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.”
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.
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 Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 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 Best
4, 9
Fast Start
4, 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 Best
1, 4
Fast Start
5, 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.
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.
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 Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 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.
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.
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.
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 Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 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 Best
11, 7
Fast Start
1, 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.
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.
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.
It’s the eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint and arguably this Saturday is the best day of racing of the entire year, with no fewere than seven international Trophy races attracting very competitive fields. Those seven are the first on a 10-race card which runs from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / France Galop Trophy / KRW 150 Million
(3) SINGSING MORNING is a colt by Munnings who won his sole trial on July 23 by five-lengths and the second placed horse from that heat subsequently came out and won last week. On that basis, as well as the fact that trainer Bae Hou-jun and owner Jeon Seok-ho have already produced arguably the most impressive juvenile winner of the year so far in the shape of Singsing Nashe, this horse is worth following. (7) HOPE K continues to get better with each run and was a dashing five-length winner of the Rookie Stakes three weeks ago so he could easily score again. Hope K was three-and-a-half lengths behind (6) SOUTH CARNIVAL back at the end of May before vastly turning the tables in the Rookie Stakes. South Carnival is a definitely a chance of bouncing back to winning ways as is (5) KKUMUI YEONSOK who was behind both of those horses in the Rookie Stakes after missing the start and subsequently never getting any closer than second last but this Luigi Riccardi prepared Tale Of Silence colt was incredibly impressive in his debut victory where he scored by seven-lengths. (8) MAHO was behind Kkumui Yeonsok in that race before winning his second start over (2) MIGHTY HUNKY, who is one of two runners for Seo Hong-soo with the other being (4) MIGHTY HIGHT which was a three-length winner of his second race.
Selections
(3) Singsing Morning (7) Hope K (6) South Carnival (5) Kkumui Yeonsok
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / Singapore Pools Trophy / KRW 150 Million
(7) EVERY TIME was second in all three runs as a juvenile last season but has more than made amends for those runner-up finishes with two starts for two wins as a three-year-old. Those two wins this year have both been over this distance by margins of seven and three-lengths and he will prove hard to catch under Ruan Maia. (10) LIVE STAR was the boom three-year-old heading into the Triple Crown but came unstuck in the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas), following a deplorable beginning, and in The Derby. He bounced back to winning ways in an 1800M Class 3 in June before getting rolled last start. His beginnings have not been as fluent since going down to Busan for the Guineas and it will be very interesting to see how he handles the 1200M. (2) BREEDO AQUA was always on the back foot last start but had been impressive from the front in her previous two wins and has ability. (13) FLUTTER has a horror draw to contend with but should not be discounted whilst (3) RAON THE AFFIRMED and impressive last start winner (12) BEST PITCH are definite chances and (11) JAZZ PURPLE and (4) BEST SECRET should not be discounted either in one of the best races of this year’s international meeting.
Selections
(7) Every Time (10) Live Star (2) Breedo Aqua (13) Flutter
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B / RACE COAST KZN Trophy / KRW 150 Million
(2) SLING STAR has won six races from nine starts and they include each of his last five with the most recent being by six-lengths. This is his toughest test to date but there is every chance he will pass it in flying colours. (9) GLOBAL CHAMP is another smart one who has won five times from eight attempts. He has won three of his last four, two of those wins being by eight and four-lengths respectively, with the other run being a second beaten a head. Seo Seung-un rides for the first time and he will go close. (1) CHRYSOL STONE is a smart filly on her day and whilst she was a beaten odds-on favourite last start, she could bounce back. They are clearly the three key runners with (7) SEGWANG FIGHTER, (6) ECLAIR POWER, (3) JISAN FORCE, (4) YEONHUI HERO and (10) ECLIPSE THE KING best of the rest.
