SBS Sports Sprint

Vincero Cavallo Adds Second Leg of Sprint Series in Dominant SBS Sports Showing

Vincero Cavallo cemented his status as the nation’s top sprinter as he pulled away from the field late to win the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, adding to his win in the Busan Ilbo Sprint, the opening leg of the Sprint Series a month ago.

Sent off as one of three almost co-favourites, Jo Jae-ro settled Vincero Cavallo into his preferred midfield position as the one of the other two at the top of the market, Choegoui Kkum vied for the lead with expected front-runner Super Finish.

As the field fanned across the track entering the home straight, Vincero Cavallo quickly cut the gap to the leaders and then pulled away in the closing stages, crossing the line two-lengths to the good. Tony Castanheira’s 60/1 chance Black Musk was a fast-finishing 2nd under Kozzi Asano, while Black Mamba and Alan Munro came home 3rd.

“He actually started a little too well” winning jockey Jo Jae-ro told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “But then the others went through, and we were able to settle. On the 4th corner I was confident he would win although I was surprised how easily he did it.”

“Everything went to plan” trainer Seo In-seok confirmed to KRBC. “Yesterday’s rain was a bit of a concern as you never know what effect it will have but it was fine. The intention was to settle back like last time and after the start, Jo Jae-ro made a good decision to be patient and I think that won us the race.”

Black Musk was a winner at Group level over 1200M all the way back in May of 2022 and while he did win a class 1 handicap over the same distance last October, it was still a remarkable return to form on the big stage especially having taken a big bump from either side coming out of the gate. Disappointment of the race was Choegoui Kkum who, after a bright start finished back in 11th. No lameness was found although jockey Masa Tanaka commented that “his stride felt heavier than last time.”

Vincero Cavallo [Cowboy Cal – City Lass (by City Zip)] is a four-year-old colt who was a revelation when an excellent 6th of fifteen behind Remake in the Korea Sprint last September. Since then, he has run seven times for five wins and while that has been a hectic schedule – Jockey Jo mentioned the horse was “mentally and physically tired after Busan”, he keeps on lifting.

Now Korea’s leading contender for this year’s Korea Sprint, Vincero Cavallo may need to lift again much sooner if he is to sweep all three legs of the Sprint Series, which concludes with the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2) on Sunday May 18th. An international blue book race, there are strong rumours of Japanese interest.

There is confirmed Japanese interest in next Sunday’s YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series. Also an international blue book race, Yumeno Honoo has travelled over from Kochi to become the first overseas trained runner in a Korean non-invitational race since Esmeraldina won the Ttukseom Cup in 2015. Global Hit and Success Baekpa await him in the most eagerly anticipated showdown of the season so far.

Sprint Series & Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 13)

It’s a big day of racing on Sunday with the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series at Seoul as well as six International Trophy exchange races across the two tracks, each with a big prize on offer. 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:

Vincero Cavallo won the first leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) RACE ROSE took a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has a 4th and two 3rd places from her latest three, most recently at this distance on March 15th racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays on, she draws well and today should be her day. (4) TIGER K was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on March 8th when being ridden further forward than in his first two appearances. Expect similar tactics today, and he can be a danger. (5) DIA ROOK has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a better gate can go much better than last time. (9) CHEONGHAE STAR and (7) DUSON EUTTEUM others in the frame.

Selections(2) Race Rose (4) Tiger K (5) Dia Rook (9) Cheonghae Star
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

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

After an inauspicious debut, (9) POWER BAND has run 3rd in both subsequent outings, both at 1200M and most recently on March 16th when close to the speed throughout. The wide draw shouldn’t stop her getting a forward position, and she can win here. (4) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around over this distance on March 2nd before ultimately having to settle for 5th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) BEST KINGDOM has two 3rd places from his latest three. An apprentice keeps his weight nice and low, and he can be doing his best work late on. (5) NONSTOP SERVE and (6) LASER RUN are perhaps the best of a somewhat limited looking rest.

Selections(9) Power Band (4) Alpha Female (2) Best Kingdom (5) Nonstop Serve
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. It’s been twelve runs at this class for (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT since getting her maiden win, but she has been working her way back into contention in her latest few, most recently when 3rd at class and distance on March 9th sitting behind the speed and running on. The same apprentice keeps her weight from coming up too much and she has as good a chance as any. (8) EXCELLENT MATTA is yet to win in seventeen, but recent efforts are a cause for optimism, and she beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd in a similar race to this at 1300M on March 8th. In this company she should be on pace and she could break through. (7) UPPERHAND is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in filly maidens. Both times she was beaten by decent winners and there isn’t much to fear here. (9) GOOD FIGHTER and (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA others to consider.

Selections(5) Wonderful Spirit (8) Excellent Matta (7) Upperhand (9) Good Fighter
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) HANNAM QUEEN enters in the best form with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at 1200M and both times close to the speed. In this company she should be among the early pacesetters again, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (12) SEOGWI CHOWON beat a few of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on March 14th. That was by far her best effort so far and she can build on it here. (3) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL was a fair 6th of nine on debut at the end of February. She should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and she can improve here. (1) SPEED MORE and (5) HOLIDAY QUEEN are others to consider for the places.

Selections(6) Hannam Queen (12) Seogwi Chowon (3) Areumdaunnaldeul (1) Speed More
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 12

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

After winning a trial, (2) WHITE CARLA led every step of the way to win on debut over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is down in weight, draws well, and he can maintain his 100% record here. (11) LEGEND WOW won on debut and following an undistinguished first try at this class, ran 3rd at this distance on March 2nd. CC climbs on and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) HAKSAN DARK HORSE has been working towards a second win, most recently running 3rd at class and distance on March 23rd when coming from well back. He can leave himself a bit much to do but should be dangerous late on. (3) SEOUL BINGO and (9) RYAN HEAT, the latter up in class following a last start maiden win, are others to consider.

Selections(2) White Carla (11) Legend Wow (8) Haksan Dark Horse (3) Seoul Bingo
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

(8) RAON THE MASKE was a winner on debut over 1200M in February before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on March 7th racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight, he should be on speed, and he will be a short price favourite to win this. (9) BEOLGYO WANGCHO is the danger. His maiden win had been coming, and it arrived at start four in January when leading all the way at 1200M. He was on pace on his first try at this class on February 28th, ultimately finishing in 2nd in what was his first try at this distance. He should have come on for that run and while up in weight and drawn a touch wider than ideal, he can go close. (4) BEST BOY is yet to finish in the top two and was 7th behind Beolgyo Wangcho last time out. He has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th though and from a good gate may make for some each way appeal. (12) ASTRE and (10) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Raon The Maske (9) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Best Boy (12) Astre
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Beolmaui Star Puts Start & Dubai Woes Behind Him in SBS Sports Sprint Triumph

It was always going to be about the start for Beolmaui Star. At Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the five-year-old shrugged off his recent gate woes to begin beautifully and cross to the lead and then proceeded to make every post the proverbial winning post in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un after winning the SBS (Pic: KRA)

The so-called generational shift hinted at with Raon The Point’s victory over fellow four-year-old Something Lost in the first leg of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint last month, will have to wait. Something Lost was sent off as favourite and was in the race a long way, crossing the line 3rd, just a length and a half behind Beolmaui Star.

