There will be no Triple Crown winner in 2026 with KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild having to settle for 3rd as Hwang Geum Eo Jjang proved too good in winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Hwang Geum Eo Jjang and Lee Dong-ha win the Derby (Pic: KRA)
With light rain having fallen since the early morning, wet conditions awaited the field for the Derby, which on Friday had been reduced to fifteen with the scratching of Hey Brother. Funny Wild was sent off as a 3.0 favourite locally.
With three wins already over 1800M, Doctor Chis was the second favourite but was crossed early and used up plenty of energy to get back to his favoured postion. He was ultimately one of the first beaten in the home straight.
The horse doing the crossing was HWANG GEUM EO JJANG who was ridden aggressively to the lead by jockey Lee Dong-ha. The 7.0 chance would go on to lead all the way around, comfortably seeing off a late challenge by Fantastic Force by a length and a half on the line with Funny Wild a further three-quarters back in 3rd.
Aside from Hwang Geum Eo Jjang and Funny Wild, the rest of the first seven finishers all came from well off the pace. Just like in the KRA Cup Mile, the other front-runners all fell away.
(Pic: KRA)
“It doesn’t feel real yet” winning jockey Lee Dong-ha told KRBC. “But it kept appearing in my dreams for the past three days. Good dreams and bad dreams, I just couldn’t wait to get to race day and fortunately it ended with a really good result. It feels so good.”
It was also a first Derby win for trainer Song Moon-gil. “I’ve been fortunate enough to win some big races, but I had never won the Derby before” he remarked to KRBC. “So it is kind of a dream come true.”
“We expected the number 1 (Doctor Chris) to go forward so the plan was to stick with him. I told the jockey to ride with confidence and without regrets, don’t’ worry about what the others are doing and we will have a good result.”
Song also revealed that he was behind Hwang Geum Eo Jjang’s unheralded sire, Nasca Prince, a horse who he trained to six wins, becoming a stallion.
“Hwang Geum Eo Jjang is by Nasca Prince, who actually won here at 2300M, leading all the way. Nasca Prince was from the final crop of Vicar, whose bloodline was disappearing from our country, so I suggested to the owner that he stand him as a stallion as he might get a good distance horse. Today was 1800M but I see no reason why (Hwang Geum Eo Jjang) won’t go further.”
Nasca Prince [Vicar – Rosa Rose (by Cryptoclearance)] is the first Korean bred and raced stallion to produce a Korean Derby winner. He has only covered nine mares and produced seven foals. Hwang Geum Eo Jjang’s dam is the American bred Meinertzhageni (by Stormin Cat).
Hwang Geum Eo Jang moves onto three wins from five starts.
Taking his final ever race ride, ten-time Champion jockey Moon Se-young rode Musket Cleaver to a creditable 6th place.
The third and final leg of the Triple Crown series is the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul in Sunday June 7th. Next Sunday it’s the fillies with the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2)m the second leg of the Triple Tiara, at Busan.
FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)
The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.
HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.
Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.
DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.
Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.
As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.
1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.
2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.
3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.
The so-called curse of the KRA Cup Mile is over as Oasis Blue became the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to follow-up victory in that race by winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), scoring by a comfortable two-lengths at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Oasis Blue and Jin Kyum salute in the Korean Derby (Pic: KRA)
Having won the KRA Cup Mile in April by four-lengths, Oasis Blue was sent off as the 1.5 favourite, a price that regardless of his merits seemed short when drawn in gate thirteen in a sixteen-runner race on a wet surface at a track he never experienced before. All while trying to do what doesn’t get often done.
Jockey Jin Kyum didn’t panic and was seemingly content to stay wide throughout on Oasis Blue, safe in the knowledge that he had the best horse under him. They improved rapidly in the backstraight to sit just behind the leading pair in the and, once the brakes were removed after tuning for home, proved way too strong, winning by two-lengths.
