The road to September’s Korea Sprint hots up on Sunday as the domestic Sprint Series reaches its conclusion with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race that is being run for the first time with international Listed status, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.
Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)
Following his gate to wire win in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on April 14th, BEOLMAUI STAR is the favourite to back up. He ran a huge 2nd to Japanese star Remake in last year’s International Korea Sprint but struggled with his start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy at Busan last November and then in two forgettable efforts in Dubai to begin the year.
Seoul seems to suit Beolmaui Star though and under Seo Seung-un, he was the fastest away in the SBS Sports Sprint and was never headed, scoring by three-quarters of a length. He comes into a much better gate this time around and so long as he gets the start right, he will prove hard to beat again.
EOMA EOMA was the horse who got closest to Beolmaui Star in the SBS. It was a return to form for the 2022 Korea Sprint winner who had been an underwhelming 5th in the first leg of this year’s series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) in March 10th. To add to the intrigue, CC Wong gets legged up for his first real live chance in a Korean Group race.
The result of the Busan Ilbo had hinted at a generational shift as the four-year-old pair of RAON THE POINT and SOMETHING LOST swept home late to finish 1st and 2nd respectively. The older sprinters struck back in Seoul last month but Something Lost finished a close 3rd and Raon The Point is worth another chance from a better draw.
A newcomer on the Sprint Series trail is VICS GO. In the absence of the top line of sprinters he won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M in February but instead of persisting into the Busan Ilbo, he was sent back up to two turns and the Stayer Series instead. That didn’t go well so he comes back down in trip again and from a good gate, can be in the mix.
Several old-favourites among the sprinting ranks return including last year’s winner SSONSAL as well as the venerable MORFHIS, now nine-years-old but a creditable 6th placegetter in the SBS Sports. Among the lesser-known ones, FANTASTIC KINGDOM is a winner of six of nine starts up to class 2 level and while facing the elite at level weights will be a new experience for him, he may just measure up.
The SROA (Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association) Chairman’s Sprint is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30.
Sprinters take centre-stage on Sunday with the 3rd leg of the Sprint Series, the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) the highlight. There is also Listed action with the Sports Chosun Trophy (2000M). There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 plus 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:
Ssonsal beat Eoma Eoma to win last year’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint. Both return (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in the opening maiden and there will be a strong favourite. (6) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places and a 4th among five starts so far and the fastest time among these for the 1200M by a considerable margin. In this company, she can settle just behind the early speed and should prove too strong. (1) BYLONG STAR was 6th to Complete Party’s 4th when they raced each other at 1200M on April 14th. She has certainly shown more in trials than she has at the races, but it marked an improvement, and we could see more here. (9) JANGBI DAEUN debuted fairly back in December and while she hasn’t raced since, she looked well in an April trial and can be a danger. (8) HERO GOLD and (3) STUNNING QUEEN other placing chances.
Selections
(6) Complete Party (1) Bylong Star (9) Jangbi Daeun (8) Hero Gold
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BREEDO KING STAR has two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three, all at 1400M. In this company he can be expected to be on the pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (9) DONKEY PLAY wasn’t fancied at all on debut after an undistinguished trial, but she ran a close 2nd over 1200M, coming from off the pace. She should have derived benefit from that experience and while this field is stronger, she could match that or even go one better. Like Breedo King Star, (7) BOLLIN has two 3rd places in his record including at this distance last time out on April 20th. He comes in under the same weight and warrants consideration. (10) TOHOMARKET and (8) WONDERFUL JET others in the frame.
