Juvenile Series

KOREA RACING REPORT: OCTOBER 16-18: VICTORY CHAMP, CLUTCH DERBY TAKE OUT JUVENILE SERIES SECOND LEGS / SEO SEUNG-UN REACHES 1000 WINNERS

Two-year-olds took centre-stage as both Busan and Seoul held their respective legs of the Juvenile Series. The south-coast kicked things off on Friday as VICTORY CHAMP won the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) at Busan while two days later in a rainstorm in the capital, CLUTCH DERBY took the honours in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

Clutch Derby goes clear in the wet (Pic: KRA)

Victory Champ (by Old Fashioned) was sent off as the 3.1 favourite for Busan’s Friday leg on the strength of his ten-length win on debut. He justified that and then some as he dominated the rest of the fourteen-strong field to win by two-and-a-half lengths. Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy runner-up Eclipse Vision was 2nd – for the fourth time – while another maiden, Doctor Atlantic was 3rd. Jin Kyum was aboard the winner for trainer Min Jang-gi in the colours of Korea’s most prolific owner Lee Jong-hun. Gangseo-gu winner Lavender Crown never got going and was a well-beaten 8th.

At Seoul the NACF Chairman’s Trophy was run in a torrential downpour on Sunday afternoon, and Clutch Derby (by Cairo Prince) began as a 2.1 favourite to overturn his defeat at the hands of Major Fury in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy a month ago. Overturn it he did, setting the early pace along with A.K Sun and the pair of them would go on to run 1st and 2nd, with Major Fury three lengths back in 3rd. Lee Dong-ha was aboard the winner for trainer Choi Yong-geon and owners Joa Contrutction.

Separate up until now, the Seoul and “Yeongnam” (Busan and Yeongcheon) branches of the Juvenile Series, will come together for the final leg, and Victory Champ and Clutch Derby will both be expected to be among those who face off in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul on December 6 to determine the champion juvenile of 2026.

Busan on Friday saw the other main story of the weekend as Seo Seung-un became just the fifth Korean jockey to pass 1000 career winners. The milestone occurred in the concluding race 9 (1200M Class 2) as Seo guided GEUMA ADPEPT (Complexity) to an all the way victory.  Seo debuted as a jockey in 2011, winning aboard his first race ride, and the “Little Giant” has scarcely looked back since with twenty-eight of those thousand victories coming at Group level.

Seo’s 1000 had been expected to be brought up in race 2 (1200M Class 6) with Seo aboard the 1.4 favourite Special First. However, they could only manage 3rd as B.K. RICH (Nitrous) took the win at odds of 18.8 under Jo In-kwon. Debut-maker Perfect Seogwi, a 66.4 outsider also beat the odds-on favourite with a smart 2nd place and may be worth a follow going forward.

Jin Kyum had a productive Friday as not only did he win on Victory Champ, he partnered BRAVO YOUNG (Race Day) to a six-length maiden win in race 3 (1300M Class 6) – also for trainer Min Jang-gi – and after winning the feature he wasn’t done, as he then rode 1.7 favourite GLOBAL PRINCE (Shackleford) to an all the way score in race 8 (1800M Class 3). Global Prince was the first of a late double for trainer Lee Sang-young, who also trains Geuma Adept.

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Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11-races from 10:35 to 17:55) and at Yeongcheon (6-races from 12:45 to 16:30). The feature is at Seoul where the capital runs its second leg of the Juvenile Series, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed), which is race 8 on the program:

Major Fury and Clutch Derby will clash again in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (10) SAVE QUEEN trialed up well before debuting on September 6th over 1200M and settling midfield before running on to finish 4th of eleven. She should have come on for that run and won’t need to improve much to beat this modest looking set of rivals. (5) HAKSAN SMARTY put in a fair effort on her debut on September 19th, starting slowly but quickening for 5th. She too should have derived benefit from that and can get closer. Turning to the debut-makers, (7) TIGER CHAMP was the best in trials, finishing a close 2nd in a decent time and if she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. (11) FLYING PARTY and (3) WONDER FLEX others who could make an impact.

