1200M on September 4th when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip today might be what he needs, and he is the one to beat. (11) GOLDEN RACER has finished off both her races to date very well over 1200M, especially last tie out when running on for 4th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter to her, and the additional half furlong should be appreciated. (5) TEUKGEUP CAMP is another up slightly in trip having done his recent work over 1200M. He ran good times at this distance and may well be ridden a bit further forward today with there being not much genuine speed in this race. (10) HALLA BAEKDU and (3) ECTON POWER among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(9) Mighty Storm (11) Golden Racer (5) Teukgeup Camp (10) Halla Baekdu
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10
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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 29)

The Juveniles get their chance to shine on Sunday with the Jeju Governor’s Cup split into two divisions at Seoul & Busan. With 150 Million Won up for grabs in each heat, the races – which act as the two second-legs of the Juveniles Series – are not as valuable as in normal years, but still give the youngsters a chance at a big prize. Both Busan (4 races from 13:00 to 14:20) & Seoul (8 races from 14:50 to 18:00) will race behind closed doors on Sunday although simulcast betting on the races will be available at the Jeju Racecourse plus at four provincial OTBs which are not subject to level 2 social distancing restrictions. Here are the previews:

Who will succeed Roller Blade as Champion Juvenile? The second legs of the 2020 Juvenile Series are on Sunday

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There look to be two standouts in Busan’s opener. (2) DONGBANUI SIJAK gets another crack at class 6 having prevailed on debut on October 23rd over this distance. From gate 2, Jo In-kwon can settle him close to the early speed and he can run on strongly. (10) MILLION MAKER is still yet to break through but after an inauspicious debut, he has put in two strong showings and has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He’s not raced since July but trialed nicely earlier this month and should go well under Djordje Perovic. Bart Rice and You Hyun-myung teamed up to win with a debut-maker on Friday and they have another one here in the shape of (6) ACE SOLOMON. He looked well when winning an October trial and looks nicely in here first-up. (3) SPRING FIRE and (5) KWAEHAN HWANGGEUM look best of the rest.

Selections(10) Million Maker (2) Dongbanui Sijak (6) Ace Solomon (5) Kwaehan Hwanggeum
Next Best3, 13
Fast Start1, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (1) SPEED KINGDOM here. He had little trouble carting around 57kg when leading gate to wire over class and distance on October 31st. Having drawn the inside again today, Ioannis Poullis will aim to do similar and there’s no reason why he can’t go all the way once more. (10) YEONGGWANGUI EAGLE came home in 3rd place in that race and should be a contender again although a couple of others may offer stiffer challenges. (4) ROCK PEGASUS is up in class after a very solid win at this distance earlier this month. He can set up camp behind the early speed and run on strong late. (2) GABO TODAY was a touch disappointing when relatively well fancied over 1300M two weeks ago. Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic persevere with him and he’s worth another chance here.

Selections(1) Speed Kingdom (4) Rock Pegasus (2) Gabo Today (10) Yeonggwangui Eagle
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2,

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

It took (3) POWER TRAIN a couple of goes to figure things out but he’s now won all four of his starts in 2020, zipping through the lower grades as a result. Can he make it five in a row? He can but there a couple of caveats. All his victories so far have come at a mile or further and this is his first try at class 3 level. Nevertheless, his class can see him through. If he does come up short, then (1) STAR OREUM is the most likely to take advantage. An excellent class and distance winner on October 31st, beating a couple of these in the process, apprentice Mo-Jun-ho today takes a full 4kg off his back and he has solid claims. So too does (2) POWER WONDERFUL, who drops back in trip having won at this class over a mile earlier this month as well as the ever consistent (7) SPICE CANDY, who in contrast, steps up to seven-furlongs for the first time and can’t be ruled out.

Selections(3) Power Train (1) Star Oreum (7) Spice Candy (2) Power Wonderful
Next Best12, 13
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12

Busan Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Allowance “Jeju Governor’s Cup” – Busan / KRW 150 Million

Busan’s second leg of the juvenile series. (2) WINNER’S MAN picks himself really, having been hugely impressive in winning all three of his outings to date without breaking sweat. He’s not yet actually run at this distance but having won at both 1000M and 1300M there is little to suggest it will be a problem for him. (8) HEAT YEGAM is the most credible danger. He too is unbeaten and led all the way for an easy win over this distance in 1.13.3 on October 23rd, a time that was faster than both the class 3 and class 4 events over the same distance that day and looks to have the potential for more. The logical trifecta is filled out by (3) MACH TITAN, who led gate to wire for an impressive looking win over the distance at the end of last month, albeit at class 6 level. (4) GOOD SOCKS and (1) TOP MATE to dispute the minor money.

Selections(2) Winner’s Man (8) Heat Yegam (3) Mach Titan (4) Good Socks
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 8

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

The capital’s Sunday program begins with a competitive maiden with five of the fourteen racing for the first time. Of the ones with prior experience, there are a couple of standouts. (4) DAECHEON EOLJJANG came from well back to run 2nd on debut on October 16th. He had a wide draw that day but punters will need to weigh up whether having the benefit of Kim Yong-geun’s experience in the saddle will counter the 4kg extra he needs to carry. (9) JOYFUL K has run twice already with a 2nd and a 3rd place to her name, both at this distance. She has the quickest time of any of these who have tried 1200M – not a great achievement – and should be very competitive here. (8) BIG FORCE ONE improved to 5th on her second outing beating a couple of these in the process. She should be on pace from the stat and can go close. Of the first-timers, the stand out is (3) COMPLETE STAR. She ran 3rd in a very fast trial in October and has every chance of going well on debut here.

Selections(9) Joyful K (4) Daecheon Eoljjang (3) Complete Star (8) Big Force One
Next Best13, 7
Fast Start8, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another maiden although this time it is very much the first-time starters who will be favoured. (7) CATCH CHARM looks the best of them having made all to win an October trial. It was the kind of time that would win plenty of class 6 races over the distance and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll win today. (9) SPEAR GUN also caught the eye in trials. The Tourist colt wasn’t quite as quick as Catch Charm but won’t need to have come very much in order to go close on debut today. Among those with experience already, (4) STEADY CHAMPION recorded the fastest time of these on debut at the distance and accordingly has placing claims. (8) EOSEOWA and (12) FANTASY QUEEN are others who can improve.

Selections(7) Catch Charm (9) Spear Gun (4) Steady Champion (12) Fantasy Queen
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A field of thirteen inexperienced imports take on one local here. The local is a good one, albeit one we haven’t seen for a very long time. (2) MYEONGWANG won two of three starts in 2019 and while he hasn’t raced for a full fifteen months, he looked well in a trial last week and should be right in the mix first-up today. We’re not going to put him on top though. Instead we are going to buy into the minor hype surrounding (5) WILDLY ROMANTIC. The Bayern colt blitzed a trial in October and his debut has been eagerly awaited. He will be expected to win this assignment. (7) ROYAL TAERI also looked good in his latest trial. The Bodemeister colt ran well alongside several established racehorses and should go well first-up today. (1) DOKKAEBE and (12) DANGCHAN SERYEOK are others whose debuts will be watched carefully.

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