Seoul

KOREA RACING REPORT: MARCH 27-29

THE PRINCIPAL ACTION IN KOREA ON SUNDAY WAS ON THE SOUTH-EAST COAST BUT SEOUL STILL HAD A GOOD PROGRAM AND A VERY STRONG CLASS 1 CONTEST WAS WON BY VICS GO who made it two consecutive wins over the course, distance and grade in race 9, writes Luke Humphreys.  

Vics Go (Vics) was ridden exactly the same by Woo In-cheol as at the start of the month, going towards the rear and then hugging the rail to go on and score by two-and-a-half lengths over Ziggurat and Pepper X who ran very honourable races in 2nd and 3rd places.

The last horse home was last year’s G3 Kookje Shinmun Cup winner Munhak Boy who with 58kg was beaten 17 lengths. He was on pace early but lost the plot from the halfway stage onwards.

No Problem was coming into the race on four consecutive victories but his first run at class 1 level was one to forget as he got upset in the gate as the race began and dumped Song Jae-chul who was conveyed to hospital for x-rays.

KING MASTER (The King) ran out a strong winner of race 8 (1800M Class 4) when defeating Mr. Taeyang by four-lengths. King Master had chased home the smart Chrysol Stone at his previous start and could potentially be a Derby horse, as could Mr. Taeyang who lost no admirers in second.

King Master gave jockey Jo Jae-ro two of the last three winners on the card as the ever consistent TIARA SUA (Audible) led throughout to win the concluding 1400M class 3.

SLAM DRAGON (Power Blade) took race 7 (1600M Class 4) for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira defeating his co-favourites Myeong Power and Geosen Daero.

HWASAN POKPAL (Smokem) broke through at the seventh time of asking when winning race 6 (1300M Class 4) as the third market elect at 5.9. He had never placed from six runs, but the best two runs of his career were his two previous outings, so he is obviously heading in the right direction. The race saw the two favourites in Jjarithan Haengbok, 2.6, and Hero Cheetah, 3.6, proved disappointing.

Hwasan Pokpal completed a riding double on the program for Jeong Jeong-hee as he won race 4 (1200M Class 5) on board 24/1 chance SMART MARU (Revolutionary) with only a nose, a head and a nose separating the first four home.

The victory of Smart Maru completed a race-to-race training double for Park Jae-woo who 68 minutes earlier landed a 1700M Class 6 thanks to the four-length victory of the 2.7 favourite LUCKY JOY (Gemologist).

FLYING THUNDER (Preservationist) was an impressive seven-length winner of race 5 (1400M Class 5) and in doing so completed back-to-back front-running victories and looks destined for more victories in his career.

BEOLGYO EMPEROR (Rock Your World) was the best of the maiden winners in race 2 winning the 1300M contest by two-lengths at odds of 1.5.

DOWN AT BUSAN ON THE SAME DAY FUNNY WILD LANDED THE KOREAN 2000 GUINEAS BUT THE LAST OF THE TWO CLASS 3 HANDICAPS WAS WON BY NEVER GIVE UP who lived up to his name as he was winning for the first time at the grade at attempt five.

Never Give Up (Peace Rules) won three races in a row last summer over the Busan 1800M and once again won over the distance when landing the concluding contest of the day as a 5.7 third pick in the betting. The 3.1 second favourite Max The Cat, who beat Funny Wild at his prior start, was a two-and-a-half-length 2nd whilst the 2.6 favourite Storm Fighter was an eight-and-a-half-length fourth.

The race saw Choi Eun-gyeong get dumped at the start when Sekwang Choegang knuckled on leaving the stalls. Choi, who only last week had returned to riding after four months out with a pelvic injury walked back to the jockey’s room but will have to pass concussion protocols.

The victory of Never Give Up completed a riding double for Jo In-kwon after 60/1 outsider BEOLGYO MABEOPSA (Revolutionary) came from miles back to win race 2 (1400M Class 6). 

EPHPHATHA (Instagrand) made it three wins from as many starts when leading for the majority of the contest to win race 5 (1400M Class 3) by two-and-a-half lengths. The US import looks progressive and is one to continue following.

4.3 second favourite SUNRISE (Gemologist) proved too good for the 2.4 popular pick Lampyojeonggeenie when pulling away to win race 4 (1300M Class 5) by one-and-a-half lengths. She has now won her last two races, which gives her a 50% winning strike rate.

Kim Hyo-jung was down at Busan to ride Flutter in the Korean 2000 and whilst he only beat two home her trip was still worth it as she picked up multiple rides on the card for Baik Kwang-yeol and DOCTOR HUNTER (Race Day) was a decent five-length winner for that combination in the opening 1200M class 6 as a 3.5 second pick defeating 2.1 favourite Global One Pick.

