The big hitters have drawn wide as the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer reaches its conclusion in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. Defending champion Raon Forest gets gate thirteen while Ttukseom Cup winner Fantastic Value has gate ten. Boryeonglightqueen and Gladius similarly will contend with double-digit gate numbers.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT BUSAN AND SEOUL.
Fantastic Value (Pic: KRA)
FANTASTIC VALUE was a revelation as she returned to form with victory in the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul last month. After winning last year’s Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks before missing out on sweeping the Triple Tiara with defeat to Boryeonglightqueen in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup last June, Fantastic Value hadn’t won again. She was accordingly sent off in excess of 70/1 for the Ttukseom but made a mockery of that with a half-length victory. The mile of the KNN Cup may suit her even better.
BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN roared home from off the pace in that Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup almost a year ago and repeated the trick in the Jeju Governor’s Cup last September. She hasn’t won since but was a fast-finishing 2nd in both previous legs of this series, the Donga Ilbo over 1800M and the Ttukseom over 1400M. She may start as favourite.
Seoul raider RAON FOREST won this race a year ago and also took out the first leg of this series, the Donga Ilbo. The highest rated in the race, she will be a big danger again. Others traveling down from the capital with chances include GLADIUS and ONEULDO SMILE.
As for the lesser established ones, NICE BUDDY is a winner of five from eleven but must contend with the widest gate of all. YEOSU SUPER STAR was one of the winners from the draw and should be among the early pace-setters.
1. INDY GHOST – Races for the first time since throwing her jockey as the gates opened in the Donga Ilbo. She has subsequently won a trial, but she was in excess of 60/1 for the Donga and while a solid class 2/3 competitor, will probably be similar here.
2. GOLD CATCHER – A winner of four from twelve and one for one at this distance. She hasn’t won at higher than class 4 so this is a big test, but she draws well to at least be on the speed and of not a winning chance, she can be in this a long way.
3. HAENGBOKAN SEUNGJA – Joint 4th highest rated in the race, she returned from almost six-months off to run 2nd at class 1 level over 1400M on May 10th. She hasn’t won at a mile but has placed four times and while not among the top line of favourites at level weights, can run well.
4. QUEEN TYCHE – A winner up to class 3 and 1400M, she ran a big 5th in the Ttukseom Cup at odds in excess of 100/1. Has never run at a mile before but struggled at 1800M. Not as long a shot as before, but still an outsider.
The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer comes to a conclusion on Sunday with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) attracting a full field of sixteen fillies and mares to the south coast. The big race is race 6 on the 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11,25 to 16.55. There are also 10 races at Seoul with a class 1 test over 2300M as the feature. Seoul’s card runs from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Raon Forest will seek to defend her KNN Cup crown (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern three-year-olds with all but one of the eight racing for the first time. The experienced one is (3) SOUTH CARNIVAL, who has raced twice for a 3rd and a 2nd, both at 1200M. He was on pace in his latest on March 28th and should have a fitness edge on these. (4) HOPE K was an all the way trial winner in a quick time just two weeks ago, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good. If he brings that form to the races, he can prove hard to beat. (7) GRAND PAS CLASSIC was also a commanding trial winner, leading all the way to score by four. He too can be a danger first-up. (2) SAUDI SOCKS and (6) MIGHTY SAVER others who hinted at ability in their heats.
Selections
(3) South Carnival (4) Hope K (7) Grand Pas Classic (2) Saudi Socks
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3 , 4
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and while (2) FLYING SMART has been a beaten favourite in both her starts so far at 1300M and 1400M when settling right back and running on, the fitness edge can be crucial. At the shorter distance, she can be further forward from a better gate, and she can win. (11) BEAUTIFULLY beat a couple of today’s rivals on her debut on April 25th, racing handy over this distance. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but she should have come on for that run and she can be close. Among the debut makers, (9) WHITE JACKPOT ran 2nd in a decent time in a May 14th trial and can put in a bold showing first up. (5) MASK GIRL was 5th behind Beautifull on debut and from a better gate and second up, can improve. (6) PNS BEAUTY another first-timer who can be competitive.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Eight fillies and one gelding in the south coast opener. (4) WIDAEHAN HEART debuted all the way back in October of last year, running a strong 2nd over 1000M. She then went lame but has been back in work since March and looked well when 2nd in a trial on May 7th. She is the one to beat here. (6) NORTHERN QUEEN has mixed her form a little over her six starts but going on her 2nd place two outings back when leading close to home, she has to rate as a chance in this company. (5) DIA X is an eighteen-race maiden but has two placings and no fewer than ten finishes in either 4th or 5th and he can be close today. (7) MAGIC TREE was a nondescript 7th on debut all the way back in July last year. She hasn’t raced since but returned to regular work at the start of April and has trialed well. Debut-maker (1) WONDERFUL PAS went through two trials and should be nice and fit on debut.
