Seoul

Holiday Monday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 5)

There has just been a string of public holidays in Korea and Monday is another. A Monday holiday means there is a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(10) LUNA SOCKS ran second in her one and only trial prior to her debut where she was a beaten odds-on favourite but was not disgraced finishing a two-and-a-half length third. (11) SENNA k was also relegated to third as the odds-on chance on her respective debut, but both fillies can be given another chance despite drawing the widest gates. The Tony Castanheira trained (3) B WORK has made up some ground from the rear in both his solitary trial and race and rates next over (8) HAENGUN STAR which was fourth on debut with (9) BAEKSAN RACE, who was not far away in his first start, an each-way chance with (1) SMART BIGBANG, which has trialled twice for a fifth and a fourth,

Selections(10) Luna Socks (11) Senna K (3) B Work (8) Haengun Star
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10, 11

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

(3) ROAD TO PERFECT has only finished outside of the top five once in eight starts and the closest she has come to breaking through was her most recent run when finishing third, so she rates as a solid each-way chance. (10) GEOSEN HAMSEONG has the best performance out of all of these with a last start second so naturally he must be given a strong chance. (4) FLYING CHIEF was well turned over on debut when pulling up lame but if he has come on for the experience he can do better with (2) HONEY SKY, a last start third, next best over (6) GEUMSEONG SHINY and (5) BULPAEUI YEOWANG.

Selections(3) Road To Perfect (10) Geosen Hamseong (4) Flying Chief (2) Honey Sky
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

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

(4) SURPRISE was an outstanding winner of his second career start at the beginning of the year but subsequently suffered a fracture in the near hind sesamoid and has been off the scene since. He resumed with a trial on September 17 where he was only beaten a nose by the Listed Segye Ilbo runner-up from February in Yeonggwangui World which is outstanding form and he should pick up where he left off and hopefully the sky is his limit. (5) RAON KINGSMAN has two fifth places as his best efforts so far from three runs at this grade and rates as one of the key place chances with (7) STEPPING STONE, who was a debut winner before finishing ninth and fourth in two runs at this level, next best over (11) GLOBAL CARD, (8) BIBA CHARM and (6) BLACK SPECTER with (3) YONGBI SHINHWA, (9) MUHAN ARGO and (2) EODIDEUNJI all solid place chances as well.

Selections(4) Surprise (5) Raon Kingsman (7) Stepping Stone (11) Global Card
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 11

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

(5) SAEROUN BISUL ran a placing to this year’s Minister’s Cup runner-up Mr. Taeyang at the end of his juvenile campaign before beginning this preparation with a victory in July. He was then second when having his first Class 5 run at his most run and can go one better. The main danger is the Tony Castanheira prepared (10) BLUE HAWAII which caught the eye on debut coming from well back for second, one place ahead of a subsequent winner, before confirming that promise when again coming from well back to win his second race start by three-lengths. That pair clearly have the best form with (11) COWBOY QUEEN perhaps not a bad place chance with a featherweight on her back thanks to a two-kilogram claim from Kwon Jung-seok whilst (3) JOY CHEONHA, (8) SEUNGNI BAROWS and (7) JIJON BULPAE are next best.

Selections(5) Saeroun Bisul (10) Blue Hawaii (11) Cowboy Queen (3) Joy Cheonha
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 11

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

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Ilgan Sports Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 4)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and at Yeongcheon (6 races from 12:45 to 16:30). The feayure is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy which is race 8 at Seoul. Here are the previews:

A past edition of the Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(9) G B QUEEN led throughout to win her trial impressively by five-lengths on September 3 and looks a good chance of stepping out on debut to land the spoils for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (1) WILD CAVIAR also won her trial on the same day by a lesser margin and in a slower time but should be respected from the Tony Castanheira stable. (2) CLOVER SOCKS trialled once for a narrow second to (7) MEMENTO but with a weight swing from that trial could reverse the form. (8) RAON THE SKY and (10) ADI SOCKS rate next.

Selections(9) G B Queen (1) Wild Caviar (2) Clover Socks (7) Memento
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GOLDEN DIVA comes up to Class 4 for the first time following a second beaten a half-length over this distance a month ago. It is a race of many chances, but she can acquit herself well. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO has been disappointing this preparation, but his best form would probably win this. (5) STORM TROOPER was a Class 5 winner over this distance three runs ago whilst (7) UNJU TIME is knocking on the door for a win with (3) MY SUPERMAN and (4) PICTURE other each-way chances along with (10) BREEDO PHOENIX.

