President’s Cup

Not Nearly Anymore! Speed Young Races To Group 1 Glory in President’s Cup

Speed Young, Korean racing’s nearly horse, finally tasted Group 1 glory with victory in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The five-year-old held out Gangpungma by just under a length with Success Baekpa and the defending champion Global Hit 3rd and 4th. The top four in the market dominated and beat home the rest of the field by a full nine-lengths.

Speed Young is Group 1 (Pic: KRA)

Despite having missed the Korea Cup through lameness discovered after being beaten by Success Baekpa in August’s KRA Cup Classic, Global Hit was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite for the richest open age race in the country that is restricted to local bred horses.

While settling fairly under Kim Hye-sun and taking up a good position coming into the home straight, Global Hit never threatened to win and was beaten a long way from home.

Instead, it was Speed Young who, having raced handy throughout with Jung Do-yun on board, took things up with just over a furlong to go and ran on to hold off the fast-finishing Gangpungma with plenty to spare.

“I think we won because we rode a confident race plan today. I wanted to get forward and not to have to worry about what any other horse was doing” winning jockey Jung Do-yun told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

It was the jockey’s first Group 1 win. “When you choose to be a jockey as your profession, winning Group 1 races is your ultimate goal and now I have done that I am so happy I can’t express it in words…I really want to thank the owner for trusting me with the ride, the trainer for his guidance and the fans in Seoul for their support whenever I come here.”

Speed Young won three of his first five races and was champion juvenile in 2022 but won only another three in his next twenty-one starts with the biggest coming in last year’s G3 Owners’ Cup at Busan.

Always running in Graded Stakes company though he had amassed a slew of top four finishes at distances between 1200M and 2300M. Demonstrating his versatility and reliability – “Swiss army knife” is one of his many nicknames – Speed Young was the best locally trained finisher in the 2024 Korea Sprint and the 2025 Korea Cup.

“I am very happy.” Park Nam-sung, who owns Speed Young through his D R M City group and also, under his own name, Gangpungma and therefore had a very good day, smiled to KRBC. “Of course, the victory had absolutely nothing to do with me but all the staff who made it happen.”

“Finally, it’s a victory. I bought Speed Young for 100 Million Won and since then he has lots of top two and three and four finishes, the occasional win, but always in the best races. He was 4th in the Korea Cup and now he makes a statement by winning the President’s Cup.”

As for what is next, Park didn’t mention the  Dubai Carnival but instead said “Let’s try and win the Korea Cup next year.”

Trainer Bang Dong-suk saddled both the winner and the beaten defending champion and he admitted to KRBC that it was an unfamiliar sensation. “Global Hit was below my expectation, which was disappointing, but Speed Young winning is a new feeling.”

“I was so disappointed with the last race (KRA Cup Classic), not to take anything away from Success Baekpa who beat us, but today Speed Young looked much more loosened up and Jung Do-yun said he wanted to go for it.”

“With Global Hit, I will review the race again, talk to (jockey) Kim Hye-sun, and obviously have the horse checked for his condition and hopefully we can go again.”

Later in the evening, the stewards reported that the post-race vet examination noted the same conditions Global Hit was diagnosed with in August – desmitis of the suspensory ligament and synovitis of the fetlock joint, both chronic if manageable ailments. He will need to be cleared by the vets before being permitted to race again.

The President’s Cup is part of the Korea Premier Series and while it was restricted to Korean bred horses, the final leg, the Grand Prix Stakes (2000M KOR-G1) on November 30th is open not only to foreign bred, but also foreign trained horses and Japan’s Yumeno Honoo, 3rd behind Global Hit and Speed Young in May’s YTN Cup, is expected to return to Korea for another go.

Speed Young and Gangpungma may now have the best chance of preserving honour for the home side.

Global Hit Returns To Mount President’s Cup Defence

Korea’s best horse returns from the injury that kept him out of the Korea Cup to defend the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1), the country’s richest open age race restricted to locally bred runners. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

A year ago, Global Hit won the President’s Cup on his way to securing the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. That particular streak of wins had begun with the KRA Cup Classic, but Globa Hit came unstuck in that race this time around in August when from a wide gate, he struggled to settle under jockey Kim Hye-sun and ultimately finished a well-beaten 2nd.