Selections
(4) Widaehan Heart (6) Northern Queen (5) Dia X (7) Magic Tree
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) SAENAE RANIA has thrived since being stepped up to this trip, recording back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both times racing on pace. From a good draw, she will be on the speed again, and she can win. (11) JECHUK SANJIRO ran 3rd at start number two over this distance in April. He leaned in heavily when 5th over 1700M on May 9th to the extent that he was sent back to trial and having come through that in fine fashion, he is a chance today. (6) SEOPOKCHAT has a 3rd and three 4th places to his name. He has settled back and run on strongly each time. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and there is every chance that it can suit. (10) UMARU and (3) TRIPLE S are other place chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) STEALTH KINGMAN was an on pace 2nd in a decent time over 1300M on April 17th. He should have come on for the run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and this time he can go one better. (4) PILSEUNG WINNER returned from over three months off in April and has since run 3rd and 4th at 1400M and at this distance, settling in midfield and running on. Third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness wise, and she can be close. (3) MORE QUICKLY enters off a best to date 4th place on May 17th and should be aiming to match or better that in this company. (7) WONDERFUL WIND and (8) WORLD TRIPLE CAT are others in contention for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) NINJA TIGER is yet to win, though she is far from alone here. She comes up in class following two 3rd places and most recently a 2nd at 1300M on May 2nd and under a light weight, she has as good a chance as any. (5) HAKSAN PRINCE is a twenty-one-race maiden but has placed on eight occasions, including last time out when 3rd at this class over 1700M. Four of his five runner-up finishes have come at 1400M and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be a danger. (7) WONPYEONG GANGJA has come from off the pace to run 3rd in both his latest two at this class and distance and he can do similar today. (2) GOLD SPINNING has at least won at this distance and along with (8) HANGANG FANTASTIC, can be considered on a place line.
There were plenty of doubters when JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG returned to action five months after having bled and finished at the back of the field in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Queen. Few remained after she made her return a winning one in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul on April 24th, and she will be a hot favourite for the third and final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.
Wonderful Slew is the defending champion in the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)
While Crown Hamseong, who was 2nd in both of the first two legs of the series (the first was the Donga Ilbo over 1800M in March while Jeulgeounyeojeong was still out) doesn’t run, having finished 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint two weeks ago, but plenty of other top fillies and mares do.
They include GLADIUS, who won March’s Donga Ilbo Trophy before running 5th to Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Ttukseom when sent off as favourite. She has to contend with the challenge of the widest gate but can be a threat. Meanwhile, WONDERFUL SLEW, the defending champion having won this race a year ago, is also back having run 3rd in the Ttukseom.
The KNN Cup is the final race on the six-race card at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:30. There are also eleven races at Seoul. Here is a full run-down of the field:
1. CARPE BABEL – Generally runs midfield at class 2 level, coming from off the pace. Unlikely to be a threat here
2. GEOLJAK ONE – Decent 6th in that Donga Ilbo after an uncharacteristic slow start and gets her chance having won at class 2 over 1800M. On pace and place chance.
3. EAST JUMP – Midfield in the Donga Ilbo then 2nd to Blue Lemon in a Trophy race at 1800M in April then 4th at class 2 over a mile. Will be on pace.
4. BLUE LEMON – Winner of a big Trophy race at 1800M in April but 9th in the Ttukseom Cup when further back than usual. Needs more to be in the frame here. Same owner as Jeulgeounyeojeong.
5. HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK – Not been in great from this year and has been beaten by a few of her fellow Seoul visitors. First time at a mile and an outsider.
6. RAON FOREST – Main stay in these types of races, she was 4th in both the Donga Ilbo and the Ttukseom, coming from off the pace. Place chance.
7. WONDERFUL SLEW – Last year’s winner struggled against the boys in the Herald Business in March but was a good 3rd in the Ttukseom. This distance suits more than that and she is the main danger to the favourite
8. BEST TORCH – Well back in the Donga Ilbo followed by 4th over 1400M at class 2 level. 3rd on only try at a mile, she could be a minor money chance.
9. JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG – Returned from five months off to take a very good win in the Ttukseom Cup. She can race on pace or from behind and at her best, she wins this.
10. FLYING STAR – Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Queen last November followed by a class 1 3rd at this distance on January. Midfield in both the Donga Ilbo and Ttukseom but don’t rule out back at Busan and at a mile.
11. BANG BANG BANG – Has only won up to class 3 level but was a solid 5th place in the Donga Ilbo and coming in fresh can challenge for minor money again
12. MIGHTY LOOK – Solid class 1 campaigner and ran fairly for midfield in the Ttukseom. Little to suggest she can win this but can match or better that finish.