Selections(1) Golden Diva (9) Eclipse Tango (5) Storm Trooper (7) Unju Time
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9

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

(2) SINCHEON HEART comes off a last start second on Korean Cup Day in a race over this distance and at this grade and looks to be getting closer to breaking through for a victory but will be well under the odds. (7) KATARINARA finished in the second half of the field in her first two runs when well fancied but was better last start when making up ground for third. It will be interesting to see how she goes rising in trip by 400M. (4) RISING WIND has been sixth in each of her last two starts but was second three runs ago so that form would give her a chance. (6) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE outran odds of 22.0 on debut before only finishing midfield as a 2.2 favourite at his second run. The only juvenile in the field is (8) FLYING DREAM and whilst he has finished in the second half of the field in both of his runs, he should be kept safe whilst (5) GANGHAN PRINCESS rates next.

Selections(2) Sincheon Heart (7) Katarinara (4) Rising Wind (6) Beolgyo Signature
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) MIGHTY CHAMP has the widest draw to overcome but can be given a good chance on his debut third on August 8 although he was not quite as good last start when finishing midfield as favourite on September 13. Two-year-old (4) RAON THE RIPON was behind Mighty Champ in that September race and only managed midfield at his other prior run but they both strike a winnable race here. (5) CUPID DREAMER is another juvenile, and she is by Race Day on debut and has trialled twice with the best of those being a third place on September 3 where she made up ground. (7) THUNDER RUN is hard to catch but gets a four-kilogram apprentice claim which keeps him in contention with other juveniles (10) ECLIPSE EAGLE, who will be well fancied, and (9) NEWBAL SOCKS the other chances.

Selections(11) Mighty Champ (4) Raon The Ripon (5) Cupid Dreamer (7) Thunder Run
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10                                                                     

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) OASIS GIJEOK could never get into the thick of things at his last run three months ago when running at Class 5 for the first time but his two second places prior to Brown Choco and Lightning Force are the best piece of form on offer in this race so he can break his maiden here if running to that form. (8) TOHAMSAN DRAGON has up and down form but his third two runs ago behind a subsequent winner rates as good enough to win this if he runs to a similar level. (4) TRICK SHOT won a trial at the end of August before finishing fifth over class and distance at Busan at the beginning of September and he will start as the favourite. (7) CHAMP GIRL has had three runs finishing out the back in two of them, but she did win her other run. (5) WONDERFUL LARK has had her issues but from the Thomas Gillespie stable should be respected with (1) GOLDEN POINT next best in a tricky race to assess.

Selections(2) Oasis Gijeok (8) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Trick Shot (7) Champ Girl
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. It’s also the first day of the Autumn Festival which continues after racing with obligatory drone show. Here are the preview:

Malma beer is back for the autumn Festival

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(2) RUN CROWN has trialled three times and the best of those was his most recent when running third on August 6 beaten two-and-a-half lengths behind a subsequent debut winner. Andre da Silva rides and the Hansen colt can close at value. (8) SLING SMILE is one of only three in the field that has had a race and based on that third place on July 12 can go close under Seo Seung-un. (10) CUPID LUCKY and (9) WONPYEONG CAT, the mounts of Luiz Quiroz and Ruan Maia respectively, came home third and fourth separated by three-lengths in a trial on September 3 and can run well whilst (5) CENTI FORCE is next best over (11) LUMINOUS which has had plenty of trials but has improved markedly along the way.

Selections(2) Run Crown (8) Sling Smile (10) Cupid Lucky (9) Wonpyeong Cat
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

(6) MACHEON MAMA was second favoured in the market on debut and was far from disgraced finishing in that place chasing home a decent winner. Ruan Maia retains the ride on the juvenile filly, which had led throughout to win a trial by seven-lengths prior, and she is the one to beat. (3) POWERFUL MR. has been close in each of his three starts behind some decent winners and whilst that may be the case again in this it is possible that he could break through at the fourth attempt. Seo Seung-un rides (5) OPUS ONE which has been just worse and just better than midfield in two runs whilst a similar enough comment can be made for (7) FULL STRIKE. (11) INTO THE GALAXY is a roughie chance if not getting too far out of his ground with (2) TOO BIRD HIT next best.

