KRA Cup Mile

BAYERN’S FUNNY WILD TAKES FIRST LEG OF KOREAN TRIPLE CROWN

If there is to be a Triple Crown winner in 2026, his name is Funny Wild. Under Seo Seung-un, the Bayern colt ground down Hwang Geum Eo Jjang to win the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) – the “Korean 2000 Guineas” – by a length. Hwang Geum Eo Jang rallied for 2nd while 130/1 long shot Chocolate came home 3rd.

Funny Wild held off Hwang Geom Eo Jjang to win the Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

A full field of sixteen with eight each trained at Seoul and Busan lined up with Live Star sent off as a narrow 3.0 favourite ahead of Funny Wild at 3.2. Live Star though was slightly slow away, bumping with Amazing One, and while ridden up to just behind the leaders on the turn, never at any time looked a winner.

Flutter, under Kim Hyo-jung, was the best out of the gate and led until the home turn, but he too was quickly beaten, while third in the market Hey Brother was never a factor. Aboard Funny Wild, Seo Seung-un was able to stalk the pace before making his move, taking over the lead from Hwang Geum Eo Jang just over a furlong from home and while the latter did come back at him, the margin on the line was a full length.

“The stable prepared (Funny Wild) very well” winning jockey Seo Seung-un told KRBC. “In fact, I didn’t ride him in work at all, my only job was to ride him in the race and fortunately it went as we expected. I am pleased I was able to do my part as my results in the other races this weekend haven’t been great.” Seo rode two winners at Busan on Friday.

The victory was jockey Seo’s second in the race with his first coming back in 2014 on Cheongnyongbisang, who remains one of just three Seoul-trained horses to win the opening Classic of the season.

As for trainer Choi Ki-hong, it was his tenth Group race win but his first by a horse not called Winner’s Man.

Funny Wild is by Bayern and out of Funny Sunny (by Sharp Humor). He was bred by his owner Choi Sang-il at Great Hill Farm which stands Bayern. After the presentation Choi Sang-il spoke with KRBC about Funny Wild and his sire:

“The horse was in top condition and Seo Seung-un read the flow of the race very well. This horse has always been fit and healthy since he was young, and he has always been nice looking and eaten well.

“Actually, Bayern’s conception rate has been quite low, and he hasn’t been a significant producer so I am very happy that we have a good one in Funny Wild that can help keep Bayern’s line going. The Wild Again (Bayern’s sire Offlee Wild was by Wild Again) line is getting rarer and rarer worldwide so I think Bayern can help preserve it.”

The Triple Crown Series moves on to the big one, the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday May 3rd. Next week, the fillies get their chance as the Triple Tiara Series kicks off with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guines” at Busan next Sunday.

KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul (March 29)

The Triple Crown Series gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW AND FORM COMMENTS FOR THE BIG RACE. There are 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55

Who will succeed Oasis Blue as the KRA Cup Mile winner? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) EVER LOVELY ran 2nd at start number two and then was a beaten favourite when 3rd over this distance on March 2nd, settling midfield and running on. In this company, she should be on pace and this time she can win. The danger is on her inside. (5) THE SUN MONSTER was a much-improved 2nd on his own third outing at this distance on March 8th when handy throughout. He carries more weight than Ever Lovely but should be in the finish again. (10) TRIGONUS was a fair 3rd on debut back at the end of February and should have come on for the run. (2) POWER MAGIC and (7) WORLD VICS are the other main contenders in an interesting opener.