But Raon The Point, while showing near the front early on, faded from the scene early and finished well back. Instead, it was the veteran Eoma Eoma, showing he is far from done yet, who was a fast-finishing 2nd, three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

Beolmaui Star was unable to run in the Busan Ilbo as his quarantine period on his return from his disappointing Dubai sojourn meant that he wasn’t able to return to work in time Local punters didn’t care about that and also ignored those Dubai results and his latest start in Korea, when missing the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November, and they made him 2nd favourite behind Something Lost. 

“I was actually nervous” winning trainer Baik Kwang-yeol told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The first time I have ever been nervous before a Group race.”

Eoma Eoma made a late bid but couldn’t get there (Pic: KRA)

Baik didn’t talk much more about the race but expanded on his chastening experience at the Dubai Carnival with a horse he felt, given the times he had run at 1200M – and having finished just four-lengths behind international superstar Remake – should have been competitive, but was not:

“I thought we prepared well for Dubai but ultimately, I felt like that frog in the well (who knows nothing of the sea). He can (run the times necessary to be competitive) but just couldn’t adjust to the pace and tempo of the race there. If we can’t adjust to that then (Korean racing) will never be any better, I feel good and fortunate to have won today, but I will not just be satisfied with this.”

Beolmaui Star seems to love racing at Seoul. After the Korea Sprint and before his Dubai disgrace, he also messed up the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy in Busan last November, but this time, back in the capital, there was no mistake.

“(Beolmaui Star) has just one drawback” winning jockey Seo Seung-un explained to KRBC. “He can get anxious in the gates, and he is a lead horse so if he makes a mistake at the start, he simply won’t get a result. So, we trained a lot to get the start right and he did and then we were able to carry out our plan effectively.”

(Pic: KRA)

As for the Dubai expedition, Seo, who travelled over to Meydan to ride his first race, didn’t have much of an explanation and quickly moved on. “There wasn’t a particular problem with the horse, he just didn’t run well. Next month is the SROA Chairman’s Trophy over the same 1200M distance so if the horse is in good health and condition then there will be a high possibility that we will be here.”

Like Moon Se-young two weeks ago, Seo also noted the demographics among the racegoers. “When I come to Seoul, I feel like I can receive a lot of support because the crowd is so big. The number of younger fans has increased a lot, so the atmosphere makes it feel like the culture has changed a lot compared to just ten years ago. It is really nice to see.”

The final leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday May 19th. Next weekend, the focus shifts back to the Korea Cup lead-up with the Stayer Series and Global Hit heading the field in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

SBS Sports Sprint – Sprint Series 2nd Leg: Preview & Form Comments

When the four-year-old pair of Raon The Point and Something Lost flashed to the front in the final furlong of the Busan Ilbo Sprint a month ago, it seemed to show a generational change was finally taking place among the one turn elite. At Seoul on Sunday, they have to opportunity to confirm it as a full field of sixteen line up for the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Sprint Series. SEE HERE FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

At this point it is fair to acknowledge that part of the reason for the generational change is because of the absence of the biggest older star. Raon The Fighter won this race last year before suffering an injury that was confirmed this past to week, to have ended his racing career. But the new set are exciting, nonetheless.

Raon The Point and Something Lost have raced just nine times apiece. The former has won seven and the latter five, but they won’t necessarily come home in the same order as in the Busan Ilbo, when Raon The Point got the better of their late duel by a neck. Something Lost comes into a much better gate this time around, and he will probably start as the market leader.

Don’t rule out the old order striking back. Chief among those of course, is Eoma Eoma, who won this race in 2021 and then went on to claim the big one, the international Korea Sprint in 2022. He had an ordinary 2023 for the most part but came back into form when winning the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M at Busan last November and that provides some hope that he can bounce back from his 5th place in the Busan Ilbo last month.

The wildcard is Beolmaui Star. He temporarily shot to the top of the sprinting ranks by leading the 2023 Korea Sprint, only being passed by eventual winner, the world class Remake. It’s all gone a bit wrong since though. He missed the start in the Kookje Shinmun and then travelled to the Dubai Carnival where he scarcely featured in two disappointing efforts. He won a trial in fine fashion in March and if the Beolmaui Star of last year’s S   print shows up, he can win.

1. PREEMAX – Has long since lost his form. 9th over 1400M on season reappearance in February and is a big outsider here.

2. DOCTOR CAESAR – An excellent 3rd place in the Busan Ilbo having led from gate 1. Draws well again to be on pace and can be in this a long way, although others favoured.

3. SSONSAL – Won the G3 SROA Chairman’s Trophy at this distance here last June but has shown patchy form in three starts since. 6th in the Busan Ilbo and that would be par here. Regular jockey Da Silva staying in Busan may be a clue.

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SBS Sports Sprint & International Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, takes centre stage on Sunday, but there are plenty of other valuable races spread across both the capital and Busan with Trophy Exchange races for the Singapore Turf Club (evidently for the final time), Jockey Club of Turkey, Tokyo City Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club and the China Horse Industry Association. There is also a big money race to mark the end of the Cherry Blossom season. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the opening leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) SEOBU CHAMP comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on March 16th when settling back and running on strongly. She comes in here carrying the same weight and has every chance of coming out on top this day. It’s a competitive maiden though. (4) TAP DIA has a 2nd and a 3rd among her own three starts so far. In this company, she may be further forward than in those races and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) PROCEED showed improvement to run 3rd at start number two over 1300M on March 2nd. He too may like the increased distance and CC Wong climbs up. (3) EUMSEONG POWER and (10) ALL EYES ON ME among others capable of at least challenging for the places.