Selections
(6) Breedo King Star (9) Donkey Play (7) Bollin (10) Tohomarket
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) FLYING THE FORD did nothing in his first two starts in December and February, but after going back and winning a trial, re-emerged at this distance on April 12th and led for much of the way before finishing 2nd. He draws very nicely to get to the lead here and he will be favourite to go one better. There are three debut-makers and among them, (7) WONDERFUL BIDDER makes for the most appeal. He trialled in October and then again at the end of April, crossing the line in 2nd place in both in good times. This is a great race to debut in and he can be close. (8) SHINING MORNING comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M and 1200M in contrasting styles. She continues under a light weight and Choi Si-dae climbs up. (4) WORLD ANGEL CAT and (9) THE BIG SHOT are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Flying The Ford (7) Wonderful Bidder (8) Shining Morning (4) World Angel Cat
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(10) USEUNG CONCORD got a 3rd and then a 2nd in two outings late last summer before returning in April and getting his maiden win at start number three over 1200M. Up in class here, he should strip fitter for that run and the step up in trip can suit. He’ll be a short-price favourite. (7) BAEKRYONG remains a maiden after ten attempts but has had plenty of near misses including his last start 2nd at 1300M when trying this distance for the first time. He comes up 2kg in the weights but can be in the mix again. (4) THE SUN FIGHTER similarly enters with recent form reading well. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and an apprentice claiming 3kg should make him more than competitive. (1) BAEDARI HYANGGI is up in class following a maiden win over this trip on April 7th and he can measure up. (11) STAR RUSH another to consider.
Selections
(10) Useung Concord (7) Baekryong (4) The Sun Fighter (1) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (3) SEKWANG CHOEGANG is yet to win but has five top-three finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at 1200M at this class. She has a strong finish on her and having already placed at 1300M, the slight step back up in trip can suit. (6) FLEX DAY took a couple of goes to get used to this level but ran well for 2nd over this distance on April 19th. She comes up 3kg in this company, but a similar effort will see her as a major danger here. (1) RED JASPER is, like Sekwang Choegang, still a maiden and she can mix her form, but she comes in off a last start 3rd place in a similar all filly race over 1400M and from a nice gate and still under a light weight, she shouldn’t be dismissed. (4) JINJU BIT and (2) JAZZ STAR among others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(3) Sekwang Choegang (6) Flex Day (1) Red Jasper (4) Jinju Bit
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
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 30 Million
Competitive maiden with five of the eleven racing for the first time and we’ll go with a first timer in (4) PHANTOM DRAGON. He led all the way to comfortably win a trial in a quick time on May 2nd and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to hold out here. (2) YEONGUNG JARYONG was similarly impressive in a trial at the end of April, racing handy and running 2nd behind a class 2 horse. He too draws well, and Moon Se-young’s booking will attract plenty. (1) GRAND LARGE came through two trials, improving in the second of them in early April and he too can go well first-up here. As for those with experience, (11) CUPID MIR looks the best with a one 3rd and four 4th place finishes to his name. (5) WONDERFUL LORD may improve on a nondescript debut.
Selections
(4) Phantom Dragon (2) Yeongung Jaryong (1) Grand Large (11) Cupid Mir
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (4) EAST RISING was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on April 14th, racing handy throughout and only narrowly missing out. She draws well to be on pace again and she can go one better here. (7) AMAZING ROCK similarly improved on her second start, when 4th over 1400M on April 28th. In this company she too can be expected to be on the pace from the start and she should be in this a long way. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE has a 2nd place on her resume from two starts back over this distance. She then got a bit far back before running on for 4th place at her latest effort on April 21st. She should be in this. (10) WONDERFUL WELLS and (9) YONGBI QUEEN are the other placing chances.
Selections
(4) East Rising (7) Amazing Rock (6) Chogangbulpae (10) Wonderful Wells
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Since landing his maiden win in January, (8) ROYAL BEST has two 4th places and a close 2nd in three attempts at this class. That 2nd was last time out on April 21st when he led close to home and with CC aboard again, he can go one better. The main danger is (11) JECHUK IHO. He is yet to win but has finished no worse than 4th in six starts. Most recently, he was 3rd in that April 21st race, just half a length behind Royal Best. That was his first outing since last November so he should strip fitter for the run and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. Another non-winner with plenty of near misses is (7) SSEULMO. An on-pace type, he comes in off a 2nd place finish at this class and distance on April 13th when he led for much of the way, and he should be in the finish again here. (9) SAENAE VIVA and (3) ARCH CLASS among others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(8) Royal Best (11) Jechuk Iho (7) Sseulmo (9) Saenae Viva
Next Best
3, 10
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) APPLE QUEEN got her maiden win over 1200M on April 14th leading every step of the way. She comes up in class here, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but with only three starts to her name there is plenty of scope for more development and this looks a winnable assignment again. (5) GOLDBERG comes in having beaten a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place at this class over 1200M on April 13th. She can settle behind the speed and should be challenging late on. (7) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL is winless, but she finishes off her races well and she can be beating the 5th place she secured last time out on what was her first try at this class. (4) MY THUNDER and (10) GREEN VIVACE are others who can enter the placing calculations.
