Munhwa Ilbo Trophy

JUVENILE SERIES: LALA K ROLLED AS NICE TIME CLAIMS MUNHWA / BAEKDUUI KKUM SCORES AT BUSAN

A precocious, slightly uncontrollable, and still unbeaten grey two-year-old made his way into the winner’s circle as expected following the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy, the first leg of the Juvenile Series at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. But it wasn’t Lala K, whose exploits in August’s Rookie Stakes went around the world. Instead, Nice Time was the grey who emerged with his reputation enhanced and unbeaten record intact.

Lala K can only manage 3rd as Nice Time defeats Eclipse Berry in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Last to first Rookie Stakes winner Lala K was sent off as favourite in the Munhwa Ilbo (1200M KOR-L). There was never any likelihood of the same kind of fireworks as in the Rookie Stakes, a situation that came about because of an unfortunate start leaving him a long way behind. This time, Lala K began well but from gate nine was quickly caught in no-man’s land four-wide. It was not a promising platform from which to launch any kind of challenge.

Outsider Gana Power led from the gate with Eclipse Berry joining him. Gana Power gave way at the top of the straight leaving the Rookie Stakes 3rd placegetter along with Vincero Cavallo out in front. The latter was quickly beaten and with Lala K struggling to go through the gears, it seemed Eclipse Berry was set to win.

Nice Time is another…eccentric…grey (Pic: KRA)

That was to reckon without Nice Time. Like Lala K, he came into the race two for two and was sent off as second favourite. Under Kim Dong-soo, he tracked Lala K in the early stages, also racing wide, before coming past on the turn and launching a late charge, catching, and passing Eclipse Berry in the shadow of the post.

Nice Time is by Overanalayze and is out of the Tenpins mare Country Club Sue. He was a KRW 105 Million purchase by his owner, Park Nam-sung, at last year’s KTBA October Sale. He is trained by Moon Byeong-ki, who only gained his license last year and was winning his first Listed race. For jockey Kim Dong-soo, it was a second big race win having won the Busan Ilbo Sprint on Silver Wolf in 2018.

As for Lala K, while he won’t be going viral this time, he may benefit from the experience of having been in the kickback for the first time. He still finished strongly for 3rd place and there is plenty more racing to come.

Busan also hosted its first leg of the Juvenile Series, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (1200M KOR-L). On the south coast the Rookie Stakes winner did oblige as filly Baekduui Kkum, sauntered to an easy victory.   

Sent off as the odds-on favourite following her four-length score in August’s Rookie, this time it was even more straightforward for Baekduui Kkum. Franco Da Silva, who is enjoying a golden year in the saddle, stalked the early leader before briefly giving Badauui Kkum her head in the home straight and she didn’t need long to establish her superiority, cruising across the line five-lengths to the good of Doctor Kingdom, who also chased her home in the Rookie.

Baekduui Kkum and Franco Da Silva win the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (Pic: KRA)

Baekduui Kkum is by Uncaptured and is out of the Discreet Cat mare Baekdu Cat. She was a KRW 30 Million purchase from the KTBA November 2022 sale by owner Hong Kyung-pyo, who is best known for top sprinter Ssonsal. She is trained by Lee Sang-young, also the current trainer of Ssonsal.

Seoul and Busan will also hold separate races for the second leg of the Juvenile Series on November 5th, the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, both over 1200M. The best of the two track’s two-year-olds will then come together at Busan on December 10th for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) and a huge KRW 700 Million purse. Nice Time and Baekduui Kkum will surely be there, but will Lala K?

Next week the there is Stakes race action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) with rivals Winner’s Man and Tuhonui Banseok set to clash once more.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 8)