Selections(10) Save Queen (5) Haksan Smarty (7) Tiger Champ (11) Flying Party
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) LUNA SOCKS has been a beaten favourite in both her starts to date, finishing 3rd on debut over 1000M in August and then 5th over this distance on October 5th when she used up a lot of energy to lead from a wide draw. She draws much better today, and she is well worth another chance. (7) BEST FRIEND only just scraped through a qualification trial but ran solidly on debut on August 29th for 3rd place over 1200M showing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and can be in this. (5) PUREUNDOLPUNG was an improved 4th at start number two in an all-filly maiden over 1200M on September 12th. Like Luna Socks, third-up she can be peaking and should be a threat. (11) GEOSEN GIPPEUM and (10) SISLI could also improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(4) Luna Socks (7) Best Friend (5) Pureundolpung (11) Geosen Gippeum
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) DAREURI YEOWANG enters off a best to date 2nd place over 1300M when coming from the widest gate and running on. She comes into a much better gate this time around and she is faovured to go one better. (11) MIGHTY POINT debuted back in March and ran a fair 5th of eleven. He hasn’t raced since but looked well enough when not asked for much in a September trial and Franco’s booking suggests he may be worth an each-way chance in a race that the favourite aside, isn’t very deep. (2) COMPASS FORCE was a fair 3rd last time out in a slowly run race over 1300M. Her one previous try at this trip was her worst so far but in this company she can be close. (5) GOSANBONG and (4) CHEONDUNGUIBULKKOT look to be the other chances.

Selections(3) Dareuri Yeowang (11) Mighty Point (2) Compass Force (5) Gosanbong
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(9) ANYANG LASER enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class both over 1800M and both times having led for much of the way. He cuts back in trip, an apprentice takes his weight down, and he could well win this. (10) ROYAL HOPE K was a winner on debut over 1000M in June and then followed up with a narrow score at this class and distance on August 9th. He was well back in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup on September 13th, but he returns to shallower waters today and will start as favourite. (3) WINNER NAMCHON is yet to win but is up in class following two consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently over this distance on September 13th and under a very light weight, she can measure up. (4) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK and (5) BEST A ONE others to consider.

Selections(9) Anyang Laser (10) Royal Hope K (3) Winner Namchon (4) Nasca Bulchunggaek
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After an emphatic win on debut over 1000M, (7) SERAPH was sent off as favourite for the Rookie Stakes in August when, in bad weather, she led but got caught late, and then again in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy on September 11th when she did exacrly the same thing. She comes into much shallower waters here, the short home straight at Yeongcheon may suit, and she really should stay the 1200M this time. (9) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE enters off a class and distance 2nd at Busan on September 6th. She has been very consistent across seven starts to date, and she should be in the mix again. Veteran (11) GOLDEN POINT showed a liking for Yeongcheon when running 2nd at this class and distance on October 4th and while up 2kg in weight, he can be close again. (8) OASIS HEUIMANG and (5) GREAT STAR other place chances.

Selections(7) Seraph (9) Road To Number One (11) Golden Point (8) Oasis Heuimang
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 16)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9-races from 11:15 to 17:55. The juvenile series continues as Lavender Crown heads a full field of fourteen in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, race 6 on the card. Here are the previews:

Lavender Crown will bid to take out the second leg of the Juvenile Series (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) DUBAI TIME was a trial winner, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fair time. She draws nicely to lead again and has every chance first up. Among the experienced ones, (1) DANALDA is the only one who has raced twice and she has finished 3rd on both occasions, both at 1200M and both times racing handy to the speed. She should have a fitness edge on her rivals here and can win. (8) WILD MAY was the quickest in trials, running 3rd behind the experienced World Top Tier and if she brings that form to the races, she can be in the finish and that time may make her the betting favourite. (3) GLOBAL LUNA and (10) MIRACLE PACE ran 5th and 7th respectively when facing one another on debut over this distance on September 18th, and both can improve second-up.