Unju Guy was a 56/1 revelation in 2nd while the second-favourite Eclipse the King was 3rd. Both of those raced on pace throughout on a weekend where the wet track was favouring front runners and who in the latter’s case, led from the gate until Oasis Blue swept past late.
Oasis Blue moved on to six wins from nine starts (plus one disqualification) and fo jockey Jin Kyum, winning his first Derby – and his first Group 1 – he could well prove to be a career-defining horse.
A full field of sixteen will go to the post for the twenty-eighth edition of the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, when OASIS BLUE will be bidding to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to follow up victory in the KRA Cup Mile by winning the Derby.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON DERBY DAY.
Oasis Blue is favourite for the Derby (Pic: KRA)
Power Blade of course famously went on to sweep all three jewels in the crown that year. But while Hit Yegam in 2021 and Success Baekpa last year were able to bounce back and win the final leg, the Minister’s Cup, the Derby has eluded all Cup Mile winners in the past decade. Oasis Blue will be hot favourite to change that.
Oasis Blue is trained by Baik Kwang-yeol, who has won the Derby twice already, with Yeongcheon Ace in 2015 and Winner Star in 2022. A winner of five from eight (with one disqualification too) Oasis Blue was a facile winner of both the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun, Busan’s Classic Trial over 1400M and the Cup Mile.
Jin Kyum stays aboard and while they do have the challenge of a wide gate as well as tackling Seoul for the first time, Oasis Blue may be too good.
Moon Se-young has also won the race twice before, on Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019. He partners ECLIPSE THE KING, who skipped both Seoul’s Classic Trial and the Cup Mile but has been assembling an impressive body of work.
It’s Korean Derby Day. We’ll have full form comments for the big race in a little while but for now here is the race-by-race guide to all Sunday races when there are 11 from Seoul between 10:35 and 18:00 (the Derby is race 7 at 15:15) and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30:
Last year’s Derby was won by Eunpa Sarang (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Seven fillies and one gelding in the opening maiden and we’ll take a chance on the debut-maker. (1) CHRYSOL POSH looked competent enough when running 4th in her trial in a fair time at the end of March. She draws the inside gate and competent enough could be good enough to prevail here. (5) GLORY QUEEN has a 3rd and a 5th among her four outings to date with the former coming two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and that will probably make her the betting favourite. (6) RAON THE CAVIAR was an improved 3rd, albeit in a very slow race over this distance last time out and can be there or thereabouts again. (4) ROAD TO SPEAR and (2) DUSON EUTTEUM the others who will be in the market.
Selections
(1) Chrysol Posh (5) Glory Queen (6) Raon The Caviar (4) Road To Spear
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 6
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) SWEET SONG has been on the right trajectory across her three starts to date, most recently a 4th place at this distance on April 13th when she led for much of the way. She can lead again here and can potentially go all the way. (6) PURGE RUBY beat a couple of these on her way to best to date 2nd place on April 20th. It was a slow time, and she was a long way behind the winner, but she won’t need to improve very much to go one better here. (2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has, like Sweet Song, shown improvement over three outings most recently an on pace 5th when clocking the fastest time among these for the 1400M. Maia stays on and she can go close again. (1) STEP BY STEP and (4) SECRET WOLF are others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Sweet Song (6) Purge Ruby (2) Seungni Barows (1) Step By Step
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has made good progress over three starts so far, most recently when 2nd on her first try at this distance on March 15th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off, Moon Se-young stays on, and she is favoured to go one better here. (1) CHARMING QUEEN raced handy for 2nd place over this distance on debut on April 20th. She should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can be a danger from a good draw. (6) RAON SILENCE was a well beaten 2nd at this distance on March 30th. She raced on pace that day and should do so again with every chance of being involved for a long way. (9) INDIAN TAPIT and (7) BULGUKSIDAE are the other main chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an indifferent debut, (7) GEUMA PANTHER was a close 2nd when stepped up to this trip at start two on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking, and he will be hot favourite to go one better here. (5) BABYLON FOX was much improved when beating three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance in a different race on April 11th. He was ridden on pace for the first time that day and with similar tactics can be close again. (8) HOUND POKER was 4th in that race, one of three top five finishes he has from six attempts, and he can be aiming to find the places here. (4) DREAMMA and (1) UNJU CHEONHA others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(7) Geuma Panther (5) Babylon Fox (8) Hound Poker (4) Dreamma