Selections(5) Seobu Champ (4) Tap Dia (8) Proceed (3) Eumseong Power
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and it’s hard to go past (3) APPLE QUEEN. Having run 4th on debut, all the way back last June, she didn’t race again until this March 16th when she was an on-pace 3rd over 1400M. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly fancied to lead from gate to wire. (6) SHINE BOLT has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1200M on February 24th over this distance. She comes into a better gate here and can continue to get closer. (8) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places among her four appearances. That means that any top-three finish will get her a rating and see her at class 5 next time and she could well match or better. (4) SMILE GOLD and (7) BYLONG STAR, the latter having been back to trial since a chastening debut, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Apple Queen (6) Shine Bolt (8) Complete Party (4) Smile Gold
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4 ,7

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

Competitive opener. (10) GANGSEO PRIDE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on March 8th, when on pace throughout. It wasn’t a quick time, and he was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, he has as good a chance as any here. (9) GIANT MARINE raced three times without distinction up until July last year. He was then put away and returned on March 15th this year and ran much better, finishing 3rd in a decent time over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (11) ONE WAY ROAD has been getting steadily better in recent outings and can continue his upward trajectory here. (5) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) DREAM WAY others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Gangseo Pride (9) Giant Marine (11) One Way Road (5) Choegang Chongal
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

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

(3) LOVE COWGIRL returns to action for the first time since last September. After winning on debut, she finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd in three subsequent starts before her layoff and going by her all the way trial win two weeks ago, she can pick up from where she left off. (8) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA got his maiden win at this class and distance on March 3rd, settling handy and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights today, but he can be competitive again. (6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win at this distance three starts back and has since run 4th and 5th in two tries at this level, most recently over 1700M. He looks nicely in here and should go close. (4) SINUI YEOJE and (11) GOOD SEONGBONG the other logical place chances.

Selections(3) Love Cowgirl (8) Seoul Choegangja (6) The Sun Fighter (4) Sinui Yeoje
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(5) I AM LEGEND got her maiden win two starts back over this distance before running 2nd at big odds on her first try at this level on March 8th settling right back and running on. She seems to be hitting her groove and she can win this. (3) RAON THE TANGO enters off a useful 3rd place at this class over 1400M on March 8th. The same apprentice jockey keeps the edge off his carried weight and from a good draw, he can go close again. (11) HANEUL EUTTEUM scored a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 15th. He comes up 2lg in the weights and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he should be running on to be a danger once more. (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS are others who can enter at least the placing calculations.

Selections(5) I Am Legend (3) Raon The Tango (11) Haneul Eutteum (2) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

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

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SBS Sports Sprint, Ttukseom Cup & Exchange Race Sunday – Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (May 14)

It’s Ttukseom Cup and SBS Sports Sprint day at Seoul on Sunday. See here for full preview of the two races. There are also six reciprocal Trophy Exchange races. Busan hosts Trophies for OSAF (South America), the Jockey Club of Turkey and the Selangor Turf Club. At Seoul there are Trophies in honour of the Royal Western India Turf Club, the China Horse Industry Association and Tokyo City Keiba. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the Previews:

Raon First and Choi Bum-hyun will aim to defend the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden to open with. (10) DAEHEUNG CLASS enters in off his two best performances so far, a 2nd and a 3rd both over this distance when settling back and running on. His style is such that he doesn’t need to lead so the wide draw isn’t a problem and he should be finishing off well. (2) ARGO MUJEOK also comes in following his best performance to date, when 2nd at 1200M on April 16th when handy throughout. He steps up to this distance for the first time and from a good draw, it may well suit. (1) MIGHTY ANN returned from almost six months out to run 3rd over 1200M on April 8th. She should strip fitter for that run and can match or better it here. (9) WONPYEONG SKY and (11) LAST PITCH are among plenty of others with minor money hopes.

Selections(10) Daeheung Class (2) Argo Mujeok (1) Mighty Ann (9) Wonpyeong Sky
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens and not an especially strong race. Despite the wide draw, we’ll side with (11) HAENGUN BARAM, who after a return to trial after an inauspicious February debut, was much better on April 8h when running 2nd at this distance and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She settled midfield and finished well and while the time wasn’t quick, it was faster than any of the others here have managed. (3) NAOL DAEWANG likewise wasn’t exactly a speedster when 3rd on debut over this distance on April 9th. He was slowly away but finished well and with some natural improvement, can be in this. (10) DAMJAENGI ARGO was 4th behind Haeungun Baram on April 8th, her second 4th place in a row. She draws wide but with a bit of luck can get a forward or handy position which will put her in the hunt. (5) MILLION PARTY and (2) HEART K are others to consider.

Selections(11) Haengun Baram (3) Naol Daewang (10) Damjaengi Argo (5) Million Party
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Another maiden and (7) LEGEND SOCKS will be favourite. Since returning from eleven months off, he has two 3rd places and a 2nd from three starts back, all at this class and distance and each time racing handy. He’ll be close to the speed again and this time should be going one better. (5) GRAND POWER remains a maiden after fifteen attempts but has four runner-up finishes, including at this class over 1400M two starts back. The drop back in trip may suit here and he should be on pace and in this a long way. (8) MAGLE DAY got his maiden win three starts back at 1300M and has since finished 5th in two tries at this class. He too comes back slightly in trip and should be a factor. (11) FINAL JILJU comes up in class after a maiden win at this distance on April 15th. The time was good, and he can measure up in this company. (3) LEGEND K was never a factor in his latest but has won at the distance and can be given another chance.

Selections(7) Legend Socks (5) Grand Power (8) Magle Day (11) Final Jilju
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(7) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT shapes as a warm favourite here. That’s based on her latest outing which was also her best when 3rd over 1200M on April 23rd. She has raced at this distance before too, posting a time quicker than any of the others have achieved and she won’t need to improve very much to win here. (1) DIA SPIRIT has left himself far too much to do in his races so far but rattled home well for 3rd over 1200M on April 7th. He gets his best draw since his debut; an apprentice keeps the weight down and the extra half furlong can work in his favour. (10) ECTON POWER is yet to finish in the top two in twenty-eight starts. He has though picked up plenty of minor checks including a 4th place last time out when finishing well at 1200M. He should be matching or bettering that here. (6) KELLY QUEEN and (3) RUNNING FASHION others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Gijeogui Geumbit (1) Dia Spirit (10) Ecton Power (6) Kelly Queen
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight A / Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million

The first of a lot of trophy races today, this one equivalent to class 3. It’s a tricky puzzle. (7) WOLF PLAY has won two of his latest three with defeat sandwiched between those wins being in the Sports Seoul Classic Trial. His latest was at this distance at class 4 level in a quick time on April 15th and while this is undoubtedly harder, he comes down in the weights and can measure up. (5) YELLOW CAT has eight top-three finishes from ten starts. Most recently she was 2nd over 1400M at class 3 level coming from off the pace but she has won at this distance and from a good draw should be very dangerous. (1) TAP QUALITY carries his fair share of weight here but he is a front runner who is coming back in trip and into a very good gate.  Ultra-consistent, he won’t be far away. (8) FARCIARZ and (3) SAENAE QUEEN among plenty of others who enter in good form and who can have a say.