Selections
(2) Sling Star (9) Global Champ (1) Chrysol Stone (7) Segwang Fighter
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / Selangor Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million
(8) HWANG GEUM EO JANG ran a game second to Funny Wild in the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas) before turning the tables on him when producing a tough performance to take out The Derby in excellent fashion. He finished third as an evens favourite when resuming at the end of July, but he was only beaten a nose and was not disgraced after copping pressure in front from the eventual winner. That victor was Keidragon who was subsequently second last week to the talented G B Vault whilst Mustang Power, who split Keidragon and Hwang Geum Eo Jang in that three-way photo finish, finished third. The decrease in distance should not pose too many worries and this year’s winner of Korea’s second biggest 1800M race can bounce back to winning ways. However, (2) RAON FLORENCE should more than make his presence felt as he has continued to get better this year. He was only two-thirds of a length behind Hansen Bracing, who competes in this weekend’s Korean Sprint, two runs ago and either side of that effort are multiple victories so he must be respected. (7) REMEMBER AGAIN was a front-running winner in March before working too hard from the front in April. He then raced in June where he came from off the pace to win by five-lengths over two subsequent winners, of which one of those reopposes in this, and is an interesting runner. (6) MORE THAN JOKE, (4) ELDORADO NOLBU and (3) MARU JANGGUN should all be around the mark in another excellent contest.
Selections
(8) Hwang Geum Eo Jang (2) Raon Florence (7) Remember Again (6) More Than Joke
Next Best
4, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight B / Japan Racing Association Trophy / KRW 150 Million
ON SUNDAY AT SEOUL A 1400M CLASS 1 WAS THE MAIN RACE OF THE WEEKEND AND SUPER FINISH produced his best effort since finishing 3rd in the Korea Sprint last year with a dashing front-running display in his first race for almost six months (writes Luke Humphreys).
Super Finish (Federalist), which was being ridden for the first time by Ruan Maia, proved too good at odds of 4.9 over the topweight Vics Go which ran a very admirable race in 2nd beaten a half-length. The very consistent Ziggurat, 1.8 favourite, was a never nearer 3rd.
Johan Victoire and Lee Joon-chel combined for a race-to-race double on the card and that began when the very consistent FLYING HONOR (To Honor And Serve) bounced back to winning ways in Race 7 (1700M Class 4) scoring by one-and-three-quarter lengths as the 3.0 favourite. The locally bred three-year-old gelding has never missed the top four in seven starts and has now recorded three career wins. He was reversing form on the 3rd placed Hyeukmusang, 5.9, from their encounter on July 25 whilst another decent three-year-old JD Gangja, 3.4, split them in 2nd. The consistent but non-winning Geuma Foremost, 7.5, was 4th whilst the leader in the race Saenae Hunter, 8.6, who was up in trip was 5th.
Victoire and Lee followed up with 1.8 favourite GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) in Race 8 (1800M Class 4) which bounced back to winning ways after winning his first three starts before finishing 9th in The Derby and 7th at his latest appearance. Gwanaksan Sky received a lot of pressure in front when beaten nine-lengths at his last start and was expected to lead once again and did so through the first quarter-mile however Kozzi Asano on Shining Road, which eventually finished 3rd, was keen to make the odds-on chance earn it and they eventually found the lead as Victoire was very keen to surrender the front-running on the popular pick once pressure came. Gwanaksan Sky then raced in 2nd, out of kickback, before leading in the home straight and proving too strong by one-and-a-quarter lengths.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16:55). Here are the previews:
Just a week until the Korea Cup 2026 (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens and it is hard to go past (1) ECO BOLT. He was sent off as the longest but one shot on the board on debut over 1200M on July 19th but made a mockery of that with an on-pace 2nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He will be much shorter today. (3) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA didn’t do much on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over 1000M on August 8th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be nice and match-fit, and the step up in trip can suit. (6) MYEONG POWERFUL also beat a couple of these on his debut at 1000M on July 26th, ultimately running 4th. He should have come on for the run and can get closer today. (5) LEGEND MONSTER and (8) GOLD X, the latter a good 4th behind the excellent looking Clutch Derby on debut, are others in the frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It took (1) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE a few trials to make it to the races, but when he finally did, he ran a fair 4th of eleven over this distance on July 19th, settling midfield and running on decently enough. He should have come on for that run and has every chance in this company. (10) JEJU PRINCESS picked up significantly when 4th over 1400M on July 11th. Luis has ridden her to her best results and he stays aboard today. (5) DYNAMIC FORCE got sent back to trial after his latest and came through it without offering too many clues. He does have a 2nd place on his resume and that is enough to have him going close here. (11) GOLDEN WARRIOR hasn’t quite managed to kick on since a 3rd place four starts back but hasn’t been far away and can be given another chance today. (7) CHRYSOL POSH another who is better than her latest couple suggest.