13. LADY VADER – A winner of five from ten but she makes her first start since last August. Looked very well in two trials but this is a hard ask first up.
14. GLADIUS – Three wins in a row between December and March culminating in her Donga Ilbo triumph. 5th in the Ttukseom and drawn wide here but can’t be ruled out.
The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is the highlight on the first day of June with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30, plus 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only. (4) BISANG BELL was a much-improved 2nd and only very narrowly beaten at 1200M when coming from off the pace on May 3rd. She draws well here and that can help her to go one better today. (8) EXCELLENT HANSEN has been showing consistent form recently with a 2nd, 4th and 3rd from her latest three, each time racing on pace. She is likely to be on pace again and will have plenty of supporters to go all the way. (2) NAMSAN MINYEO is the solitary debut-maker. She was 2nd in her trial showing on pace and posting a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be in this. (5) YONGAM SARANG will be on the speed too. She did weaken last time out but going on her runner-up two outings back, warrants another chance. (6) CLUB Q, 3rd on debut, another to consider in a competitive opener.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) BLACK SATANG came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on May 10th. She should have come on for that run, the step up to two turns can suit, and she can win here. (6) HEEMANGBAND has been getting closer across his nine starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when tried at this distance for the first time on April 27th when he finished strongly with three of today’s rivals behind him. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (2) STREET RUBY was 3rd in that race, a big improvement on her first try at two tuns. She led that day and from a good draw similar will be expected here. (3) BEST KINGDOM and (4) SAVANA CHARLIE others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Black Satang (6) Heemangband (2) Street Ruby (3) Best Kingdom
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Not the strongest of races for the level so we’ll take a chance on (7) RAON NOTHERN DANCE. He is still a maiden after seven attempts but got promoted to this class after too many near-misses and he has continued to hold his form at this level. He was 5th last time out at this class and distance but the margins weren’t huge, and, in this company, he can be on pace, and it may be his day. (1) SONE SONJABGO and (2) JOSE came home 3rd and 6th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on May 3rd. The former will come from off the pace while the latter will be on the speed and both can play a part in the finish today. (4) GOOD FIGHTER has only been ordinary in his latest couple, but he is a two-time winner at this distance and is a chance in this company. (6) BREEDO KING STAR another who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(7) Raon Northern Dance (1) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Jose (4) Good Fighter
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only and it is wide open. (8) SUN LIGHT was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on May 2nd coming from well off the pace. Leving herself too much to do has been a trend but she may be ready for another crack at 1400M and has as good a chance as any here. (4) ALL THE WAY has a 3rd and a 5th in two outings to date, most recently behind Sun Light in that May 2nd race. She has been doing her best work late and is another who the 1400M can suit. (7) GRACE CAL enters off a 3rd place when tried at this distance for the first time on May 4th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) WONDERFUL TEAM and (11) DIA MATE others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Sun Light (4) All The Way (7) Grace Cal (10) Wonderful Team
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 5
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) WONDERFUL FAPPY took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this class but has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times having led. From a good draw, he surely leads again here and may take some beating. (6) MORNING WONDER is up in class having registered his maiden win at start five over 1200M on May 4th when on pace. He finished no worse than 4th at class 6 and under a light weight, he can measure up here. (7) MR.STORM was 3rd at this class over 1200M on April 26th, racing handy throughout. His win came over this trip and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be in the mix again. (10) GANDAGO also has weight to deal with following a last start win at this class over 1400M but should be competitive. (9) CANVASEN GO another place chance.
She won all three jewels in the Triple Tiara last season and now Jeulgeounyeojeong has the opportunity to repeat as having won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, she bids to complete the set with victory in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN ON SUNDAY.
Jeulgeounyeojeong was an easy winner of the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)
After her Triple Tiara triumph in the first part of last year, Jeulgeounyeojeong went on to make inroads into the big filly and mare late season races too, culminating in victory in the brand-new Breeders’ Cup Queen race at Busan in December.
A welcome three-months of rest before Jeulgeounyeojeong kicked off her four-year-old campaign by tackling the first leg of the Queens’s Tour Spring/Summer, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M in March.
JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG came through that test, but she was pushed hard by Wonderful Slew, who beat her in the Gyeongnam Governors’ Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan last October and got within a length of her in the Donga Ilbo.
Wonderful Slew didn’t run in the second leg of the series, the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), where Jeulgeounyeojeong ran out a routine four-length winner over Gangseo Giant.
WONDERFUL SLEW reappears this time, having run a solid 5th behind Global Hit and Tuhonui Banseok when sent out against the best of the boys in the YTN Cup, the second leg of the Stayer Series.
