Even as an odds-on chance, FANTASTIC VALUE provided plenty as she eased to victory in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, adding the second jewel of the Triple Tiara to the first that she scored in the Luna Stakes at the end of March.
The wildcard – and perhaps sole interest in the race given Fantastic Value’s Luna superiority – was ONEULDO SMILE, a hitherto unbeaten filly, who travelled down from Seoul with a perfect four-from-four albeit never having raced at further than 1200M.
As expected, Oneuldo Smile was sent to the lead by CC Wong while Seo Seung-un settled Fantastic Value handy and Oneul Smile ended up giving a very good account of herself leading until just over a furlong to go when the favourite came by.
Just as in the Luna, Fantastic Value’s winning margin was five-lengths with Oneuldo Smile managing to hold off Boryeonglightqueen and Lime Tree for an excellent 2nd, the latter pair repeating their Luna finishes of 3rd and 4th respectively.
Fantastic Value [Afleet Express – Union Belle (by Dixie Union)] moves on to five wins from ten starts. Owned by Moojigae Rentcar, she is trained at Busan by Lim Keum-man. She will be the hot favourite to emulate Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 in claiming all three jewels in the Tiara. The final leg, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) is at Seoul on Sunday June 8th.
A more interesting prospect as to whether she completes the Tiara, may be the prospect of Fantastic Value facing the likes of Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Queens’ Tour Winter/Fall in the latter part of the year.
Next Sunday it is the turn of the three-year-old colts with KRA Cup Mile winner Oasis Blue the favourite to win the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul.
Sunday’s feature is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the 2nd leg of the Triple Tiara series for three-year-old fillies and mares. It’s the final race on a 60race card at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry won last year’s Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DRAGON FANTASY comes in following a best to date 2nd over this distance on April 12th when handy throughout and running on. From a good draw he will be on or close to the pace again and won’t need to improve much on that effort to win. The danger is (4) HAKSAN PRINCE. He is seemingly figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance recording the fastest time among these for the 1300M in the process. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (5) RAON PARANOMA finished off well from a long way back and a wide gate last time out. He can be further forward sooner here and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (10) HIGH CROWN and (11) ECLIPSE TANGO others who can improve.
Selections
(1) Dragon Fantasy (4) Haksan Prince (5) Raon Paranoma (10) High Crown
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and (5) MORNING WONDER shapes a short price favourite. From her four starts so far she has been no worse than 4th, including a close 2nd place in a quick time over 1300M two starts back and in this small field she will be on pace and should win. (6) GEOLJAK CHUJKE hasn’t done much in two starts so far but there was four months between them. She led on her return on April 12th and while she ultimately finished back in the pack, she can strip fitter here and in the absence of much early speed here, she can get an easy lead and may be in it for longer. (9) GLORY DAY was an improved 4th at start number three on April 5th, recording the quickest time among these for the 1200M. That’s enough for her to go in the numbers here. (8) WINNER GLORY and (1) MIRACLE SOCKS others to look out for.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SSOARA STAR got her maiden win on March 1st at this distance before running 3rd from gate ten on his first try at this class on April 6th. He draws better today and is the one to beat. (11) SMART TAKE returned from five months off on March 30th to get her maiden win over this distance. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she may well prove fitter for that run. (8) RAON NOTHERN DANCE will need a line drawn though his latest when he led before weakening late on over 1400M. He can lead again and the cut back in trip can suit. The up in class last start maiden winners (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (3) GEUMGYEPORAN both showed in their wins that they can measure up at this level.
Selections
(2) Ssoara Star (11) Smart Take (8) Raon Nothern Dance (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) CHAMP SONNY has two 3rd places and two 5th places from four appearances so far with the former coming at this distance and a mile. He has run both on pace and from behind and today should be his day over a limited looking set of rivals. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR was an improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar today and he looks the only credible danger to the favourite. (9) HEUIMANG GUNJU has a 3rd place at 1300M two starts back and that’s enough for him to go in the numbers here. (2) MEANINGFUL TIME and (1) SUN JAE other place chances.