It’s perhaps a sign of the esteem Global Hit is held in that there has been scarcely any talk of his injury in the build up to the race. After the KRA Cup Classic he came back lame, but it wasn’t as serious as first feared and he returned to work on August 29th and hasn’t missed a planned session since. The layoff – and missing a very taxing Korea Cup – may work in his favour.

There’s a familiar supporting cast. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG can run well at any distance at the highest level but almost always runs into one too quick, be it Global Hit or latterly SUCCESS BAEKPA, the KRA Cup Classic winner. If the favourite doesn’t perform on his return, those two are the most likely beneficiaries.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GANGPUNGMA – Enters in great form having won three of his last four, all at class 1 and all at 2000M. He likes to settle back and run on and while he was well back in this race a year ago, he is a better horse now and while maybe not a winning chance, he will have backers on an each-way line.

2. MY DREAM DAY – Won the final leg of the Triple Crown at this distance in Seoul in June but was 2nd to Oasis Red at class 3 level over 1800M on his return. Enters off a class 2 win at 1800M on September 14th when handy throughout. Big step up in terms of opposition but potential.

3. GLOBAL HIT – The defending Champion, he placed in Group 2 company at Meydan in March. He won her first two starts back in Korea in the Stayer Series but then suffered a reverse to Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic when failing to settle from a wide draw and coming back lame. He has been back in work since late August and has had no problems first-up in the past. Much better draw than the Classic and the one to beat.

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President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 19)

Global Hit returns to defend his crown in the Billion Won G1 President’s Cup in Seoul and there are also bug Juvenile Series races both in the capital and at Busan on a huge Sunday of racing. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won last year’s President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(5) DI NE ran 3rd on debut at 1000M in July before finishing a very fair 6th of thirteen in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th. He steps back into more amenable company here and third-up, he should be ready to claim his maiden win. (10) JEONGSANG HERA exceeded expectations on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, showing handy throughout and running on for 2nd. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (7) REFLECT ran 5th on debut at this distance on September 14th, starting slowly but finishing off well. He too can come on for that run. (8) CHOEGO GOLD and (4) SAEROUN BISUL are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Di Ne (10) Jeongsang Hera (7) Reflect (8) Choego Gold
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M and then 3rd in the Rookie Stakes in August. That led her to be given a crack at the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th and while she finished back in the pack, she didn’t run badly and coming back into shallower waters today, she is the one to beat. (11) TIGER ROAR was only ordinary in her first two outings, but she found form at start three on September 21st when only beaten a neck over this distance. Ruan Maia stays on and she shapes as a danger again. (6) TRIPLE PALMETTO enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently at this distance on August 24th and coming in fresh after eight weeks off, can aim to get closer. (1) DONGBANG FORCE returns to action for the first time since January but looked well in a September trial. (3) OMENO TIME another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Hwansangui Nara (11) Tiger Roar (6) Triple Palmetto (1) Dongbang Force
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) RAON FLORENCE has finished 2nd in all three starts so far, most recently only beaten a head over 1200M on his first try at this class on August 21st. From a good draw, he will be on pace, and he can go one better. (1) KING OF DRAGON was a promising juvenile a year ago running 4th in Listed company but not running again after being well back in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He finally returned to action in August and while he only finished midfield, he can strip fitter here and get closer. (6) CHEONMAHORYEONG returned from a similarly lengthy absence to run 4th at this class and distance on September 28th. He should have derived benefit from the run and be in the mix here. (3) DAEWONYONGMA and (10) UNIVERSAL are other chances.