AT SEOUL ON SATURDAY DAESEONG STAR bounced back from a disappointing effort last start to land the 2000M class 2 by one-length.

Daeseong Star (Concord Point) had won the start prior over course, distance and grade and made it two wins from his last three starts and in doing so defeated the ever consistent Choegang Gold, who ran a fine race at his first run at the grade, Musket Day, who had the perfect run and presented as the winner early in the home straight but only managed third as a 2.3 favourite, and the 2024 Derby winner Eunpa Sarang, who for the second consecutive start ran a much better race. Brown Gold, the 4.1 second market choice, was home in fifth but was only beaten by two-lengths.

WONPYEONG SKET (Musket Man) was written off by some after her incredibly basic performance against similar rivals at the start of the month, but punters kept the faith sending her off a 2.2 favourite in the closing 1200M class 3 and she justified their support with a diminishing neck victory. 

The two worst runs of her career, obviously including her previous run, had been the only two times where she hadn’t led so naturally from gate one Ruan Maia was very keen to hold the top in the early stages and she was a clear leader for the majority of the contest before getting very tired in the closing stages, but she had enough of a break to hold off the late challenge of Cosmo One in a solid time of 1:13.5 considering the slow track. 

Cosmo Run ran the equal quickest final furlong of the race, 13.1 seconds, whilst the fourth placed Free The One, who was the 3.7 second favourite, also ran the same time for his last 200 metres coming from last after getting way too far out of his ground in the early stages.

The disappointment of the race was Gwanaksan Storm who won the form-line race for this event on March 1 when leading Wonpyeong Sket but today the roles were reversed in the run and also in regard to the result and he was the one that was vehemently disappointing.

The victory of Wonpyeong Sket completed a double on the program for trainer Jung Ho-ik who prepared SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA (Overanalyze) to win race 9 (1800M Class 3).

Songdang Hwangtaeja was having his first run over both the distance and grade but proved more than up to the task after sitting midfield off a strong pace to win by two-and-a-half lengths. 

It was Malaysia against Brazil in the first half of the race with CC Wong on the 2.5 favourite Dragon Killer and Ruan Maia on the 2.8 second choice Perfect Danaeun both very keen to lead and they set up a decent break on their rivals, which obviously was eventually reduced, and a quick time of 1:57.1. Dragon Killer was second whilst Perfect Danaeun, at his first run at the trip, ended up a tired fourth. MK Lee and BS Storm were the two disappointments of the race finishing sixth and ninth respectively.

The very consistent CLUB Q (Revolutionary) won her fourth race, they have all been over 1400M, when winning race 7 and making it two wins from her past three starts, both at class 4 level. She was sent off the 3.2 favourite and won by two-and-a-half lengths over the third and fourth picks in the market in Tohomarket and Geunyang Gara whilst the big disappointment was the 3.2 favourite Jiljuui Yeowang who has now produced two very good performances and two very bad performances from four runs.

RAON SAPPHIRE (Musket Man) made it two wins from four starts when winning race 5 (1300M Class 5) by one-and-a-half lengths over Choego Gold, 2.4 favourite, whilst CHEONJI TANK (Air Force Blue) was an impressive four-length winner of the opening 1300M class 6 as a 1.3 favourite.

Riding honours on the day clearly went to Lee Dong-ha who not only rode a double but also his 300th career winner on JILPUNGA (Tapwrit) who led throughout to score by four-lengths in race 6 as a 3.7 favourite. Lee’s earlier winner came on BEST URBANE (Uncaptured) in race 3 (1400M Class 6) which, a la Jilpunga, also led throughout.

AT BUSAN ON FRIDAY THERE WERE PLENTY OF TRAINERS AND JOCKEYS WITH MULTIPLE SUCCESS AND VANGIE completed a treble on the program for Bart Rice and a double for Seo Seung-un when winning the concluding 1200M class 2.

Vangie (Musket Man), who was having his third run at class 2 level, was having his first run at the grade over the 1200M after a third and two fourth places over 1400M but appreciated the drop back in trip by a furlong and recorded his fifth win from 15 starts with four of those coming over the six furlongs. He has never missed the top four either with six second places, a third and two fourth place finishes also. 

The favourite in the race was Beolma King who wasn’t far away but finished a never nearer sixth just the same.

The other victory for jockey Seo Seung-un on the card came courtesy of FAST MAN (Blue Pin) who justified 1.5 favouritism in race 4 (1200M Class 5) with a four-length victory, and made the form of race 5 at Busan on February 27 look very good as he finished third in that race whilst the second placed Bunker Buster has been a subsequent winner also. However, the winner of that race, Seongsil Dream, is yet to have raced again.