Selections
(7) Champ Sonny (4) Doctor Solar (9) Heuimang Gunju (2) Meaningful Time
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA may be up in class without a win – or even a 2nd place – but looks rather nicely in here in what isn’t a strong race for the level. He has three 3rd place finishes, most recently at this distance on April 5th, coming from off the pace, and coming down a full 4.5kg, should be right in this. (2) ECO WORLD took a couple of goes to settle at this class but was a close 2nd at this distance on April 22nd, racing close to the pace throughout and a similar effort will see her close here. (3) HIGH FOLLY had a hard time on his first try at this class a month ago but comes back up to the trip at which he won in March and is worth another chance. (9) KYLIE and (5) MINT PLAY other possibles.
Selections
(10) Songdang Hwangtaeja (2) Eco World (3) High Folly (9) Kylie
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) VANGIE got his maiden win at start three over this distance on March 30th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has made progress across all his starts so far and while he is up in class, he comes down in weight and will be expected to make it two in a row. (5) HANEUL BOSS was an outsider on his latest over this distance on April 6th, but he led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 4th. He draws well to lead here and can be in things a long way again. The up in class pair of (2) ROAD TO SPRING and (3) GLOBAL HEROINE both come down in the weights and should be able to measure up at this level. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP another place chance.
Selections
(4) Vangie (5) Haneul Boss (2) Road To Spring (3) Global Heroine
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) PALO ALTO had a hard time when sent to Busan for the Luna Stakes, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara, at the end of March. She could have easily got into this afternoon’s Oaks but stays in Seoul to here instead and the drop back in trip as well as a light weight make her the one to beat. (7) GEOMIBULU overcame gate ten to win at class and distance on April 6th. An apprentice claiming 3kg means she comes in at the same weight and she can be close again. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG was a winner at this class over 1700M two starts back and while he had a hard time from a wide draw on his return at the end of March, this should suit, and he can return to form. (6) BEOLGYO CHADOL and (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS others to consider for the minors.
Eclipse Berry enters the second leg of the Triple Tiara as hot favourite to take out the most prestigious jewel in the series, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.The Korean Oaks is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan with a local post time of 16:05. There is also a 10-race Sunday card at Seoul. SEE HERE FOR THE RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW.
Eclipse Berry (Pic: KRA)
The top-nine placegetters from the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) on March 31st all return, but with ECLIPSE BERRY having won that race by a cool seven-lengths, making all the running, she is going to be hard to oppose. She has already won over 1800M, the only one in the race to have done so, and that was on a wet track. Rain is forecast for Busan on Sunday afternoon. Moon Se-young returns to Busan to partner the Seo Hong-soo trained Shackleford filly.
GLOBAL TAEYANG was 2nd in the Luna Stakes and from a much better draw this time can get closer, while last year’s champion juvenile BAEKDUUI KKUM is not to be dismissed. WONPYEONG LIST had plenty of excuses in the Luna and is a class 3 winner already while BANG BANG BANG was a revelatory 3rd in the opening jewel of the Tiara and only four races into her career, still has plenty of scope for further development.
1. STAR CHANGER – Maiden winner at start seven at class 5 level over 1700M on March 30th making all. Well drawn but a big ask here.
2. GLOBAL TAEYANG – A winner up to a mile and class 4 level and 2nd in the Luna Stakes. Has seven-lengths to make up on Eclipse Berry but draws better this time and can get closer. Second favourite.
3. PERFECT ACTION – Won three of nine up to a mile and class 4 but was 8th in the Luna Stakes so plenty of form to overturn. Will race handy and may offer each-way value.
4. LOVE MUNMAK – Only win came at class 6 level but was a smart 2nd over 1700M at class 5 last time out when on pace. Plenty to find in this company but has a strong finish.
5. FLYING STAR – 5th in the Luna and was found to be slightly lame. Returned to work on April 19th. Has won at class 4 over a mile but a few too many question marks to recommend.