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) GOLD QUEENS was a winner on debut and has been working back towards another in her three goes at this class, most recently when 2nd at 1200M on April 5th. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but draws well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) SAEROUN GUY enters off 3rd place over 1200M at this class on April 12th. He is yet to win but on that form can be a player here. (10) SEMYEONG STRONG is up in class having won a quick race at this distance on a wet track on April 6th. He has the challenge of a wider draw this time, but he can measure up in this company. (3) VIVA CHEONGSU and (4) CHRYSOL NIKE, the latter up in class following back-to-back 2nd places in her first two starts, are others to consider.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (7) PURE MARINE may only have a best of 4th from four starts so far but she comes in fresh following thirteen weeks off and, more to the point, was a close 2nd in a quick trial on April 26th. If she brings that form to the races, she will be able to see off this limited set of rivals. (9) HANEULPYEONGJEONG loves finishing 4th, having done so on five occasions from eleven starts including each of her latest four. She also has a 2nd place on her resume and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (5) WORLD TRIPLE CAT hinted at figuring things out when an improved 5th ahead of a couple of today’s rivals on April 4th and can aim for better here. (10) OWNER CHAMP and (3) SEOGWI CHOWON other placing chances.
Selections
(7) Pure Marine (9) Haneulpyeongjeong (5) World Triple Cat (10) Owner Champ
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) WORLD JOY got his maiden win at 1300M in March before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1800M on April 12th, racing handy throughout. He is nicely drawn here for Lim Da-bin to pick his spot, and he looks the one to beat. (9) ECO FORE has excelled since being sent up to this distance with a 2nd and last time out a win over it. That brings him up in class but the same apprentice who won on him keeps his weight low, and he can measure up. (3) SUPER BLUEMOON was a winner at this class and distance on April 20th at big odds. He is up 3.5kg in weight and has been a bit all or nothing so far but warrants consideration. (8) SPLENDID comes out of the KRA Cup Mile and should find this a more amenable assignment, while (1) LUCKY FAMOUS is another in the hunt.
Selections
(2) World Joy (9) Eco Fore (3) Super Bluemoon (8) Splendid
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Eunpa Sarang stalked and then pounced, and then won the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Korean Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, at odds of 47/1. Not only was it a fine win for a hitherto undervalued three-year-old, it was also a redemption of sorts for jockey Moon Sung-hyeok.
Eunpa Sarang pulls clear in the Derby (Pic: KRA)
Having run 5th in the KRA Cup Mile, Eunpa Sarang settled right back among the fifteen-strong field, improving only in the back straight to race handy on the turn and then prove too strong by some margin at the business end. 20/1 chance World Dragon was 2nd, with KRA Cup Mile winner and pre-race favourite Success Baekpa in 3rd, the latter remaining in pole-position for overall Triple Crown honours.
“Is it true that I won? Am I right that we were first?” a disbelieving jockey Moon Sung-hyeok asked his in-house broadcaster KRBC inquisitor immediately after the race.
Last autumn, jockey Moon’s career seemed in the abyss after he mistook the 100M pole for the winning line and eased down what should have been an easy winner to an embarrassing beaten on the line 2nd. He served 3 months on the sidelines as a result.
Eunpa Sarang and Moon Sung-hyeok take the acclaim of the Seoul crowd (Pic: KRA)
“(Eunpa Sarang) was in great condition and after he was 2nd in the Sports Seoul Cup, he was 5th in the Cup Mile, but to be honest, he improved in that race” an enthusiastic Moon continued. “This horse is a slow starter, so I decided I will go outside and then wait for an opportunity. It came at the 3rd corner, and I thought that it was then or never, so I went for it. And he responded so well.”