The other victories for trainer Bart Rice came in race 1 (1200M Class 4) with BARAM DAERO (Copper Bullet), who led throughout to deny the 1.4 favourite Vegas Jeontu, and also SKY WIN WIN (Win Win Win), who was ridden from the top for the first time, in race 6 (1800M Class 4) and held on to score by one-length in what was an outstanding frontrunning ride from Franco da Silva.

The victory of Baram Daero in the opener was the first of two winners for jockey Masa Tanaka who followed up in race 5 (1400M Class 5) on board GWANGBOKUI BANSEOK (Mendelssohn) who won by a comfortable space of four-lengths.

Jockey Lee Hyo-sik and trainer Lee Jung-pyo combined to have a double thanks to the efforts of debutante CHEONNYEONDOR (Dortmund) in race 3 (1300M Class 6) and SEKWANG LIGHT (Shackleford) in race 7 (1600M Class 4)

The biggest winner of the day was YONGBI JJANG (Gemologist) in race 2 (1600M Class 6) who won by a very cute 10 lengths as a 1.5 favourite.

The big race for next weekend is back down at Busan with the first leg of the Triple Tiara taking place for the three-year-old fillies in the Luna Stakes (KOR-Listed), the Korean equivalent of the 1000 Guineas. At Seoul it will also be the opening of the popular annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul (March 29)

The Triple Crown Series gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW AND FORM COMMENTS FOR THE BIG RACE. There are 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55

Who will succeed Oasis Blue as the KRA Cup Mile winner? (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) EVER LOVELY ran 2nd at start number two and then was a beaten favourite when 3rd over this distance on March 2nd, settling midfield and running on. In this company, she should be on pace and this time she can win. The danger is on her inside. (5) THE SUN MONSTER was a much-improved 2nd on his own third outing at this distance on March 8th when handy throughout. He carries more weight than Ever Lovely but should be in the finish again. (10) TRIGONUS was a fair 3rd on debut back at the end of February and should have come on for the run. (2) POWER MAGIC and (7) WORLD VICS are the other main contenders in an interesting opener.

Selections(6) Ever Lovely (5) The Sun Monster (10) Trigonus (2) Power Magic
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) BEOLGYO EMPEROR did nothing on debut in December but was an improved 4th at start two in January and then a solid 2nd, albeit beaten by a good winner, over 1300M on February 8th in a quick race. He draws well and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (6) COSMO JJIN did nothing on her first two starts but then came home in 2nd place at big odds in all filly maiden over 1200M at start three. She did her best work late that day so the slight increase in trip may suit and with an apprentice claim keeping her carried weight light, she can be in the finish. (4) BLACK MAMA was 4th two starts bac k and that’s enough to have her in placing contention in this company. (5) ANYANG LASER and (10) STUNNING BOLT others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(3) Beolgyo Emperor (6) Cosmo Jjin (4) Black Mama (5) Anyang Laser
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

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

(8) GLOBAL ONE PICK did nothing when debuting las July and then didn’t reappear until trialing in January. She put in a very solid effort on her return to racing on February 27th, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd over 1300M with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She should have come on for the run, and she is the one to beat here. (12) DELTA FORCE was 3rd on debut over 1200M and then 5th behind Global One Pick on February 27th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be challenging late on. Kim Hyo-jung is in town to ride Flutter in the Cup Mile later and picks up a promising ride on (6) DOCTOR HUNTER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1400M on March 6th and should have come on for the run. (1) ONNURI PARTY and (9) SINHEUNG GANGTAJA debuted together, and both can show some natural improvement second up.

Selections(8) Global One Pick (12) Delta Force (6) Doctor Hunter (1) Onnuri Party
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) PNS TWIN has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place at 1300M on March 7th when coming from well off the pace. His racing style so far suggests that he needs a bit of distance, and he gets the chance to prove it here. (3) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish inside the top three in sixteen attempts, but she enters off a best to date 4th place over this distance on February 8th when she came from well back and beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, another career-best should be the aim. (5) LUCKY JOY was only ordinary on his first try at this distance last time out, but prior to that he registered a 5th and a 4th and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here.  (8) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (11) NURI EUTTEUM are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) PNS Twin (3) Bulguksidae (5) Lucky Joy (8) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

After winning a trial, (11) WIN NOW beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place on debut over 1400M on February 27th. Settling behind the speed and running through the line well enough. He should have come on for the run and is the one to beat. (4) GOLD ROGER has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M. She too has finished off well and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (6) TOP OF THE RANK needs a line drawn through his latest when he was fractious in the gate and missed the start. He was well backed that day following a 2nd place in January and as he has subsequently completed a stall test, he can be given another chance. (2) FLYING SKY and (10) OASIS KINGDOM others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Win Now (4) Gold Roger (6) Top Of The Rank (2) Flying Sky
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 28)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Big crowd last week (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) CHEONJI TANK has a 4th and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far at 1200M and most recently at this distance on January 25th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today, and coming in fresh after nine weeks, he looks to be the one to beat. (9) NINJA TIGER was an improved 3rd at start two in an all-filly race over 1200M on February 8th. Third-up she can strip fitter and Johan is on for the first time. (6) ROAD TO PERFECT has run 4th in all three of her outings so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. (5) HANAM LASER and (10) YEOKJEONUI HIT are the other main contenders in what should be a competitive opener.