It’s Korean Oaks Day. The Filly Classic is race 6 on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry is hot favourite to return to winner’s circle in the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in the opening maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time, and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (4) UASEN looked very competent in her trial crossing the line in 4th place in a good time (albeit with a class 1 horse up front helping them to some fast fractions. She ran through the line well and 1200M can suit first-up. Of the experienced ones, (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has shown the most so far. She comes in following a runner-up finish over 1200M on March 24th when she settled midfield and ran on. That continued an upward trajectory in her recent appearances, and she should be close again. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has a 2nd place on her resume and in this limited company that’s enough to put her in the numbers while (2) SEMYEONG GHOST and debut-maker (5) TIZ THE FASHION look other minor chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) NAOL INDY was a much-improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on April 5th, settling midfield and running on. That was a full ten months after his inauspicious debut last summer and he should strip much fitter for the run and from a good draw, is the one to beat. (7) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across six starts so far with a 3rd on his record and a last start 4th over this distance. In this small field and this company, he can be a little further forward than usual and can be in this a long way. (4) DANCING GANGJA enters off a much-improved 3rd place over 1200M on April 7th when racing handy throughout. He is drawn well to attempt similar here. (9) CHROMITE and (2) P N S JU are other placing chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two debut-makers in this field and she looks interesting. (6) YOUR TURN has been through three trials, dating back to last September and has won two of them and finished 2nd in the other, all three in quick times. This is not an intimidating field to debut among and if she brings the trial form to the races, she can win. (7) STORM GRIT is the big danger. He was very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when coming from off the pace and almost getting there. He will be running on strong again here. The other first-timer is (9) NEW LEADER. She went through two trials, finishing behind Your Turn in the second of them. The time was quick though and a big first-up run can’t be ruled out. (3) DANCING BOY and (1) DONGBU CHOEGANG are other experienced ones who may have a say.
Selections
(6) Your Turn (7) Storm Grit (9) New Leader (3) Dancing Boy
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) ECLIPSE HONOR will be a hot favourite. He ran 2nd over this distance on debut on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but nothing here has gone much quicker and with some natural improvement from his first start, he will be hard to beat. (7) EUMSEONG POWER was 5th behind Eclipse Honor on debut in that March 23rd race and has since come back out and run 4th, again at 1400M. He seems on the right trajectory and third-up can be peaking fitness-wise. (8) NONSTOP YEOLCHA enters off a solid 2nd at 1300M on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit. (4) TAENGGEURI and (9) MAGIC PRINCE others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (9) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win but has also never finished outside the top-four in seven starts. She loves finishing 2nd, which she has done on each of her last four outings, but she really should be stepping up here. On her latest she was a very close runner-up in a quick time over this distance and she won’t need to improve much on that to win. If she does find one too quick yet again, it could be (2) TROUBLEMAKER. She is one for one at this distance but has been slow away in her two subsequent tries at this class over 1400M. She draws nicely here and if she gets out of the gate even only fairly, then she can be a threat. (8) GREAT QUEEN got her maiden win over this distance on March 29th. She comes up in class today but can measure up. (11) BLACK JILJU and (10) RAID HIT among plenty of others with placing chances.
Selections
(9) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Troublemaker (8) Great Queen (11) Black Jilju
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (3) FOUR ACE. She is yet to win in seventeen starts but she has come close on plenty of occasions including a smart 3rd place last time out on March 17th over this distance when, as she often does, she got a long way back. CC Wong climbs aboard today and if she can be a bit closer in touch, it can be her day. (6) BEST DAERO got his maiden win at stat number three over 1300M on March 30th, leading all the way. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and there could be more to come. (7) WONDERFUL SWEET got his maiden win at this distance on Christmas Day and has since run 4th in two tries at this class. He should be there or thereabouts today. (4) LEGENDSUN and (5) SEMYEONG LADY others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Four Ace (6) Best Daero (7) Wonderful Sweet (4) Legendsun
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 6
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) MONSTER DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M in January and has since run 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, both times settling handy and running on. Expect similar tactics today and this time he can come home on top. (2) SKY GRIT was a winner two starts back at 1200M before running 4th on her first try at this level at 300M on April 7th. She draws very nicely to be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (4) GRAY QUEEN was 3rd in that April 7th race having run on from midfield. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish again. (6) BIG WILD has won a trial since his latest showing and can be given another chance. (11) DOCTOR LEO another possible placer.
Jeulgeounyeojeong stamped her absolute authority over the three-year-old filly division as she progressed from her narrow win in the Luna Stakes to a commanding performance in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
(Pic: KRA)
The top two from the Luna, Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest, were sent off close together at the top of the local betting market at 2.4 and 2.8 respectively with no other filly starting in single digits. From gate seven, Jeulgeounyeojeong broke fairly under Franco Da Silva, who had been a late replacement before the Luna but after a polished steer, kept the ride for the Oaks. Raon Forest, who went right to the rear in April before finishing like an express train, was this time ridden handily by Lim Gi-won, while Luna 3rd Magic Class set the pace under Park Jae-i.
