The Triple Tiara – or filly Triple Crown – begins at Busan on Sunday with the running of the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas). See here for a full preview of the race. The Luna is the last race of 6 on a Busan card that runs from 11:00 to 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Doctor Oscar is a contender in the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (1) HONOR ROSE will be favourite having run 3rd on debut in a good time over 1200M on March 18th when handy throughout. She draws well here, she has the same weight, and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. All that applies too to (2) MINT PLAY. She ran on from midfield for 3rd on her debut on March 19th over 1200M and she will be a danger. There is one debut-maker and (8) NAOL ROONEY is not without a chance. The Cross Traffic filly improved across three trials and those multiple efforts should stand er in good stead. At her latest trial she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield then handy and ran on well and in limited company, she can put in a bold first-up effort. (5) JANGHEUNG CLASS and (7) SEONGSIL INDONG other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Honor Rose (2) Mint Play (8) Naol Rooney (5) Jangheung Class
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) LAND BANK is the one to beat. He has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times having led from the gate almost until the line. He draws well, he should lead again, and it can be third-time lucky. There is one first-time starter. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE posted a fast time in his trial, albeit aided by the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination) to pull them along. This is hardly the most intimidating of races to debut in and he can be considered first-up. (3) HAERANG THE ONE comes back slightly in trip following a 4th and two 5th placed finishes over 1300M both from behind and on pace. She should be competitive here too. (8) FABULOUS BEATER ran out of steam late on debut but should stirp fitter for the experience and can improve here. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND another in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) Land Bank (10) Captain Charlie (3) Haerang The One (8) Fabulous Beater
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) WONPYEONG KINGDOM ran 3rd on debut at relatively big odds having got away to good start and then led until the closing stages over 1300M. He draws well again the slight step back in trip can suit, and with some natural improvement, he can win. (10) FIJI BLADE also put in a creditable showing on debut, in her case over this distance on March 11th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she too should have come on for the run and while she draws a touch wide, she can be a danger. (5) WORLD FASHION has more experience and has improved across his three outings to date and was 4th behind Wonpyeong Kingdom in the latest of those on March 26th. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but has a strong finish and will be running on here. (2) GEOLJAK TOUR and trial winning debut-maker (7) SEOUL LION among others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Wonpyeong Kingdom (10) Fiji Blade (5) World Fashion (2) Geoljak Tour
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER may take some beating. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from is latest two, both at 1200M. He has the fastest time at the distance by a wide margin and from a good draw, he should be on pace here and will be hard to get past. (1) SEONGSIL STAR came back to this distance and ran a much-improved 2nd on February 17th and after nine weeks off, he can be competitive again from the inside gate. (8) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT has three top-five finishes from four starts so far and while her times have not been quick, she can challenge for the lead here and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA HUGE HIT did nothing on debut last November but was put away after that and looked much better when sent back to trial in March. Franco climbs on and she should show improvement. (5) DREAM RUN another potentially on the right trajectory.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jocket Lee Dong-ha rode his first Listed or Graded winner aboard Eodigana in last weekend’s Donga Ilbo Trophy. The rider is back in action at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and a couple look ready to win. Chief among those is (8) BANFF, who ran 3rd on debut in February before improving to 2nd on March 19th in a good time over this distance. He’ll be on pace here and it can be third time lucky. Any top-three finish will see Banff up to class 5 next time and that’s true too for (7) FINAL JILJU. She also has a runner-up finish to her name over this distance and comes in off a 3rd place over 1300M on March 18th when coming from off the pace. She may be ridden a little handier here with the slight drop in trip and she should be close again. (3) PURPLE WINK is the solitary debut-maker. He won a March trial in a good time and from a nice draw can be a factor first-up. (9) FEDERAL PRESS has shown gradual improvement across three starts so far. He has generally left himself too much to do but his last start 5th was encouraging. (6) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Banff (7) Final Jilju (3) Purple Wink (9) Federal Press
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(8) DAERYUN SIDAE came close to a gate to wire win over 1300M on March 12th, only to be denied by a neck in the final strides. That was the first time she had been ridden forward and was her second consecutive placing. She comes back slightly in trip and in this small field the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem. (2) DARK ZONE returns to action for the first time since last July. He has a 5th and a 4th on his record and looked well enough in a March trial when on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. With not much early speed in the race, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) WONPYEONG SKY has a 3rd place to his name at this trip when overcoming the widest gate. He followed up with a 5th of ten over 1300M on March 18th and should be competitive here. (7) HOUYHNHNM and (6) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG others to keep safe.