Selections(6) Ever Lovely (5) The Sun Monster (10) Trigonus (2) Power Magic
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BEOLGYO EMPEROR did nothing on debut in December but was an improved 4th at start two in January and then a solid 2nd, albeit beaten by a good winner, over 1300M on February 8th in a quick race. He draws well and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (6) COSMO JJIN did nothing on her first two starts but then came home in 2nd place at big odds in all filly maiden over 1200M at start three. She did her best work late that day so the slight increase in trip may suit and with an apprentice claim keeping her carried weight light, she can be in the finish. (4) BLACK MAMA was 4th two starts bac k and that’s enough to have her in placing contention in this company. (5) ANYANG LASER and (10) STUNNING BOLT others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(3) Beolgyo Emperor (6) Cosmo Jjin (4) Black Mama (5) Anyang Laser
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) GLOBAL ONE PICK did nothing when debuting las July and then didn’t reappear until trialing in January. She put in a very solid effort on her return to racing on February 27th, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd over 1300M with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She should have come on for the run, and she is the one to beat here. (12) DELTA FORCE was 3rd on debut over 1200M and then 5th behind Global One Pick on February 27th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be challenging late on. Kim Hyo-jung is in town to ride Flutter in the Cup Mile later and picks up a promising ride on (6) DOCTOR HUNTER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1400M on March 6th and should have come on for the run. (1) ONNURI PARTY and (9) SINHEUNG GANGTAJA debuted together, and both can show some natural improvement second up.

Selections(8) Global One Pick (12) Delta Force (6) Doctor Hunter (1) Onnuri Party
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) PNS TWIN has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place at 1300M on March 7th when coming from well off the pace. His racing style so far suggests that he needs a bit of distance, and he gets the chance to prove it here. (3) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish inside the top three in sixteen attempts, but she enters off a best to date 4th place over this distance on February 8th when she came from well back and beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, another career-best should be the aim. (5) LUCKY JOY was only ordinary on his first try at this distance last time out, but prior to that he registered a 5th and a 4th and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here.  (8) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (11) NURI EUTTEUM are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) PNS Twin (3) Bulguksidae (5) Lucky Joy (8) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After winning a trial, (11) WIN NOW beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut over 1400M on February 27th. Settling behind the speed and running through the line well enough. He should have come on for the run and is the one to beat. (4) GOLD ROGER has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M. She too has finished off well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (6) TOP OF THE RANK needs a line drawn through his latest when he was fractious in the gate and missed the start. He was well backed that day following a 2nd place in January and as he has subsequently completed a stall test, he can be given another chance. (2) FLYING SKY and (10) OASIS KINGDOM others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Win Now (4) Gold Roger (6) Top Of The Rank (2) Flying Sky
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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KRA Cup Mile: Preview & Form Comments for Triple Crown 2026 1st Leg

Sixteen colts will set out at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, bidding to be the first since Power Blade a decade ago to win the Triple Crown. The series gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the “Korean 2000 Guineas”.

Eight of the sixteen have travelled down from Seoul, but capital visitors do not have a good record in the race, registering only three victories since the race began in its current form in 2008 and none at all since Global Chukje scored in 2019. This time though a formidable line-up travels.

LIVE STAR has won his last three starts by a combined thirty-eight lengths, including a full eighteen last time out at class 4 over 1800M. While the robustness of the opposition he faced is debatable, he has been nothing if not impressive.

DI NE was well beaten behind Roshe in the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy on March 1st but prior to that was going very nicely and will be firmly in the market while FLUTTER and HWANG GEOM EO JJANG also travel down with solid credentials.

Don’t rule out the home team though. HEY BROTHER enters with the highest rating. He was 2nd behind Clutch Winner in the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy but prior to that was an excellent winner over a mile at class 4 level in January. Jockey Choi Si-dae won the race on Betelgeuse in 2023.

Seo Seung-un won the Cup Mile on Cheongnyong Bisang, one of those three Seoul horses to triumph in the race. Now firmly Busan-based, this year he partners FUNNY WILD, who while he lost his way late on when 2nd over 1800M last time out, was very strong prior to that and from a great draw, will be on the speed.

There is sadness over the race. Champion Juvenile Supex Winner began the week set to be favourite but suffered a catastrophic ligament and sesamoid injury on Monday morning which he ultimately succumbed to on Wednesday.

The KRA Cup Mile is race 6 on the 7-race program at Busan with a 16:05 post time:

1. HEY BROTHER – The highest rated in the field and one of the most experienced with nine starts. He’s won four times up to class 4 and a mile. His most recent start saw him 2nd to Clutch Winner in the Classic Trial at 1400M on March 1st. A front-runner, the mile suits and the draw suits, and he is among the favourites.