Selections
(11) Apple Queen (5) Goldberg (7) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) My Thunder
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s Korean Derby day! There was rain on Saturday but things should be fine and dry for the greatest jewel in the Korean Triple Crown which is race 8 on the 10 race program at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30. The card runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:
Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun won the Derby a year ago (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BEST WHIZ will be hot favourite in the opener. Yet to finish outside of the top-five in four starts, his best is a 2nd place over 1200M in January when racing on pace. His latest was only fair when 5th of eleven over 1200M but in this limited company, he should be on pace and should win. (5) MK LEE has hinted at ability across three starts so far with his best being his 4th place on debut. CC climbs up here and he has as good a chance as any of running 2nd. (8) RAON THE KLAMMER comes in off an improved 5th over this distance on April 13th and in this company, a similar performance will see him very much challenging for the places. (1) FLYING LION and (6) CALIPH other minor money hopes.
Selections
(7) Best Whiz (5) MK Lee (8) Raon The Klammer (1) Flying Lion
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG will be hot favourite. He has shown steady improvement across his six starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 24th when slowly away from this widest gate and then settling right back before running on. Drawn much better today, he is the one to beat. (4) P N S CAR is the only other one with a top-three finish on his resume, achieved two starts back when 2nd at this distance. An apprentice claims 4kg and that’s enough to make him the danger here. (6) CLOUD HEART was an improved 4th behind Beautiful Hwaseong in that March 24th race and can get close again. First time starter (10) BRIGHT QUEEN improved for a good 2nd in the latter of two trials and can be considered first-up. (7) GANGCHEOL DRAGON another place chance.
Selections
(3) Beautiful Hwaseong (4) P N S Car (6) Cloud Heart (10) Bright Queen
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
We need to discard the latest effort of every single runner here if we are to give any of them a chance. We’ll go with (6) NEVER GIVE UP, who has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and races for the first time since a chastening experience at a mile in January. He looked well when trialling in April and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (1) CHOEGANG CHONGAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance back on March 15th and notwithstanding his last start 8th, that’s enough to make him the danger. (3) GREEN BULLDOZER has been back to trial since his latest start and performed adequately. She also has a 3rd place over 1200M and from a good draw should be on pace here. (8) SUPER KANEL and (4) BIG BOY are other place chances.
Selections
(6) Never Give Up (1) Choegang Chongal (3) Green Bulldozer (8) Super Kanel
Next Best
4, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) SOLAIRE enters having scored his maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 13th. He comes up in class but is down in weight and there is little to fear here. (4) MACALLAN was a winner on debut last August and then ran fairly for 5th place last September. He offered few clues in a March trial, but Franco’s booking is a plus and he may surprise on his return. (2) JAEWOO SIDAE is yet to win in twenty-two attempts, but she was 2nd in a similar class and distance race two starts back and this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (7) HANGANG GLORY and (8) BOSS BABY are others who can be considered for the minor money.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here and it’s competitive. (7) BORAM enters having led every step of the way to get her maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1300M on April 12th. She comes up in class here but looks nicely in and she can repeat. (10) DYNAMIC WINNER has been a consistent type and enters off a fair 5th place at 1300M on April 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. She has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be in contention here. (6) SANGIM STAR is another who usually runs a decent race and comes in having finished 4th in a similar race at class and distance on April 26th with two of these behind her. She likes to come off the pace and she has the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance. The form drops off rapidly after those three with (3) ROAD STAR and (9) TWO TWO LIME possibly the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(7) Boram (10) Dynamic Winner (6) Sangim Star (3) Road Star
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s Derby-Eve! There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Nice Time will be among the Derby hopes on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) FLYING GLOW raced once last August finishing a fair 5th over 1200M. He hasn’t been seen since, but the Shackleford colt returned to training this Spring and looked well when a close 2nd on a trial on April 11th, leading for most of the way around. His early speed should see him to the lead here and he can win first-up. It took (6) MAX PARTY a few tries to qualify but once he did, he ran well on debut got 4th place over this distance on April 7th, coming from off the pace. He should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (5) DAEMYEONGJANG was an improved 3rd at 1300M at start number four and can continue to make progress here. (11) RAON THE PARTA and first-time starter (3) P N S OHOH are others to consider.