Selections(7) Wolf Play (5) Yellow Cat (1) Tap Quality (8) Farciarz
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(8) TOP FRIEND beat four of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on April 7th when overcoming the widest gate to settle back in the field and then finish strongly. He carries the same weight today but comes into a slightly better barrier, and after three runner-up finishes, he can make the breakthrough at start number eight. (9) HWANGWOO MONEY was 3rd in that race, a length-and-a-half behind Top Friend having led for much of the way. His draw isn’t as good today, but he still looks to be the main danger. (4) ETTEUMI was 5th that day having been slowly away from a wide draw and finding it hard to get a good position. His draw is better today, and he should get closer. (10) WONDERFUL BOBCAT and (2) NOBLE COWBOY are other possibles.

Selections(8) Top Friend (9) Hwangwoo Money (4) Etteumi (10) Wonderful Bobcat
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1600M) Special Weight A / China Horse Industry Association Trophy / KRW 150 Million

This Trophy race is at class 2 level and has attracted the maximum safe field size of ten for the mile start. (6) SPOT FLATTER ran out a very good winner over this distance at class 2 on March 19th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. That was his first start back following an eight-month absence and he was at a big price. He will be much shorter today but can win again. (2) BEST LUCKY was 3rd in that race having settled midfield and run on. Like Spot Flatter, the set weight scale does him no favours, but he won under 56kg at class 3 level over this distance two starts back and from a nice draw can go close. (4) RAON BEAT came home 4th in that March 19th race having been slow away and settling right back. He has the fastest time in the field for the distance. The ultra consistent (9) YONGAM BOSS, as well as (7) ACE HAMSEONG are among those who didn’t go in the March 19th race who can enter the calculations.

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EOMA EOMA SPRINTS TO SBS CROWN WHILE MR. AFLEET STAYS ON TO WIN CUP CLASSIC FOR AUSSIE TRAINER WOLSLEY

Eoma Eoma finally got the Graded race win his talent has always promised in the SBS Sports Sprint while Australian trainer Peter Wolsley saddled his fifth Korean Graded winner as Mr. Afleet took out the KRA Cup Classic on a big Sunday afternoon of action at Seoul Racecourse.

The SBS Sports Sprint (1200M-KOR G3) was one of the few Graded races that managed to get run in 2020 and on Sunday, Morfhis returned to defend his title while East Jet and Blue Chipper took their place in a star-studded lineup. Eoma Eoma was only 3rd in last year’s race but had progressed to such an extent in the meantime, including smashing the 1400M Seoul track record, that he was sent off as hot favourite, despite drawing the widest gate.

In the event, that draw meant that Eoma Eoma would be wide all the way around and would be tested every step of the way by East Jet as Alan Munro kept his Strike Again gelding, winner of last year’s SROA Trophy on the rail and in the lead throughout. Moon Se Young meanwhile on Eoma Eoma simply couldn’t find his way inside with not only East Jet but also Blue Chipper and Yeongung Louis keeping him outside.

Class told, as in the home straight and still wide, Eoma Eoma was relentless and despite a very game run by East Jet, Eoma Eoma eventually swept by just meters from the finishing line to win by half a length. It was a tenth career win on his twelfth start for the American bred four-year-old colt, who is by Algorithms and out of the Run Away And Hide mare Lignite.

East Jet was a strong 2nd while there was a potential breakout performance by lightly-raced three-year-old Yeongung Louis [Violence – Don’t Stop To Shop (Unbridled’s Song)] in 3rd. It proved a hard day at the office though for defending champion Morfhis, who ran 5th, and even harder for Blue Chipper, who faded to 9th. It’s a first Graded win for Eoma Eoma, but few would back it being the last.

An hour later, once more the widest gate prevailed as Mr. Afleet won the 36th running of the KRA Cup Classic (2000M-KOR G2).

The 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief led from the gate, but Mr. Afleet [Afleet Alex – In Escrow (Vindication)] took command in the home straight and saw off the attentions of the up and comer Haengbok Wangja to claim victory by a nose in a photo-finish.

Moonhak Chief would fade to 7th while Cheongdam Dokki, seeking a third win in the race after victories in 2017 and 2018 briefly showed just behind the leaders but ultimately weakened to last (an initial post-race check showed no obvious issues). With Tiz Plan also misfiring, there was a sense of a possible changing of the guard although the six-year-old Jjang Kong running 3rd and the evergreen eight-year-old Shamrocker, a remarkable 4th quickly belied that idea.

Speaking after the race, winning jockey Seo Seung-un told in-house broadcaster KRBC that everything went to plan “The draw wasn’t good, but I was surprised how easy it was to get to the position that I wanted to be in. I followed Moonhak Chief across and from then on it was simple.” When quizzed on whether he thought he and Mr. Afleet would be back in the winner’s circle at Seoul in December’s Grand Prix Stakes, Seo had something else in mind. “Of course, the Grand Prix is the target but he is eligible for the (Busan) Owners’ Cup (1600M on November 21st) so they might go there, but I just hope for the Grand Prix” before adding: “it isn’t up to me, anyway.”

Seo Seung-un will be traveling back to Busan minus a substantial percentage of his winnings after stewards penalized him to the tune of $1,000 for unacceptable whip use in the home straight. Haengbok Wangja’s jockey Kim Yong-geun was also found guilty and punished for the same offence. In their ungainly windmilling, both were lucky they didn’t unbalance their mounts to the extent of taking them out of contention and both thoroughly deserve their (lenient) punishment.

It was another training triumph for Peter Wolsley, who back in 2007 became the first foreign trainer to be granted a license in Korea. It took him several years of sheer hard graft to establish himself, but in January last year Mr. Afleet chalked up Wolsley’s 500th Korean winner. On Sunday, the same horse gave him his fifth Korean Graded Stakes winner and his first since Bold Kings came to Seoul and won the Grand Prix Stakes in 2015. This coming Boxing Day, Mr. Afleet may just make the unassuming man from Bendigo a two-time Grand Prix winner.

Morfhis Downs Dokki Blade, Eoma Eoma To Upturn Sprint Ranks In Shock SBS Win

Morfhis  swooped late to score a stunning victory in the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, diving home to deny Do Kki Blade and Eoma Eoma under a fine steer from jockey Johan Victoire.

SBS Sports Sprint 2020

Morshis gets up to debu Do Kki Blade and Eoma Eoma in the SBS Sports Sprint

Busan Ilbo Cup top two Do Kki Blade and Gaon Champ renewed hostilities disputing the lead in the early stages of the six-furlong G3 race, the second leg in the 2020 Korea Sprint Series.

Gaon Champ would quickly capitulate at the top of the stretch and it seemed upstart Eoma Eoma would pose the only threat to Do Kki Blade. That was to reckon without Morfhis whose stunning late show saw him duck inside to snatch victory at the death by a head.