The viral superstar Lala K returns to the track as the Juvenile Series kicks off with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (live on the KRBC International YouTube channel). Busan also hosts its opening leg of the Juvenile Series with the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes. See here fore a preview of both races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00, Here is the race-by-race:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one having raced before. (4) HERE I AM will start the hot favourite having improved to 2nd place in a quick time at start number two on September 3rd when racing handy throughout. He draws well here and should prove too strong. (10) HWASANGWIHWA similarly improved last time out at what for him was start three in which he raced around in 2nd position all the way. The time was good, and a repeat will put him in the finish again. (9) SMART CLAIR has run fairly across three starts so far. She has been a touch one-paced but if he can settle midfield, he should pass a few late to take some money. (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI and (5) SMART CAT others in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Here I Am (10) Hwasangwihwa (9) Smart Clair (7) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Two standouts here. (10) GRAND SILVER gets the nod with steady improvement in recent outings culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on September 10th when handy all the way. He won’t need to improve much here to win this. (1) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1300M on September 17th. He has looked like he may appreciate a touch further and today he gets the chance to show it and is the main danger. (7) HEY MAMA beat Grand Silver two starts back and then beat three of the others who go here when repeating that finish on September 2nd over this distance. She’ll be on pace here and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) GEOMOON and (2) SANGIM DAEPYO among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Grand Silver (1) Heuimangui Changa (7) Hey Mama (11) Geomoon
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 1: Class (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast with all but two having raced before and it’s a tricky puzzle. As a result, we’ll take a chance on the solitary first timer. That’s (2) WORLD DRAGON who looked good when making all to cross the line first by a big margin in a decent time in a late-August trial. He draws nicely to lead on debut and can put in a bold first up showing. (7) BLACK SPRING ran 2nd in a quick time over 1000M on debut in July before finishing last in the Rookie Stakes on August 27th. His time wasn’t bad though and coming back into more amenable company, he can be given another chance. (3) BEOLMAUI MONSTER came from off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M on debut on September 1st. He was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have benefitted from the experience and the extra furlong can suit. (9) STRIDING MAN and (5) MACH MAN among plenty of others with the possibility of improvement.

Selections(2) World Dragon (7) Black Spring (3) Beolmaui Monster (9) Striding Man
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Having won a trial, (4) BRAVO PLAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on August 19th. He raced handy throughout, briefly touching the front in the straight but ultimately finished a close 3rd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he looks the one to beat here. Both (5) GEOLJAK ONE and (2) MAGIC STRONG had poor days at the office when they came home 8th and 9th respectively when racing one another over this distance on August 27th. Both had shown ability prior, especially Geoljak One, who has a 2nd and a 3rd among four starts and the pair look to be the biggest dangers here. (6) STORM GUY did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked well so could improve. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI another in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Bravo Play (5) Geoljak One (2) Magic Strong (6) Storm Guy
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) GOOD DADDY was unfancied on debut over 1200M and having come out of the widest gate, it looked as though that pessimism was justified as he sat at the back of the twelve-runner field and did little. Then came the closing stages where he made up excellent ground and finished 5th. He should improve for the run and the early step up to a mile could be very much in his favour in this very weak maiden. (4) COLONEL FLYING ran 2nd in August and then beat plenty of these when 3rd over 1400M on September 10th. We’ll need to draw a line through his latest on September 24th, but his prior form was superior to the rest here and he can be given another chance. He’s not alone in needing forgiveness for his most recent outing. (2) SINHAN GAMBLE was well back in the same race but his 5th at the start before is enough to make him a money chance here. Likewise (7) ROCKS and (8) TOMYRIS have had minor money finishes and could repeat.

Selections(3) Good Daddy (4) Colonel Flying (2) Sinhan Gamble (7) Rocks
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (4) V QUEEN enters with recent form reading well with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at class and distance on September 10th when she settled right back and ran on well. She draws nicely here, she remains lightly weighted, and she has as good a chance as any. She has though won just one from thirty-three. (1) MR QUALITY may be yet to win at all, but he has proved competitive at this class in his latest two. He likes to get on pace and from a good draw he can lead and be in this a long way. (6) FINE DAY is another maiden but comes up in class here after too many near-misses at class 6. She comes down in weight and should be prominent here. (2) GEOSEN CHAMP and (8) BEST SUNSHINE among other placing chances.

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Lala K To Defend 100% Record as Juvenile Series Starts Sunday

Lala K, the striking grey two-year-old who shocked the world with his scarcely believable last to first run to win the Seoul Rookie Stakes in August, returns to action at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday as he seeks to maintain his 100% start to his career in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed), the capital track’s first leg of the Juvenile Series.

Lala K (Pic: KRA)

Although the overall race time was not especially quick, Lala K’s figures as he went from out of sight at the back to out of sight at the front in the Rookie Stakes certainly held up to scrutiny. He may have been running at tiring and inexperienced young horses, but his final furlong time was one-tenth of a second quicker than that clocked by Remake when the Japanese star set a new track record in the International Group 3 Korea Sprint two weeks later.