Selections
(8) Daeryun Sidae (2) Dark Zone (5) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Houyhnhnm
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) STAND BY ME here. He’s been knocking firmly on the door in his latest few including a last start 2nd over this distance on March 18th when handy throughout. There isn’t much speed here so he should get an easy run early on and can go one better today. (11) CHOEGO POINT has run encouragingly in his latest two, running on for 4th last time out over 1400M. He has run some fair times over this trip and Antonio climbing aboard can be in his favour. (8) FLY DAY has finished off well in each of his three starts so far with his best being 3rd over 1200M. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (3) LAST PITCH and (1) GOLDEN PEARL other potential place chances.
Selections
(5) Stand By Me (11) Choego Point (8) Fly Day (3) Last Pitch
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) TANGJA’s win came at 1200M at class 6 level back in December and since then he has gone on to perform solidly in three attempts at this class including a close 4th over this distance on March 25th when from a wide draw, he had to settle back. He comes into a better gate today and may take some beating. Having won a trial, (9) WONDERFUL SLEW duly won on debut over 1200M back in December. She reappears for the first time since up in class and up in distance, but she remains nicely weighted, and she can measure up first-up here. (5) HANGANG JIJON also comes up in class having won well over this distance on March 11th. That was a big uptick in form, but he comes down in the weights and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish. (1) ROSE GOLD and (3) HUIMANG OREUM are others in the minor money frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) BULUI NALGAE comes in off his maiden win at start number six over 1300M on March 18th. It had been coming too as he had been getting progressively closer in his previous outings. He comes up in class here but down in the weights and the slightly extended trip can suit. (11) MONEY JANGGUN remains a maiden but got promoted to this class following two runner-up finishes at class 6. He then overcame the widest gate to run 3rd at this class on February 25th. His style is to settle back and run on and while so far, he has run out of track each time, he is another who may be suited by the seven-furlongs today. (7) BEST JEONSA is another maiden, but he has plenty of experience at this level and has run good times over the distance. He comes into a better gate than in his latest two so may well be on the early speed here and can be in this a long way. (10) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM and (5) NAMSAN MUJEOK among others in the hunt.
The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.
Selections
(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout. She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs. She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.
This year’s “Queens’ Tour” for fillies and mares is split into two separate three-race series and Raon First headlines the opener leg of the “Spring and Summer” tour in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (Listed – 1800M) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Raon First won the President’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)
One of the most versatile horses in training in Korea, Raon First ran 3rd in the International Korea Sprint over 1200M last September before beating a field including Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man to win the Group 1 President’s Cup over 2000M in November.
Raon First is the defending champion in the Donga Ilbo, having scored by a comfortable four-lengths twelve months ago and she will be favourite, but there is no guarantee she will have things all her own way. The big danger is Flat Babe, who proved a revelation towards the end of her four-year-old season, rising from class 3 to class 1 and crowning the achievement by defeating an elite level field containing Winner’s Man in February over today’s distance.
Flat Babe (Pic: KRA)
It will be unchartered territory for most with 58kg on their backs for the first time. All that is except for the solitary three-year-old in the race. The up and coming Sure Win has won two of her latest three and the Bernardini filly gets a whopping 6kg allowance on the rest of the field.
Twelve go in total in the Donga Ilbo which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul:
1. SURE WIN – The only three-year-old in the race, she has won two of her latest three including last time out when on pace over this distance. That was at class 4 level so this is a stiff test, but she draws well and has a 6kg weight advantage over all the others.
2. QUEENS TOUR – A strong 4th in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last September but well back over 2000M at class 2 level behind Eodigana and Cheonji Yeogeol on her only 2023 outing so far. Tactically versatile and jockey booking a plus, but while she may be named after the series, others are favoured.
3. FLAT BABE – A revelation recently with 2nd place in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup followed by a class 1 win over Winner’s Man at this distance on February 26th. She was getting 8kg from the Korea Cup winner, but she stopped the clock in a time faster than any of these have achieved for the distance. Can settle back and run on and is the main danger here.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. The cherry blossom festival may have come to a premature end, but there will still be plenty going on at the racecourse, including some very good foodtrucks on what is set to be a fine and dry weekend. Here are the previews:
New guest at the races this weekend (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (6) DONGHAENG FIRST is the one to beat having made steady progress from 4th to 2nd across three starts to date, most recently when coming from off the pace at this distance on February 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but she won’t need to improve much on that to win today. (5) AMAN BAROWS is the logical danger. Her best is a 3rd over 1000M last November but she ran pleasingly enough for 4th on her latest outing at this distance on February 12th when drawn wide and slowly away. In a better gate here, she surely gets closer. (2) M J DAERO was an improved 3rd at start number two on February 25th. She draws well for the first time and should be in the mix. The two first-timers trialled up together on March 10th and both (4) DAONDI and (7) HAYAN TAEYANG put in pleasing performances and can go well first up.