Selections
(1) Beolgyo Signature (10) Jeju Princess (5) Dynamic Force (11) Golden Warrior
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) GLOBAL PRINCE was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May and was then a beaten favourite on his return to shallower waters on June 14th when he got himself a warning for laying out. Before the Derby he was a winner at this class and distance, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) DUDUNG was a smart winner at this class over a mile on July 17th. He comes up 3.5kg in weight as well as up to two-turns for the first time, but neither should be a problem, and he can be a big danger. The vastly experienced (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG comes in off back-to-back 3rd places at this class and distance, and this is the kind of race where he can be there or thereabouts again. (2) OASIS ADELE is up in class following a maiden score over 1400M on July 26th. He carries a light weight and has already placed over this trip. (8) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG is the other main place chance.
Selections
(5) Global Prince (3) Dudung (4) Eunseong Yeongung (2) Oasis Adele
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) LUCKY JOY is probably the one to beat here. His win came over 1700M and he ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance, which was also his first go at this level in April. He has been a front running 5th and 4th in two starts since then, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he won’t need to find much more to see off this field. (2) CLUB MAN comes up in class following a maiden win over 1700M on August 9th when handy throughout. That’s the distance his best results have come at so there is no reason why he can’t handle an additional half furlong, and down in weight and nicely draw, he can more than measure up. (1) KARA K is yet to score in fourteen attempts but has found the minor money on plenty of occasions and enters having run 5th to Lucky Joy’s 4th on July 26th. She’ll be close again. (7) CHOEGO BELT and (10) CHRYSOL STEP other place chances.
Selections
(9) Lucky Joy (2) Club Man (1) Kara K (7) Choego Belt
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. One of those newcomers is (2) VICTORY CHAMP, and he will be the favourite. The Old Fashioned colt led for much of the way in his trial, ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd in a quick time. Drawn well, if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. (8) DAESEONG SKY was also 2nd in his trial. The time wasn’t as quick, but it was very solid having raced handy throughout, and Seo Seung-un aboard means he will have plenty of first-up supporters. Of the experienced ones, (6) DANALDA was a close 3rd on debut (close to the 2nd placegetter, anyway) over 1200M on July 17th. (3) HIT THE RUNNING and (10) MR. SUNSHINE were 4th and 5th in the same race and both also showed enough to suggest they can improve.
Selections
(2) Victory Champ (8) Daeseong Sky (6) Danalda (3) Hit The Running
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 17:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(1) MACHEON MAMA is a filly by Tout with Seo Bum-seok that has trialled once on August 6 for a seven-length win from the front under Ruan Maia and based on that she should be extremely hard to catch. However (8) POWERFUL STANCE did effectively the exact same thing in her one and only trial seven days later and in her case, she won by eight-lengths. Fellow South American Luis Quiroz has the steer, and this daughter of New Legend trained by Ham Wan-sik is equally as good a chance. (2) A.K SUN attempted to lead throughout on debut and was only caught in the closing stages. The horse she was beaten by subsequently ran second beaten a nose against older horses last week and she will start as favourite. (7) GEOLJAK RUBY looks the other main player with Lee Hyeok riding for the first time, who he and trainer Jung Ha-back have a 50% winning strike rate when combining, although may just find a few too good again with (3) MIGHTY MULAN and (4) ARION QUEENS best of the roughies.