Don’t necessarily expect a repeat of those come from behind antics on Sunday though as Lala K’s extraordinary finish was only rendered necessary after he received a big bump coming out of the gate which put him a long way back. On his debut appearance over 1000M in July, he broke cleanly and sat in 2nd place before pulling away from the field to win comfortably and jockey Yoo Seung-wan will probably have little appetite to do things the hard way again as Lala K seeks to go three for three.

LALA K will be sent off as hot favourite in the Munhwa Ilbo with Rookie Stakes 3rd ECLIPSE BERRY perhaps the main danger. She overcame the same wide gate as today to get on pace and ran on well. Aside from Lala K the only other unbeaten horse in the race is NICE TIME. The Overanalyze colt won on debut over 1000M in August before following up with a victory at class 5 level at today’s distance when settling midfield and running on. He has shown a decent final furlong turn of speed – not Lala K speed – but he looks to have scope to get better.

HANGANG CROWN was sent off as favourite for the Rookie Stakes but after showing prominently early endured a dismal final furlong to ultimately finish last. She had previously shown good speed and will be given another chance by plenty. VINCERO CAVALLO ran out a seven-length winner at this distance to get his maiden win on September 16th and is another who has potential.

While only two come back to face Lala K from that Rookie Stakes, some pointers to how that form is holding up will come on Saturday. Runner-up Dalbitjogaksa, who led all the way under Lala K cleaned her up, goes in Saturday’s class 4 race 7 over 1400M. while 4th place Flying Star runs in race 6 also at 1300M at class 5. One race earlier on Saturday, 5th place Geosen Bangyeok goes in race 5, also at class 5 over 1300M. All three are likely to be sent off as favourite.

For all the attention lavished on Lala K, Busan’s equivalent Rookie Stakes was probably the better race although only three who come out of it are among the eight who will contest Sunday’s Areumdaun Jilju Stakes (1200M KOR-Listed), Busan’s equivalent race to the Munhwa Ilbo (the two tracks’ juveniles only come together for the final race of the series, the Breeders’ Cup at Busan in December). They are headed by the impressive winner, BAEKDUUI KKUM, who having been handy throughout, eased away from his rivals to score by four-lengths.

Baekduui Kkum will be a strong favourite to score again. That day’s runner-up DOCTOR KINGDOM returns for another crack while the Bart Rice trainee CONTROLLER, with a win and two placings from three outings so far, is given his chance. The potential main danger though is Thomas Gillespie’s YEONGGWANGUI GLORY, a winner of both his starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and who draws very nicely on the inside to get to the lead again.

The Munhwa Ilbo Trophy is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul and will be broadcast live on the KRA’s KRBC International YouTube channel.

The Areumdaun Jilju Stakes is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan.

Munhwa Ilbo Trophy Selections: (9) Lala K (11) Eclipse Berry (10) Nice Time (2) Vincero Cavallo

Areumdaun Jilju Stakes Selections: (2) Baekduui Kkum (1) Yeonggwangui Glory (3) Controller (6) Doctor Kingdom

Juvenile Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

The juvenile series kicks off at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in the capital and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes on the South Coast. Both will have hot favourites with the respective track’s “Rookie Stakes” winners Giant Punch and Fantastic Kingdom both expected to kick on. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 with 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. Here are the previews:

Juvenile Series races in times gone by have been good (Pic KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