Luigi Riccardi’s filly is still relatively lightly raced – eleven starts to Jeulgeounyeojeong’s nineteen – and while she has only won four of them, she always races in top class company.
Moon Se-young, who rode her to that close defeat in the Donga Ilbo, has travelled to Busan to ride Wonderful Slew and it’s not impossible that she comes out on top.
Jockey Moon cursed his luck after the Donga Ilbo as having made the decision to go for home early between the 3rd and 4th corner, Wonderful Slew couldn’t quite get there.
Jeulgeounyeojeong will aim to complete a clean sweep of the Queens’ Tour Spring & Summer as that series concludes on Sunday afternoon with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3). In a change to May’s schedule, there are 8 Sunday races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00 and 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jeulgeounyeojeong beat Wonderful Slew in the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (10) SEUNGNI GITBAL. She beat three of these on her way to 2nd place over this distance on May 3rd and while she has the challenge of the widest gate here, she doesn’t necessarily need to lead, and she may not even need to improve to win this. That’s because there isn’t much to fear from this opposition. (1) YONGBI CHEONWANG overcame gate eleven to run a fair 4th over 1200M on May 5th. Given today’s draw he may well revert to leading – as he had done in previous starts – and he can be in this a long way. (2) ILCHUL GOLD was 3rd behind Seungni Gitbal in that May 3rd race and while she has plenty to make up, she gets a weight swing in her favour as well as a better draw. (3) JOJOBA and (6) HAPPY NORTHERN are the other place chances.
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) CHOEGANG TIME has had a stop-start beginning to his career but ran a solid 2nd at this distance back in January. He hasn’t race since he won a trial in a double-quick time in mid-May and from a great draw and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back, he can win first up today. (5) SHINE BOLT has been getting closer across her four starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on April 14th when slow out and coming from a long way back. She shapes as the main danger here. (9) PRINCE DAY enters off a 2nd place at this distance on April 21st, albeit well beaten by a good winner. In this small field, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he is another who has a smart finish on him. (8) TWO ACE and (6) STUNNING SERVE are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Choegang Time (5) Shine Bolt (9) Prince Day (8) Two Ace
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two first timers among these maidens and one of them, (5) OPEN SKY, will be the warm favourite. The Cowboy Cal gelding showed on pace in his trial, pulling away to win in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (3) BEOLMAUI ACE raced once for a fair 5th last November and hasn’t been seen since. He trialled well two weeks ago and Moon Se-young, intown to ride Wonderful Slew in the KNN Cup later, taking the mount catches the eye. (9) GOTOTHEVALHALLA ran a fair 4th on debut in March, albeit in a slow time over 1400M. He comes in following twelve weeks out but in this company should be a threat. (4) FLASH DAY has a 4th and a 5th from his latest two, both at this distance and that’s enough to put him in the frame here. The unfortunately named (11) FAT BOY, another who can improve having trialled twice since an anonymous debut.
Selections
(5) Open Sky (3) Beolmaui Ace (9) Gotothevalhalla (4) Flash Day
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (4) ECLIPSE HONOR. From two starts so far, he has a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and in fair, if unspectacular, times. He has settled behind the speed and run on in both and in this company, he should have too much. (3) LADY FOX enters off a solid 2nd place in an all-filly race over 1300M on April 21st when she overcame gate eleven. She looks nicely in here and can be a danger. (7) CUPID RISE has the second fastest time among these for the distance, after only Eclipse Honor. That was recorded when 4th last time out on April 21st when he led for much of the way. David stays aboard and he should be in the finish again. (2) CRAZE CHANG and (10) NATURAL SOUND others to look out for.
Selections
(4) Eclipse Honor (3) Lady Fox (7) Cupid Rise (2) Craze Chang
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here and (1) BLACK JILJU will be the one to beat. She is still a maiden after six attempts, but she has never finished outside the top five and she comes in having run 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on May 5th, racing on pace. She draws well to lead again and this time she can go all the way. (3) MARIA’S CALL got her maiden win in a similar all-filly race over 1300M on May 10th when leading from gate to wire. She comes up in class here but with only three races under her belt, has plenty of scope for more improvement and she can be the danger. (6) SUPREME QUEEN is, like Black Jilju, a maiden but she comes up in class following a few too many near-misses. She is another who likes to race on the speed and under a light weight, she can measure up. (9) TAP DREAM and (2) MORO the other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Black Jilju (3) Maria’s Call (6) Supreme Queen (9) Tap Dream
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 4 ,6
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) UASEN was a dominant winner on debut over 1200M on May 5th, taking things up in the home straight and skipping away to win by plenty. She comes up in class and also slightly in distance, but neither should be an issue and she will be a warm favourite to make it two from two. (5) PINK WIND also comes up in class following a maiden win, in her case at start number six over this distance on April 21st. Her time was faster than any of the others here who have tackled the 1300M have achieved and down in weight, she can measure up. (1) LOVE COWGIRL ran out of steam on her first appearance in over six months in April. She has placed twice at this level though and should have derived benefit from that run to the extent she can be in the mix here. (6) DIANA and (8) GIANT FORCE among others to consider.