Morfhis is a five-year-old American bred gelding by Stephen Got Even and and out of the Rubiano mare Chinchilla. He was a $150,000 purchase from the OBS 2017 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds. The win was his eighth in twenty-three runs and takes him on to career winnings of KRW 739 Million. For jockey Victoire it was his second Korean Group win following his success on Dolkong in last year’s Busan Mayor’s Cup while it was a first for trainer Lee Gwan-ho.

The win was notable on a number of fronts. Morfhis, who up until now was seen as a solid dependable class 1 campaigner with a strong finish who specialises at seven-furlongs, now finds himself in the top echelon of Korean sprinters and a serious contender for September’s Korea Sprint (should that race take place).

It also provided the rare sight of a top level Korean sprint race by a horse coming from well off the pace. While Doraonpogyeongseon, who won this race in both 2017 and 2018, was by no means a front-runner, he would usually emerge from a relatively handy position. Two furlongs out on Sunday, Morfhis was still in 11th place.

While beaten, Do Kki Blade confirmed his place among the elite and still has every chance of going on to claim the overall Sprint Series win but another big story coming out of the race was the emergence of Eoma Eoma. The three-year-old entered the race having not had to face a serious challenge in three prior outings yet despite drawing an unfavourable gate, only went down by less than half a length on the line after an excellent ride by Song Jae-chul.

Gaon Champ and Simjangui Godong both had off-days but will be expected to bounce back while the ever awkward Global Captain missed the start before running on well. At their best, all three can be winning chances in future feature races.

The calendar may now be up in the air for all these horses. The Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association Trophy was originally supposed to be the first leg of the Sprint Series in March. It is now tentatively scheduled for August 23rd. Then there is the Korea Sprint itself, still scheduled for September 13th.

Whatever happens in terms of the schedule, there is plenty to look forward to with these sprinters.

SBS Sports Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 26)

Arguably the most intriguing race in recent Korean racing history goes to post on Sunday afternoon in front of a spectator-less Seoul Racecourse, but fortunately live on television, in the shape of the Group 3 SBS Sports Sprint. There are 14 races at Seoul from 10:25 to 18:00 as well as 5 at Busan from 12:15 to 15:50. Here are the previews:

KRA Busan Ilbo Do Kki Blade Gaon Champ

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

The two-year-old colts and fillies kick off proceeding where they line up over the short course. (3) HWANGGEUM POWER is one of only two runners that have had a previous run. The Limitless Bid filly finished fourth on debut when settling well back from a wide draw and subsequently running on well. The on-fire Moon Se-young will be legged aboard her this time around and she will jump from a much better draw allowing her to settle closer. (6) HAPPY DAY trialed well and can figure at her first start. The Tiz Wonderful two-year-old clocked 63.6 seconds for the 1000m on a dry track, which reads relatively well for this race. (8) VICTORICA looks next best clocking a slightly slower time in her trial. She is a Colonel John filly who wasn’t fully urged in her trial. (1) STORM ROAD is the other runner that has had a previous start. She also gets a better draw today and can settle closer in the run.

Selections (3) Hwanggeum Power (6) Happy Day (8) Victorica (1) Storm Road
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 6, 7

 

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Twelve three-year-old maidens go around here and it is not a strong race, to put it mildly. Ten of them have raced before but the only one to trouble the placing judges so far is (6) MAKALU POWER, who ran 3rd on what was his second outing on July 11th. It wasn’t a fast time but he won’t need to improve very much at all in order to feature here. We’re going to side with a debut-maker. (3) JANGSAN SASUDAE went through three trials and while it would be wrong to say he caught the eye, he showed improvement over the course of them and hit the line well in the latest of them. The other Korean born foal from his dam has won three from twelve and this s a very soft race to debut in. (11) SIMON STORM ran on reasonably well on debut and may improve. The other debut-maker (4) COLORS ONLY also has to be given a chance in what is the weakest company she will ever face. Her trial was a very slow one all-round so doesn’t offer too many clues but she looked competent enough.

Selections (3) Jangsan Sasudae (6) Makalu Power (4) Colors Only (11) Simon Storm
Next Best 9, 1
Fast Start 4, 7, 9

 

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million 

The Korean-bred maidens will go over the short course in the third event. (8) P.K. DOLPUNG is the on top selection after clocking a quick trial. He resumes for his first run since January where he finished fifth behind Miracle Icheon. He has finished close-up on numerous occasions and is an each way chance. (3) JOY OF KING resumed in good fashion last start when third over the 1000m. The Federalist gelding hit the line in good style, if he can hold a position in the first half of the field he looks a main player. (4) CHEONSANGUI YEOIN debuted in good style over the 1000m when working across from a wide gate, before running on well in the straight. She can find a position with less effort from a good draw and do her best work late. (10) OVER ACHIEVE is second up after finishing midfield behind Gaja Plan earlier this month. She looks capable of running into the minor money.

Selections (8) P.K. Dolpung (3) Joy Of King (4) Cheonsangui Yeoin (10) Over Achieve
Next Best 12, 1
Fast Start 2, 11

 

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies only in this class 5 affair and all of them are pretty useful and all have a chance to win. Both (3) FORT SEUONE and (9) GEORGE QUEEN come in having won their respective debut races last month. George Queen made all and was the quicker of the pair and while they have an additional furlong to tackle today, she was finishing strongly and could well win again although with plenty of speed on her inside, the wide draw may not be to her favour. Fort Seuone looks suited to this distance and also has strong claims. (2) HANSEN CHOICE returned from the shutdown to win well over 1300M on June 20th, leading all the way around. She will also be challenging for what’s set to be a quite contested lead here. The other last start winner is (6) SOARA YEOJANGGUN who led all the way over 1400M but does perhaps have a bit to find against the speedier types that she faces here. OF the ones with experience at this level, (7) SAEROUN BOBAE and (1) LUISA came home 2nd and 4th when they raced each other in a similar all-filly race over 1300M on June 21st. Both came from behind the pace and Luisa especially looks as though she has scope for improvement.

Selections (9) George Queen (1) Luisa (7) Saeroun Bobae (3) Fort Seuone
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start  

 

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

There is pace-a-plenty in the fifth event on the card. (9) JEONJEONGSAGEUM showed ability in her first few starts before the racing hiatus. The Tiz Wonderful filly won her last start in January in good style and has since trialed well, clocking 61 seconds flat for the 1000m. Lim Gi-won, who knows the filly well will be aboard her once again. (7) GLOBAL GOLD resumed in good style when winning late last month. He has shown plenty of speed at his last couple of starts and when he has sat on speed, seems to do his best work. His time last start wasn’t the fastest but with some slight improvement he can be considered a winning chance once again. (4) WINNER BLUE is second-up after placing behind Captain Best last time out. He is another on-speed type who has drawn well for his eighth start. Antonio Da Silva sticks with the Old Fashioned gelding which is a positive. (10) WINNER TEMPLAR resumes and gets the services of Moon Se-young first up. The lightly raced four-year-old is yet to break maiden status but has placed on three occasions from four starts. She trialed up fairly last week, the draw looks her biggest obstacle.