Selections
(8) Flying Glow (6) Max Party (5) Daemyeongjang (11) Raon The Parta
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
7, 8, 10, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (5) KKUMUI HYANGGI was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 30th only to go down a very narrow 2nd. She should have come on for that run, Moon Se-young climbs up, and she will be expected to go one better today. (10) TESTA RUBY is the clear second pick. It took her a few goes to figure things out but her latest two when 4th and 3rd, both at this distance, suggest that she is finally getting there. She draws a touch wide but expect her to sit close to the speed and she has the fastest time among these for the distance. (1) SMILE GOLD also looks to be on the right trajectory and from a good draw, can be on pace here. (3) MISS CONCORD and (9) MAGIC SOUND are other potential improvers.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BEAT YEONGUNG stepped up to this distance on April 27th and ran a solid 3rd place, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The time was quicker than any of the others here have managed for the distance, and he is the one to beat here. With five top-five finishes from eight starts, (7) BLOOD MOUNTAIN has been getting closer, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on April 13th with three of today’s rivals back down the track. The time wasn’t quick, but he won’t need to improve much to be in the mix here. (9) COSMO KING. He finished 2nd ahead of Blood Mountain two starts back before finishing 4th behind him in that April 13th race. He isn’t favoured by the draw but is a place chance again. (2) YONGBICHEON and (1) MARUBYEOL are the other contenders for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Small field but many chances. (2) TRAUM KING was a winner at class 6 level last summer and then ran 3rd and 4th in two tries at this class. He hasn’t raced since last October but looked very well when winning an April trial, and from a great draw, he can go well first-up here. If there are concerns about race fitness, then (7) JEONGSEONGTIGER will be the one to go for. She got her maiden win at this class and distance in an all-filly race on April 6th, settling back and running on strongly. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but Harry remains on board and a repeat isn’t impossible. (5) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM ran 2nd in that April 6th race. She has three-lengths to make up on Jeongseongtiger but she gets a weight swing in her favour and shouldn’t be dismissed. (6) LADY TAEPUNG and (1) CLOUTER are others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Traum King (7) Jeongseongtiger (5) Baedari Kwaegeom (6) Lady Taepung
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
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 30 Million
(2) EUNPA PARTNER beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on March 31st when racing prominently throughout. That followed a 3rd place two starts back and suggests he is figuring things out. He draws very well in a race with not much early speed, and he should be on the front and in this a long way. (9) BLACK SPECTER will dispute favourite status. He debuted in that March 31st race coming home a very solid 3rd. He had been sent off as the favourite that day having won a trial, and he should have benefited from the run. (6) HIPPODROME was 4th on March 31st, marking an uptick in form. He’ll come from off the pace again and can be a danger late on. (5) SEGWANG JILJU and (7) SCALE KING others who may improve.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and it’s hard to go past (4) YONGBISU. She’s shown steady improvement across her five starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M on March 23rd when she led for much of the way around. In this company and having drawn well, she can lead again, and back at 1300M, she can go one better. Jockey Kim A-hyun rode out her apprentice claim last week, and she could go close here on (9) CRAZY SHAH. She enters off a close 2nd over 1200M on April 6th and the slight step up in trip may be to her liking. (2) THUNDER STORM and (8) B.K. BELLE both come in off last start 3rd place finishes and both can be in the hunt again. (5) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER another with at least a place chance.