Reflecting on his own comeback, Moon said “There weren’t many opportunities to ride, and it was hard to control my weight. Of course, it was my fault, but I had been worrying a lot about what I should do. I haven’t been able to show my good side. I am really grateful to those who supported me and to those fans who called my name out today.”
“It doesn’t feel real, but it feels good,” Trainer Seo In-seok told KRBC. “I thought Eunpa Sarang was improving, but I thought the same about a lot of the other horses here. I thought the jockey rode a great race and so we have won.”
(Pic: KRA)
Eunpa Sarang is by Hansen and out of Achim Sarang (by Broken Vow). He was purchased for just 10 Million Korean Won by his owner Lee Mi-gyeong in April 2023. The Derby was his third career win on his ninth start.
The final leg of the Triple Crown is the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Soeul Racecourse on Sunday June 16th.
Next week the focus shifts to the sprinting division and the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race which will have international Listed status for the first time.
A full field of sixteen will go to post for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR RACE-BY-RACE GUIDE.
Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)
The field is headed by SUCCESS BAEKPA, who claimed the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile, at Busan on April 7th for trainer Min Jang-gi and jockey You Hyun-myung. They will be favourites to score again but it is a wide-open renewal.
Jockey Moon Se-young was the most relieved man on the peninsula last Sunday after he dropped his crop when clear in the Korean Oaks on Eclipse Berry. The filly just about managed to get him home in a photo-finish. He partners Sports Seoul Trophy (Seoul’s Classic Trial) winner NICE TIME, who ran 2nd in the Cup Mile. The only concern is the wide draw but they shape as big dangers.
Another threat is HANGANG CLASS. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but missed the start for the second consecutive race and was then always on the back foot. He did rally for a strong 3rd though and Franco Da Silva, who rode the winner of this race in 2018, is engaged. The widest gate will probably make the start moot in any case as different tactics may be required.
Trainer Kim Young-kwan has won the Korean Derby five times but it is one big race that still eludes top jockey Seo Seung-un. Seo partners WORLD DRAGON for trainer Kim and having won at this distance at class 4 level in April, they are not without a chance.
Last Year, Kim Hye-sun became the first female jockey to win a Korean Derby, adding to her Oaks score in 2017. Almost a year on and Global Hit has firmly established himself at the top of the Korean racing pyramid. This time around, Kim partners WONDERFUL LEAR for trainer Tom Gillespie. They combined to win Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, over 1400M in February, but weakened having shown on pace in the Cup Mile. Don’t rule out a return to form.
UMAPOY would be a popular winner. Running in the colours of Japanese owner Yoshiaki Kimura, and named with a certain racing based video game in mind, he has become the mascot horse of a sizeable portion of the young “MZ Generation” fan group. He has won twice at 1800M and is not without a chance although he is racing for the first time since early March and, like Nice Time and Hangang Class, has the challenge of a wide gate.
Here is a full run down of the field:
1. GEOLJAK ONE – The only filly in the race, she skipped the Oaks last week to come here. Won a Listed race for juvenile fillies last December and was 3rd in the Sports Seoul but well back in the Cup Mile when drawn gate 14. Much better draw today and CC Wong up. Potential value play.
2. MEGA DRAGON – Well back in the Sports Seoul but a smart winner at class 4 over a mile on March 24th. Ran 2nd at class 3 level on first try at this distance in a good time on April 20th. Likes to be on pace, gets a great draw and can make excellent each-way appeal.
3. MY CENTER – The highest rated in the race and the most experienced with twelve starts and five wins, his latest a valuable Trophy race at a mile. First time at 1800M but is by a Korea Cup winner over the distance and not impossible he can run a big race.