Selections (9) Jeonjeongsageum (7) Global Gold (4) Winner Blue (10) Winner Templar
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 9, 11

 

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The Korean-bred three-year-old gallopers face off in the second event where the majority of the field is lightly raced. (4) INDY QUEEN is the on top selection after a good debut five weeks back. The Indie Band filly finished second behind Power Gate when sitting behind the leaders before letting down in good fashion. The 1200m should suit her chances and she has drawn well once again. (11) WISE GIRL has put a couple of good trials together. The Officer filly has been handed a wide draw to overcome on debut. If Iaonnis Polluis can find a position one of the fence she can be considered an each way chance. (8) THALE NOI lines up for her second start after finishing fifth on debut. The Ecton Park filly capitulated last start in the final stages, but should strip fitter for the run. (10) GENERAL ANN went over this distance last time out finishing fourth behind Honor Queen. She will need to improve to be considered a winning chance but is capable of collecting some prizemoney once again.

Selections (4) Indy Queen (11) Wise Girl (8) Thale Noi (10) General Ann
Next Best 2, 12
Fast Start 6, 10, 12

 

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A field of imported maidens go around here with a big prize on offer and precisely half the field racing for the very first time. Of the experienced ones, (3) SUN BOOM is the only one to have hit the board so far, running 3rd on June 27th over this distance. It wasn’t a hugely impressive time and while he is well drawn to get on pace again, others are favoured today. (1) SPRING KING did little on debut all the way last December but having had a few months off, looked very sharp in a trial at the beginning of this month and comes straight into contention. (10) CHANGSEONG HIT and (12) JANGSAN GOLD finished 5th and 6th when they raced each other over 1200M on June 21st. Both should improve here with Jangsan Gold perhaps having the greater potential. Of the first time starters, (5) MIGHTY CHIP and (9) MUNHAK MOON are the standouts. Both won their trials in competitive times and both should be going close first up here.

Selections (1) Spring King (5) Mighty Chip (12) Jangsan Gold (9) Munhak Moon
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 9

 

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(7) WORLD TODAY is up in class and distance following a smart win over a mile at class 4 on July 5th. He already has a runner-up finish to his name over 1800M and is likely to be on pace here with solid claims to win again. (2) THE SABER is an intriguing entry. The Trappe Shot colt has just the three races behind him and steps up in class having won over 1300M in a fast time on June 26th. He ran on strongly that day though so while it is a big step up in distance, he may well be equal to it. (5) CURLIN FANTASY comes in having run a very good 2nd place behind the progressive Samseong Dokki. He is yet to win in nineteen attempts but that was a very good showing and he can place again. A number of the others failed to catch the eye on resumption over 1400M on June 21st. They will of course have all needed that race and (9) MALIBU BYEOL is perhaps the most likely to progress.

Selections (7) World Today (2) The Saber (5) Curlin Fantasy (9) Malibu Byeol
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 7, 9

 

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The Korean Class 4 gallopers line up in the seventh over 1300m. (2) RAON HANNIBAL is the on top selection based on what she did last preparation. She was somewhat disappointing when first-up five weeks back but she should improve off that run, along with her connections hopefully getting a bit more work into her. She’s a winner of three races from ten starts, including one in this grade. (3) BIG CLASSIC looks another one with some more-than-average ability. The lightly raced four-year-old has had five starts yielding two wins and two minor placings. She has led at her past three starts so from barrier three we anticipate she will take up the running and prove hard to run down. (12) THANK YOU MOTHER lines up for her second-up run after finishing second when running on strongly last start. She has been dealt the carpark draw and will need some luck to find a position early. (5) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM was a winner when resuming and lines up in a tougher event. He carries just 52.5kg and with gate five looks one that can run into the minor money.

Selections (2) Raon Hannibal (3) Big Classic (12) Thank You Mother (5) Cheonnyeonui Baram
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 9

 

Busan Race 4: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

An even assembly of runners line up in the fourth where they will go over the six furlongs. (4) FIRST CHANGER is the on top selection after trialing up in great fashion on two occasions. Whilst the trials were quite some time ago, it shows us that the Two Step Salsa colt appears to be back to his best. He has won four races from ten starts and whilst his past couple of race starts have been disappointing, he looks forward enough to win this event. (6) BANJIUI YOJEONG was disappointing when resuming, in fact it was the first time the four-year-old has not collected a cheque when going to the races. It was a rather handy race he lined up in last start and this looks a much easier assignment. Seo Seung-un jumping aboard also gives us some confidence. (10) HAWK KING is a very capable racehorse on his day. He trialed up in good fashion back in April and lines up for his new preparation in this event. He has performed well over the six furlongs previously. (11) WONDERUL LION is another first-up runner. She has had the one start in Class 2 company where she finished midfield behind Seongsan Simon. With just the 51.5kg on her back she should be able to work forward as per normal and be there at the business end.

Selections (4) First Changer (6) Banjiui Yojeong (10) Hawk King (11) Wonderful Lion
Next Best 12, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 6, 11

 

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) MONEY ZIF was a class and distance winner on June 28th, coming from off the pace to score in a creditable time. He went up in the ratings because of that but an apprentice jockey takes a couple of kilograms off and he remains competitive here. A surprising winner at this level was (4) FIORE over 1700M on July 4th. It was a front-running performance but others are favoured today. Three of these raced each other at class and distance on June 21st. (2) HWANGGEUM HAE finished the best of them in 4th place behind Looking Good. He’s drawn well to get to the front here and looks a big danger. (6) SUPER ECTON came from well back to run home a strong 5th in that race. He has won at this distance already and will likely once more go back early and look to pass plenty late on. (5) JACOB went into the shutdown having run a solid class and distance 3rd. He hasn’t trialed since April and comes in here as the wildcard.

Selections (2) Hwanggeum Hae (6) Super Ecton (1) Money Zif (5) Jacob
Next Best 3, 7
Fast Start 2, 9

 

Busan Race 5: Class 1 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 110 Million

(6) BAENGMUNBAEKDAP has the fastest time of any of these at the distance although that came when he was chasing home Blue Chipper, who was in the process of smashing the track record. He ran 2nd to the progressive Ssonsal when giving away 5kg over 1400M two weeks ago and it may be that the weight plays a role again. If it does, then (8) PRO CONSUL could be the one to take advantage. The lightly-raced four-year-old was sensational when beating a decent class 1 field over this distance on June 26th and looks well set for another score here. (2) KING OF GLORY ran well for 3rd in the Busan Ilbo Cup last month over 1200M but eschews the second leg of the Sprint Series in Seoul this afternoon to take his chance here. (3) DIVIDE WIND ran 8th in that race and the stablemate of Baengmunbaekdap can get closer today.