Selections(2) Raon Florence (1) King Of Dragon (6) Cheonmahoryeong (3) Daewonyongma
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not the strongest of maidens. (8) SUN LIGHT enters off a 2nd place at this distance on September 14th when albeit nine-lengths behind a good winner, she raced well. That made it four top four finishes from seven starts and she has as much chance as any here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL ran 4th in both his first two starts before improving to 3rd over a mile on August 26th when handy throughout. He will be on or close to the pace here and is a big danger. (5) DELEKOOMDA looks to be figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on September 21st when coming from off the pace. He can be challenging late again. (3) HOLY NIKE and (1) SPEED BOY are other place chances.

Selections(8) Sun Light (4) Somanguigil (5) Delekoomda (3) Holy Nike
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) RAON THE AFFIRMED got his maiden win at this class and distance on August 31st when he led from gate to wire, scoring by four-lengths. He comes up 3kg in weight, but that win was impressive, and he can follow up. (4) EODIDEUNJI was a winner over 1200M at start number two on September 20th when settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (9) BREEDO TROPHY comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1200M, working home well both times, and he can be in the finish again. (10) HIT FLY and (3) YEONGGWANGUI SKY, the latter getting a 4kg apprentice claim, are among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Raon The Affirmed (4) Eodideunji (9) Breedo Trophy (10) Hit Fly
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(12) SCYTHAI remains a maiden after nine attempts, but she has five top three finishes including her latest two when 2nd and then 3rd at this class and distance. She carries a light weight, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem as she has a strong finish and today can be her day. (5) SHACKLE SUN is likewise yet to win but only missed out by a nose when 2nd two starts back and was within a length of the winner when 4th last time out on August 24th. He can settle handy again and can be a danger. (11) DAEGIL HERO continues the trend of non-winners with a big chance of breaking through. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance coming from off the pace and he can be running on strong again. (2) SMART SMILE and (7) HEAVY DUTY are previous winners who should be in the frame.

Selections(12) Scythai (5) Shackle Sun (11) Daegil Hero (2) Smart Smile
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) CHARMING QUEEN will be a warm favourite here. After finishing 2nd on debut, she got her maiden win over 1300M at start number two in May and has since then finished as runner-up on both her tries at this class, most recently over 1400M on September 14th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit. The vastly experienced (not always a great thing at class 5) (8) BITNANEUN JILJU has raced thirty-six times since he last won but he enters following back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance and he can be in the finish again. (4) MIGHTY BOM is a non-winner of twenty but has eleven top three placings and this is the kind of race he can score a money finish n. (11) HEEMANGBAND and (6) WITH DIS KURO others to consider.

Selections(2) Charming Queen (8) Bitnaneun Jilju (4) Mighty Bom (11) Heemangband
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Global Hit Adds President’s Cup To Burgeoning Big Race Haul

Global Hit tightened his grip over the elite level of racing here on Sunday afternoon with a dominant win at Seoul Racecourse in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1).

Global Hit with his grooms, jockey and trainer (Pic: KRA)

Under Kim Hye-sun, the four-year-old Global Hit (by To Honor and Serve) stalked the leaders until unleashing in the home straight and running on to win by five-lengths from Naol Sniper. Global Hit’s stablemate in the Bang Dong-suk barn, Speed Young, was 3rd.

“I’m happy, I’m so happy. It’s a Group 1 race so I was nervous but at the same time I tried to enjoy it. I’m really proud of Global Hit’s performance today” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

“The strategy was just to sit where he was comfortable and then just to maintain that position, let him do his thing and then let him go.”

A year ago, Global Hit, fresh from winning the Korean Derby was beaten seven lengths in the President’s Cup by Winner’s Man. He would then push the older horse all the way to the line. Winner’s Man was formally retired earlier this month and capturing the Grand Prix Stakes is set to be next on the agenda for Global Hit.

Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

“I think we go to the Grand Prix” said jockey Kim. “I know the fans want it and so do I. The Grand Prix is a more meaningful race than the President’s Cup and I still regret and blame myself that we came 2nd (by a nose to Winner’s Man) in last year’s Grand Prix.”

Hye-sun probably didn’t mean to do down the President’s Cup, but the Grand Prix, while worth the same prize money, is a longer standing race and is open to foreign bred as well as Korean bred horses. 