Selections(2) Dubai Time (1) Danalda (8) Wild May (3) Global Luna
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) SPECIAL FIRST trialed well and was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on August 21st when he ran an on-pace 2nd. He should have come on for that run Seo Seung-un gets on, and he will be favourite to go one better here. (11) B.K RICH debuted over this distance on September 18th, showing close to the pace throughout and while beaten a full nine-lengths by winner Royal Pride, showing plenty of promise. He too can have come on for the run and be close despite the challenge of the widest gate. (10) UHANRYUNG and (4) CLUTCH POTTER both caught the eye in their respective trials and can be considered. (2) BUHWARUI SEOMAK was four-lengths behind B.K. Rich on debut on September 18th and can aim to get closer.

Selections(5) Special First (11) B.K Rich (4) Clutch Potter (10) Uhanryung
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Decent maiden. (1) BRAVO YOUNG was 5th on debut in August and then an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on September 11th when coming from off the pace. He was well beaten by a good winner, but he was doing his best work late and the slight step up in trip can see him home on top here although there may not be much speed to run at. The modestly named (3) INVINCIBLE debuted in June, finishing 3rd over 1000M in a race where the runner-up subsequently won and the winner has finished 2nd at class 5. He won a trial last week in a quick time and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he is a chance. (10) COWBOY LOOK returned from ten months off to beat three of today’s rivals over this distance on September 4th, and stripping fitter for that run, he can be a danger. (7) GYEONGBOK ARAMIS and (8) OASIS YEONGCHEON among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(1) Bravo Young (3) Invincible (10) Cowboy Look (7) Gyeongbok Aramis
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) HEAR WE GO was 3rd on debut in August and then 4th at start two over 1300M on September 11th when handy throughout. She draws well and third-up, she can be peaking. So can (5) MISS FALCON. She did nothing on debut over 1200M but came from a long way back to run 3rd over 1000M on August 28th in what was a very quick race. She steps up significantly in trip and it may suit. (7) GEORGE PRINCE seems to be figuring things out with a pair of 5th places from his first two, followed by a 4th over 1300M on September 4th and he can continue to make progress in this company. (2) DOCTOR PRINCE and (10) GEUMBIT SPRING others who may improve in a race were there is quite a big drop off in form after the first couple of favourites.

Selections(3) Hear We Go (5) Miss Falcon (7) George Prince (2) Doctor Prince
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT – SEPTEMBER 11-13: JUVENILE SERIES KICKS OFF / YEONGCHEON RACECOURSE SUCCESSFULLY STAGES INAUGURAL CARD

THE 2026 KOREAN JUVENILE SERIES BEGAN OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE FIRST SEOUL LEG OF THE SERIES ON SUNDAY WAS THE GWACHEON MAYOR’S TROPHY AND MAJOR FURY made Hope K look good with a neck success under Seo Seung-un (writes Luke Humphreys).

Major Fury (near side) holds off Clutch Derby in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Major Fury (Revolutionary) had won his first two starts before being best of the rest behind Hope K, a subsequent winner on international weekend, in the Rookie Stakes in August and with no Hope K to worry about, he got the prize after trailing the long-time leader and eventual 2nd placed Clutch Derby throughout.

“I was able to pick up the ride as trainer Kim Dong-kyun had also entered Samjeong Chef which Jang Chu-youl elected to ride,” Seo Seung-un told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “He looked like a good horse to ride and after riding him today I think he is a very smart and good horse. I only rode in Seoul (instead of Yeongcheon) today because of this ride, so I am grateful for the opportunity. The trainer’s instructions were to just sit behind the leaders and then make a run. Jang Chu-youl also told me about the horse as he had ridden him previously so I would like to thank him.”

The Korea Cup disappointment last week of home hope Clean One, who was subsequently found to have fractured his off-fore sesamoid, was still laying heavy on Seo.

“Because the results at last week’s Korea Cup were poor, as a jockey, I sincerely want to apologise to all horse racing fans regarding the fact that I did not ride well. I felt extremely sorry. It is in the past, but I had to focus more than usual this week and thankfully still got satisfactory results.”

Seo also made comments on him riding regularly in both Seoul and the Yeongnam (Busan and now Yeongcheon) region.

“It has been three months (since the integrated freelance jockey system was established) and of course, when I first came here to Seoul for regular meetings, not everyone would be able to give me many opportunities because it came suddenly but as a month or two passed, I have been given a lot of opportunities.”

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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