An unusual start to the day in that it is for juvenile fillies at class 4 level, so it is targeted at imported horses, the first such race here for a while. Five of the eight race for the first time but they find themselves up against a proven winner in (1) FIRE GIRL. She made all to win over 1200M on debut on August 28th and from the inside gate, the Pioneerof The Nile filly will be odds-on to make it two from two. The main dangers are set to be first timers. (6) MEDICI WOLF won a trial having been handy throughout. The time wasn’t quick, but she did it well and should have derived benefit from it. (2) MOONHAK SONG and (8) BS POWER both went faster than Medici Wolf in their heats and can go well first up. (7) MISS HIGH FLY another who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Fire Girl (6) Medici Wolf (2) Moonhak Song (8) BS Power
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The first division of two juvenile maidens and six of the twelve are racing for the first time. (1) DRAGON STAR gets the nod following a 3rd and a 5th in his opening two races, both in decent times when coming from off the pace. He draws very well here and with some natural improvement can win. The draw doesn’t favour (12) HIGH GRAND. He comes in off a solid 6th and a 4th in his latest two most recently behind Naol Sniper, who has gone on to win again. With a bit of luck at the start, he can find a good position and he can tun on well. (5) JANGBI MUJIGAE ran on well for 5th place in a fast race on a wet drack over this distance on debut and a repeat of that would put him right in this. As for the debut-makers, (9) TOUR QUEEN and (3) CUPID WARRIOR look best equipped to make an immediate impression.

Selections(1) Dragon Star (12) High Grand (5) Jangbi Mujigae (9) Tour Queen
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees five of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. There are a couple of standouts and given the draw, we’ll side with (1) SINUI YEOIN. She ran on for a close 4th on debut over this distance on August 14th in a fast time on a wet track. She can be on pace or handy here and could prove too strong. (10) GLOBAL CHANGA was well-backed on debut when he ran 2nd to Ranut, who takes his chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy later today. He overcame gate eleven that day and while he scarcely draws any better here, he may well start as favourite. (8) DALGEUM is the logical third pick, following an improved 3rd in her second outing on August 20th when sitting in midfield and then running on over a wet track. She can finish strongly again here. (4) GIPPEUM HWANHO didn’t do too much wrong when 5th on debut and should have come on for the run. The debut-makers don’t really jump out here although (5) AMAN BAROWS went through a lot of trials a registered a couple of decent times.

Selections(1) Sinui Yeoin (10) Global Changa (8) Dalgeum (4) Gippeum Hwanho
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast. (3) HANSEN COD GIRL was a close 3rd on debut on September 2nd just getting the worst of a desperately tight three-way finish. She draws well to be on pace again and won’t need to improve much on that to win. (12) PISTOL STAR also suffered a near-miss on debut. That was back in July when handy throughout and just narrowly being beaten into 2nd over 1000M. He races for the first time since and if he can get a bit of luck position-wise from the wide draw, he can have a big say in this. There are three first timers and (1) META QUEEN looked good when winning an August trial. She draws well and could sneak a place on debut here. Likewise (9) GEMIJIN was a distance 2nd in his heat to an experienced racehorse but stopped the clock in a fair time and can be competitive. (11) ARTHUR KING IJI is one of a few with the potential to improve on their debut effort.

Selections(3) Hansen Cod Girl (12) Pistol Star (1) Meta Queen (9) Gemijin
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) ARGO TAP has shown potential across three starts to date with a best of 3rd. He has led all three including his latest when he tackled 1200M for the first time and led for most of the way, before ultimately finishing 5th of nine. He should have come on for that experience, can lead again, and this time go all the way. Any top-three finish will put (3) HWANGWOO GANGJA up to class 5 and it could well be a win. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip. Last time she was on pace, something that will be expected again from a good draw, and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight down. He has solid claims. There was a full ten months between (7) CUPID WOW making his debut and re-appearing. He was better the second time around, running 3rd on his return. That was in early July so he has had another three months off since, but a repeat of that run will put him close at the finish. Solitary debut-maker (1) JILJU DAESE and two-time placegetter (8) GEUMA ALLURE are others in the frame.

Selections(6) Argo Tap (3) Hwangwoo Gangja (7) Cupid Wow (1) Jilju Daese
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A big field of maidens but (9) MIGHTY STORM will be expected to score. After three consecutive 4th place finishes, he managed 3rd on his latest outing at 1200M on September 4th when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip today might be what he needs, and he is the one to beat. (11) GOLDEN RACER has finished off both her races to date very well over 1200M, especially last tie out when running on for 4th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter to her, and the additional half furlong should be appreciated. (5) TEUKGEUP CAMP is another up slightly in trip having done his recent work over 1200M. He ran good times at this distance and may well be ridden a bit further forward today with there being not much genuine speed in this race. (10) HALLA BAEKDU and (3) ECTON POWER among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(9) Mighty Storm (11) Golden Racer (5) Teukgeup Camp (10) Halla Baekdu
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10
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