Selections(6) Macheon Mama (3) Powerful Mr. (5) Opus One (7) Full Strike
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9

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

(6) LEGEND MONSTER is a two-year-old colt that is taking on the older horses for the first time following three starts for two minor placings behind smart winners and a fifth when favourite. This is a winnable race for him, and he is the one to beat under Furkan Yüksel. (9) MYEONG POWERFUL has finished in front and behind Legend Monster in each of his two runs making up good ground on each occasion and if not getting too far out of his ground will go close. The two juveniles look clearly the pair to beat with (2) PNS GUNS next best over (8) ILGEUP BISUL, (10) PERFECT GAME and (7) GLOBAL HANAM.

Selections(6) Legend Monster (9) Myeong Powerful (2) PNS Guns (8) Ilgeup Bisul
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) STEEL MORE has been placed in each of her three runs and that brings her up to one-win company for the first time. She was first-up for eight months last start when attempting to lead throughout and was only beaten a narrow margin and can go one better. There are plenty of dangers though and amongst them is (6) NAOL AURORA who led throughout to win her maiden very easily at the end of April but has been a beaten favourite in three of her next four runs, all at this class. Seo Seung-un rides for the first time which is interesting. (10) ECLIPSE MARVEL won her maiden last November and at her only run since in August was fourth in perhaps a stronger race than this. (11) HAKSAN SAMMY will do her best work late whilst (2) BINNALEEDS and (5) HAKSAN WINNER, who will perhaps be favourite, are the other main chances.

Selections(3) Steel More (6) Naol Aurora (10) Eclipse Marvel (11) Haksan Sammy
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10

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

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Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter: Jeju Governor’s Cup Preview & Form Comments

The Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter series for fillies and mares kicks off on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse and the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) is shaping up as one of the most intriguing – and trickiest – puzzles of the year so far. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & YEONGCHEON ON SUNDAY.

Boryeonglightqueen is the defending champion (Pic: KRA)

All the big hitters of the division are there, including the defending champion BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN, as well as the 2023 and 2024 winner JEULGEOUNYEOLJEONG. Others who have won Queens’ Tour races in the past and take their chance include GLADIUS, who was such an impressive class 1 winner last month, as well as the evergreen RAON FOREST and Ttukseom Cup winner FANTASTIC VALUE.

Then there is the three-year-old generation, who take on their elders for the first time. All three winners on the Triple Tiara series line up. CLEARLY WINNER won the Luna Stakes before running 2nd to CATCH RACE in the Korean Oaks. Both face off again and they are joined by Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner SUN RISE.

Here is a full run-down of the full field of sixteen who will go to post for race 8 at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 15:40:

1. SUNRISE – 4th in the Oaks, she won the final leg of the Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, over 2000M in June. 2nd at class 3 level over a mile in her latest when closer to the pace than usual, she may not be a top line favourite here but can be a minor money chance.

2. CLUB Q – A winner of five from ten, all of them coming over this distance and at up to class 3 level. First time in elite filly and mare company today, this has been jockey Kim A-hyun’s career defining horse so far and she returns from injury to partner her. A very strong finisher, she could run into some money.

3. ONEULDO SMILE – A winner of six from twelve, two at this distance, but she struggled in the Spring/Summer series and hasn’t raced since May. She came back into work on August 20th but didn’t offer too many clues in a trial at the start of this month. Others favoured but should be on the early pace.

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Queens’ Tour Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (September 20)

It’s the final weekend of racing before the short Chuseok break and the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter kicks off with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) the main event. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Yeongcheon from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Gladius will be favourite for the feature (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time and a couple of them look interesting. (6) THE ROAD led in his second trial, crossing the line alongside top sprinter Super Finish in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. (3) ULTRA CROWN went through two trials, winning both of them, most recently last week when settling back and running on strong in a quick time. The 1200M should suit and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can win first-up. (8) BULTAOREUNE was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over 1000M on August 9th when he beat three of today’s rivals. Third-up he should have a fitness edge here, and the way he has finished off these races, suggests the step up in trip is in his favour too. (5) FLASH BOLT and (2) NAREUSYA GOAT finished 4th and 5th respectively on debut behind Singsing Nashe and both can improve here