Selections
(6) Donghaeng First (5) Aman Barows (2) M J Daero (4) Daondi
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens and (9) K N GOLDEN KING will be a short-priced favourite. Having run 3rd on debut, he was then 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 11th when settling handy and finishing off well. Third-up he should be peaking and a similar run should be good enough to win this. (2) DAMJAENGI ARGO has shown improvement across three starts so far with a 4th place over this distance on March 19th her best. She gets in here very nicely with an apprentice claim and a good draw and she should be looking to go closer again. (4) ZEROBAEKFOUR managed a 2nd place two starts back when sent off as the longest shot on the board over this distance. She settled midfield before running on and almost got to the winner. She was slowly away on her latest appearance on February 18th but ran on fairly enough and she looks a place chance here. The form falls off after those three although (6) HAENGUN BARAM has been back to trial since her last run and looked a little better. By virtue of having the inside gate instead of the outside one he had on debut, (1) K VICTORY may also improve.
Selections
(9) K N Golden King (2) Damjaengi Argo (4) Zerobaekfour (6) Haengun Baram
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and there are a number of possibles. (6) MIGHTY ANN returns to action for the first time since last October. Her best to date is a 3rd place at this distance but she looked very well when winning a trial on March 17th, leading all the way around. That suggests that Jo In-kwon will be aiming to get the lead here and she should be in this a long way. (7) MUJANG shapes as the main danger. She comes in after back-to-back 4th place finishes at 1200M and 1300M and while her times have only been fair, she looks to have scope for more development and can get closer again here. (1) ARCH RUNNER led last time out over 1400M only to weaken late on. She should appreciate the drop back in trip and can be given another chance here. (11) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (10) BLUE KAISER others with at least minor money claims.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Another maiden. (7) UDDUG probably warrants favourite status based on his last start 4th over 1700M. That was just his second start back following almost a year out and third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness-wise and should also appreciate the drop back in trip. (9) SAEROUN BITKKAL comes in off a 4th place over 1400M on March 18th when settling back and running on. It wasn’t a quick race but I similar company here, he can settle back and pass plenty again. (6) MORNING FIVE has a 2nd place on his record, which she achieved last August. We need to draw a line through her latest but she’s had four months off since and comes in fresh here. (3) BEST PLAN and (10) TOGETHER WAY among others in the placing frame.
Selections
(7) Uddug (9) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) Morning Five (3) Best Plan
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) BURUI KKOT remains a maiden following eleven attempts but she’s finished in the top five on no fewer than ten occasions, including twice as runner-up at this class and distance. She likes to be on pace or handy so may need a touch of luck at the start but there isn’t much speed on her inside here and so long as she can find a decent position, today can be her day. (1) COMPLETE LEADER is also a maiden but comes up in class here. He has only raced twice, finishing 2nd both times, both over 1200M. He comes down in the weights and comes into a good gate and he should measure up at this level. (2) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK ran only fairly when 7th of twelve last time out but going on her 2nd place two starts back at this class over 1200M, she has to be given a chance here. (5) GEUMSEONG SPEED was a big-priced 2nd at class and distance last time and can be had on a place line here. (4) WONPYEONG KILLAR is better than his latest two finishes suggest and back in trip can be given another chance.
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Small field but a tricky puzzle to solve. (2) RAON THE POINT was a useful all the way winner on debut over this distance on February 25th. He comes up in class but slightly down in weights and draws similarly well and we can take a chance on him maintaining his unbeaten record here. (5) SAENAE KHAN has finished no worse than 4th in five outings to date with his win coming over this distance two starts back at class 6 level. He ran 4th on his first try at this level on March 4th over 1300M when he overcame a poor start to run on. If he can get away better and be on pace here then he has strong claims. Like Raon The Point, (6) BULPAE BLADE is one for one and he did it in very similar fashion, leading every step of the wat over this distance on March 11th. He too comes down slightly in weight and he will surely be competitive in this company. (4) CHEONGGYE GISANG and (8) YONGCHEON JISANG, the former up in class after getting his maiden win last time and the latter up in weight after a narrow win at class and distance on March 12th, others to keep safe.