 “This time there will be no excuses but also, I don’t feel the pressure anymore; I enjoy it. All of the team at Stable 26 (Bang Dong-suk’s barn at Busan) try to make a fun and supportive environment and I am grateful for the trust we all have in each other.”

The win was Global Hit’s second Group 1 success, following his Korean Derby victory last year. Winning the Grand Prix over 2300M on December 1st, will take him to within one of matching Winner’s Man, who achieved a career Grand Slam of winning every Korean G1. Of course, the final one will prove more difficult in the shape of the Korea Cup (or Sprint).

Global Hit goes clear (Pic: KRA)

Overall, it was an encouraging race for the future with the first three placegetters all four-years-old. Chasing them home in 4th place was this year’s KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner, Success Baekpa, making a hugely encouraging return to action, racing for the first time since the final leg of the Triple Crown in June.

In a significant downer for the race though, the decision to enter sprinter Beolmaui Star, despite the runner-up in the 2023 Korea Sprint never having run any further than a mile, backfired when after leading, he rapidly faded and crossed the line one from last. Later he was found to have a fracture of the 4th metacarpal bone. World Dragon, who was last, was not reported to have any immediate physical issues.

Next weekend, attention turns to the juvenile division with the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, both Listed stops on the Juvenile Series.

GLOBAL HIT AND SPEED YOUNG HEADLINE PRESIDENT’S CUP SHOWDOWN

It’s not the most valuable race on the calendar, that’s the Korea Cup, and nor is it the most prestigious, with that honour going to the Grand Prix Stakes. It is in the President’s Cup though where Korean racing legends tend to be made. SEE HERE FOR SUNDAY’S RACE-BY-RACE FOR BOTH SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Global Hit seeks a second G1 in the President’s Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

There was Dangdae Bulpae, with three consecutive wins between 2010 and 2012. Triple Nine with four between 2015 and 2018. And last year Winner’s Man completed the Grand Slam of Korean Group 1 races by finally adding it as the final piece to his collection (The Korean Derby, the Grand Prix and one of either the Korea Cup or Korea Sprint is required for a full set).

On Sunday, all eyes are on last year’s Korean Derby winner GLOBAL HIT, who in the absence of the now retired Winner’s Man, has become the standard bearer of racing here. While bested by Winner’s Man both in this race and in the Grand Prix last year, the latter by a very narrow margin, he was 3rd in the Korea Cup and now he seeks to stamp his authority over the domestic division by winning the President’s Cup.

It won’t be easy. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG has run him close before and can again, while NAOL SNIPER and WORLD DRAGON are also seeking Group race success.

SUCCESS BAEKPA is the up and comer having won two legs of this year’s Triple Crown, while in SIMJANGUI GODONG, there is a former winner in the race with the veteran having prevailed in the 2021 edition.

Adding intrigue among the fifteen-strong field is the presence of BEOLMAUI STAR. The runner-up in the 2023 Korea Sprint has had an erratic summer at the shorter distances and he gets tried around two turns for the first time in his career.

The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is race 7 at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a local post time of 15:40.

1. SUCCESS BAEKPA – Winner of the 1st and 3rd legs of this year’s Triple Crown and 3rd in the Derby, he hasn’t raced since winning the Minister’s Cup here over 2000M in June. He has been back in work since late August and looked well when winning a trial within himself in mid-September. Very tough ask first-up but he is a big talent and if match fit, could be involved.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Saved Korea’s honour when 3rd behind Crown Pride and Wilson Tesoro in the Korea Cup, he is acknowledged as the best horse in the country. Three wins from five this year with the ineligible Tuhonui Banseok the only one to beat him. Sensibly campaigned, if at his best, he is too good. From a great draw, Kim Hye-sun can pick her spot and probably settles handy or midfield

3. TIZ BAROWS – Class 1 winner in June but beaten by Naol Sniper and Gangpungma in July, he has just been found a little wanting when tried against the elite and was 10th in his previous Group attempt, the YTN Cup. May well try to go to the lead here.  