Selections (8) Pro Consul (6) Baengmunbaekdap (2) King Of Glory (3) Divide Wind
Next Best 1
Fast Start 5, 8

 

Seoul Race 9: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The Class 5 runners go over the two turns in the ninth event on the card. (7) CHOEGANG SINGI is yet to break through for his first win but has shown an appreciation for the middle distances. He clocked a good time when resuming over the two turns, finishing fourth behind Cheonnyeonui Godo. The Chapel Royal gelding should take improvement from the first-up run. (3) GLOBAL WANGJA has been promoted to Class 5 company after finishing second behind Coin Blade when first-up. It’s a considerable step up to the 1700m which is unchartered territory for the Colors Flying gelding, but he has been settling off speed running on strongly. (9) GAZUA is another that has shown some good performances over the two turns. He lacks early speed so look for him closing late. (1) GAROSUGIL is next best and capable of running into the money, where he goes over the two turns for the first time.

Selections (7) Choegang Singi (3) Global Wangja (9) Gazua (1) Garosugil
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 7, 8

 

Seoul Race 10: Class Open (1200M) SBS Sports Sprint (KOR G3) / Weight for Age / KRW 350 Million

  1. GAON CHAMP – Last year’s winner is so consistent and having drawn gate 1 shouldn’t have to go around a horse. Narrowly beaten by Do Kki Blade in Busan, he has every chance of overturning that form.
  2. SSONSAL – The only challenger from Busan and a super class 1 winner over 1400M earlier this month. The absolute elite class may find him out though.
  3. SPRING BACK – Good sprinter. Finished behind Morfhis last start and 4th to Blue Chipper in last year’s Korea Sprint. Perhaps has a bit to find.
  4. MUNHAK PRINCESS – First start since January 2019 and while trials have been consistently fast, she’s very much been thrown in the deep end here.
  5. MUNHAK WINNER – Hasn’t won beyond Class 2 and well back in the Busan Ilbo. Plenty to find here.
  6. DO KKI BLADE – The logical favourite after that Busan Ilbo win. He’s drawn a much better gate this time so it should be easier for him to be on pace and he’s a big chance.
  7. SIMJANGUI GODONG – Didn’t get much luck in Busan but beat both Do Kki Blade and Gaon Champ in January. Not impossible.
  8. MEDICI GLORY – Lightly raced four-year-old returned for the first time in over a year to run 5th behind Morfhis a month ago. Talented but this is tough.
  9. EAST JET – Class 3 winner over this distance in June but this is massive step up in competition.
  10. EOMA EOMA – The wildcard faces his first test. Shown brilliance in his three wins from three starts and drops in weight here. The question is can he adapt to the intensity of this class – or can he in fact bring his own and blow them away?
  11. GLOBAL CAPTAIN – Super on his day. Ran uncontrollably wide on his latest start in February and then had a hard time showing enough manners to re-qualify. Unpredictable so hard to be confident first-up.
  12. MORFHIS – Very good class 1 horse. Wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem as he can just follow the leaders. Whether he has enough explosive pace to blow past them is another matter. Probably not.

 

Verdict: The Korea Sprint winner will almost certainly emerge from this race. (10) EOMA EOMA could be something special but going on the knowns, rather than the unknowns, (1) GAON CHAMP and (6) DO KKI BLADE are the ones to beat.

Selections (1) Gaon Champ (6) Do Kki Blade (10) Eoma Eoma (7) Simjangui Godong
Next Best 11, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11

 

Seoul Race 11: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another event over the two turns in the eleventh. (11) HIDDEN SOCKS resumes over the 1700m coming off a superb trial. He ran into some handy types at his first four starts including Blue Chiton and also Determination on debut. Moon Se-young will partner the chestnut as he resumes, based on this being his easiest assignment to date he looks the one to beat. (3) ECHO BILL finished off strong when resuming to finish third behind Shu Leub. With a good draw jockey Johan Victoire may be able to get the Daredevil colt to settle closer to the speed. He is yet to win but looks as if he is building to one shortly. (10) HWANGGEUM LUCKY is another import that is yet to breakthrough. He is first up since February and gave followers some confidence in a recent trial when winning his heat, it was a good time considering the short course is not a strength of his. (12) BIG TRIPLE is a last start winner over this distance, he broke through at start six. He settled off speed last time out before finishing off well. He will have to carry 57kg from the outside gate this time around.

Selections (11) Hidden Socks (3) Echo Bill (10) Hwanggeum Lucky (12) Big Triple
Next Best 5, 6
Fast Start 5, 6, 11

 

Seoul Race 12: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(8) BRIGADIER GENERAL ran out a good winner at class and distance on June 27th, scoring by four-lengths. The handicapper certainly noticed him and he carries a whopping additional 5.5kg today. That may prove too much for him to repeat but he should be close. (2) MR. TURNER was the horse four-lengths in arrears in 2nd place that day. The turnaround in weights today should mean he gets closer and could win. He will go back early and finish strong. (9) FLASH JET and (1) EMORY SOCKS came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on June 20th. Both came from well back in the field to run on very well and both look firmly in the hunt today. The wildcard is (3) EVER THE CHAMP. He was a battling winner at this class over 1700M in back in January taking the late developer’s record to three wins from his latest four. He hasn’t raced since and performed only fairly in a May trial. Kim Young-geun stays aboard though and he must be considered. In a race with absolutely nothing that likes to lead, he may get to the front very easily and dictate his own pace.

Selections (9) Flash Jet (8) Brigadier General (2) Mr. Turner (3) Ever The Champ
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 3

 

Seoul Race 13: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

They will go like the clappers in the thirteenth event with over half the field considered on-speed runners. (9) MY HAWK goes on top after finishing second behind the handy East Jet when resuming. He is a winner of four races from fourteen starts with a handful of minor placings. He settled midfield last start suggesting Ham Wan-sik can take a sit behind the leaders if need be. (1) BEYOND OVER clocked an impressive time for the 1400m last time out when first-up. With another handy draw she can sit on the coattails of the leaders before reeling off a fast last 400m in the event. (6) DADDY GLORY will make her first appearance since November last year. She trialed up in good fashion last week when clocking 60.6 for the 1000m, winning her heat. She has won three and finished in the top four on nine occasions from eleven starts. (12) RUNNING BOX gets a horror draw but on her day is capable of winning a race like this. She finished third behind East Jet last start where they clocked a good time. Moon Se-young taking over is a big lead for punters.