Selections
(2) Raon The Point (5) Saenae Khan (6) Bulpae Blade (4) Cheonggye Gisang
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Another small but competitive field (7) DUSON FANTASTIC is probably the one to beat. He has plenty of experience at this level and ran well for a close 3rd at this class over 1200M on March 18th when settling midfield and running on. He has a strong finish on him and can settle just behind the early speed and prove too strong late on. (2) COWBOY TANGO comes up in class after a good win over this distance on March 11th when he came from well off the pace. He comes slightly down in weight and draws well, and while it is questionable how much scope for improvement he has, he should be able to hold his own in this company. (8) TIZ SUCCESS took a shy at the class 3 stumps last time out, albeit it in restricted filly and mare company, and gave a good account of herself. She stretches out to this distance for the first time and should go close from on the speed. (3) COLJOY is another who should be on the pace and can be in this a long way. (5) JEJUUI YOJEONG another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) KINGS EYE will be hot favourite. He is yet to score in three attempts at class 4 and has been beaten favourite in two of those runs. However, he comes back slightly in trip here which should be in his favour and while he is up in weight, he can be on pace and lead all the way. (5) RALLY QUEEN comes up in class after a good win over 1200M in February when settling midfield and running on. She’s nicely weighted and drawn here and can go close again. (1) K N SKETCH has mixed his form at this class but we’ll forgive him his latest when he had to contend with the widest gate. Two starts back he ran a very close 2nd over 1400M and on that form he is right in this. (4) B.J. STORM and (3) ROYAL TAERI others to keep safe.
Selections
(7) Kings Eye (5) Rally Queen (1) K N Sketch (4) B.J. Storm
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Back to the tricky ones here. (4) RAON CHAMPSELY ground out a class and distance win on March 5th in a race that was restricted to fillies and mares. She comes up in the weights here and takes on the boys, but that win was her first race for four months and she may well strip fitter here. A repeat isn’t impossible. (5) WONDERFUL KITTY may well be the betting favourite. She ran a super 3rd in the Jeju Governor’s Cup in the Queens’ Tour series last October and has consistently run fast times. She comes back to this trip for the first time since winning over it last July and under a light weight, she has very solid claims. (1) GRAY THOR was on pace but weakened over 1400M on his first try at this class on March 12th. He should be more comfortable back in trip and gets a good draw here. (10) SOBERANIA and (6) WHITE QUEEN came home 2nd and 4th behind Raon Champsely on March 5th, and both can be considered for places today.
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 90 Million
This is a very good race to conclude with. Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi combined for a pair of winners last week, and they could get another one here with (5) NAMSAN SIDAE. He overcame the widest gate to run on strongly for 2nd over a mile on March 19th and while he comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, he is fourth up this preparation and today could be his day. (6) MIGHTY POP beat three of these when running on to snatch a narrow win at this class over 1800M on March 12th. He comes up 2kg as a result but a repeat is possible. Staying at the same weight is that day’s 3rd placegetter (1) HWANGGEUM LUCKY. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he could well start as favourite. (9) SEUNGBUSA and (3) JANGSAN MONSTER are among others firmly in this.
Sunday sees the first Group race of the season in the shape of the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint on the south coast. Eoma Eoma and Raon The Fighter will square off in a true heavyweight match-up. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. The Busan Ilbo is the final race of 6 at Busan on the card which runs from 11:00 to 15:40. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. With the weather forecast set for rain from Tuesday, it may be the last chance this year to visit one of the Seoul area’s cherry blossom festivals, which is open at the racecourse from 10am to 9pm.
Eoma Eoma defends his Busan Ilbo Sprint title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A small field of three-year-old maidens contest the opener. (1) SMARTY FIGHTER is the pick with a best of 2nd from three starts so far with the other two both ending in 5th. His 2nd was at this distance in February when racing from handy throughout and from a good draw, he can win here. The main danger is (3) SSEULMO. He was a much-improved 3rd at this distance on March 5th when leading for much of the way around. He will be on pace again and he could well hold them all at bay. There are two first-timers and it may be worth considering them (7) HEART K and (5) MUNHAK EAGLE both posted fair times in their respective trials and if they bring that form to the races, they won’t be too far away here. (6) NEMO SPIRIT perhaps the most likely of the other experienced ones to improve.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. After winning a trial, (2) SINHAE MANGCHI has been 3rd in both his starts so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handily. He comes into his best gate to date, comes up slightly in trip, and with some natural improvement third-up, today can be his day. (5) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won a trial before finishing 3rd on debut back in December when settling back and running on over this distance. It’s been fifteen weeks since we’ve seen him but he’s been in regular work since the start of February and can put in a bold showing today. (1) JORDAN FIGHTING has a 4th and a 5th in two appearances so far. He had a hard time from the widest gate on his latest outing and can go better from the inside today. (4) POWER PLANE and (3) DOCTOR PANGPANG others in the hunt in a race of many chances.