Magic Class would lead all the way into the home straight, but her challenge quickly wilted as Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest loomed up with just over a furlong to run. It looked for a moment as though battle was to be joined but instead the final stages proved a formality as Jeulgeounyeojeong cruised away for a four-length win with Raon Forest unable to land a single blow. The revelation of the race was Luigi Riccardi’s Wonderful Slew, who ran a big 3rd, just a further half-length back.
“This time around, she was much better than the last time, so I was very confident” winning jockey Franco Da Silva told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “It was just a matter of controlling the pace. Before the race, I was very relaxed as I knew I was on the best horse.”
Jeulgeounyeojeong and Franco Da Silva salute (Pic: KRA)
Da Silva, who completed a double in the marquee three-year-old races having won the Derby in 2018 on Ecton Blade, was also pleased with the instructions he received from trainer Kim Young-kwan (who also trained Ecton Blade). “The trainer told me to just jump and don’t worry about the others. When the trainer gave me that instruction, I was even more relaxed as I knew I could ride 1st or 2nd or even in the middle. It was all quite easy.”
“It’s credit to the whole team, not just me. We also have our track rider, Mitkey from South Africa. He rides her one day and I ride her the next so it’s good teamwork.” Da Silva finished his interview with a grin and a “Seo Seung-un, love you!” He later explained: “They asked me about him because I do feel a little sorry for him in that he was supposed to ride (Jeulgeounyeojeong) in the Luna Stakes, and I got the ride off him (after Seo suffered a minor trackwork injury on the day of the race). So yes, I am sorry but it’s all good because he has also taken winners off me!”
(Pic: KRA)
Jeulgeounyeojeong is by Colors Flying and out of Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo). She was bred by Son Kyeng-rae at her owners’ NASCA Farm. It was her fifth win from eleven starts. She is trained by Kim Young-kwan, who celebrated a record sixth Korean Oaks success. Two of those previous winners, Speedy First in 2013 and Queen’s Blade in 2014, also won the Korean Derby.
That won’t be happening for Jeulgeounyeojeong as the colts’ Classic is next week. She will though be a hot favourite when she finally does head to Seoul for the concluding leg of the Triple Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on July 15th.
The Korean Oaks, the second leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies, headlines Sunday’s action at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 as well as 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00:
Golden Power won the 2022 Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Maidens in the opener and (4) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite. After an indifferent debut, she has a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent appearances both at this distance and showing versatility first by coming from off the pace and then by racing on the speed. She has the fastest time of any for the distance and will take some beating. (6) NEW POINT was an improved 2nd on her second start on May 7th when stalking the lead throughout. She was well beaten by a good winner but with some more natural improvement here, she can be close again. (11) FIRST USER enters off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two and led in much of the latter in a quick race at this distance. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be in this. (8) NAOL SKY and (1) DAEJANGBYEOL are the other logical place chances.
Selections
(4) Soara Meme (6) New Point (11) First User (8) Naol Sky
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(7) SONGAM DRAGON was 2nd in a desperately tight finish in a quick race over 1200M on April 29th, finishing very well and almost getting there. With the benefit of an apprentice claim again, she continues under a very light weight again and in this weak company she can go one better. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (6) ONE SPEAR hinted at it last time when marginally improving. He has tended to get too far back in his races but did run on last time and posted a fair time over this distance. A similar run should see him in the places here. (1) TOUGH YEOJE isn’t quick, but she has placed in this kind of company before and from the inside gate, can do again here. (11) GOLDEN PEARL and (3) GOLDEN SNIPER among others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Songam Dragon (6) One Spear (1) Tough Yeoje (11) Golden Pearl
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(4) MOVIE MORE took a couple of goes to figure things out but has run well for 2nd and 3rd from her latest two, both times racing on the speed over 1200M. She draws well to get to the front again and looks very much the one to beat. (6) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume too. He comes out of quite an ordinary race when 5th of eleven on April 21st when he was slowly away and settle back. He can finish well though and given more of a chance here, he can get closer. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at this distance. In this company, he can get a more prominent early position than usual and can be a danger. (1) HAPPY BRIANNA and (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND are others who can be considered to have enough improvement in them to place.