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President’s Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan – Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s President’s Cup day! The penultimate Group 1 race of the year takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the likes of Global Hit, Speed Young and Naol Sniper among the leading contenders in the Billion Won race. The big race is race 7 (15:40) on the 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00 while there are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. We’ll have a full runner-by-runner guide to the big race a little later, but for now, here are the race previews:

Global Hit and Speed Young head the President’s Cup field (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (9) CUPID IT, who ran 2nd on debut in a quick race over 1000M before finishing a fair 7th of thirteen in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. Back in more amenable company today, he will be a warm favourite. (5) ECLIPSE EDGE was given a tough assignment on debut in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. He finished down the field but was in no way disgraced and having previously shown speed in his trials, he looks set for improvement today and will be second favourite. (6) STUNNING WORLD was a competent 5th on debut in a good time over 1000M and should have come on for the run. As for the first timers, (3) WORLD JOY beat three of these when 3rd in a trial on September 12th and looks best placed to make an immediate impact. (7) VOYAGER, 6th in that same heat, another.

Selections(9) Cupid It (5) Eclipse Edge (6) Stunning World (3) World Joy
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Similar to race 1, we have a horse who ran well on debut before finishing back in the Rookie Stakes. That’s (6) MORE THAN JOKE, who only beat two home in the Rookie Stakes but like everything in that race, ran creditably. He was 2nd over 1000M on debut back in July, racing on pace, and against limited opposition here, will be expected to win. (3) GLOBAL HAMSEONG was a close 3rd to More Than Joke on debut in July before notching another 3rd when stepped up to this distance on August 24th. He draws well and can be a danger.  (1) SEMYEONG STRONG improved at start number two and from the same gate today can continue to make progress. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN and (9) ARCH DAY others in the frame.

Selections(6) More Than Joke (3) Global Hamseong (1) Semyeong Strong (10) Perfect Danaeun
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast, with six of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll go with a debut maker and (4) YOUNG SKYWALKER. He led all the way in his trial, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good having been barely asked to do a thing. If he brings that form to the races, he will take a lot of beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (7) RACE MAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they debuted together over 1000M on September 13th in what was a fast race. Both should have come on for the run and the pair shape as the main dangers to the newcomer here. Turning to the rest of those debut-makers, (6) BREEDO COMET and (9) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who hinted at ability in trials.  

Selections(4) Young Skywalker (2) Doctor City (7) Race Man (6) Breedo Comet
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) MARU JNGGUN got his maiden win at start number two in August over 1200M before running 4th at the same distance on his first try at this level on September 14th. HE stays under the same weight, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (4) EAST QUALITY is yet to win in six attempts but got promoted to this level following back-to-back runner0uo finishes in June and July. He showed he can compete with a 4th place over this distance on September 1st and he can be on pace here and in this a long way. (6) CHEONGUCHAT is similarly a maiden but has plenty of near misses. He is another who should be on pace with every chance. (9) MOMO K and (2) MR. POWER the other logical place chances.

Selections(7) Maru Janggun (4) East Quality (6) Cheonguchat (9) Momo K
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BANGTANUI JEONSA stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 13th and beat three of these on his way to a much-improved 3rd place. It wasn’t a quick race and generally betting on a horse that ran well at 70/1 last time out is as quick a route to the poor house as any, he comes in under almost the same weight, he draws very nicely, and he could come out on top here. (4) WILD DIXIE was 4th in that race, continuing a consistent recent string of results. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he should be running on strong here. (8) USANG RYUNG came home in 6th place that day, but at the start before, she was 2nd over the same distance and that’s enough to put her firmly in the frame here. (6) I AM DREAMER has trialed well since an inauspicious debut while (10) BAEDARI BOSEOK has a 2nd place on his record which is enough to put him in the mix with this lot.