Selections(8) Cheonji Tank (9) Ninja Tiger (6) Road To Perfect (5) Hanam Laser
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

After winning a trial in January, (12) SOUTH CARNIVAL was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 14th and from a midfield position, he proceeded to finish off well for 3rd place, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He should have learned plenty from that and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) WHIZ STAR was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 28th. The only one in the race who has two starts under her belt, she can have a fitness edge on plenty and should be on pace in a race with little obvious early speed. (10) SUN DOLPUNG was last on debut but has since looked much better in a trial and gets another chance. With the first-timers not catching the eye, (9) JEONGWANGSEOKHWA and (7) SMART SHINHWA are the next bests.

Selections(12) South Carnival (6) Whiz Star (10) Sun Dolpung (9) Jeongwangseokhwa
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start6, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 2nd when he led for much of the way. He doe shave to contend with a worse draw this time so he may need a touch of luck at the start, but if he can get to the front, he can win. Betting favourite will be (7) BREEDO CALEY. He has mixed his form across his four appearances but his latest was a strong 2nd over 1300M on February 28th, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (11) MADE returned from six months out to run 3rd over this distance on February 15th form a similarly wide draw. He should strip fitter for the run, and an apprentice takes his weight down. (4) SEMYEONG PEAK and (5) CHEONGRYONG GIUN others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Sunganui Fighter (7) Breedo Caley (11) Made (4) Semyeong Peak
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 11

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

(5) GEUMJEOKSAN got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M in November and has since run 3rd and 5th in two subsequent starts, showing on pace both times. The 3rd place came over this distance and from a good draw, she can be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (6) AGAIN GOOD MAN stepped up to this distance on March 2nd and registered his maiden win having raced handy throughout. He is up in class here but is down 2kg in weight and he can measure up. (1) FINAL JILJU went through a bit of a cold patch but has picked up in her latest couple of outings with a 2nd and a 4th and she can be there or thereabouts again. Up in class (11) JAZZ PURPLE, along with (9) GRAND KWAEMA, are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(5) Geumjeoksan (6) Again Good Man (1) Final Jilju (11) Jazz Purple
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(3) CHOEGO GOLD enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 2nd when on pace throughout. He is up 2kg in weight, but he comes into a much better gate and can accordingly get an easier run to the lead and go all the way. Like Choego Gold, (4) REFLECT has never been outside of the top five, in his case in six appearances. He has been 3rd and 4th in his latest two, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and in this company can race on pace and be a danger. (5) WIDAEHAN HAMSEONG is yet to win in seven attempts but following his first two runs, he hasn’t been outside of the top four. He is another who should be on the pace and can at least place again. (7) JURING SKY and (9) YONGBI SHINHWA among other placing chances.

Selections(3) Choego Gold (4) Reflect (5) Widaehan Hamseong (7) Juring Sky
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Korea Racing Report: May 20-22

THE EVER CONSISTENT RAON FOREST WAS THE WINNER OF THE DONG-A ILBO TROPHY AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY BUT THE UNDERCARD WAS HEADED UP BY THE TWO CLOSING CLASS 3 CONTESTS AND ROOFTOP was an impressive winner of the second of those class 3 races over the 1200M.

Rooftop (Instagrand) completed a double on the program for jockey Kozzi Asano when knuckling down in the last 200 metres to score by one-length. Rooftop beat Geudaemaniddamyeon back on debut and is now starting to show similar form to the start of his career.

The other victory for Asano came in the opening 1300M class 6 on board VINCENT ALEX (Power Blade).

The first of the class 3 events was the second last on the program and it produced a good finish and the 1400M stoush was won by MORNING WONDER (Concord Point) who won by a neck over the late closing Sure Win with long time leader Gold Catcher a nose away third. Seobu Champ was one-length away in fourth whilst the 2.6 favourite Baro Danaeun who was resuming from 11 months away from the races could only manage fifth a further half-length away.

There were a trio of three-year-old colts on the card that produced smart performances and they included MAEUM HANA (Gaon Champ) who led throughout to win race 8 (1200M Class 4) by seven-lengths and looks yet another good classic aged horse for the trio of CC Wong, Choi Yong-geon and Woo Tae-yul.

YOUNG FIGHTER (Hansen) was a smart winner of race 5 (1300M Class 5) leading throughout to win softly by four-lengths whilst VALID YOUNG (Shackleford) was a good winner of race 4 (1700M Class 5) for Johan Victoire and Moon Byeong-ki as a 2.5 favourite. He was the only horse in the finish that was on-pace in the run in a quickly run race which saw the 2.8 second favourite The Classic falter to finish a long last.