Selections
(4) Movie More (6) Global Sarang (5) Neoga Choego (1) Happy Brianna
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) AMAN BAROWS was a comfortable winner over 1200M on April 8th when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but she comes down in the weights, and while she will need to go a bit quicker here, she still has potential for more improvement. (1) TIZ INDY was a winner at this distance at class 6 level in January, and while she took a couple of goes to find her feet at this level, she came back into form with a very solid 3rd place at class and distance on April 16th. She gets an inside gate for the first time since her win and that can put her closer to the pace and into the picture here. (8) KKANGDORI remains a maiden after twenty-seven attempts but today looks as good a chance as any to change that. She has two 2nd places from her latest three appearances and while she us up in the weights, that’s balanced with Johan climbing aboard. (9) DONGTEUJA WAY and (7) BICHUI DAERYUK other potentials.
Selections
(4) Aman Barows (1) Tiz Indy (8) Kkangdori (9) Dongteuja Way
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(5) UNJU OREUM has four top-five finishes from five starts so far and now looks ready to win. She comes in off a 3rd lace at 1200M when she led from the gate, and she also has the fastest time among these for the distance to the tune of nearly a whole second. She should be on or close to the pace here and can have too much. (9) DAEHO NARA too has been knocking on the door for a while. She likes to sit back and run from off the pace and while she has tended to leave herself a bit much to do, if she can be in striking distance in the home straight, she should go close. (1) DREAM RUN has started to hint at ability recently and was a close 4th last time out over this distance. She comes into a better gate today and a similar run will see her close. (3) ROCKS and (7) QUEEN ROMANCE are others to consider.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (8) HERO SARANG is the only one that enters here with a last start result of anything better than 8th, and that is enough for her to warrant favourite status. At her latest on May 7th, she was 4th at this distance when racing on pace. She has the best start of all of these so should get to the lead again and under a light weight, she can win. (2) FINAL JILJU was a winner over this distance at class 6 level in April but raced ungenerously on her first start at this level on May 14th to the extent she got sent back to trial. She came through that trail in good order and with a more mature run, she looks like the main danger. (4) GALSAEK HYANGGI has a habit of being slow away although she knows how to run on and did that to spectacular effect two starts back when a winner at this class over 1300M. Normal service was resumed at her latest but while she only beat a couple home, the margins weren’t big, and in this company, she should run past plenty late on. (6) MUSTANG CHARM and (1) GLOBAL PRIME other potentials for the minors.
A full field of sixteen fillies will face the starter at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as they vie for glory in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2). They include all the top-three placegetters from the first jewel in the Tiara, April’s Luna Stakes.
Lim Gi-won thought he had won the Luna Stakes on Raon Forest. He had not (Pic: KRA)
Jeulgeounyeojeong came out on top that day under a perfectly timed ride by Franco Da Silva, as they held off the late charge of Raon Forest and Lim Gi-won by a nose on the line at the end of the Mile long test. Plenty will fancy the additional furlong to be in the grey Raon Forest’s favour, but local media still predicts Jeolgeounyeojeong to start as favourite.
Magic Class was 3rd in the Luna Stakes, and she takes her chance again while Good Magic will be the last Oaks runner by Menifee. She has finished no worse than 2nd in five starts so far and will have her own supporters to claim a sixth Filly Classic win for her late sire. The Peter Wolsley-trained Happy Jazz is another of the leading contenders:
1. RAON FOREST – Was finishing by far the quickest in the Luna Stakes, coming from the back to just be denied by a nose on the line by Jeulgeounyeojoeng. She posted the fastest final furlong time in the race by almost a second and the additional furlong should suit. A big chance of overturning that result.
2. DUBAI PYEONGJEONG – Comes in off a promising 4th place over 1800M in a good time at class 4 level on May 5th, coming from off the pace. A similar performance wouldn’t see her win but could find her in the money.
3. MAGIC CLASS – 3rd behind Jeulgeounyeojeong and Raon Forest in the Luna Stakes when she overcame gate twelve to get on the pace. She has five lengths to make up on that pair, but the additional furlong shouldn’t be a problem and the draw is much more in her favour this time. A chance.
4. META BLADE – Her win came at class 6 level, but she did lead for most of the way around before finishing a close 2nd over 1700M at class 5 on April 23rd. This is a big step up though.