Selections(6) The Road (3) Ultra Crown (8) Bultaoreune (5) Flash Bolt
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens, although all of them have raced at least once before. After running 4t on debut, (9) UNICORN ACE was a close 2nd at start number two on August 22nd in a quick time over 1000M. He is up significantly in trip, but he has been doing his best work late, and he has every chance here. (8) GOLD X stepped up to this distance at start number two on August 30th and came from off the pace to run a solid 3rd place. Luis climbs on for the first time, and he can be dangerous here. (4) ECLIPSE GOLDEN has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M. He as been back to trial since his lates, which he came trough well, and he can at least place again. (11) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (6) CHEONSANGGEOMNYONG among plenty of others who can step up.

Selections(9) Unicorn Ace (8) Gold X (4) Eclipse Golden (11) Cheonmaui Hanseong
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 25 Million

A “second chance” race for those yet to win any prize money from at least five starts. And none of them started their respective last race at odds shorter than 26/1, so it’s a case of good luck solving this one. (3) SEMYEONG HEIDI has done the least wrong in that she has only raced five times and does at least have a 6th place. She also hasn’t raced since May and crucially went through a trial in August that she won in a quick time, making all. If she brings that trial form to the races, she will win this. (1) PNS RUNNER does usually show on the early speed and if from the onside gate he gets off to a good start, most of these rivals might not be good enough to get past him. (6) VICTORY SECRET is another who can be on pace and in this a long way. Without any level of confidence, (7) DUKE SOCKS and (4) HAEMARU CHAT are others who could run into some money.

Selections(3) Semyeong Heidi (1) PNS Runner (6) Victory Secret (7) Duke Socks
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6

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

(5) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been knocking on the door in recent starts wit a 2nd place tree back and then a 3rd on his latest on August 9th. Both those were at this distance coming from off the pace and against this modest opposition, he won’t need to improve by much to win this. (10) SONGDANG JILJU has picked up in her latest two, both at 1400M, passing plenty late for back-to-back 4th places. Previous tries at 1700M were not successful, but she may be ready for another crack. (1) NURI EUTTEUM has never been better than 4th but managed to finish in that position last time out on September 6th and making a quick return here and drawn in a much better gate, she can match or better it. (8) GANGHAN PRINCESS and (7) GRAND COURAGE other place chances.

Selections(5) Powerful Arctic (10) Songdang Jilju (1) Nuri Eutteum (8) Ganghan Princess
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) WIND MIREU is a winner of three from four and enters having run a close 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on August 16th when coming from off the pace. He has his fair share of weight to carry again, but he can go one better. (9) SEOBU DANCING returns to racing for the first time since winning at class 5 level under an apprentice claim over a mile in May. He is up in class and bereft of a claim today, but he has Franco on and he looked well when winning a trial two weeks ago. (11) KEUTPAN YEOGEOL enters having finished in 3rd place over this class and distance on July 24th. She races best on pace so she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can be competitive. (6) STRAWBERRY QUEEN and (7) SHACKLE LAUD among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wind Mireu (9) Seobu Dancing (11) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (6) Strawberry Queen
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(7) NIGHT THUNDER and (1) SONGDANG FIRST both come from the Lee Kang-seo stable, and they are the only two horses in the field that have a won a trial. They both came from well back to score by narrow margins, Night Thunder on August 27 and Songdang First on August 6, and can both go close with the preference being for the former under Seo Seung-un however the latter will start favourite. (6) EVER WINNING comes from the Moon Se-young yard and attempted to lead throughout in her trial on August 20 when only beaten a narrow margin. (5) BEST LOVE has trialled once for a fourth whilst (11) SILVER WAVE, who is out Silver Wolf, and (8) HAKSAN SMARTY rate next whilst the Kozzi Asano ridden Tony Castanheira trained (2) SISILI was only seventh of nine in her trial but the jockey-trainer combination can never be denied.