Selections(3) Bangtanui Jeonsa (4) Wild Dixie (8) Usang Ryung (6) I Am Dreamer
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) MISS CONCORD ran out a five-length winner over 1200M on September 14th, registering her maiden score at the seventh attempt. She comes up in class, but the manner of that victory suggests there can be more to come, and she can go back-to-back. Kozzi Asano rode Miss Concord that day but today he is on (10) CROQUIS. She also got her maiden win at her latest start when taking a narrow victory over 1300M on August 3rd, but it was at this class. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wide gate but she can be a danger again. (1) ARCH RUNNER remains a twenty-three-race maiden, but she has an excellent record of picking up prize money in races like this and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) BEOLGYOWISU and (11) TESTA RUBY others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Miss Concord (10) Croquis (1) Arch Runner (9) Beolgyowisu
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) DRAGON NINJA came from off the pace to win handily over 1200M on debut on September 1st. He comes up in class and in distance but neither of these should be a problem and he will be strongly favoured to make it two from two here.  (7) POWER WAGON is likewise up in class having run 3rd on debut in August before breaking through at start two on September 15th, leading from gate to wire. The step up in trip should pose no problem and he can be a danger. It took (9) ROSE DRAGON six starts to break through, which she did on September 15th. In her case, it was over this distance and up in class but down in weight, she can measure up here. (6) GOTOTHEVALHALLA needs a line drawn through his latest and along with (5) TAURUS KING, is a place chance.

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Winner’s Man Bids for G1 “Grand Slam” in President’s Cup

Winner’s Man will aim to cement his place in Korea racing history at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as he bids to win the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) and become the first horse to complete a career “Grand Slam” of Group 1 victories.

Winner’s Man and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

There are only five (local) Group 1 races in Korea. With the Korea Sprint being run on the same day as the Korea Cup, it is generally accepted within the racing community that only one of that pair is required to achieve a Grand Slam. Winner’s Man won the Korean Derby in 2021, and then the Korea Cup and the Grand Prix Stakes in 2022 and the only one that eludes him is the President’s Cup.

Winner’s Man is already the sole horse to have won three different Group 1’s. Triple Nine won four President’s Cups and a Grand Prix, but he didn’t win the Derby. Power Blade won the Derby and the Grand Prix, but he didn’t win a President’s Cup. Gyeongbudaero, Indie Band (President’s Cup and Grand Prix) and Moonhak Chief (Korea Cup and Grand Prix) are the others who have won two different Group 1 races.

Stablemates Global Hit and Speed Young were 1st and 2nd in the final leg of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)

The Slam would already be complete had Winner’s Man been able to convert 1.3 favourite status into victory in this race a year ago. It was not to be that day as he could only manage 3rd place as Raon First became the first filly or mare to win a President’s Cup. 2021 winner Simjangui Godong was 2nd. Both return to try to thwart Winner’s Man again. This year’s Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong as well as Korean Derby victor Global Hit, will also be in attendance.

It has been an up and down season for Winner’s Man, who suffered two defeats at the hands of Tuhonui Banseok in the Stayer Series. He then returned to form with 3rd place behind Japan’s Crown Pride and Gloria Mundi in the Korea Cup and then overturned the form on Tuhonui Banseok (as an overseas bred, ineligible for the President’s Cup) to win the KRA Cup Classic in October.

Sixteen are set to line up for the President’s Cup, which is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday and the favourite has drawn wide. Here is a full rundown of the field. All are Korean bred:

1. FLYING THE CHAMP – Runner up to Captain Yankee in last year’s Minister’s Cup over this course and distance and a winner of four from eleven. He races for the first time since April though and this is a monumental ask first-up.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Winner of two legs of the Triple Crown, the Derby and Minister’s Cup both at this course, the latter at this distance. Midfield finish in the Korea Cup. Loads of talent and gets a weight allowance as a three-year-old and tactically versatile. One of the main dangers to Winner’s Man.

3. GALAXY ROAD – A strong class 1 win over this distance in a quick time at Busan in September gets him his chance here. Goes best when on pace and is nicely drawn to get a good position and will have supporters on a place line.

4. JEONGMUN SAI – More than two years since his last win but he regularly picks up a cheque at class 1 level. From a good draw he should be on pace, but at level weights, this looks hard.

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