Golden Power moved to within just one race of sweeping the Filly Triple Crown, as the Luna Stakes winner snared the second jewel in the crown, The Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Golden Power holds off Raon The Spurt to win the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)
The fillies who filled out the top three-places in April’s Luna Stakes, ultimately turned it into a three-way affair in the Oaks as well. Chamjoeun Chingu, nailed on the line last month, was sent off as favourite under Moon Se-young and she would set the pace.
Golden Power, after coming from almost last to first in the closing stages of the Luna, was ridden much more forward this time by jockey Choi Si-dae and immediately tracked the leader.
Raon The Spurt, instead of being ridden hard for the lead like she had been in past races, was settled gently from the widest gate by Choi Bum-hyun and gradually made progress up to 3rd.
By the top of the straight, Chamjoeun Chingu and Golden Power had opened a significant lead on the rest and when Golden Power came past her rival with a furlong and a half remaining, the race looked settled. That was to reckon without Raon The Spurt, however, who moved through the gears in the home straight and suddenly the gap was vanishing alarmingly quickly.
The line came in time though with Golden Power still a neck to the good when it mattered, with Chamjoeun Chingu a further two-and-a-half lengths in arrears in 3rd. There were nine-lengths more back to Eunseong Winner in 4th and then a further nine to a thoroughly outclassed rest.
Winning jockey Choi Si-dae felt the opening part of the race – very different from that in the Luna – today was key to the win. “Last time (in the Luna) the start wasn’t satisfactory” he told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “This time she started great, got into a good position and that was the main reason she could win the race today.”
As for her prospects of sweeping all three legs of the “Tiara” as the filly Triple Crown is known, Choi was non-committal but simply stated: “She got better today. Even better than she was last month. I am looking forward to it.”
That final race is over 2000M, and it is hard to imagine Chamjoeun Chingu posing Golden Power too many problems at the extended trip, even on her home track at Seoul. Raon The Spurt’s run was intriguing as for the first time in any of her races, she wasn’t ridden to lead. While the draw may have had a lot to do with that, it paid off and way she finished makes her a fascinating prospect back at Seoul
With regard to the rest, Wonderful Raise was backed into fourth-favourite, but having begun brightly, was on the end of severe interference at the first corner after Chamjoeun Chingu tightened onto Shy Dragon who in turn came together with Wonderful Raise, who had nowhere to go. The latter was shuffled back in the pack and lost interest in racing after that. Moon Se-young, aboard Chamjoeun Chingu was given a four-day suspension. Wonderful Raise can perhaps therefore have a line drawn through her last place.
Eunseong Winner, though too far back, posted a final furlong time only one-tenth of a second slower than that of Raon The Spurt and she may pose more of a danger at Seoul.
Golden Power is by Afleet Express and is out of Cherokee Sheik (by Cherokee Run). She is owned by her breeder, Son Boing-chul of Winner’s Farm, and is trained by Kwon Sung-ju
The final leg of the Filly Triple Crown is the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) which will be run at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday June 4. Next weekend Seoul hosts the twenty-fifth running of the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1).
Sunday’s feature race is the Korean Oaks at Busan – See here for full preview – part of a 6-race card on the south-coast from 12:00 to 16:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Golden Power beat Chamjoeun Chingu is a tight finish to the Luna Stakes. They face off again in the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (2) JAY PHOENIX has raced only once and it was back in December, but he ran well, being on pace before ultimately finishing 3rd behind a couple of useful ones over 1000M. He won a trial in early April and from a great draw, will be expected to win first-up here. (4) GRAY THOR has also raced just the once, in his case over 1200M on April 3rd when he settled handy to the lead and ran on for 6th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. That followed a promising trial and with some natural improvement, he can go close today. (10) CUPID SAFE comes in with an improved 3rd and 2nd from her latest two, both at 1300M. In the first of those she settled back in the field and at the most recent she was handy so she is versatile enough to overcome the wide gate here and can be dangerous. (6) ECHO ZONE and (8) NONSTOP ALI the best of the rest.
Selections
(2) Jay Phoenix (4) Gray Thor (10) Cupid Safe (6) Echo Zone
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies and mares only here. (5) P N S CHANCE enters with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and both times running on strongly. The engagement of an apprentice jockey brings her significantly down in the weights and she can run on strongly and go close here. The main danger is (3) GALSAEK HYANGGI. She comes in following a good 2nd place over 1400M on March 19th when handy throughout. That was her best finish in six starts to date and with similar tactics today, she looks sure to be in the finish again. It’s hard to go past those two for the quinella. (10) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER was well back behind P N S Chance at her latest outing but has hinted at ability. (8) SHINE MUSIC and (12) BARO QUEEN are among others that can be considered for the places.
