Misnister’s Cup

Minister’s Cup: Preview & Form Comments

The Triple Crown trail comes to an end on Sunday with the final jewel, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2), at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild (Pic: KRA)

There may be no Triple Crown on the line and there isn’t even a Derby winner on show as Hwang Geum Eo Jjang, winner of May’s Classic, wasn’t declared for the race after a piece of work on Wednesday morning. Nevertheless, the sixteen-strong field looks very competitive and full of intrigue.

Favourite is likely to be FUNNY WILD. The Bayern colt won the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) with an on pace effort and was accordingly sent off as favourite for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) on May 3rd. That day he had to contend with gate fourteen, but he made it to the front and ultimately ran 3rd. He has won over 1800M although he hasn’t always been convincing in the final furlong, and Seo Seung-un will have to make sure he stays the extended trip

That step up in trip could conceivably bring even more improvement out of FANTASTIC FORCE. He came from a long way back to run 5th in the Cup Mile and then 2nd in the Derby. He has only won once but the Lim Keum-man trained runner looks to be seeking further and under Franco Da Silva, he may well oblige.  

KING MASTER skipped the Cup Mile but was a revelation when 4th in the Derby and is another who could relish the 2000M. MR. TAEYANG and CLUTCH MAGIC missed both the Cup Mile and Derby but are among plenty of others who can make an impact.

The Minister’s Cup is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. Here is a run down of the full field:

1. THE EXCELLENT – Has won his latest two most recently over 1400M at class 5 level. Didn’t go well in previous try around two turns but has come on since then. Big ask here though.

2. CLUTCH MAGIC – All the way winner over 1700M at class 4 on May 2nd making it three wins from five. Looks a progressive type and while this is his sternest test, he can be on pace from a good draw and be in this a long way.

3. MR. TAEYANG – Strong winner over 1800M on May 2nd, settling behind the speed and proving too strong. 2nd behind King Master two starts back. Getting better with each run, and he can be a danger.

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