2. BREEDO SOL – Only beat two home in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie but has begun his three-year-old campaign well with a win over 1800M at class 5 level and then 2nd at class 4 over the same distance on February 15th, beating Legend Hit. Likes to come from off the pace and can aim for some minor money.

3. FUNNY WILD – A strong winner over 1800M at class 4 level in February, he led when trying to repeat at class 3 on March 1st but ultimately weakened late on and was caught. He is one for one at the mile, he has a great draw to get on pace and with Seo Seung-un riding him from potentially several options, he will probably be the betting favourite.

4. LIVE STAR – Took a few goes to fully figure things out, but he has won his latest three, most recently at class 4 level over 1800M on February 7th when leading all the way and scoring by a full eighteen-lengths in a time that would win the Korean Derby most years. On that evidence, he has to considered a real threat here.

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Oasis Blue Claims First Jewel Of Triple Crown in Overwhelming Fashion

Oasis Blue produced a performance of consummate control and maturity to dominate the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the first leg of the 2025 Korean Triple Crown, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Oasis Blue in the clear in the Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Fully justifying his 2.8 favourite status, Oasis Blue was ridden patiently in the early stages by jockey Jin Kyum, before letting down in the home straight and the Busan Classic Trial winner pulled away for a comfortable four-length victory in the opening jewel of the crown.

“I didn’t really have to do much; he is so straightforward” winning jockey Jin Kyum told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The stable prepared him really well, I am grateful for the opportunity and happy to repay their trust in me.”

Getting the closest was Thomas Gillespie’s My Dream Day, who as a 38.0 chance ran on under Alan Munro. Another outsider, Yongbi Paewang, ridden by Masa Tanaka, was 3rd. However, pre-race fancies Long Run Bulpae and Gangnaru, as well as Oasis Blue’s stablemate Beolmaui Ace, made little impact.

“These are three-year-olds, the other horses will continue to make progress, but I think Oasis Blue has potential for more too” jockey Jin continued. “The next race (Korean Derby) we know the increased distance is no problem so if he remains well, then he has a big chance of winning again.”

For the 30-year-old jockey Jin, it was a first Graded Stakes win but for trainer Baik Kwang-yeol it was familiar territory, saddling his eighth Graded winner and second in this race after Betelgeuse scored two years ago for the same owner as Oasis Blue, Lee Jong-hun. According to the trainer, it was one of his simplest.

“Although (Oasis Blue) is only three, he is a very relaxed horse, he can settle into a rhythm and pace that is very mature for his age” said Baik, speaking to KRBC. “He is a gentle horse in the stable, so he is easy to manage and train and he is an easy ride. If he continues to make the progress he has so far, then he has a very big future.”

“The owner is very good; he trusts us completely and I have complete trust in the jockey, so I am in a very lucky position as Trainer. The next race is the Derby, we’ll prepare well and see what happens.”

There is much cause for optimism. Oasis Blue has already won over the Derby distance of 1800M and is now set to be a hot favourite when the division reconvenes in Seoul on Sunday May 11th for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1).

Oasis Blue is by KRA stallion Uncaptured and is out of Saena (by Peace Rules). He was bred by Lee Nam-il at Pyeongdae Farm and was purchased by owner Lee Jong-hun for 69 Million Korean Won at the November 2023 Korea Breeders’ Association Sale. The win moves him on to five wins from eight starts – he also crossed the line 1st in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy last October only to be disqualified for an incident early in the race.

Next week the focus shifts to the Road to September’s International Korea Sprint and the second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

KRA Cup Mile 2025 Preview

It’s the big one for the three-year-old locally bred division on Sunday as the 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan and a full field of sixteen – seven from the host track and nine who have travelled down from Seoul – will compete for the first jewel. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Chan Famous and Long Run Bulpae are among the contenders for the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Trainer Baik Kwang-yeol and owner Lee Jong-hun won this race with Betelgeuse in 2023, and the pair arrive with two of the leading fancies in this edition in the shape of OASIS BLUE, who won Busan’s Classic Trial in February, along with BEOLMAUI ANGEL, who boasts the highest rating in the race.