Selections
(4) Yongbisu (9) Crazy Shah (2) Thunder Storm (8) B.K. Belle
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) YONGAM SESANG will be a short-price favourite. He enters here having run 2nd and 3rd in his two prior starts although there was a full eight months between them. He comes in having not raced since January, but he won a trial in fine order two weeks ago and if that is any indication of his fitness level, then given the standard of this opposition, he will be hard to beat. (7) SPARKLING took several trials to qualify and then raced fairly on debut a month ago. He should have come on for the experience and can get closer today. (5) ARCH ROCKET has a lot more experience – not necessarily a good thing in a maiden – but she comes in off a fair 5th of eleven over 1200M last time out and in this company should be closer. (1) GEUMSEONG POWER and (6) DANGCHAN NANGBO other potential improvers.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
None of these have raced over this distance before. (2) STUNNING FLATTTER comes in having got his maiden win at the third time of asking over 1400M on March 23rd. It had been coming too after a 3rd and a 2nd from his first two outings and while he comes up in class here, he is down in the weights, draws nicely, and the step up to two turns should suit. (5) SPECIAL HILL got his maiden in two starts back over 1200M and was then slowly away on his first try at this level before running on for 5th over 1300M on April 6th. He tackles two turns for the first time and looks the main danger. (6) E.H. COCO is yet to win but comes up in class following a second runner-up finish over 1400M on April 6th when on pace throughout. An apprentice keeps his carried weight light enough to make him competitive. (4) MAGIC WITH YOU and (1) WONDERFUL WISHING others in the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Stunning Flatter (5) Special Hill (6) E.H. Coco (4) Magic With You
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is Sunday’s feature and is race 7 on the 11 race program at Seoul that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Raon The Spurt is the defending Ttukseom Cup Champion but will have to hold out Jeulgeounyeojeong is she is to repeat (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SPINNING BOOM will be a warm favourite for the opener. After a middling debut when he was slowly away, he has recorded, a 4th, a 2nd and a 3rd in three subsequent starts, all at 1200M. In this company and from a good draw, he will be racing on pace and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today should be the day. (6) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG has hinted at ability across three starts so far, running better times than most of those over 1200M. He can be further forward today and the very slight step up in trip can suit. (3) YEONGWON POTEN enters off an improved 3rd place over 1200M in a filly only maiden a month ago. She draws nicely and should be close. (5) AMAZING STAR and (1) BREEDO MAGICIAN are others to consider.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) TONNERRE has shown signs of figuring things out and while he did get sent back to trial having continuously lain out in his latest outing when 4th over this distance on March 23rd, he won his subsequent morning heat by leading all the way. He draws nicely here and can win. (6) CHEONMA BULPAE has two 3rd place finishes among his latest three starts, both at this distance. He can sit behind the speed here and can run into some money again. (4) AMAZING ROCK ran fairly on debut with a midfield finish over this distance. He should have come on for that run and can get closer second-up. (10) KNIGHT CHARM and (7) SOFT POWER among others with at least placing chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (5) SWEET BEOMHAN debuted inauspiciously last November but having been put away for four months, looked much better when returning on March 31st over 1200M and beating three of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place having raced handy. She won’t need to improve very much to win this. (10) RUN TO QUEEN similarly improved to 2nd at start number two, in her case over 1200M on March 22nd. Her times haven’t been quick, and she has the challenge of a wide draw, but she still shapes as the testing material here. (1) SIMON STAR debuted in that March 31st race and ran a fair 5th behind Sweet Beomhan. With some natural improvement as a result of that experience, she can get closer today. (3) WORLD MAID CAT and (4) MY HIT are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Sweet Beomhan (10) Run To Queen (1) Simon Star (3) World Maid Cat
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
2, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only. (3) BEOLGYOWISU will be the one to beat. After getting her maiden win over 1200M in December, he had an off day when tried at this class for the first time in January, sent off as favourite and showing close to the pace, but weakening badly. She came back into form with a 2nd place, again back at 1200M on March 2nd and coming in fresh from eight weeks off, she can win. The danger is (6) SHACKLE POINT. She too got her maiden win three starts back before running midfield on her first try at this class in February. That was followed by a good 3rd place at this distance on March 23rd when she almost led the entire way around and she should be a big player here. (8) SMART BYEOL has two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) SINUI YEOIN and (10) WONDERFUL SHADOW may provide some each-way value.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in six outings but has been no worse than 4th in each of his last four starts, including when beaten into a close 3rd as favourite over this distance on March 31st. He comes up slightly in weight today but is in a good gate and this time can get the win. (4) DRAGON FIRE broke though at start two over 1300M on January 28th, settling right back and finishing very well. He comes up in class here and has had thirteen weeks off, but the step up in trip should suit and he can be competitive. (10) KOHINOOR has been consistent across nine starts to date and enters having beaten a few of these, including Seobu Vision, at class and distance on March 31st. He comes up 2kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wider gate but should be close again. (5) GUKDAE HERO and (1) BARADEON BADA among plenty of others with placing hopes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) GIANT M got his maiden win at 1400M two starts back before running nowhere on his first try at this class over the same trip on March 24th when drawn wide and using up plenty to get a forward position. He comes up to two turns for the first time, but it can suit and from the inside gate, Jeong Jeong-hee can pick his spot. (2) DONGHAENG FIRST is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has been getting closer, culminating in a runner-up finish at class and distance on April 13th when on pace all the way. One of only three here with prior experience of two-turns, he has every chance of breaking through. (7) EUNPA JOY come sup in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1300M and 1400M. The step up in trip can suit and he is down in the weights. (11) NARAOLA and (8) PLAN B are the other logical placing chances.