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Donga Ilbo Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 22)

The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer gets underway on Sunday with the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-Listed) for fillies and mares attracting a very competitive field of fourteen. 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:

Gladius won the Donga Ilbo last year (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive maiden to start with. (1) TOUR FELIX returned from almost a year out on February 8th and despite not having done much in two trials, put in a very solid effort in 3rd place over this distance. He should stop fitter for that run, and he can win here. (3) GLOBAL LAND has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1200M and 1400M coming from off the pace in the first of them and racing handy in the latter. She has a smart finish on her and can challenge late here. (10) ONNURI BIT has a 5th and two 3rd places from three outings to date. She comes up slightly in trip for the first time and it can suit. (6) WONDERFUL CHIEF and (11) VINCENT ALEX others who can aim for the places.

Selections(1) Tour Felix (3) Global Land (10) Onnuri Bit (6) Wonderful Chief
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

(2) HAKSAN HENNY has a pair of 4th places to his name, coming from well off the pace both times. He steps up slightly in trip to 1400M for the first time and it could be what he needs to get home on top. (4) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI could finally be figuring things out with a 4th and a 2nd from his latest two, both over this trio. He is another who likes to go right back and run on and with an apprentice claim, he carries a light weight. (5) KIA ORA had a hard time over 1700M three weeks ago but prior to that ran 2nd at this distance on January 4th and can be in the mix again. (10) DOUBLE BLADE and (7) VALKYRIE are the other two who can be considered for a place.

Selections(2) Haksan Henny (4) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (5) Kia Ora (10) Double Blade
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 10

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

(8) KISS THE RAIN has proven green in just about every one of her five starts to date but regardless of that she hasn’t been far away in her last couple of runs. She eventually tested the patience of the stewards enough to be sent back to the trials, however in that trial on February 26 she was impressive leading throughout to score by eight-lengths. She looks a good chance of leading and staying there providing she stays on the straight and narrow. (4) WORLD EAGLE CAT needs to bounce back from a basic run last time, but her prior effort would give her a chance, however it must be noted that in that contest she effectively hung her chance, if not victory, away. (2) QUEEN PERFECT has been around the mark to date whilst (7) PERFECT POINT was a much-improved run at her second start. (5) CHOEGANG HAPPY and (12) SAENAE HILL are yet to place but rate next.

Selections(8) Kiss The Rain (4) World Eagle Cat (2) Queen Perfect (7) Perfect Point
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) GHOST CHRYSOL was a winner over 1700M two starts back and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class over the same distance on February 7th when settling back and running on. He remains under a light weight, CC knows him, well, and he can win here. (7) DANGDAECHOWOL enters in super form having won or placed in each of his last six appearances. He is up 3kg on his class and distance score on February 28th when he was close to the pace throughout, and he can be a big danger again. (3) CHEONGSAN JILJU enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 15th. An apprentice takes his weight down here and from a good draw he should be one of the early pace-setters and in this a long way. (1) HANGANG CAPTAIN and (6) HEUNGHAENG DOLPUNG others in the frame.

Selections(9) Ghost Chrysol (7) Dangdaechowol (3) Cheongsan Jilju (1) Hangang Captain
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(7) GREAT POWER has finished fourth in each of his last two starts, over course, distance and grade, attempting to lead throughout on each occasion. Those two efforts look to be the best pieces of form on offer in this contest. (2) HAENGBOK TREE made up a bit of ground back on debut in November and following a midfield finish in a trial earlier this month can go close. The extra 200 metres in this contest compared to her first race could potentially suit also. (8) WORLD TRIPLE CAT has been out the back in each of her last two but did finish third the time prior back in November. (5) WORLD BOLD MAN placed two runs back and rates over (1) BEOLGYO VILLAIN who placed as recently as last start with (4) MY BEST next best.

Selections(7) Great Power (2) Haengbok Tree (8) World Triple Cat (5) World Bold Man
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 21)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 11:00 to 17:50. Due to the cancellation of Saturday’s pony-race card at Jeju, the post times for most races have been amended. Here are the previews:

Geudaemaniddamyeon will try and behave a little better on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(2) GREEN JACKET won his trial and then ran a solid 2nd place on debut when settling midfield from a wide draw and running on over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, he gets a better gate here, and he can win. (8) MONEY MOVE trialed up behind Green Jacket and then ran 2nd himself on debut over this distance on January 31st, coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be close again. (1) BARAMGAEBI ran 3rd in a decent time at this distance on debut on January 30th and will have plenty of backers to go better here. (5) COMPLETE TURBO and first time starter (11) URUS SABBIA look the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Green Jacket (8) Money Move (1) Baramgaebi (5) Complete Turbo
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6 

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) PURPLE KOREA will be a hot favourite here. She was sent off at big odds on debut on February 7th but defied those to run a close 3rd having shown on the pace throughout. She won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) SEOUL BIHAENG ran 2nd on debut in January when leading for most of the way before finishing 6th behind Purple Korea on February 7th. He’ll be on pace here and is second choice. (2) DIA JILJU was a slow 6th of eleven on debut at this distance and from a good draw can get closer. With the newcomers not showing much in trials, (4) BULPAEUI YEOWANG and (7) DAEHAN POWER may improve.