Selections
(1) Macheon Mama (8) Powerful Stance (2) A.K Sun (7) Geoljak Ruby
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) TEUKGEUP GISANG trialled once on July 23 and was a five-length second behind what looked a decent winner so this filly from the Lee Dong-kook stable by Yeonseung Daero can go close on debut. (5) AMOS JEONSA only beat two home at his first start but prior to that had led throughout to win a trial by four-lengths and if able to stay out of kickback can improve immensely on his debut performance. (1) FLYING CHIEF has trialled three times with the best of those being her most recent which yielded a third behind a subsequent impressive winner. (9) BEST FRIEND and (11) RAON THE KAL did not do much in their trials but come from powerful connections and rate over (6) BLUE ROSE.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) BIBA CHARM has chased home decent enough winners in the majority of her seven runs to date and comes off her best run yet when a two-length second a fortnight ago when coming from midfield. Expect her to be doing her best work late and going close. (1) WONDERFUL CHIEF also comes off the best run of his career when coming from last to run second a month ago and if running to that performance can go close however the draw may not help his chances. (4) SPICE BAND has not been too far away and jockey Furkan Yüksel and trainer Lee Shin-woo have had some success recently and have an 11% winning strike rate when combining and 30% for the place. (9) HERO DRAGON is another that comes off the best run of her career when second last start and looks the other key runner with (11) NIGHT CAPTAIN and (7) GRAND COURAGE next best.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) MUNHAK BELL will need to be on his best behaviour at the start from potentially a tricky barrier but was a course, distance, and grade winner three runs ago prior to a third two back and is worth an each-way investment. (2) SAVERS is the most enthralling runner in the race as he came from midfield to win on debut prior to a fourth, when again coming from midfield, in arguably a stronger Class 5 than this. He comes up 400M in distance however so it will be interesting to see how he goes. (5) BLACK MAMA was an easy course and distance winner of her maiden two back before running second when attempting this grade for the first time most recently. (8) BLACK RUSSIAN is a good each-way chance again under Seo Seung-un with (9) RAON KINGSMAN not hopeless and (10) SHARKTEN best of the rest in a race of multiple chances.
Selections
(1) Munhak Bell (2) Savers (5) Black Mama (8) Black Russian
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s daytime racing on Sunday with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (6) LUNA SOCKS was a close 2nd in her trial, showing close to the pace throughout. She’ll be on pace here and if she brings that trial form to the races, she is the one to beat. (4) RAON CHARIS GIRL ran 2nd in her trial, sitting behind the pace and running through the line pleasingly enough and she can go well first-up. (8) TAEPYEONG SG went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (which may not appear in all race cards, but he was 3rd in 61.8 seconds on July 23rd) and he should be nice and fit for this. (5) GWANAKSAN JUMP was 3rd in what was a fast heat and he too can be aiming to be prominent early and be a chance. (1) BLACK TIME is the only one with racing experience and while she finished 8th of eleven, it wasn’t a bad showing, and she can have derived benefit from it.
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) SINGSING NASHE was a dominant trial winning, leading all the way and crossing the line thirteen-lengths to the good in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, the Nashville colt will take some beating. (4) CLASSIC AUTUMN is one of the two in the race with experience. It took him plenty of trials to get to the races and he led on debut over this distance on July 11th before finishing 5th in a fair time. He should have come on for the run and can be in this a bit longer. (1) G B FLASH was a solid trial winner, showing handy throughout and from the inside gate can go well first up. (9) NAREUSYA GOAT and (5) MIGHTY WONDER are other debut-makers who can be a threat.
Selections
(2) Singsing Nashe (4) Classic Autumn (1) G B Flash (9) Nareusya Goat
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Tricky opener on Busan and we can take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (10) LOST KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but was much more accomplished at the second attempt when an on-pace 3rd in a good time. Franco is on and at a possible each-way price, he could make an immediate impact. (9) RANI did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on July 26th, coming from off the pace and the slight step up in trip can benefit. (3) SMART YULIM has mixed his form across seven outings to date, but he does have a pair of 3rd places, including on his latest on July 19th, and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (4) WONDERFUL MUD can have a line through his latest when he was found to be lame in the near-fore. He has been back in work since August 1st and was 3rd over this distance in June. (8) YEONGGWANGUI HOPE did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked much better, and he can be given another chance.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