Selections
(5) P N S Chance (3) Galsaek Hyanggi (10) Hampyeong Fighter (8) Shine Music
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
1, 10, 11, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(3) BRAVO MAY will be the favourite here. He looks to be working back up to another win with a good 4th and 3rd from his latest two, both at this class and distance and last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals when settling midfield and running on well. He has posted decent times and from a great draw, has every chance here. (7) FIRST DREAM is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but came back to this trip last start after several goes around two turns and registered a career-best 2nd place on April 3rd when he got to the lead from gate nine and was only beaten by a very good winner. If he can be ridden forward again, he can be in this a long way. (5) PIEONADA ran adequately enough for 5th on her latest appearance on April 10th and may appreciate the step back up in trip here. (8) JISANGUN mixes his form but has placed at class and distance and along with (2) KAILLUM JEWANG, should be in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(3) Bravo May (7) First Dream (5) Pieonada (8) Jisangun
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
There are a couple of tempting debut-makers here, but we shall side with experience and put (5) GREAT CAPTAIN on top. He has steadily improved across his four appearances to date, culminating with a strong 2nd at this distance on March 27th, when as has been his style after his debut, he settled just behind the early speed and then ran on well. An apprentice brings his weight down here and today can be his day. (4) STAR MATTA looked very well when winning a trial by as many as he pleased in a fast time on a dry track on April 23rd. His half-brother Lucas Sun has won a couple of races here and a bold showing first-up seems likely. The other first-timer is (1) GEUMA INFINITE. He trialed up in a different heat on the same morning and while he didn’t win the heat, he stopped the clock in exactly the same time as Smart Matta. All three half-siblings to make the track won. Returning to the experienced ones, (8) TRIPLE THUNDER and (7) MEOTJIN HARU look the best.
Selections
(5) Great Captain (4) Star Matta (1) Geuma Infinite (8) Triple Thunder
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) HANGANG BOSS will be hot favourite to win here. He got his maiden victory two starts back over 1300M before running a strong 4th from the widest gate on his first try at this class over 1200M on March 19th when he simply couldn’t find a decent position early and had to run on from a long way back. He gets a much better gate today and the additional furlong should favour him. The logical danger is (5) SOJUNGHAN DANGSIN. Despite remaining a maiden, she comes up in class here following a few too many near-misses at class 6 level and has recently been running well over 1300M. She is another for who the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the mix here. The form really drops off after those two, though. (4) HAPPY SOCKS has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and that’s enough to put him into the placing frame here. (3) YEONGUNG DAEMA and (2) WHITE WING others to consider for minor money.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(5) KING BOSS has only raced twice and has been a beaten favourite twice, finishing 4th and 3rd, both times at 1200M. He has raced prominently both times and draws nicely again to do the same here. His time at the distance is quicker than all but one has recorded, and it can be third-time lucky as market leader today. (2) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE took a few goes to figure things out but has a 2nd and a 3rd to his name now at this level. He draws nicely here and under a light weight, can be in the mix. (4) WORLD FLOWER remains a maiden but comes in off a career-best 2nd place scored at this distance on April 10th when she went right back and ran on. If she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can be considered here. (3) CHONGAL CHARM and (1) WONDERFUL DIGGER are others who can have minor money claims.
Selections
(5) King Boss (2) Choegang Mujigae (4) World Flower (3) Chongal Charm
Only the narrowest of noses split Golden Power and Chamjoeun Chingu at the end of the Luna Stakes last month and at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon the fillies meet again in the second leg of their Triple Crown as ten go to post in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2).
Six of the ten come out of that Luna Stakes, the first leg of the filly Triple Crown which took place over a mile at Busan on April 10th, and they filled out the top six places. In that race, Raon The Spurt was sent off as the favourite and she led a long way before ultimately been passed by long-time stalker Chamjoeun Chingu. However, Golden Power and Choi Si-dae would emerge from the field to nail both on the line.
It was a superb late effort and gives every indication that Golden Power, who went wide and made up fully twenty-lengths in the home straight over fillies who didn’t exactly stop running themselves, can only benefit from the additional furlong.