Selections
(4) Uasen (5) Pink Wind (1) Love Cowgirl (6) Diana
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (11) GONJOHARI debuted somewhat anonymously last summer and then didn’t reappear until this April 26th. And some reappearance it was as he slipped away from the field to win by a cool twelve-lengths over 1200M. He comes up in class but the manner of that first-up win suggests there can be more to come, and he is favoured here. (9) BREEDO WIZARD is yet to win in seven outings but has also never finished any worse than 4th. He enters off a close 2nd place over 1200M at this class on May 10th and he should be close again. (5) META PRINCESS is a winner of two from four including at this class and distance. She comes back in trip following a fair 5th over 1400M and after twelve weeks off, can be in the mix here. (4) ONEULISUNGAN and (2) ROAD TO WARRIOR are others to consider.
Selections
(11) Gonjohari (9) Breedo Wizard (5) Meta Princess (4) Oneulisungan
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
1, 9, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
For the second year in a row, Calm Strong was sent off in excess of 20/1 in the KNN Cup, the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring and Summer Series for fillies and mares. And for the second year in a row, she made a mockery of those odds, racing home in front to complete a year on year double while hot favourite Raon The Spurt was back down the track in a disappointing 7th.
Calm Strong wins the KNN Cup for the second year in a row (Pic: KRA)
Last year Calm Strong made all, holding off the fast finishing Wish Me by a neck while the odds-on Raon First started slowly and then briefly threatened before wilting. This time around, the favourite – another Raon – Raon The Spurt got a beautiful start and looked to have the race fully under control as the field headed into the straight.
Once in sight of home, Choi Bum-hyun pulled the trigger on the favourite. And nothing happened. It quickly became apparent that today was not to be Raon The Spurt’s day and Calm Strong, who had settled stalking her, took up a lead she wouldn’t relinquish. The fast-finishing Mahameru came home 2nd, three-quarters of a length in arrears while Gangseo Giant, the only three-year-old in the race, was 3rd. Longshot Yellow Cat, under a first Busan ride for Kim Tae-hui, was an excellent 4th.
Since last year’s triumph, Calm Strong had only won one more race and that was her first one back, last August (the KNN was run in July last year) at class 2 level. Those consecutive wins saw her rating rise rapidly from the low sixties into the mid-eighties and accordingly into class 1 level where life has been hard for her, a good 3rd place over 1200M two starts back notwithstanding. She led the 1st leg of this series, the Donga Ilbo Trophy at Seoul in April, before weakening for 9th, and entered the KNN hard to back despite the drop in trip.
“It was difficult around the turn of year because she had a cracked hoof that was hard to get right” trainer Kang Hyoung-gon explained to in-house broadcaster KRBC. “But that has now cleared up completely and she’s also a more mature filly now. To be honest, I thought we were going to be caught (in the closing stages) but she showed good spirit.”
Jockey Lee Hyo-sik added: “Calm Strong needs early speed and a forward position. We had planned three possible scenarios for the race and the best of them worked out. We knew Raon The Spurt was the danger but she had a bad day today and Calm Strong just ran better.”
Calm Strong is an American-bred four-year-old by Bayern (who now stands in Korea) and is out of Diva’s Seastar (by Broken Vow). She was imported to Korea as a yearling in December 2020 and is owned by Lee Hae-lan. It was her fifth win on her seventeenth start.
For winning trainer Kang Hyoung-gon, it was a fourth Group race win. In additional to Calm Strong’s success in this race last year, he has also won two legs of the Triple Crown: Soseuldaemun in the 2011 KRA Cup Mile, and Rock Choice in the Minister’s Cup in 2019.
Winning jockey Lee Hyo-sik only returned from his mandatory national service earlier this year. It was his second Group win having partnered King Socks to victory in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup. “I’m just three months back from the military,” he said afterwards, “Every jockey wants to win Group races and I am happy to repay the fans who believe in me. I will always do my best for the fans.”
Calm Strong and Lee Hyo-sik (Pic: KRA)
The Queens’ Tour now moves into its “Fall & Winter” phase. That series begins with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Seoul on September 24th, followed by the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and then a new race, the Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M Listed), both at Busan, on October 29th and December 10th respectively.