Selections(8) Purple Korea (6) Seoul Bihaeng (2) Dia Jilju (4) Bulpaeui Yeowang
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden with a few looking ready to win. (5) K N STORM came from off the pace to get his second 3rd place finish over this distance on February 8th. He doesn’t get the benefit of an apprentice claim today, but a similar effort can see him win. (9) POWERFUL PRADO also has a pair of4rd places to her name. She can get a bit far back in her races, as she did last time, but she gets a weight drop here and can be a danger. (8) SAMJEONG WINNER is yet to crack the top two but has four finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be close again. (2) JEJU PRINCESS and (4) DREAM DIA other chances.

Selections(5) K N Storm (9) Powerful Prado (8) Samjeong Winner (2) Jeju Princess
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (3) WHIZ DREAM was a winner on debut over 1000M in a very quick time but has struggled a little in two starts at this class over 1300M, both times using up quite a bit of energy to get forward and weakening. Today the slight drop back in trip should suit but crucially she draws well and should be able to get a softer run to the front. If she does, she should win. (6) RAON THE PLUMA got her maiden win at start three over this distance on February 8th, leading all the way. She is up in class but can measure up in this company. (4) SEVEN KAISER is yet to win but likewise has never finished outside of the top four and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) YEONGWONHAN STAR and (11) YES ANGEL are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Whiz Dream (6) Raon The Pluma (4) Seven Kaiser (10) Yeongwonhan Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

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

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Korea Racing Report: March 13-15

THE REIGNING GRAND PRIX CHAMPION CLEAN ONE WAS THE STAR OF THE SHOW AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY BUT THERE WERE NINE OTHER RACES RUN AND WON ON THE CARD.

K N LIGHT (Testa Matta), as is his racing pattern, came right from the back of the field but unlike recent runs passed all of his rivals under Jeong Woo-ju landing the day at odds of 41.7 and in doing so became the second horse of the weekend at Seoul to win as the rank outsider.

The other class 3 contest on the card was the last and WE GO HIGH (Musket Man) returned from three months out to register his fifth win from eight starts by a comfortable five-lengths under Jang Chu-youl.

MUSKET CLEAVER (Musket Man) was an impressive eight-length winner of race 5 (1600M Class 4) and looks to have scope for more improvement going on the way he very easily accounted for his rivals.

The same can be said about CONCORD BLUE (Concord Point) who landed race 4 (1300M Class 5) by five-lengths under CC Wong for trainer Lee Shin-woo.

WHILST DOWN AT BUSAN ON SUNDAY UNJU GUY (Freedom Child) was an incredibly impressive winner of the concluding 1800M class 2 by an ever-extending nine-lengths. 

Unju Guy, who was second to Oasis Blue in last year’s Derby, had run into the likes of Young Skywalker and Oasis Red in recent starts, and was also sent up to Seoul for a crack at the President’s Cup in October, but appreciated not running into horses of that ability with what was visually the most impressive win of the day across the country and the style of his win surely wouldn’t have dented his confidence levels going forward.

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Herald Business Sunday: Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 15)

The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul on Sunday afternoon with an all-star line up of twelve facing the starter in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

Clean One races for the first time since his Grand Prix romp (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) CHAOS was ordinary on debut last October but was much better when returning on January 31st leading for most of the way around and finishing in 3rd place ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She should strip fitter for that run and with no other early speed in the race, is clear favourite here. (2) COWBOY QUEEN was a fair 5th on her debut on February 1st over this distance, settling midfield and finishing off well enough. She is under an apprentice claim again here and can improve. There are four debut makers. (11) ORATORIUM was 3rd in trial and looks the best placed to make an impact first up. (10) CLOVER ONE and (6) CHEONGGANG GYEOUL also hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(5) Chaos (2) Cowboy Queen (11) Oratorium (10) Clover One
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 8

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

(4) FIVE STAR has been knocking on the door over his five starts to date, with a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both times coming from off the pace. He can get a bit far back but if Furkan can have him in touch in the straight, this race is there for the taking. (2) MR.CREDIT has mixed his form across four outings, but he did register a smart 3rd over 1200M in December. Things didn’t work out for him when he was midfield in a slow race over this trip on February 14th but he is worth another chance here. (9) KING SPICY has made progress each time, most recently a 4th place at 1300M and the slight step up in trip again can suit. (11) QUEENS FLYING and (10) PRIMERO are other place chances.