Selections
(1) Giant M (2) Donghaeng First (7) Eunpa Joy (11) Naraola
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) EUNSEONG CHAMPION got his maiden win at start number seven with a front-running score over a mile on March 17th. He comes up in class here but us down in the weights, Franco remains aboard, and he can win again. (3) MAX THE CAT shapes as the main danger. He too comes up in class and down in the weights following a maiden win over a mile last time out, in his case in February. In contrast to Eunseong Champion, he came from well off the pace so just who starts as favourite may depend on how the track has been playing in the first couple of races. (5) LEMON DRAGON completes a trio of up in class last start winners over this distance. His winning time was slow, but he has plenty more scope for progress and can be competitive. (12) WONDERFUL KAYLAN and (2) UNJU WINNER, who has been through a quick trial with Beolmaui Star since his last race, are others to consider.
Selections
(8) Eunseong Champion (3) Max The Cat (5) Lemon Dragon (12) Wonderful Kaylan
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a daytime meeting featuring 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
(Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens to begin with and (9) BIG BRIDGE will be the favourite having improved to 2nd place at start number three on March 23rd when racing handy throughout over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but it was still quicker than any of the others here have achieved over the 1200M, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOJEONSA will be the second favourite. She also showed improvement in that same March 24th race, coming home in 4th place, having been similarly on pace throughout. From a nice draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way again. (10) SARYEONI NIKE has shown slow but noticeable progress across her three appearances to date and can continue to get closer here. There are five debut-makers, and of them (7) USEUNG DOLJIN and (5) KHAS look the most likely to make an immediate impact.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden with more than one looking ready to win. We’ll side with (4) BAZOOKA BOY. His best among three starts so far is a second place and while he hasn’t been the most fluent of runners so far, he does seem to have ability. He was sent back to trial following his last start 4th and he came through his heat well. He draws nicely and the two turns can suit. The main danger is (7) BEAT YEONGUNG. He was a beaten favourite behind Bazooka Boy on March 16th but previously recorded a 2nd and a 4th and with Moon Se-young climbing on, plenty will be backing him to bounce back here. (6) P N S CAR comes in off a 2nd place at 1300M on March 30th. That was just his third start, and his running style suggests the step up in trip can be to his liking. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) YONGBICHEON others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(4) Bazooka Boy (7) Beat Yeongung (6) P N S Car (8) Craze Chang
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) MR. TROT was a good winner over this distance at start number two over this distance in February when leading for most of the way, before putting in a somewhat ordinary showing when favourite for his first try at this class over 1400M on March 16th when he was scarcely involved. He comes back in trip and into a better gate, and he can be given another chance. (9) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win having been promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes in his opening two starts. He enters off a solid 3rd place at this class and distance on March 31st when handy throughout and while he comes up 2.5kg in the weights, he should figure strongly here. (2) RAON THE CLIPPER is another maiden up in class in his case following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two. He draws nicely to be on pace, comes down in the weights, and he can measure up and more here. (8) FIJI BLADE and (6) MORNING BOLD others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Mr. Trot (9) Geumak Dia (2) Raon The Clipper (8) Fiji Blade
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) HWASANGHWIHWAN remains a maiden after nine attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, most recently last time out over this class and distance on March 3rd when racing midfield and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights but with CC climbing on, today can be his day. If he does manage to find one too quick again, it could be (8) TRISTAN WANGJA. He has been finding his feet at this level and looks to be working towards a second win with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. (1) THUNDER A ONE comes up in class after registering his maiden win at start number five on March 16th when le led every step of the way. He draws nicely to lead again, and a repeat isn’t impossible. Those three will be in the majority of trifectas, with nothing else entering in good form. (4) EXPECT and (10) SUNGANUI CHANCE are perhaps the best of the supporting case.