CHAN FAMOUS won Seoul’s Classic Trial and leads the capital’s challenge in Busan in the colours of owner Shum Ho-chun. Plenty though will fancy LONG RUN BULPAE, 2nd in that race, to overturn the form on Chan Famous.

The biggest juvenile race of last season, the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) was won by 80/1 outsider Aqua Line. He hasn’t raced since and isn’t here while that day’s runner-up Dragon Ninja, is sent to race 5 on Sunday instead. That leaves KHAN MAX, who was 3rd, as the best finisher in that race, who goes here, and he won’t be among the favourites.

Race Shape: (1) LONG RUN BULPAE and (3) BEOLMAUI ANGEL both like to race on pace and both have drawn very well to do so (9) OASIS BLUE has been close to the speed in both his latest successes and while drawn wider this time will not want to be too far away. (11) ELDORADO NOLBU, (12) GANGNARU and (13) CHAN FAMOUS have all shown an ability to come from off the pace and given their wide draws will most likely settle back and seek to close.

Here’s who is taking part in the big race which has a local post time of 16:30 and is race 6 on the card:

1. LONG RUN BULPAE – Three wins up to class 4 and 1200M. 2nd to Chan Famous in the Sports Seoul having been on pace and going down less than a length. Moon Se-young travels down to ride, he can be on pace here and is a chance.

2. WONDERFUL GROOM – Awarded the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy in the stewards’ room when Oasis Blue was thrown out. Well back in the Gyeongnam Shinmun Classic trial but does have a 2nd place on his only start at this distance. Outsider.

3. BEOLMAUI ANGEL – A winner of four from eight up to class 3 level he has the highest rating of any of these. 4th on first try at a mile last time out having shown on pace throughout. That should stand him in good stead here, he draws beautifully, and he can win. Seo Seung-un is aboard.

4. MY DREAM WAY – Just the one win but has begun this year well with a class 4 2nd and then 3rd in the Gyeongnam Shinmun. Others favoured but looks to be getting better with each run and can settle handy and run on and will have Alan Munro at the controls.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 6)

The 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan. It is the last race on a 6-race card on the south coast that runs from 12:05 to 16:30. Up at Seoul there are 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Succes Baekpa won the race a year ago (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) STUNNING WORLD has a 2nd place to her name, recorded on her final run as a juvenile over this distance at the end of December. She has raced just the once since when slow away from a wide draw and running on for 5th. She comes into a much better gate today and won’t need to improve much to win this modest maiden. (10) CHOEGANG SPEED was a fiar 5th in debut over this distance on March 1st, settling back and finishing off well enough. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Debut maker (3) RAON THE BIG RED tried and failed to qualify a couple of times last summer. He was then gelded and put away until this March when he was a good 3rd in a trial. If he brings that form to the races he has every chance. (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) DREAM LYZE others who can improve.

Selections(1) Stunning World (10) Choegang Speed (3) Raon The Big Red (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2., 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) HIGH CROWN is the one to beat here. He has a 2nd on his record and enters off a solid enough 4th place at 1300M on March 15th when settling just behind the speed and running through the line. In this company he should be on or close to the speed and he can goa ll the way. (5) GWACHEON QUEEN got a long way back when well supported over this distance on February 9th. At the start before she was a good 3rd, running on, and coming in fresh after eight weeks off and with conditions now different, she can be given another chance. (10) LOVE SCARLET was an improved 4th at start number two on March 9th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and 3rd up she can be peaking. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO and (6) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) High Crown (5) Gwacheon Queen (10) Love Scarlet (9) Eclipse Tango
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(5) KING WARRIOR has hinted at ability across six starts so far with his best being a 3rd and his most recent a solid 4th over 1300M on March 2nd when on pace throughout and briefly leading. Ruan Maia rode him that day and stays on and he has as much chance as any. (3) MALSGO was a significantly improved 3rd when beating a couple of these at this distance on March 8th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day and from a good draw, expect similar tactics with the chance of going all the way. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE and (8) ISEUL CHEOREOM were 4th and 5th respectively in that March 8th race and both should be able to have a say here. (6) LALA GIRL also picked up when 2nd on her latest and can build on that here.