Next week the focus stays at Busan and a real three-way heavyweight match-up. Winner’s Man takes on Raon The Fighter and Tuhonui Banseok in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M) KOR-G2) in what sees Korea’s three main hopes for September’s international Korea Cup (in Raon The Fighter’s case, possibly the Korea Sprint) face off.
Winner’s Man is the defending champion as well as the reigning Korea Cup champion, but Tuhonui Banseok beat him by a full eleven-lengths in a career defining performance in the YTN Cup at Seoul in May. Meanwhile, Raon The Fighter, runner-up in last year’s Korea Cup had been targeted at the Sprint Series this campaign but a bout of colic delayed his return to work by two weeks and he wasn’t ready for the most recent short distance prize. He therefore renews hostilities with Winner’s Man and it makes for a fascinating race.
The Spring and Summer portion of the Queens’ Tour wraps up on Sunday at Busan when Raon The Spurt will be hot favourite for the KNN Cup. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 while at Seoul there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Raon The Spurt (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here. (6) LAFAYETTE ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 27th, racing handily throughout. He should have come on for the run and the additional 1300M can see him home here. (2) JEWELRY FASHION similarly ran 3rd on her debut back on May 13th. The time was slightly slower, but she too showed promise, running through the line well, and she can be considered for improvement here too. (7) PHOENIX CLASS ran well for 2nd on debut in February before weakening having led for much of the way at start number two in April. She has had eight weeks off since and can be given another chance today. (3) BUTTER K and (4) SESANG APEURO are others to be considered.
Selections
(6) Lafayette (2) Jewelry Fashion (7) Phoenix Class (3) Butter K
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
5, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
The form is not especially convincing in this maiden to (5) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK’s last start 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M when racing on pace, is enough to put him on top here. He also has a 4th place to his name and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (8) BRAVO HANSEN beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th place at 1200M on May 27th when settling midfield. She can do similar here and should be getting closer. (1) HEART SIGNAL was 6th in that race, an improvement over here opening two efforts. She has tended to get quite far back in her races but for the first time she draws a good gate here and can improve. (6) NAOL TANK and (11) GEOMOON others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(5) Sidaeui Myeongjak (8) Bravo Hansen (1) Heart Signal (6) Naol Tank
Next Best
11, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time and those first-timers look set to dispute the honours. (5) GANGSEO BULPAE ran out a good trial winner on April 29th running on pace throughout. She is from Busan’s top stable and first up in this company, she won’t need to improve much on the trial to win. (9) ACE FIGHTING also looked very well in her trial when she was 2nd. The quick time was due to the winner, the Class 1 Hunch, but it was encouraging nevertheless, and if she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. Nor will (2) BINNANEUNGIL, who improved significantly in the second of two trials and draws very nicely first-up here. (10) BUGYEONG LION also went through two trials, crossing the line 2nd and 1st and posting good times. He draws wide here but should be a factor. As for those with prior experience, (6) THUNDER GONGJU looks the best.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Not the strongest of maidens so we’ll take a chance on (3) RAON JUMP. She has raced encouragingly across her latest three with a 4th and pair of 5th place finishes, all at this distance and all in fair times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, as well as the best finish and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win. (6) PURPLE WINK has a 4th and a 6th in his two outings so far, at 1200M and 1300M and also has a trial win to his name. Expect him to be on pace here and he looks to be the main danger. The form drops off after those two, so we’ll give a chance to solitary debut-maker (2) COMPLETE STEP. She performed fairly in her trial from a wide draw and couldn’t hope for a softer race to step out in. (9) AUSTIN LEADER and (1) DANGCHAN NANGBO other possible contenders for the minor money.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(8) UNJU BONNEUNG has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date with his best being a 2nd in an admittedly slow-run race over 1300M in April. He has finished off his races well and the step up to a mile may suit. He can win. (6) SUCCESS FRONT is the main danger. He went right back on his latest appearances, over 1200M on May 28th, before running on strongly for 3rd place. He too should find the mile can suit. (4) SHINE MONSTER is yet to finish any better than 4th in nine attempts but she has managed that position on each of her latest three appearances, running on well all three times. She has raced once before at this distance, without distinction, but she may well be ready for another crack. (11) DREAM RUN and (10) LUCKY BAND others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Unju Bonneung (6) Success Front (4) Shine Monster (11) Dream Run
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
3, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(10) ARGO TAP will be a warm favourite. Yet to make the breakthrough after nine attempts, he does though have no fewer than eight top-five finishes including a last start 3rd place at class and distance on June 3rd. He draws a touch wide here but can be expected to be on or close to the pace and he is the one to beat. (3) SSEULMO is another maiden but comes up in class having got his act together in his three latest, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all at this distance in consistently fair times. He draws well and comes down a full 5kg in the weights with an apprentice claim, and he can measure up. (1) HWANGGEUMKKOT won well at this distance two starts back before finishing a solid 4th on her first try at this class on May 21st. She should be in the mix again. (4) BULPAE BLADE and the up in class (5) GROW are others to keep safe.