Selections
(7) Hwasangwihwan (8) Tristan Wangja (1) Thunder A One (4) Expect
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After the sprinters last week, this week it’s the second leg of the Stayer Series and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) headlines the daytime card on Sunday at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Global Hit headlines Sunday’s YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) USEUNG CONCORD raced twice in late summer last year, recording a 3rd and a 2nd over 1000M and 1200M. He hasn’t raced since but trialled up fairly in March and Moon Se-young’s engagement makes it likely they intend to pick up from where they left off and win first-up against this very limited set of opponents. (5) ARCH ROCKET has hinted at ability and should at least be on pace here. An apprentice keeps his weight very light, and he should be in the mix. (10) POWER TRY is the solitary debut maker. It took hm two goes to qualify but he looked competent enough at the second time of asking and he can be considered against this lot. (7) JEONGSEONG VICE and (6) HERO NARA others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BREEDO KING STAR enters off a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and both times settling behind the lead before finishing well. Despite the wide draw, he can be expected to be on pace here and he us the one to bear. Clear second-pick is (1) GEUMSEONG REVERE. Having returned from almost nine months out to run a 4th place over 1300M on March 14th, she should strip fitter here and can be a danger. The form falls off significantly after those, but (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has hinted at ability across his three starts so far. He has got a bit far back in his races but should be running on strong here. (7) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG and (3) HIGH END are potential improvers.
Selections
(9) Breedo King Star (1) Geumseong Revere (5) Éclair Power (7) Changjoui Gidung
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BLAZING MAN will be the favourite here. He has shown steady improvement across his three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1400M on March 22nd when racing on pace. He has finished ahead of a few of these already and he should be finishing ahead of all of them today. (3) THUNDER GUY comes in having finished a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 31st. The time wasn’t the quickest, but he should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. (4) HANEUL SINHWA dead-heated for 5th place behind Blazing Man last time out and can there or thereabouts again. (2) BEST BOY and (7) GOAT KING IJI among others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(9) Blazing Man (3) Thunder Guy (4) Haneul Sinhwa (2) Best Boy
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only and (2) JERAQUEEN will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across her five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1300M in a similar all-filly race on March 17th when leading almost all the way. She draws nicely to lead again and will be expected to go one better. (10) BEATRIZ enters having run an improved 3rd over this distance in February when racing on the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light, and despite the wide draw, she can be on pace and in this again. (7) PINK WIND was one of those behind Jeraqueen on March 17th, but she has a 2nd place to her name and can be a factor here. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE and (5) MONEY TOUCH others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) MORPHEUS is up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking when stepped up to a mile and leading all the way on March 24th. He has performed well at this distance as well and while he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight break, he can be on pace again and can go back-to-back. (4) MOVIE MORE is yet to win in ten attempts, nine of hem at this distance but she comes in with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two. She carries a light weight, draws well to challenge Morpheus for the early lead, and it could well be her day. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. It may have been her first win on her twentieth start, but she has loads of experience at this level and this is the kind of company she can place among. The rest need to improve on recent form with (11) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (6) SINHAE MANGCHI perhaps the most likely.
Selections
(5) Morpheus (4) Movie More (2) Velociraptor (11) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YONGAM MARENGO finished down the field when sent off as favourite at class and distance on March 23rd. The margins weren’t huge though and we can give him another chance after two near-misses leading up to it. He can sit behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (6) RAON THE TAP has two placings at this class and enters off a fair 5th, ahead of Yongam Marengo in that March 23rd race. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he will have plenty of backers here. (5) MEOTJIN GIROK has been working his way back into form and enters off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on March 17th. He is another with a strong finish who should be doing his best work late. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (7) NAOL DAEWANG others to consider.