Selections(5) King Warrior (3) Malsgo (2) Haksan Prince (8) Iseul Cheoreom
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It’s not often we start a card at 1800M but here we are, and it is very competitive with just fillies and mares. (5) BROWN FALCON was the longest but one shot on the board at a mile on March 14th, but she made a mockery of that by coming from well back to run 2nd, beating a couple of these in the process. She remains lightly weighted and from a better gate she can go one better. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA was one of those beaten in that race but she has a class and distance 4th on a tougher race than this as recently as January and with Franco climbing on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) ARION QUEEN mixes her form but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG and (4) LASER GRIT others to consider.

Selections(5) Brown Falcon (1) Seongsil Sihwa (3) Arion Queen (9) Jilju Yeoljeong
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

(1) TAPDINE was 3rd in both his first two starts before breaking through at start three over this distance on February 23rd when leading from gate to wire. He comes up in class today and while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, he draws very well to lead again, and he can repeat. (2) WONDERFUL FAPPY has been a touch disappointing in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win in December. In this company and drawn well he can be challenging Tapdine for the early lead and is worth another chance. (8) BEOLGYO D Y is yet to win in eight attempts but has three 2nd places including last time out over 1300M at this class. He can settle behind the speed and run on here and he should be close. The up in class pair of (9) UMA DACHI and (7) YES ANGEL others to consider.

Selections(1) Tapdine (2) Wonderful Fappy (8) Beolgyo D Y (9) Uma Dachi
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Clas 6 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

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Success Baekpa Swoops To Claim Triple Crown 1st Leg

If there is to be a Triple Crown winner this year, his name will be Success Baekpa after the Min Jang-gi trained colt roared home late to sweep past Nice Time to claim the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Last year’s champion juvenile Hangang Class was sent off as the odds-on favourite among the thirteen-strong field, but just as in the Busan Classic Trial in February, he was a touch slow coming out of the gate and was always on the backfoot from there on. Ultimately, he did well to run 3rd.

Seoul’s Classic Trial winner Nice Time set the early pace along with second-favourite Wonderful Lear. The latter was quickly beaten but Nice Time stayed on and looked set to go on to score until You Hyun-myung launched 13/1 chance Success Baekpa, who had settled well back in the pack, down the centre of the track to sweep past everything in his path and beat Nice Time by three-quarters of a length on the line.

“The horses drawn in one, two, and three (Hangang Class, Wonderful Lear and Nice Time) were so strong that I would have been very happy even to make it into the top-three, so it is a little unexpected” winning trainer Min Jang-gi told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I instructed (You Hyun-myung) to follow the leaders from midfield and I think he made good decisions at the right time and was able to win the race.”

Accordingly, expectations have changed now for the remainder of the Triple Crown series. “Now that he has successfully passed the first hurdle, there are two races left. This horse can come from behind and pick up speed, so I think that the distances getting longer mean his winning chances increase.”

For You Hyun-myung it was a return to the Graded Stakes winning enclosure for the first time since enduring a horrible 2023 when he missed most of the season after two heavy falls resulting in multiple surgeries.

“It makes it more special because it’s my first Grand Prize since returning and my family were here today so I’m even happier” he told KRBC. “I think of winning this race as a new beginning and a reason to work even harder, starting from next week.”

You may have to wait a little longer than next week as he picked up a 2-day ban for excessive whip use. Moon Se-young on Nice Time also got a two-day ban for shifting out in the straight.

Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). She was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. She moves on to a record of four wins from seven starts – and four in a row.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday May 12th. Next week, attention shifts to the Sprint Series and the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

KRA Cup Mile – Triple Crown 1st Leg Preview & Form Comments

The 2024 Korean Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday afternoon as thirteen three-year-olds line up for the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL ON SUNDAY.

Nice Time and Eunpa Sarang have headed South for the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Six colts have made the trip down from Seoul to face seven from the host track and it is a race of many chances.

Champion juvenile HANGANG CLASS will probably start as the betting favourite locally, but he comes in having been beaten in Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy (1400M KOR-Listed) in February, when taken down late by WONDERFUL LEAR. The pair meet again with Hangang Class this time much better drawn.