Selections(7) Night Thunder (1) Songdang First (6) Ever Winning (5) Best Love
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 11

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

(5) NURI YEOWANG came from last to run second on debut to a smart juvenile in Road To Champion, a subsequent winner last Sunday, at the end of June. If not getting too far out of her ground, she can go close to going one better. (6) BLUE ROSE is another that ran second on their debut with her run occurring only three weeks ago and this Lee Shin-woo trained filly has a good chance. Seo Seung-un is riding (7) RAON CHARIS GIRL who in another millimetre would have broken her maiden status on her debut on August 23, she was still five-lengths from the lead with 100M to go, and the extra furlong will help her cause very much. (4) SHARP GUY attempted to go with a smart one on debut and did not run badly and rates next over (9) WHITE STORM, a stablemate of Raon Charis Girl that made up a lot of ground in her trial back in June, and (11) SEVEN FORCE.

Selections(5) Nuri Yeowang (6) Blue Rose (7) Raon Charis Girl (4) Sharp Guy
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) GRAND POKPUNG is a two-year-old filly that has been close in each of her four runs including behind some of the better juveniles of the year so far in her earlier runs. She gets another chance to break her maiden in this and will be hard to beat. (7) THUNDER RUN is a Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old gelding that was stood down for two months after finishing a forty-two-and-a-quarter length last on April 19. He did however win a trial on August 6 so can be given a chance in this field. (11) LOVING PURPLE was going to be right in the finish before ducking in and out violently and subsequently parting company with her rider early in the home straight last start. She was stood down to trial twice and those two heats yielded fourth and second place finishes. (2) DONGBAEK has not been too far away and rates next over (9) SEOBU KING, which ran well last start behind a subsequent winner, (3) TWOTWO MAGIC and debutante (1) PARKA RACER.

Selections(6) Grand Pokpung (7) Thunder Run (11) Loving Purple (2) Dongbaek
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) CLUTCH WORLD ran a decent third on debut over this distance on August 23, only one-and-three-quarter lengths behind a subsequent winner and can be expected to go close to going a few places better for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (3) LOOM CHUKJE is a juvenile filly but gets into a maiden where she should be able to at least finish closer than what she has in three previous starts where her best effort has been a fifth, which was her last run. (8) BREEDO EPIC was a beaten odds-on favourite last start when stepping up to 1700M. Kozzi Asano once again rides and she is an interesting runner. (11) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN will do his best work late and is an each-way chance along with (1) DELTA CHOEGANG and (2) SPICE BAND with (10) GOLD STEP next best.

Selections(4) Clutch World (3) Loom Chukje (8) Breedo Epic (11) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT – SEPTEMBER 11-13: JUVENILE SERIES KICKS OFF / YEONGCHEON RACECOURSE SUCCESSFULLY STAGES INAUGURAL CARD

THE 2026 KOREAN JUVENILE SERIES BEGAN OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE FIRST SEOUL LEG OF THE SERIES ON SUNDAY WAS THE GWACHEON MAYOR’S TROPHY AND MAJOR FURY made Hope K look good with a neck success under Seo Seung-un (writes Luke Humphreys).

Major Fury (near side) holds off Clutch Derby in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Major Fury (Revolutionary) had won his first two starts before being best of the rest behind Hope K, a subsequent winner on international weekend, in the Rookie Stakes in August and with no Hope K to worry about, he got the prize after trailing the long-time leader and eventual 2nd placed Clutch Derby throughout.

“I was able to pick up the ride as trainer Kim Dong-kyun had also entered Samjeong Chef which Jang Chu-youl elected to ride,” Seo Seung-un told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “He looked like a good horse to ride and after riding him today I think he is a very smart and good horse. I only rode in Seoul (instead of Yeongcheon) today because of this ride, so I am grateful for the opportunity. The trainer’s instructions were to just sit behind the leaders and then make a run. Jang Chu-youl also told me about the horse as he had ridden him previously so I would like to thank him.”

The Korea Cup disappointment last week of home hope Clean One, who was subsequently found to have fractured his off-fore sesamoid, was still laying heavy on Seo.

“Because the results at last week’s Korea Cup were poor, as a jockey, I sincerely want to apologise to all horse racing fans regarding the fact that I did not ride well. I felt extremely sorry. It is in the past, but I had to focus more than usual this week and thankfully still got satisfactory results.”

Seo also made comments on him riding regularly in both Seoul and the Yeongnam (Busan and now Yeongcheon) region.

“It has been three months (since the integrated freelance jockey system was established) and of course, when I first came here to Seoul for regular meetings, not everyone would be able to give me many opportunities because it came suddenly but as a month or two passed, I have been given a lot of opportunities.”