4. LAST DRAGON – Gets his chance after winning his last three, most recently over this distance on April 21st in a good time. Likes to settle midfield and run on and from a good gate, Choi Si-dae, who has won the Derby, can pick his spot. Will have support.
5. EUNPA SARANG – Ran a strong 2nd to Nice Time in the Sports Seoul and then 5th in the Cup Mile, making up excellent ground both times. The step up to 1800M should suit and while others are favoured, don’t rule out him running late into some money again.
It’s Korean Derby day! There was rain on Saturday but things should be fine and dry for the greatest jewel in the Korean Triple Crown which is race 8 on the 10 race program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. The card runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:
Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun won the Derby a year ago (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BEST WHIZ will be hot favourite in the opener. Yet to finish outside of the top-five in four starts, his best is a 2nd place over 1200M in January when racing on pace. His latest was only fair when 5th of eleven over 1200M but in this limited company, he should be on pace and should win. (5) MK LEE has hinted at ability across three starts so far with his best being his 4th place on debut. CC climbs up here and he has as good a chance as any of running 2nd. (8) RAON THE KLAMMER comes in off an improved 5th over this distance on April 13th and in this company, a similar performance will see him very much challenging for the places. (1) FLYING LION and (6) CALIPH other minor money hopes.
Selections
(7) Best Whiz (5) MK Lee (8) Raon The Klammer (1) Flying Lion
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG will be hot favourite. He has shown steady improvement across his six starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 24th when slowly away from this widest gate and then settling right back before running on. Drawn much better today, he is the one to beat. (4) P N S CAR is the only other one with a top-three finish on his resume, achieved two starts back when 2nd at this distance. An apprentice claims 4kg and that’s enough to make him the danger here. (6) CLOUD HEART was an improved 4th behind Beautiful Hwaseong in that March 24th race and can get close again. First time starter (10) BRIGHT QUEEN improved for a good 2nd in the latter of two trials and can be considered first-up. (7) GANGCHEOL DRAGON another place chance.
Selections
(3) Beautiful Hwaseong (4) P N S Car (6) Cloud Heart (10) Bright Queen
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
We need to discard the latest effort of every single runner here if we are to give any of them a chance. We’ll go with (6) NEVER GIVE UP, who has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and races for the first time since a chastening experience at a mile in January. He looked well when trialling in April and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (1) CHOEGANG CHONGAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance back on March 15th and notwithstanding his last start 8th, that’s enough to make him the danger. (3) GREEN BULLDOZER has been back to trial since his latest start and performed adequately. She also has a 3rd place over 1200M and from a good draw should be on pace here. (8) SUPER KANEL and (4) BIG BOY are other place chances.
Selections
(6) Never Give Up (1) Choegang Chongal (3) Green Bulldozer (8) Super Kanel
Next Best
4, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) SOLAIRE enters having scored his maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 13th. He comes up in class but is down in weight and there is little to fear here. (4) MACALLAN was a winner on debut last August and then ran fairly for 5th place last September. He offered few clues in a March trial, but Franco’s booking is a plus and he may surprise on his return. (2) JAEWOO SIDAE is yet to win in twenty-two attempts, but she was 2nd in a similar class and distance race two starts back and this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (7) HANGANG GLORY and (8) BOSS BABY are others who can be considered for the minor money.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here and it’s competitive. (7) BORAM enters having led every step of the way to get her maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1300M on April 12th. She comes up in class here but looks nicely in and she can repeat. (10) DYNAMIC WINNER has been a consistent type and enters off a fair 5th place at 1300M on April 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. She has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be in contention here. (6) SANGIM STAR is another who usually runs a decent race and comes in having finished 4th in a similar race at class and distance on April 26th with two of these behind her. She likes to come off the pace and she has the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance. The form drops off rapidly after those three with (3) ROAD STAR and (9) TWO TWO LIME possibly the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(7) Boram (10) Dynamic Winner (6) Sangim Star (3) Road Star
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Global Hit stuck to the rail and the tiny colt inked his name into Korea racing history by winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. On his back, Kim Hye-sun wrote another chapter of firsts in her storied career.