Selections
(10) Argo Tap (3) Sseulmo (1) Hwanggeumkkot (4) Bulpae Blade
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
3, 4, 10, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT gets the nod having beaten three of these on his way to a close 2nd place at class and distance on May 29th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws well, and Franco climbs aboard. (9) GOLD ROSE was 3rd in that race having led for much of the way around. She was the best fancied that day among those who return here and with an apprentice taking her weight down, she can be given another chance here. (4) SUCCESSFUL was exactly that at the fourth time of asking, settling handy and then running on to win well. He is up in class here but slightly down in the weights and can measure up. (5) GEUMA UNO is still a maiden but has eight top-five finishes and will be close again here. Up in class last start winner (11) WAITING FOR YOU is another who can go close.
23/1 chance Calm Strong led from gate-to-wire and held off the closing pack to win the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the third leg of the 2022 Queens’ Tour at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, with hot favourite Raon First well back down the field.
Calm Strong (right) hold off Wish Me to win the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Making just her tenth career start, Calm Strong bounded out of gate eight and into the lead while Raon First, dwelt slightly and was slowly away, having to settle in an unfamiliar rear position.
While Raon First did improve to 2nd place by the top of the straight, it quickly became clear that it wasn’t going to be her day, her customary acceleration was missing and she dropped back through the field, ultimately finishing 8th.
With You Hyun-myung aboard, Calm Strong was able to hold off the determined late challenges of Wish Me and Yeonggwangui Time, taking the line a neck to the good. Filly Triple Crown winner Golden Power was 4th.
Calm Strong is a three-year-old USA-bred filly by Bayern and out of the Broken Vow mare Diva’ Seastar. Imported as a yearling, she is owned by Lee Hae-lan and trained by Kang Hyoung-gon. Sunday’s victory was just her third but takes her career earnings to KRW 329 Million (US$250,000).
As for Raon First, jockey Choi Bum-hyun reported that having loaded first, his mare had to wait a long time in the gate and then didn’t get away well. He said that having got up to join the leaders, she didn’t maintain her momentum in the way that he expected. An initial veterinary examination found no obvious issues.
The Queens’ Tour goes on hiatus again now until the end of autumn when the fourth and final leg will be the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) once more at Busan on Sunday November 27.
Next weekend Busan takes centre-stage again with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G2). It’s a race that has in the past been won by the likes of Dangdae Bulpae, Triple Nine, Power Blade and Blue Chipper. Raon First’s stablemate, Raon The Fighter, is expected to run.
Korea’s top mare meets the winner of the Filly Triple Crown as Raon First and Golden Power clash for the first time in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. It’s the final race on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:35 to 17:05. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Raon First won the Ttukseom Cup and is hot favourite for the KNN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener with seven of the eight making their racecourse debuts. It’s the sole one with experience though who will be the hot favourite. That’s (8) NAOL SNIPER who, following an encouraging trial, was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on June 18th. Though on pace he had to settle for 4th, but it was a good time, and he won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (4) P N S LOOK was the fastest among the newcomers in trials. She ran a close 2nd in the heat, running on pace throughout and if she brings that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (2) DRAGON STAR beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to winning a June 24th trial. He draws nicely here and can beat them again. (3) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK also win a trial, overcoming a wide gate to do so and along with (7) HIGH GRAND is another to consider.