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Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (September 13)

It’s been sixteen-and-a-half years in the making but racing at Yeongcheon finally begins on Sunday. There are 6 races at the new track from 12:45 to 16:30 and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Yeongcheon (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all eleven racing for the first time. (2) RISING KILLER took three goes to qualify but when he did on August 13th, he looked good, racing handy throughout and crossing the line 3rd in a decent time. He should be nice and race fit following all those trials, and from a good draw, has every chance first-up. (8) FIORANO posted the quickest time among these in trials, when 4th on August 27th. That’s enough to have him firmly in the numbers here. (7) SAMJEONG RACE was a fair 3rd in his heat on August 20th, settling midfield and running on and is another who, if he brings that form to the races, can go close. (6) CRAZY BLUE, who led his trial before being passed by an experienced horse, and (9) GEUMBIT CODE are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(2) Rising Killer (8) Fiorano (7) Samjeong Race (6) Crazy Blue
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

After winning a trial, (3) MIGHTY CHAMP ran a close 3rd on debut over 1200M on August 8th, showing on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run, he draws better here, and he won’t need to improve much to win. (11) MY DOLPUNG has raced twice for a 3rd and a 4th place, both over this distance and both times leading. She has the challenge of the widest gate here, but with a bit of luck at the start, she can be competitive again. (2) BEAT STAR should be similarly nice and fit having raced twice for a 4th and a 5th, in his case over 1000M and 1200M. He draws nicely and can be a danger. (8) TONNERRE DOS and the solitary debut-maker (6) WORLD OF DREAM, the latter very quick in a trial two weeks ago, are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(3) Mighty Champ (11) My Dolpung (2) Beat Star (8) Tonnerre Dos
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

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

(3) BLUE HAWAII was ordinary in trials, but they were evidently at too short a distance as he was a very solid 2nd on debut over 1400M on August 23rd, when he settled back and ran on strongly behind a good winner. He should have come on for the run and won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win here. (7) WINNER NAMCHON didn’t do much in his first two outings when ridden on pace but was much better when coming from behind for a very close 2nd over 1200M on August 8th. The step up in trip can suit and he can be the danger here. (8) WONDERFUL TUNE UP had a poor day at the office when favourite last time out but going on his 2nd place at this distance two starts back, he can be given another chance here. (11) CHEONGGANG BOM and (4) PASA ACE other place chances.

Selections(3) Blue Hawaii (7) Winner Namchon (8) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Cheonggang Bom
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

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

(3) LAST K got his maiden win at start three over this distance in April, before finishing 2nd on his first try at this class at the end of May. He hasn’t raced since but he has been back in work since early August and while match fitness must be taken on trust, he looks the best of these. (10) WOW RUNNER was an all the way winner on debut over 1000M on June 20th, scoring by plenty. She’s had twelve weeks off since then and she is up in class and in trip as well as drawing a wide gate. But she carries a very light weight and she can measure up, (5) RAON THE TONY was a gate to wire winner at this class over 1300M on June 14th. She comes up 3.5kg in weight today but Seo Seung-un is aboard and she can be close again. (9) HAKSAN TAEPUNG and (1) HOT FEVER others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Last K (10) Wow Runner (5) Raon The Tony (9) Haksan Taepung
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight A / KRW 150 Million

The opening race at the new racecourse and three-year-old fillies get us underway. (3) PACHOUI KKUM was 2nd on debut over 1200M and has since followed up with back-to-back wins over that trip and most recently over 1400M at class 5 level on August 7th. She has been on pace all three times and she is, like all but one here, up to the trip for the first time, but she looks to have plenty of potential. (4) P.D SPECIAL won back-to-back races at 1300M and 1400M in April and May from the front, before struggling from a wide draw last time out. Franco stays on and she can be a chance here. (7) MOMENTUM is the highest rated in the field by a big margin having won up to class 4 level and most recently coming 3rd at class 3. She may not have as much scope for improvement as the other two, and she too steps up in trip for the first time, but she has to rate as a chance. (2) OASIS RUBY ran in the Korean Oaks and is the only one who has previously tackled 1800M and on that alone gets into the minors. (5) POWERFUL DEVIL another in the frame.