Selections
(9) Yongam Marengo (6) Raon The Tap (5) Meotjin Girok (4) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (11) JAZZ STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M in an all-filly maiden on March 22nd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and, under a light weight, she can maintain her 100% start. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE is the main danger. She was a winner at this class and distance in February – the only one in the field to have prevailed at 1400M – before running midfield in stiffer company than this and under 56kg last time out. She comes down in the weights here with an apprentice engaged, is drawn well, and she can return to form. (10) ARION QUEEN will need a line drawn through her latest over a mile but should be happier back in trip here. (7) NONSTOP DUTY and (1) CHIMING RUN others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) Jazz Star (2) Wonderful Cutie (10) Arion Queen (7) Nonstop Duty
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) ROYAL BEST got his maiden win over 1300M in January, making all, and has since been 4th on both tries at this class, both times having led. He draws nicely here, CC climbs aboard, and he can win. (2) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish any worse than 4th after five starts last year. He hasn’t raced since last October but he looked very well when leading all the way in a trial at the start of this month, and from a good gate, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) HAEJE YEOGEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on January 14th having led. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks out and she can be in the hunt. (4) GOLDEN LINE and (6) TAMNA CHOEGANGJA others to consider.
Selections
(3) Royal Best (2) Jechuk Iho (9) Haeje Yeogeol (4) Golden Line
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Bring an umbrella, rain is forecast! Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Just eight in the first division of this maiden and (1) CUPID MIR will be the clear favourite. He has finished 3rd once and 4th three times across his five starts so far, posting decent times along the way. From the inside gate he will surely be on the pace, and he should lead all the way. (7) SEOUL DOLPUNG is the clear second pick. He overcame a wide draw to run 4th at 1300M on March 16th and in this smaller field should be closer to the front from the start. He has six finishes between 3rd and 5th and should be aiming for at least 2nd here. (5) BOLLIN ran 3rd over 1200M two starts back in a good time and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (8) CAMP DAVID and (3) EUNSEONG SARANG other possibles for the minors.
Selections
(1) Cupid Mir (7) Seoul Dolpung (5) Bollin (8) Camp David
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BREEDO GIRL will be heavy favourite in the second division of this maiden. After running 4th on debut over 1200M in December, she returned in February to finish 2nd at 1400M, coming from off the pace. She has had eleven weeks off since, but she really should be able to score in this company. (8) CROQUIS is second pick. She has two 3rd places from her last three including last time out at this distance on March 30th. She was beaten by a couple of these in between, but a repeat of her latest effort will see her close. Given the strength (or lack thereof) in this race, we should at least consider the solitary first time starter. That’s (7) SAEROUN GUY who while a long way behind the winner of his trial, looked competent enough, and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. (4) THUNDER SPEED and (3) ELITE PEACE potential improvers.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (5) DIANA got her maiden win two starts back, leading all the way over this distance, before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 31st over 1300M when on pace again. She comes up slightly in the weights, but back at 1200M, she can win again. (4) MUJANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over 1400M at this class. She comes in der a very light weight here and from a good draw, she shapes as the main danger. (6) SMART SOCKS ran 3rd over 1200M on April 7th, coming from off the pace. That was a big uptick in recent form and while still a maiden after nineteen attempts, she can be close again. (11) DREAM SKY and (3) ELITE ROYAL are others to consider.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN got his one win in February at this class and distance when coming from well off the pace. He then had a poor day at the office at his latest start at class and distance on March 23rd, when settling back after a slow start and this time not running on, but we’ll draw a line through that and with CC climbing on, he can return to winning ways. (4) JEONGMUN PAPAGO enters having got his maiden win at the eighteenth time of asking at this class and distance in that same race on March 23rd that Naegilui Captain disappointed in. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result, but he warrants respect. (2) BAEKRYONG remains winless in nine but comes up in class after a few too many near-misses. He is down in the weights, draws nicely, and can measure up in this company. (8) GLORY K and (7) MIGHTY BOM others in the hunt.
Horse Racing in Korea 