Kim Hye-sun and Global Hit win the Derby (Pic: KRA)
He may have drawn the plum inside gate but having not taken part in the first leg of the Triple Crown, Global Hit, not a big horse to begin with, weighed in having lost 13kg since his last outing, the second lightest of the sixteen-strong field. Accordingly, he was sent off as a 25/1 outsider for the premier jewel in the crown.
It was a case of taking full advantage of that inside draw. Global Hit settled handy and stuck to the fence throughout before accelerating away in the home straight leaving pre-race favorite Naol Sniper in his wake, while the heavily fancied closer Nut Play finished strongly but too late. and could only manage 3rd.
Kim Hye Sun and Global Hit (Pic: KRA)
“I am so happy; I am overwhelmed really” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I am surprised and happy at the same time. I wanted him to run in this race, but I didn’t expect him to win.”
She was fully appreciative of her apparently fragile mount: “(Global Hit) has weak legs so my only priority was to race safely. And this was his first time at 1800M. I was worried about everything, the distance, the weight. But I wasn’t worried about his ability, and he ran really well.”
It was a career Triple Crown for both owner Kim Joon-hyun and trainer Bang Dong-suk, who combined with Hit Yegam in 2021 to claim the KRA Cup Mile and the Minister’s Cup but missed out when 2nd to Winner’s Man in that year’s Derby.
Hyesun signs off on a brilliant performance (Pic: KRA)
It is almost unseemly in this day and age to talk about “first woman to…” and Kim Hye-sun herself certainly doesn’t want the narrative about her career to be defined by that. As she always points out, she is just another jockey doing what jockeys do. But just like American trainer Jena Antonucci sending out Arcangelo to win the Belmont Stakes this weekend, she is smashing glass ceilings and that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Kim Hye-sun debuted at Seoul in 2009 and quickly started winning. The highlight of her career prior to this Derby came in 2017 when she accompanied the filly Jejui Haneul to Busan and won the Korean Oaks at odds of 55/1. She gave birth to a son (with her husband, fellow jockey Park Jae-i) in 2020 and returned to race riding ten-months later quickly picking up where she left off, booting home three winners on International Day at Busan last year.
“I know people were worried when I came back after I had my son, but really my son is a treasure to me, and he gives luck to me when I ride.”
“I would like to thank my husband also; did he finish last? (Press Corp: “second last!”). “Ha!, Also, thanks to the owner for giving me the chance and the stable hands for preparing him so well. They earned this win.”
The final leg of the 2023 Korea Triple Crown is the Minister’s Cup over 2000M on July 22nd.
It’s Derby Day 2023 and sixteen will line up for the year’s biggest Classic at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. See here for full preview. The big race is race 8 on a 10 race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are all the previews:
It’s rare for a filly to even run in the Derby these days but Raon Giant takes her chance on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s competitive. (8) VILLARRICA was a much-improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 29th when ridden handy and running on in a quick time on a wet track. He can sit behind the speed again here and can go one better. (11) NINE EAGLE has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over today’s trip. He has been on pace both times so the wide gate can be a challenge, but he should be close again. (1) KING GO TAEYANG improved to 4th at start number two on May 13th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and from a good draw shouldn’t be far away. (4) TESTA BLUE and (6) PURPLE SHINHWA are others with placing chances.
Selections
(8) Villarrica (11) Nine Eagle (1) King Go Taeyang (4) Testa Blue
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
It’s fair to say that (1) SPEAR GOLD has mixed her form across her eight starts so far but her latest effort on April 29th was encouraging. She led for much of the way around on a wet track over this distance and ultimately ran a close 3rd. She draws nicely to get an easy run to the lead again and she can be in this a long way. (6) AKKAENGI has finished no worse than 6th in four appearances so far. His times haven’t been quick, but he has a 3rd place to his name and in this company may well be ridden further forward than he has been previously. Antonio, who rode him to that 3rd, climbs back aboard. Those two in either order are the clear top two picks (8) FIRST CHOUX and (7) TI AMO have hinted at ability while (11) NEMO SPIRIT is another who may improve.