Selections (9) My Hawk (1) Beyond Over (6) Daddy Glory (12) Running Box
Next Best 10, 4
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11

 

Seoul Race 14: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Very tricky race to conclude the card. (11) TOP BRAIN is an established class 2 competitor and while he is inconsistent, he looked very well in a trial in May and can go close here. A couple of starts back, he beat the very consistent (7) CHOEGANG GOSU. The five-year-old doesn’t win out of turn but can be relied upon to run well and can add to his impressive placing record here. (6) TAP FASHIONED ran well for 3rd behind Gaenari Song over 1200M a month ago and stretching out to 1400M may be to his benefit here. (12) RED BLADE struggled when beaten over 1900M by (8) FLYING FORD among others last month. He should have come on for that run though and the drop back in trip can suit. (9) BANYA DONGHAENG came from well back to run 4th at class and distance on June 27th and he can match or better that today. (5) DAEGUN JEPAE was lame last time so put a line through that. At his best he is a real contender and arguably the one to beat in a wide open race.

Selections (5) Daegun Jepae (11) Top Brain (7) Choegang Gosu (6) Tap Fashioned
Next Best 12, 2, 1, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 10

 

 

Gaon Champ, Doraonpogyeongseon, Ace Korea in SBS Sports Sprint / Silver Wolf in Ttukseom Cup: SUNDAY RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW (June 2)

It’s a massive day of double Graded Stakes action at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The second leg of the Sprint Series sees Busan Ilbo Cup winner facing off against Ace Korea and two-time winner Doraonpogyeongseon. Meanwhile, the great Aussie mare Silver Wolf will be hot favourite to win the Ttukseom Cup. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.

Gaon Champ KRA

Gaon Champ won the 1st leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM is the most experienced galloper of the field and has started to show some consistency in his racing. He finished second last start behind Geumbit Yeoljeong in a time that was good considering a dry track. (8) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK has placed at his last two starts over the 1000m. With four weeks between runs he should be freshened up for another good performance over the 1000m. (10) O PI M J has ran some handy races over the 1000m prior to this event. Expect the three-year-old to drop back as he normally does suggesting the wide draw will not be a problem. (9) HYEONGMA PUBU is first up since July last year but had a trial coming into this event. The four-year-old showed some promise in this type of race last year.

Selections (3) Cheonnyeonui Baram (8) Neoseong Byokryok (10) O Pi M J (9) Hyeongma Pubu
Next Best 6, 11
Fast Start 3, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

The second on the card has twelve engaged all looking for their first win. (2) UTGE HAEJULGE gets his best chance to notch his maiden win. The three-year-old has drawn ideally for his style of racing. He should sit right behind the speed and Lim Gi-Won can produce him at the top of the straight. (6) SEOUL MAGIC has shown some form over the 1000m of late. The chestnut has early speed so expect him to be in the first couple in running. (3) ANYANG LEOPARD finished runner up behind Independence last start which a few of these are coming out of that particular race. (8) MOONHAKCHEETAH notched his first place finish last start and can improve today.

Selections (2) Utge Haejulge (6) Seoul Magic (3) Anyang Leopard (8) Moonhakcheetah
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

The third has a field of twelve engaged where we can make a case for almost half the field. (3) CAMP BADA saluted in good fashion last time out when dropping back to the 1000m. With the similar draw to that of last time she will be in this for a long way down the Seoul straight. (2) MISS GELLA doesn’t like winning but she continues to keep the stakes rolling over for connections. She can jump quickly and sit in the leading division. (5) BAEKSANG showed a clean set of heels last time out when leading from gate to line. Moon Sung-Hyeok retains the ride and gets small weight relief with the rise in class. (4) GABO PULL QUEEN saluted at an each-way price last time out over the 1300m when overcoming barrier eleven. This is tougher but keep her safe.

Selections (3) Camp Bada (2) Miss Gella (5) Baeksang (4) Gabo Pull Queen
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A field of eight maidens take to the track in the fourth where there only appears to be a few chances. The Kim Soon-Keun trained (3) ROYAL GHOST looks hard to beat at her fourth career start. Kim Yong Geun will partner the three-year-old who had a trial earlier this month. Expect her to sit closer in the small field. (7) MIGHTY LUCK was promising on debut last time out when she finished fourth over the 1000m. Expect improvement from the athletic looking chestnut today. (6) COILRO looked green in the run home last time out. She was beaten a big margin, but she did still have fuel in the tank at the post unlike the majority who finished behind her. (4) MACH THUNDER appears the best of the rest in a maiden that lacks form.

Selections (3) Royal Ghost (7) Mighty Luck (6) Coilro (4) Mach Thunder
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

The engagement of Kim Yong-Geun gives confidence when looking at the chances of (5) CHODONG BOBAE. The filly hit overdrive in the last furlong when winning last time out, but she did look like she would benefit from a senior rider. (11) PRIME QUEEN broke maiden status last time out in good style. She wasn’t given the most economic run by Moon Se-Young but her brute strength won her the race. She is a winning chance and will be ridden by Johan Victoire with Moon Se-Young on forced vacation. Look for improvement from (4) BIG PRO after and encouraging second last start when running through the line strong. (8) MAPAEBONG has finished in the top five on eight occasions from eleven starts and should be considered in your novelties.

Selections (5) Chodong Bobae (11) Prime Queen (4) Big Pro (8) Mapaebong
Next Best 2, 9
Fast Start 2, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A small field of eight will line up over the 1300m in the second at Busan. It appears that there will be a short-priced favourite in the form of (3) ULTRA POWER. The three-year-old broke maiden status two starts back in Class 6 company and then backed it up with a respectable fourth last time out when beaten 2.5L by Dodohan who has a significant weight advantage. This looks a weaker task and the colt gets the services of the in-form Seo Seung-Un. (4) CHOEGANG STEALTH starts a new preparation and has the benefit of a trial coming into this assignment. The five-year-old has shown glimpses of ability including a last start second before going to the paddock. Four-year-old (7) WANBONG looks the best of the rest. He failed to muster last time out and was hemmed away on the fence in traffic. His runs prior were respectable and he can be considered a place chance. (8) ROYAL CLUB has been out of form recently but has placed in this company.

Selections (3) Ultra Power (4) Choegang Stealth (7) Wanbong (8) Royal Club
Next Best 5, 6
Fast Start 3

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Three-year-old daughter of Menifee (3) TAP LINE looks hard to beat after a dominant win over 1300m last start. She jumped out of the gates and went straight to the lead only to accelerate in good fashion at the top of the straight. Johan Victoire takes over from the suspended Alan Munro. (5) MALAKAS won in similar company last time out in a blanket finish. She rises 2kg in the weight scale is considered an each-way chance. There are some speedy ones engaged in this event so it won’t surprise if she gets a fair way back. (more…)