Selections
(8) Naol Sniper (4) P N S Look (2) Dragon Star (3) Haengbokan Munmak
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(2) GRAY THOR should have too much here. After two fair showings in his first two races, he was a significantly improved runner-u p at the third time of asking over this distance on June 18th when he led almost the entire way around. He carries the same weight; he draws well, and he can go all the way this time. (3) YAMUJIN WANGCHO also comes in following a 2nd place finish at his latest start on June 26th over 1300M. He too was on pace throughout the race and today he draws much better. He can go close again. (5) QUEEN OF RACING is yet to finish in the top-two but nevertheless has six top-five finishes. With an apprentice engaged, she comes down 3kg in the weights today and should be in the finish. (6) GEONGONILCHEOK and (8) CHEONMA CHAT others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(2) Gray Thor (3) Yamujin Wangcho (5) Queen Of Racing (6) Geongonilcheok
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens get things underway on the south coast and six of the seven are racing for the first time. As so often in these kinds of races, we are going to value the experience here of (5) FANTASTIC KINGDOM. Having won a May trial, he ran a good 3rd on debut on June 24th in a good time over this distance, settling in midfield and running on well. He should have come on for that run and can win here. (4) JEOLGEOUNYEOJEONG is the clear pick of the first-time starters. She ran on very well from a handy position to comfortably win her trial in the kind of time that would win plenty of races at this class and distance. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance. (7) HWANGU FIGHTER ran 2nd in his trial on a wet track while (2) TAP DREAM and (3) ADELE HORANGI, the latter a trial winner, are other first-timers who could make an impression.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(7) DAPHNE should be winning this. On her return from five months out in May she parted company with her jockey but came back two weeks later on June 11th to run a solid 4th in a good time over this distance. That time was faster than anything else in this race has achieved and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard as well as the limited opposition, it would appear today is the day. (8) SWEET KAKAO needs a line drawn through her latest effort on May 29th but her form leading up to that was adequate enough to suggest she can go well here. She is up in the weights without the benefit of an apprentice claim but should be ridden forward here. (1) CUPID KOREA led over 1300M on his first start in seven months on June 11th. He ultimately weakened but should have benefited for the run and can get closer today. (5) DIVINE FUTURES and (3) GENTLE RULES other placing contenders.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another race with a hot favourite here. (8) CAPTAIN GOLD won a May trial in fine fashion leading him to be sent off as market-leader on debut on June 3rd. He ran well and on pace but ultimately had to settle for 2nd place over this distance. He should have come on for that run and it would be a surprise were he to be beaten again. (6) ALPHA V is the logical second pick. She returned from five months out to run a good 3rd over 1200M on May 22nd when settling midfield and running on well. She’ll do the same here and will challenge at the business end of the race. (9) GEUMA UNO raced once without distinction last December but looked well when winning a June trial, leading all the way. The trainer/jockey combination will ensure he has backers. There are four first-time starters and the wonderfully named (4) I LOVE HANSEN looked well in trials and along with (2) MIGHTY STORM – who does have experience – looks a potential place chance.
Selections
(8) Captain Gold (6) Alpha V (9) Geuma Uno (4) I Love Hansen
Next Best
2, 11
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky maiden this. Her last start run over 1200M was slow, but she did manage to finish 2nd and that’s enough to take a chance on (2) THAT’S MY GIRL. She comes back up to a trip at which she has a run a time as quick as any here (albeit not that quick and on a wet track) and from a good draw, she can win. (9) NEW SMART has a time equal to that achieved by That’s My Girl for the distance. She too comes back up in trip after a decent showing around 1200M last time out, in her case on when 3rd on June 19th. She draws wide but should have enough speed to get a good position and she has every chance. (5) P N S THE KING showed un uptick in form when 2nd over 1300M on July 2nd. Prior to that he had a tendency to get a bit too far back in his races so that was encouraging and Song Jae-chul getting the ride will his chances no harm. (7) BITNANEUN JILJU and (8) STAR PRINCESS among others to consider.
Selections
(2) That’s My Girl (9) New Smart (5) P N S The King (7) Bitnaneun Jilju
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Several chances here. (5) HWARANG SKY is one of three up in class following a maiden win at their respective latest starts. In her case, it came over this distance on June 19th when she beat Unju Star, who went on to record a win of his own on Friday. It was a fair time, and he can measure up in this company. (4) ANY LINE made all for his maiden win at start number fifteen on June 17th, overcoming gate ten in the process. He has run well at this distance and 1400M in the past and from a good draw can get on the speed and be in this a long way. (3) HOLLYWOOD PARTY similarly led from gate-to-wire to score on June 12th, also at 1200M. She has made good progress over her three outings to date and looks nicely in here. As for those with prior experience at class 5, (1) DOCTOR PRO came from well off the pace to run 3rd at class and distance on June 26th. He draws much better today and should be in this. (2) D’LOVELY QUEEN could compete for the minors.
Selections
(5) Hwarang Sky (4) Any Line (3) Hollywood Party (1) Doctor Pro
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) FURIOSA ran out a comfortable winner on debut over 1000M on June 18th having previously won a trial in a similar manner. She comes up in class and in trip here, but the manner of that victory suggests more to come, and she can win again. The main danger looks set to be (11) LAST PUNCH. She has plenty of experience at this level with two placings including her last start 3rd over 1300M. She went back that day and ran on, and similar tactics might be expected here form the wide gate. (6) MYEONGJIN CANDY is up in class after an all the way win over 1200M on June 19th. The same apprentice jockey keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here again. Disregard the last start from (4) DAEMUL as it was in the Korean Derby. He returns to shallower waters today and can be competitive. (5) CLOUTER among numerous others with genuine placing hopes.
Horse Racing in Korea 