Selections(3) Pachoui Kkum (4) P.D Special (7) Momentum (2) Oasis Ruby
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 12)

We’re back to a fully daytime Saturday schedule and Seoul plays host to 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

(7) MIGHTY ROG led throughout in his one and only trial on August 6 for a seven-length win in smart time and this Seo Hong-soo trained son of Rogueish looks hard to beat based on that. (3) A.K JUN brings the best of the raced form following a fourth on debut prior to a second place one month ago. He has been behind some smart enough types and can run well in what is a winnable race for him if the trial form of Mighty Rog is not to turn out as good as it looks on paper. (8) GARAKAI has run once for a fourth and this is perhaps a tad easier so he can be close again. (2) STORM PETREL has trialled once for a twelve-and-three-quarter length eighth but coming from the Luigi Riccardi stable he should not be dismissed. (4) NAREUSYA LUCKY, which is the mount of Seo Seung-un, and (9) DREAM KNICKS, which has had one trial for a second beaten a nose, are far from hopeless whilst Ruan Maia and Lee Shin-woo combine with (5) SEJONG BISANG and Tony Castanheira prepares (10) TORRENS.

Selections(7) Mighty Rog (3) A.K Jun (8) Garakai (2) Storm Petrel
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(1) HWANSANGUI LUNA has been a beaten favourite in two runs but has not been too far away in each. She was third on debut, after getting terribly upset in the gate, before a fifth most recently. From the low draw she can play a part with Furkan Yuksel riding after CC Wong and Seo Seung-un rode her in her first pair of runs. (4) SANGSANGSOKGEUDAE is a Nasca owned filly by 2012 Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan trained by Moon Byeong-ki who has trialled once for a fourth on August 6 and can be given a chance. (8) CITY OF DREAM was out the back on debut but was much better at her second run and Kozzi Asano riding for the first time is no disadvantage. (10) RAON POLIS should appreciate the extra furlong and gets Seo Seung-un to steer whilst (2) MYEONG POWERFUL, another Moon Byeong-ki prepared filly that has trialled once for a fourth, and (6) TUN TEJA, which is from the stables of Luigi Riccardi, rate next.

Selections(1) Hwansangui Luna (4) Sangsangsokgeudae (8) City Of Dream (10) Raon Polis
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(1) DANAEUN RUBY has produced the best two efforts of her career to date at each of her last two starts and with the lowest weight in the field, thanks to a one-kilogram claim from top apprentice Woo In-cheol, she can prove hard to pass. (9) AREUMDAUN BIT was ridden for the first time by Seo Seung-un last start, and she came the closest she has come to winning so far with a second. Seo retains the mount and she will be well fancied and can go close. (10) ECLAIR WIND came from well back to pass all her rivals bar the winner, which scored by ten-lengths, two back and has got the most consistent record in the field so that is enough to rate her as a decent chance. (6) SKYLOR TAEHA, (8) EUNHA KALAS and (7) ONLY YOU rate next.

Selections(1) Danaeun Ruby (9) Areumdaun Bit (10) Eclair Wind (6) Skylor Taeha
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) JEJU BLUE has arguably got the most consistent record in the race with a sixth, a second, a fifth, and a third from four runs so far. She rates as a strong each-way chance in what looks a winnable race. (11) DAREURI YEOWANG comes off the worst run of her career result wise when finishing eighth of ten last start as favourite but margins wise it was the closest she has come so she should not be written off. (2) SEMYEONG CROW was seventh on debut but has since been fourth in two subsequent runs and rates as a hope with Johan Victoire. (3) ILGEUP BISUL came from well back for second last start and that sort of form gives her a good chance, she will likely start as the popular pick, with (9) GLOBAL DINO, which Seo Seung-un rides, and (5) WALLSTREET next best.

Selections(10) Jeju Blue (11) Dareuri Yeowang (2) Semyeong Crow (3) Ilgeup Bisul
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10, 11

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

(3) K SOCKS made up good ground on debut for a midfield finish before appreciating the extra furlong last start when breaking through at the second time of asking. The extra half-furlong will not hurt, and this Luigi Riccardi trained two-year-old colt will be hard to beat under Kim Hyo-jung and he may start at value. (1) CHOWOLMA led throughout to win his maiden easily six runs ago and in five runs at this class has been close on each occasion and can run well again. (6) COMPLETE FUTURE was fifth when running at this grade for the first time most recently following his maiden win and can be around the mark with (9) WHIZ DREAM, which won on debut but has struggled since, next best over last start course, distance, and grade winner (10) SUNGANUI FIGHTER, which rises six pounds and four kilograms on that success, (2) INSPIRE and (4) BREEDO GALAXY.