Selections(4) Five Star (2) Mr.Credit (9) King Spicy (11) Queens Flying
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

Franco Da Silva might not have retained the ride on Clean One in the G3 at Seoul today, but he can still have a very good day at Busan, and he kicks off with a very good chance in the shape of (3) VICTORIA CHUKJE. After a 2nd place on debut, she has registered a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts, at 1200M and most recently this distance on February 15th. From a good draw she can be expected to be further forward earlier, and she is the one to bet. (9) VELOCI QUEEN was 2nd at start two, narrowly missing out in a tight finish over 1200M on January 23rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and she is a danger. (4) SUPER HIT enters off her best to date when 3rd at this distance on February 1st and can match or better that here. (10) DIA X and (2) NORTHERN QUEEN are the other chances.

Selections(3) Victoria Chukje (9) Veloci Queen (4) Super Hit (10) Dia X
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5 ,12

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

Fillies and mares only (1) RAON THE BELMONT had a poor day at the office last time out February 8th when only making it to midfield and never traveling. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her class and distance win two starts back on December 28th and in this more limited company, give her another chance. (4) FINAL JILJU ran 2nd at big odds at class and distance on February 14th and while up 2kg in weight, can aim to repeat. (5) POETIC NUBI enters with recent form reading adequately and that’s enough to have her among the place chances. (7) HAKSAN DAESE and (3) RED DRAGON others who can pick up in what is a weak race and where all of what passes for early speed is drawn wide.

Selections(1) Raon The Belmont (4) Final Jilju (5) Poetic Nubi (7) Haksan Daese
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start8, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) SUCCESS DAY has been getting closer across his four starts so far, culminating in 2nd on hos first try at this distance on February 13th when handy throughout. He can be on pace here and can go one better. Solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL FASHION went through two trials, settling back in one and showing at the front in the other and finishing 3rd in both. He draws well to get forward early and can put in a bold showing in this company. (9) CARAT KING enters off a best to date 2nd at this distance on March 1st. He makes a quick return and an apprentice claiming 3kg keeps him competitive. (11) DOKKI TIGER and (6) ROYAL CRYSTAL others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Success Day (2) Wonderful Fashion (9) Carat King (11) Dokki Tiger
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

(10) CONCORD BLUE was a winner on debut over 1200M in January before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on February 8th. He draws wide here but should have enough about him early to get to the lead, and he is the one to beat. (9) ROAD TO STAR has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts at this level since getting his maiden win back in December. He can settle behind the early speed here and be a threat late on. (5) LOVERMAN comes up in class having scored his maiden win at this distance on February 14th. The time wasn’t quick, but he is down 2kg in weight and he can be competitive. (4) BLISS STAR and (6) THUNDER MARVEL are others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Concord Blue (9) Road To Star (5) Loverman (4) Bliss Star
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(9) BUNKER BUSTER got his maiden win at start two at the end of January and then came desperately close to following up when 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on February 27th. He comes up 1.5kg in weight, but he will be on pace, and he is favoured to go one better today. (1) BREEDO ARENA came from off the pace to win over this distance two starts back and while she only finished midfield over 1300M on her first try at this level two weeks ago, she carries a light weight and can be in the finish here. (11) DREAM RACER has beaten a couple of today’s rivals in both his latest two outings, most recently when 4th at this class and distance on February 1st and should beat plenty again. (12) SUCCESS COW and (3) TIP TAP others with place chances.                                                                                      

Selections(9) Bunker Buster (1) Breedo Arena (11) Dream Racer (12) Success Cow
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 14)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10.35 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time.  (5) BREEDO AQUA was an on pace 2nd over this distance on debut on February 7th, well beaten by a good winner, but posting a decent time. She should have come on for that and won’t need to improve by much to win this. (2) GANGHAN GAMMA has raced twice, finishing 5th on debut on January and then 3rd at start two over 1300M on February 15th. Her times haven’t been quick, but she can have a fitness edge on her rivals and be close again. Among the first timers, (3) MY DOLPUNG was 2nd from on the pace in her trial and draws well to lead again. (8) GOLD ID and (7) BEST SECRET others who showed promise in their heats.

Selections(5) Breedo Aqua (2) Ganghan Gamma (3) My Dolpung (8) Gold ID
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(2) GOLDEN DIVA has been consistent across her five starts so far, finishing in the top five on every occasion. In this company and from this gate, she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can go all the way. (1) BLAZING ENGINE has a 2nd and a 3rd from three starts so far, those sandwiching a poor effort when slow away and getting too far back at start two. He didn’t go down by much last time and a similar effort over this trip can see him home close. (6) INSPIRE beat Golden Diva as the pair finished 3rd and 4th at this distance on February 14th. That was a big uptick in form, and he can maintain it here. (10) GOLDEN SAVE and (9) PASA ACE other place chances.