NICE TIME was Seoul’s best juvenile last year, and he has started 2024 in fine fashion with two wins, including in the capital city’s Classic Trial. He will be ridden by Moon Se-young, who last week won the opening leg of the Triple Tiara on Eclipse Berry and could well make it a double here.

DOCTOR KINGDOM had plenty of near misses throughout the juvenile series last year but an improvement shouldn’t be ruled out while his stablemate, BACCHUS, has taken the same route that last year’s winner Betelgeuse did, and is already a winner at 1800M, let a lone a mile. SUCCESS BAEKPA and STORM BREAKER are others who skipped the Juvenile Series and the Classic Trials to take a different path here.

1. HANGANG CLASS – Dominant seven-length winner of the Breeders’ Cup in December to be crowned champion juvenile. He was favourite for Busan’s Classic Trial in February but was a touch slow out of the widest gate and was then ridden hard around the outside to ultimately establish a four-length lead turning into the straight before being picked off late. He is drawn much better today for an easier run and his class can see him through. The favourite.

2. WONDERFUL LEAR – Picked off Hangang Class late on to win Busan’s Classic Trial, he is a winner of three from six. He has mixed his form and Hangang Class beat him twice last year. Don’t read too much into his midfield finish at this distance in January in a tough and quick race against older horses at class 3 level. He can be very competitive here.

3. NICE TIME – A winner of five from six stars so far with his only defeat coming at Busan when 4th in the Breeders’ Cup. He was slowly away in Seoul’s Classic Trial but showed a lot of heart to haul himself to the lead and then to keep it under pressure. The mile may well suit.

4. LALA KA – Won the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy but has never come close to repeating his explosive exploits from last August’s Rookie Stakes. 5th of ten at class 3 level in his only start this year back in January, he does at least come in here fresh, and the mile could be to his liking.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 7)

The Triple Crown season is upon us with the first jewel being contested at Busan on Sunday afternoon in the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). The big race is number 5 on a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 16:05. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul – where the cherry blossom festival continues – from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Wonderful Lear beat Hangang Class in the Busan Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) TAENGGEURI has five top-five finishes and comes back in trip after a couple of spins at 1700M and one at 1400M, not without some success. He has a 3rd place over this distance and has as good a chance as any here. (1) B.K. BELLE is the main danger. She has mixed her form across five starts so far but her running style suggests that the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be running on late. There isn’t much early speed in the race though. (8) HAYAN TAEYANG returns to action for the first time since last November. She has trialled up well on two occasions and should be in the mix first up here. The form falls off a bit after those three so it may be worth taking note of the debut making pair of (11) WONDERFUL LORD and (2) MAGIC PRINCE, both of whom hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(7) Taenggeuri (1) B.K. Belle (8) Hayan Taeyang (11) Wonderful Lord
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

A small field of maiden fillies. (2) MAGIC IMPACT won a February trial and then finished midfield on debut over 1200M later that month. She should have derived benefit from that experience, she draws much better today, and she has every chance here. (4) BAEDARI HYANGGI has been getting closer in recent outings, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 2nd. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can get even closer today. (7) GENERAL POWER may sound like an energy company and she has mixed her output across her four starts, but going on her 3rd place at 1200M in a good time two starts back, she is a chance here. (1) FLYING LION and (8) NEXTLEVEL are other placing chances.