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Korea Cup & Korea Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 6)

Sunday is International Day with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 15:45. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juveniles with all eleven racing for the very first time. (2) MYEONGSEONG PARTY was the best in trials, running 2nd in her heat ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and stopping the clock in a good time. She draws nicely here, she should be close to the pace, and she will be the favourite. (1) INFERNO has been through a load of trials since May, failing to qualify in the first three of them but then looking significantly better at the fourth time of asking on August 20th when racing midfield throughout. He should certainly be fit and Franco being booked is a plus. (3) GETTYSBURG was 4th to Myeongseong Party’s 2nd in their trial. He showed on pace and probably will again here with claims to be in this a long way. (11) GEOSEN GIPPEUM clocked the fastest time in a trial and that’s enough to have him in the numbers even though he was halfway down the field. (6) B WORK another who hinted at ability.

Selections(2) Myeongseong Party (1) Inferno (3) Gettysburg (11) Geosen Gippeum
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) G B ACE has raced twice before, finishing 4th on debut over 1000M in July and then improving to 2nd at start number two at this distance on August 16th when leading for much of the way. Third-up he can have an edge on these fitness-wise, and he can go all the way. The danger is in the adjoining gate. (10) POWERFUL MR. was 5th on debut over 1000M in June and then improved to 3rd at start two on August 8th, showing handy early before dropping back and then running on again. He too should be fitter than most here and can be close. Among the debut-makers, (1) YEONGUNG BAROWS was 2nd in his trial, showing close to the pace, and he can be given a chance here. (5) SAVE QUEEN was an on pace 3rd in her heat and she too can make an immediate impression. (11) FULL STRIKE was 4th on debut and can aim to match or better that here.

Selections(9) G B Ace (10) Powerful Mr. (1) Yeongung Barows (5) Save Queen
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) BORYEONGUI BYEOL was 3rd on debut and then took her chance in the Rookie Stakes for juveniles over 1200M on August 16th where she was a very fair 4th of eight behind Dubai Heart. She won’t need to improve much on that to win in this company. (8) ACE CROW was a close 2nd on debut over August 14th, having led for most o the way around over 1000M. She comes up in trip here, but she should have come on for the run, and she has as good a chance as any here.  (9) HOESAEK JILJU was 4th on debut behind Ace Crow, settling right back and running on. She too should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) SKY WON looked the best of the debut makers in trials and along with (6) BLACK WINNER, who was 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 9th, should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Boryeongui Byeol (8) Ace Crow (9) Hoesaek Jilju (10) Sky Won
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

Very ordinary maiden. (7) LEADERS PARTNER stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 9th and recorded his best result to date when coming from off the pace for 2nd. Johan gets on for the first time here and he can go one better. (2) SAMJEONG BLUE was a bit ordinary on his latest outing but has looked like he needs a bit further, and he gets a chance to prove it as he tackles two turns for the first time here. Furkan has ridden him to his best results so far and he returns to the mount today. (9) SINCHEON HEART enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently behind Leaders Partner on August 9th when he led early. He should be on pace again and can be close. (5) PNS GUNS and (4) GWANAKSAN WISH ME are other place chances.

Selections(7) Leaders Partner (2) Samjeong Blue (9) Sincheon Heart (5) PNS Guns
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(7) SEOBULINA didn’t do much on debut but was a significantly improved 2nd at start number two on August 23rd when getting a long way back but running on strongly at big odds. The step up in trip can further suit, and he has every chance today. (11) STRONG WINNER beat several of these on his way to finishing 2nd on his first try at this distance on August 7th. That day’s winner ran 4th at class 5 level on Friday, and he will probably start as the favourite here. (2) FANTASTIC BEACH was 3rd in that August 7th race, coming from a long way off the pace for a significantly improved performance. That was her first try at a mile and she can match or better it today. (3) GEUMBIT and (8) FANTASTIC ONE among plenty of others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Seobulina (11) Strong Winner (2) Fantastic Beach (3) Geumbit
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

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