SBS Sports Sprint

SBS Sports Sprint 2026: Preview & Form Comments

The Sprint Series reaches Seoul on Sunday afternoon and having won the first leg in Busan a month ago, VINCERO CAVALLO will be a warm favourite to successfully defend the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

While he swept all three legs of the Sprint Series last year, Vincero Cavallo’s form fell off in a disrupted second half of 2025 and that led him to only be second in the market when he returned from a four-month layoff to join the rest of the sprint division for the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast on March 8th.

The doubters – and there were plenty – were silenced as under a patient Jo Jae-ro ride, Vincero Cavallo emphatically announced he was back in form with a two-length win to put him in pole position to sweep back-to-back series.

So, who can stop him?  WINNER CLEAR was sent off as favourite in the Busan Ilbo, and he was the one who ultimately got closest. He and Vincero Cavallo were in adjoining gates in Busan too but this time they are much wider. That should be of less concern to Winner Clear, and the start will be key. Seo Seung-un is on board.

BORN DIA led the Busan Ilbo, setting a strong pace before ultimately running 4th. Drawing the inside gate once more, she can lead again but only two horses were slower than her in the final furlong in Busan so making sure there is something left in the mare’s tank will be a key concern for jockey Masa Tanaka.

MAGIC POTION is a newcomer to the elite level. A winner of eight from fourteen, he won the KRA Sprint (Seoul) at the end of November. That was for horses rated 80 and down but he has since gone on to win twice at class 1 level. Winner Clear won the corresponding race at Busan the same day.

Veteran BLACK MUSK along with WONDERFUL GROOM are the other main hopes for at least the places. The SBS Sports Sprint is race 7 at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.

1. BORN DIA – In the best form of her career with a class 2 win over this distance last October followed by a desperately close 2nd to Winner Clear in January when she very nearly led from gate-to-wire. She was 4th in the Busan Ilbo, racing on pace, and from the inside gate, she can be on pace and cause a lot of problems here and her 2kg mare allowance may help her late.

2. BEOLGYO VERITAS – Remarkably has the fourth fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning at class 2 in December, settling, as is his style, in midfield and running on. All six wins have come at this distance, but he is yet to race at higher than class 2 and he will need to lift here but he draws very well and will probably seek to lead.

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SBS Sports Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 12)

Sunday sees the second leg of the 2026 Sprint Series with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Meanwhile at Busan there are six international trophy exchange races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55 and 7 at Busan from 11.25 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

(5) GANGHAN GAMMA has made steady progress across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place in a filly only race over this distance on March 14th beaten seven-lengths by Breedo Aqua. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong late on. (3) RACE DIVA was 6th behind Ganghan Gamma in that March 14th race. That was a slight improvement from her debut and from a much better gate she can continue to get better here. (9) BEST THE ON ran three times last autumn with a best of 2nd over this distance. He hasn’t raced since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be in this first-up. Debut maker (2) VINCENT KATHY went through two trials, winning the second of them. She draws very nicely to be on pace and can put in a bold showing. (11) DONGBAEK among the other place chances.

Selections(5) Ganghan Gamma (3) Race Diva (9) Best The On (2) Vincent Kathy
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 7

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (2) SAENAE RANIA came from a wide gate to lead on what was her first try at this distance on March 8th and ultimately finished a solid 3rd. This race is no harder and from a much better draw, she can win. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG has four top four finishes from five starts with his best being a close 2nd to Saenae Fighter at start two last November. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he can finish strongly and be a danger late here. (6) GEOSEN MUJEOK was ridden a bit further forward on his first try at this distance on March 22nd and finished a fair 5th. With similar tactics here, he can get closer. (3) NICE WINNER and (7) YONGBIGYO are the other main chances.

Selections(2) Saenae Rania (5) Sangim Yeongung (6) Geosen Mujeok (3) Nice Winner
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / “New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Trophy” / KRW 30 Million

Interesting maiden to open things on the south coast and (3) OASIS GIJEOK gets the nod. He raced three times last year for a best of 3rd and then didn’t reappear for another six months. His return on March 13th saw him beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1200M and stripping fitter for that run, he can go one better today.  The main danger could well be the debut maker one gate to his inside. (2) FLASH COCO first trialed in October of 2024 but never made it to the races after a chip fracture and several other setbacks. Her owner/breeder has persevered though and she looked good when 2nd in a trial in March showing handy throughout. From a good draw, she can make an immediate impact. (7) RESPECTING GIRL was an improved 4th behind Oasis Gijeok on March 13th and can continue to make progress here. (1) POWERFUL RUBY and (5) SKY BOY others in the frame.

Selections(3) Oasis Gijeok (2) Flash Coco (7) Respecting Girl (1) Powerful Ruby
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) SAMJOGO led early in the Listed Sports Seoul on March 1st before being overwhelmed late and finishing a well beaten last. Prior to that he was an all the way winner at this class over 1300M and returning to shallower waters today, he can return to winning ways. (9) KOREAN DREAM enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 21st when handy throughout. In this company he should be on pace, and he shapes as a big rival. (1) STAY BIG was a 60/1 winner at this class over 1400M on March 8th, coming from off the pace. He only comes up 1kg in weight and warrants significantly more respect this time. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII and (6) SAHARAMOND among other place chances.

Selections(4) Samjogo (9) Korean Dream (1) Stay Big (11) Raon Nizhinski
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / “Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy” / KRW 60 Million

(3) BUNKER BUSTER has won two of four so far with his others ending in 2nd and 3rd. He is up in class having scored over 1400M on March 15th when he led all the way around and while he was 3rd on his only previous try at this distance, he draws well to lead again, and he will take some beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (9) GRAND MORE came home in 2nd and 3rd place respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on March 6th. The draw here is more favourable to Doctor City although he comes up 1.5kg. Both have ever chance of being in the finish again. (11) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK returns to action for the first time since last November. She has won at this trip, and she looked well enough in a March trial to suggest she can put in a good effort here. (8) BREEDO MIRACLE another firmly in the frame.

Selections(3) Bunker Buster (2) Doctor City (9) Grand More (11) Nakdong Myeongjak
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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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.