Selections
(1) Spear Gold (6) Akkaengi (8) First Choux (7) Ti Amo
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A regular maiden to kick things off on the south coast and three of the eleven are racing for the first time. One of those newcomers will be a warm favourite. That’s (3) CHAMSARANGGIL, who went through two trials in similarly quick times, crossing the line 1st in the latter having been on pace throughout. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she has every chance of a first-up success. It isn’t a strong race. Of the experienced ones, (7) SEVEN QUEEN has been getting closer over her latest few starts culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on April 21st when coming from off the pace. She has by far the smartest finish among these and should be running on strong again. (8) TAURUS KING could be one at odds. He did nothing in his first two appearances and got sent back to trial after the second of them. He had three months off during which time he was gelded, and he looked much better trialling up behind Chamsaranggil. (4) HAVE A GOOD YEAR and (6) RUNNING FASHION are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(3) Chamsaranggil (7) Seven Queen (8) Taurus King (4) Have A Good Year
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
2, 3 4, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(5) SOARA TO TO is the one to beat here. She has shown progress across her three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on May 13th when she was on pace throughout and didn’t go down by much. She carries the same weight here, draws well to be on or close to the speed, and she won’t need to improve by much in order to win. (9) HEY MAMA also seems to be on the right trajectory since returning from eight months out in April. She has a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts and third-up this preparation she may be peaking fitness wise. (2) TAEPYEONGMU only very narrowly beaten into 2nd on May 6th over this distance. From a good gate, she will be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) BLUE ARCH and (7) MADE STAR other potential improvers.
Selections
(5) Soara To To (9) Hey Mama (2) Taepyeongmu (8) Blue Arch
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(10) PURPLE STAR shapes as the warm favourite here. She comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over today’s trip and both times from on pace. She has the challenge of a wider gate this time, but she looks ready to win. The logical second pick is (5) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG. His most recent, on May 14th, was his best, when he led for almost the entire way only to be caught late on. The same apprentice jockey once more takes 3kg off his back and he has every chance of going close again. (8) WONDERFUL IMPACT was slowly away last time out when well beaten over 1400M. That was out of character and with a better jump today she has placing claims. (11) EVERY KING IJI and (1) ANY SINGS others in the frame.
Selections
(10) Purple Star (5) Success Yeonggwang (8) Wonderful Impact (11) Every King Iji
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) CUPID CHIC is the standout here. Her most recent on May 13th was her best so far when she overcame gate ten to get on to the speed and ended up a narrowly beaten 2nd. She comes up to this trip for the first time but there’s no reason why it can’t suit, and from a much better gate, she can get to the front again and this time go one better. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG stepped up to this trip last time out on May 14th and recorded his second consecutive 3rd place finish racing handily throughout and stopping the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance. Moon Se-young gets on today and he should be aiming to match or better. (9) LAST PITCH was 4th behind Challanhan Pokpung in that May 14th race. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (3) AREUMDAUN SAI and (6) MENI SHARK are the other placing possibles.
Selections
(1) Cupid Chic (4) Challanhan Pokpung (9) Last Pitch (3) Areumdaun Sai
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
1, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race with two standouts. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN has just the one win from nineteen starts but is seemingly working towards another and was a close 2nd over 1300M last time out on May 19th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and can sit just behind the speed and finish well. The main danger is (8) BLUE SKY. She too has just the one win, but she has finished in the top five on seven of nine occasions, including last time out when 3rd in a good time at this class and distance. In this company she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can win. The form drops off significantly after those two. (1) ACE HORANGI may be better for the drop back in trip, with (5) TAEWANG SINGI and (3) E CASH other possible improvers.
Horse Racing in Korea 