Selections(2) Golden Diva (1) Blazing Engine (6) Inspire (10) Golden Save
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) POWERFUL IMPACT was sent off as favourite over this distance on February 7th but copped a bump at the start and didn’t have much luck after as he trailed him 6th with three of today’s rivals ahead. Before that he registered a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance and with a smoother passage today, he has every chance. (10) MANGEUM CROWN has a 3rd and a 4th in two tries at this distance. He has a strong finish on him so the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he can challenge late here. (11) THE SUN COMING was 3rd to Mangeum Crown’s 4th when they raced each other on January 25th over this distance and while he comes up 4kg in the absence of an apprentice claim, he can be close. (6) STORM LIGHT and (8) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN were ahead of Powerful Impact on February 7th and can aim for decent finishes again.  

Selections(3) Powerful Impact (10) Mangeum Crown (11) The Sun Coming (6) Storm Light
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) NAMSAN MINYEO has been ultra consistent across seven starts so far, with a 5th on debut her worst. She comes in fresh racing for the first time since just before Christmas and under a light weight she can make her way across to the lead and can win. (11) CHRYSOL DONGHAE has finished both ahead of and behind Namsan Minyeo and ran 2nd at 1700M two starts ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but has a strong finish and can be a danger late. (7) GEOMEUN SUP is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1400M. He ran 4th over 1700M on his first try at this class on February 14th and can get closer today. (5) SECRET WOLF and (8) GLORY QUEEN others in the frame.

Selections(10) Namsan Minyeo (11) Chrysol Donghae (7) Geomeun Sup (5) Secret Wolf
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 9 , 10

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

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Korea Racing Report: March 6th – March 8th

IT WAS A LONG WAIT FOR THE FEATURE AT SEOUL RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY A class 1 affair over the 1200M for those who didn’t make the privilege of going to the G3 at Busan to get beaten by Vincero Cavallo, was the last on the card, but it didn’t disappoint as MAGIC POTION (Competitive Edge), the winner of last November’s KRA Sprint at Seoul, beat favourite Best Race by a length and a half in a fast time. 

The US-bred five-year-old, who was ridden by Lee Yong-ho, moved on to eight wins from fourteen starts and could be under consideration for a start in the next leg of the Sprint Series on April 12th. 

STUNNING MONEY (Gyeongbudaero) completed a riding treble on the program for Panamanian jockey Luiz Quiroz when winning the preceding ninth race (1800M Class 3) by two lengths.

It was a third victory over the Seoul 1800M for Stunning Money who accounted for Dragon Gate and Ultra Dragon whilst the three favourites in Tanseongui Banseok, BS Storm and Pasa Spurt were the next trio home.

The other victories on the program for Quiroz were ONEMO TIME (Peace Rules) who was the most impressive winner of the three maiden contests at the start of the card when justifying 2.3 favoritism by nine-lengths from the front, and in race 7 with a pick-up ride on STAY BIG (Stay Thirsty) who was the rank outsider at 60/1.

SHINING ROAD (Midshipman) was considered the danger to the 1.4 popular pick Pas de Cheval in race 8 (1700M Class 4) and he duly got first run on the favourite and held him off by a half-length. Pas de Cheval, who had won his previous two starts very softly, didn’t respond when first asked for the effort but eventually picked up in the straight; however, the line came up too quickly for his backers.

RAON FLORENCE (Musket Man) continued his consistent run of form when impressively winning by six lengths at even money under apprentice Woo In-cheol in race 6 (1200M Class 4).

GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) followed up his debut victory with a four-length score in race 4 (1400M Class 5) and looks like potentially a nice type going forward.

GRACE DAY (Race Day) followed up her front-running nine-length maiden victory with another front-running win, this time only by a half-length. It is likely it would have been by a bit further however if she wasn’t so green in the home straight as she hung out with 200 metres to travel before then ducking back in towards the running rail in the final 50 metres. Her victory completed a riding double for Jeong Jeong-hee who rode the opening winner FLASH JUDE (Flashback).

VINCERO CAVALLO WAS THE STAR DOWN AT BUSAN but there was plenty on the undercard too.

UNJU CHALLENGE (Revolutionary) came home two and a half lengths clear in the following 1800M Class 4. He dipped coming out of the gates but balanced up, found the lead and proved too good for Lime Tree whilst the 2.4 favourite Amazing One was a further five lengths away only managing third and never looking like getting near his two co-favourites. Son Gyeong-min was the winning rider and that apprentice completed a double after success in race 3 on board NICE GIRL (Afleet Express).

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