Chamjoeun Chingu though draws much better this time and with Moon Se-young aboard again, will have plenty of backers to maintain Seoul-trained horses excellent recent record in the race; the Trophy has headed to the Capital four times in the last five years. Raon The Spurt too remains a live contender.
The locally trained Golden Power is not the only hope for the host track. Trainer Kim Young-kwan has prepared no fewer than five Oaks winners and this year sends out Wonderful Raise. She is an on-pace filly who ran a super race in the Luna for 4th and just like Chamjoeun Chingu, draws a much better barrier this time around.
The Korean Oaks is race 5 on the 6-race card at Busan and has a post time of 15:55 KST. Here is a full run-down of the field in race card order:
1. WONDERFUL RAISE [Menifee – On The Podium (Bold Executive)] – A fast winner at class 5 level over 1400M in February, she drew gate thirteen in the Luna Stakes and ran a creditable 4th. Every chance of coming on for that run, her trainer has won the race five times and it would be no surprise to see her in the finish.
2. MAGIC GRACE [Magic Dancer – Ua Deungseon (Menifee)] – A winner up to class 4 level in Seoul and of three from seven in total. She is yet to go further than 1400M but as an on-pace type she draws well to give herself the best possible chance. Not a top line favourite but a case can be made for some minor money.
3. SHY DRAGON [Menifee – Monday’s Child (Stravinsky)] – Likely to be one of the longest shots on the board, she takes her chance following a good win at class 5 level in an all-filly race over 1200M on March 18th when she sat midfield and ran on well. Yet to run further than 1200M and this is a big step up.
4. CHAMJOEUN CHINGU [Musket Man – Googlette (Exceed And Excel)] – A winner over 1700M at class 4 level in Seoul before losing out in the final stride to Golden Power in the Luna Stakes. That day she had to contend with gate fourteen but gets a much more favourable draw here and should get a much easier run. She has a big chance.
5. GOLDEN POWER [Afleet Express – Cherokee Sheikh (Cherokee Run)] – The Luna Stakes winner, she came from the back of the field to the front in the home straight and just made it on the line by the narrowest of noses. She is yet to go beyond a mile, but she was traveling by far the quickest at the end of the Luna and she has every chance of winning again. Probable favourite.
6. EUNSEONG WINNER [Menifee – Achimsarang (Broken Vow)] – Her solitary win came at class 6 level over 1300M in early March, making all. That led her to take her chance in the Luna and whilst sent off one of the longest shots on the board, she ran a solid 6th. She can settle midfield here and while she doesn’t look a winning chance, she should see out the trip and can aim for some minor money.
7. LUCKY CROWN [Girolamo – Peregian (Grand Lodge)] – Her only win came at class 6 level over 1200M and she as 7th of ten in the Sports Seoul Classic trial. Nevertheless, she took her chance in the Luna and only winner Golden Power posted a faster final furlong time as she came from the back of the field to run on for 5th. On the face of it, the additional trip can suit and don’t rule her out of passing some tired fillies again.
8. ADELE GOLD [Girolamo – Gold Mine (Officer)] – She comes in having picked up her maiden win last time out at what was start number six over 1300M hen she sat handy to midfield and finished off well, scoring easily. This is a big step up in both class and distance and despite the top jockey booking, she will be an outsider.
9. ALPHA SONGDANG [Old Fashioned – Miss Win (Perfect Vision II)] – The wildcard. Since running 3rd on debut at 1000M, she has registered two wins up to 1200M at class 5 level. She has been on pace in all her races so far and while this is a totally different test, she may be interesting and a probable big price. Jockey Kim Hye-sun is the only female rider to have won a Classic in Korea, taking this race on Jejui Haneul in 2017.
10. RAON THE SPURT [Musket Man – Tomiken Spring (Suzuka Mambo)] – She won three of her first four starts before coming up short at this distance at class 3 level at Seoul in February. That didn’t stop her from being sent off as favourite for the Luna, a race she led but ultimately finished 3rd, half a length behind the winner. She is not favoured by the draw as she likes to lead, but she has plenty of quality and if she can find a forward position, she can be in the finish again. Jockey won the race in 2020.
Selections: (4) Chamjeoun Chingu (5) Golden Power (1) Wonderful Raise (10) Raon The Spurt
Horse Racing in Korea 