Selections(2) Magic Impact (4) Baedari Hyanggi (7) General Power (1) Flying Lion
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) BLACK JILJU led for much of the way around over this distance on March 1st and was only narrowly beaten into 2nd place. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and she looks very much the one to beat here. (1) NAEPYEON ran an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on February 23rd. From the inside gate he should be on pace and with Seo Seung-un booked to ride, more improvement seems probable. (10) SEOGWI STAR has been solid if unspectacular across her four appearances to date. She generally finishes off well and can run into some money again here. (8) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE and (6) DANCING BOY are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Black Jilju (1) Naepyeon (10) Seogwi Star (8) Yeonggwangui Rose
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) STUNNING CHAMP enters off a close 2nd place over 1300M on February 24th when settling midfield and running on well. She has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin, and she can win here. (1) SPALTA is clear second pick. He was an improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on March 3rd when racing handy throughout. From a good draw, he should get a relatively easy run to the lead and is the one the favourite will have to get past. There are a couple of debut-makers. Both (9) SPARKLING and (8) MAX PARTY went through plenty of trials, and both are capable of a bold first-up showing. (4) PERFECT TIARA the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Stunning Champ (1) Spalta (9) Sparkling (8) Max Party
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win in six attempts but is also yet to finish outside of the top four. She comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes, the most recent of which was ahead of a couple of today’s rivals at this class and distance on March 3rd. She comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but today should really be her day. If she manages to find one too quick again, it could be (2) FLYING DANU, who was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 8th and duly obliged, racing on pace throughout. She is up in class here but carries a light weight, draws well, and can measure up. (7) SKY GRIT is up in class after a maiden win in a good time at 1200M on March 3rd. She’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) GRAY QUEEN and (8) DONGNAM WINNER other placing chances.

Selections(1) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Flying Danu (7) Sky Grit (6) Gray Queen
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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“IDOL HORSE” BETELGEUSE SHINES BRIGHTEST IN TRIPLE CROWN OPENER

Fan favourite Betelgeuse justified his favourite status as the snared the first jewel of the 2023 Triple Crown with a two-length win in the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Betelgeuse downs Something Lost in the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Boasting a resume more complete than any other in the sixteen-strong field with a higher rating and experience defeating older horses at both a mile and around two turns as well as winning Busan’s Classic trial, Betelgeuse was sent off as the 2.4 market leader. From a kind draw, while not the quickest away, the striking grey was able to set up camp in a handy position while Choice Run and Dokki Bulpae set the pace.

Seoul’s principal raider, Something Lost, who entered the race with the only intact unbeaten record and who had won the Seoul Classic trial last month, quickly joined them on the speed and took himself to the front as they began the long turn for home. Under Choi Si-dae, Betelgeuse would improve before drawing level with Something lost a furlong out and then pulling away in the closing stages as his rival tired.

Betelgeuse and Choi Si-dae return to scale (Pic: KRA)

It was an eye-catching win in a time identical to that set by Captain Yankee a year ago, although slower than those set in the race in 2020 and 2021, which were both run at a different time of year due to pandemic enforced fixture changes. Betelgeuse moved on to seven wins from nine starts and the Concord Point colt, who is quickly amassing as many fans for his looks as for his ability – and there is plenty of both – heads into the Derby as the favourite.

The winner aside, the form from Seoul’s Classic trial, the Sports Seoul Trophy, held up better than that of Busan’s Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, with Something Lost staying on for 2nd and chased home by Dragon Star and Nut Play, who reprised their fast-finishing Sports Seoul 3rd and 4th places. Back home in the capital, and up at 1800M in the Derby, with the way they finish off their races they may pose more of a danger to Betelgeuse. The next best Busan-trained horse was World Legend in 5th.

Busan’s “tifo” still needs a bit of work but a game effort nonetheless (Pic: KRA)

Most of the field ran to expectations with the only below par performance of the race came from last year’s champion juvenile Speed Young. The second favourite loomed up at the top of the home straight but then didn’t run on, ultimately finishing in 7th place. Breeders’ Cup winner Speed Young is proving hard to catch, with his strong win over a mile at class 3 last month, preceded by a lacklustre effort the time before.

Fantastic Kingdom was relatively well-backed but ran like a horse returning from the twenty-one layoff that he was. Dokki Bulpae was sent off at a similar relatively short-priced 11/1 and used up all his energy getting on the speed from an unlucky draw.

For winning jockey Choi Si-dae, it was a first KRA Cup Mile albeit a twelfth Group win in total. Similarly, trainer Baik Kwang-yeol sent out his first Cup Mile winner but his fifth Group winner. Trainer and jockey paired up to win the 2015 Korean Derby with Yeongcheon Ace. That was for the same owner as Betelgeuse, Lee Jong-hun.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on June 11th, before the concluding Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2), also in the capital, on July 11th.  Put the plushie factory on overtime if Betelgeuse can win both of those.