There are two debut-makers here and one is quite interesting. (10) CLUTCH WORLD took two goes to qualify but he did it well in the second of them when settling midfield and running on pleasingly. He was seven-lengths behind Mighty Log, whose own debut is even more hotly anticipated, but if he brings that form in here, he can go close. It helps that the main danger and probable favourite is drawn even wider. (11) DAEDONGYONGMA did nothing in his first four, but he has picked up with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1300M and he can continue to make progress here. (5) SONGDANG JILJU showed signs of figuring it out when 4th on her first try at this distance on July 25th and she can build on that here. (3) DELTA CHOEGANG and (4) SEOBU KING look to be the other main place chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to go past (2) AEGIS CHEONMA here. In four starts, he is yet to be worse than 4th, getting his maiden win at start two over 1200M in May and then running 4th and 3rd on two tries at this class, the latter on July 24th. Seo Seung-un stays on and drawing well to pick his spot, the pair can win. They will need to overturn the form on (3) CALM FAST, who was a somewhat unexpected 2nd in that July 24th race. That was his best finish in twenty-eight attempts though and he has run once since without doing much. Nevertheless, in this limited company he can aim to place. (9) WIND SWORD enters off a fair 4th place at 1300M on July 26th and with an apprentice claim giving him a 3kg weight drop today, he should be firmly in contention. (1) POWER TIGER and the returning (5) BULBIT GANGJA are others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Aegis Cheonma (3) Calm Fast (9) Wind Sword (1) Power Tiger
Next Best
5, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) QUERENCIA has been working back towards another win since getting promoted to this class after his maiden, culminating in 3rd place over 1400M on July 26th, well-beaten by a good winner but not far off 2nd when racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg, Luis stays on, and he can win. (3) THE SUN MONSTER has been ultra-consistent without winning, with three 2nd places and a 3rd from his latest four, most recently at this class and distance on June 21st, when coming from a long way back. He draws nicely and today could be his day. (2) WINNER SOCKS was 4th behind Querencia in that July 26th race. He has four-lengths to make up but can beat plenty of these. (1) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (4) NAOL AURORA others who can make the placing frame.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(6) SENNA K was out the back in her first trial before a third in her second trial prior to leading throughout to score by two-lengths in her third trial on July 23. This Song Moon-gil trained Giant Run filly will be hard to beat with Seo Seung-un onboard. (7) NAREUSYA VICTOR has trialled once for a second on July 9 and looks the danger for trainer Jung Ho-ik. The Luigi Riccardi prepared (8) UNICORN ACE was very green on his debut but made up a lot of ground for fourth and will have come on for the experience and if doing everything right is a chance. (1) GHOST WIND is a Power Blade filly for Furkan Yüksel and Lee Shin-woo, who are both in good form, and rates over (4) HIGHLIGHT and (5) GEOLJAK YUNSEUL who both should not be totally dismissed.
Selections
(6) Senna K (7) Nareusya Victor (8) Unicorn Ace (1) Ghost Wind
Next Best
4, 5
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GRAND POKPUNG has been fourth, second, and fifth in three runs and has chased home some smart looking types of her own age group. She is the only two-year-old in the line-up but gets her chance to break through. (7) RAON EXTREME has had two runs with the first of them being a third in November before resuming last month which yielded a second. Seo Seung-un rides and he rates as the danger. (10) JEONGMUN KINGDOM was well turned over on debut but has been third in two runs since and is the other key player with (11) NEUNGRYEOK DORYEONG best of the rest over (8) PNS LEAF and (4) CHRYSOL HEELS.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(8) STEEL MORE was second and third in two runs at the end of last year and trialled up for this last month when second to the horse that will start favourite in the first event on this program. She looks hard to beat as does (10) QUEENS TIGER who at her third and most recent run was ridden for the first time by Seo Seung-un and ran second following a third and a fifth. (5) INDIE MINISTER outran her odds when making her debut and is an each-way chance as is (7) CHEONGGANG BOM who has been consistent enough in five runs with (3) CHALLANHANHAMSEONG, who was second two back, next best over (9) TWOTWO MAGIC.
Selections
(8) Steel More (10) Queens Tiger (5) Indie Minister (7) Cheonggang Bom
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) SAEROUN BISUL chased home some good horses last season as a juvenile and has resumed this year with a trial victory in June and a maiden victory in July both by narrow margins and will be hard to beat despite the widest draw. (6) PARKA SHINE looks a decent each-way chance at value especially with Kozzi Asano riding who could win on a rocking horse at the present time. (8) PIEONARI will be well fancied, and it would be no surprise if he were to break his duck at the fifth time of asking despite having his first run at one-win grade. (7) BROWN JACKPOT must be a good chance following a five-length course and distance maiden victory and Kim Hyo-jung retains the ride. (2) B.K. VIVACE and (1) HAKSAN HENNY are each-way chances and the best of the rest.
Selections
(10) Saeroun Bisul (6) Parka Shine (8) Pieonari (7) Brown Jackpot
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 