Selections
(2) Sinhae Mangchi (5) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Jordan Fighting (4) Power Plane
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A maiden featuring seven fillies and one gelding. (7) BARAMSAL is the one they need to beat. While yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts, she has seven top-five finishes including two 3rd places among her latest three, most recently overcoming gate twelve to run close. She looks very nicely in here to settle a little closer than usual and today looks like her best chance. (1) EUNHYE GAMUN parted company with her jockey coming out of the gates on what was set to be her fist start in over a year on March 5th. She completed the course rather smartly without her partner and had previously trialled up well so is probably worth taking a chance on here. The only other one apart from Baramsal with a placing on her record is (6) TOUGH YEOJE. She tends to get a long way back but is another who benefit from this small field. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming to get on the board. (5) MENI CHARM and (3) RAON JUMP other potential improvers in a weak race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(5) QUEENS LANDING will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both over this distance and most recently on March 12th when she beat a couple of today’s rivals having settled midfield and finished well. In this company and from this gate she can be on or close to the speed and she should prove too good. (10) ACE A MOCA ran 6th on debut over this distance on February 17th when overcoming a wide gate to get to the lead before weakening late. She gets that widest barrier here, but with some natural improvement from that debut, she should be close. The form falls off after that. (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY beat Ace A Moca when 4th in that February 17th race. She was subsequently well beaten by Queens Landing on Mach 12th but can go better today. (9) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (2) UNJU GLOBAL others perhaps in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) BEAT UP here. His win came at this distance last November on his return from nine months off and he followed it up with two 3rd place finishes from his first two attempts at this level, again both at the 1200M. He could only manage 6th when favourite at 1300M on February 25th but back down in trip and in this company, he will take some beating. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE comes up in class following an all the way score over this distance on February 26th. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and should measure up in this company. (6) SUPREME STAR remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the to-five in eight attempts including his first try at this class on March 5th. She carries a light weight and can maintain her consistent record here. (10) WONDERFUL TIZZY comes up in class and along with the returning (3) BARAMUI GEOM – also up in class – is in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Beat Up (2) Lucky Bounce (6) Supreme Star (10) Wonderful Tizzy
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(10) HANEUL JEWANG ran out a class and distance winner on March 5th when settling midfield from the widest gate and running on strongly. He comes up 3kg as a result, but Franco stays aboard, and we know the wide draw won’t be a problem. He can win again. (3) SPECIAL HERO was 4th in a decent time at class and distance on March 10th. She draws much better today and can match or better here under a light weight again. (7) SAVAHA comes up 2kg in the weights from his runner-up finish at class and distance on February 24th when he led for much of the way around. Expect him to be on the speed again and to be in this a long way. (6) PLAY THE INDY is up in class despite being a maiden but that makes him well weighted and he has run times that can be competitive in this company. (2) OK STAR another to keep safe.
Selections
(10) Haneul Jewang (3) Special Hero (7) Savaha (6) Play The Indy
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(5) KING DIA went through several trials before finally arriving at the races, but it was worth the wait as he ran out a six-length winner, having led all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again. It’s fair to say that (3) CUPID BISANG doesn’t win out of turn but he is ultra-consistent and has been in the top-four in each of his last five starts. He likes to be on pace or handy and he should be playing a role in the finish again. (7) HIGH GRAND is up in class having prevailed by three-lengths over this distance at start number six on February 25th. That win had been coming and he’ll be competitive among this lot. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (1) GEUMSEONG SIDAE among others who can enter the calculations.
It’s cherry blossom season. The annual festival kicks off at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and runs for the next nine days with the “blossom street” open until 9pm each evening. There are also 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. It’s not the strongest card in history, but here are the previews:
The blossoms are back at Seoul Racecourse
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Juvenile maidens in the opener. (8) MR QUALITY ran 2nd on debut in January when on pace throughout, before disappointing second time out when drawn widest of twelve and struggling to find a good position. Widest of eight should prove less taxing, David Breux climbs on, and he is the one to beat. (6) GLORY AND HONOUR was an improved 4th on her latest appearance on February 25th over this trip. She draws well here and should be aiming to get closer. (4) LEGEND K has a 3rd place to his name over 1300M two starts back and that’s enough to put him in contention in this modest company. He too will probably be on the speed. In such a weak race it is worth giving a chance to the first timers. (5) JEONGSANG HIT took several goes to qualify but finished in midfield in her latest, stopping the clock in a fair time and could beat a few here. (1) ZETTA MASTER perhaps the best of the rest.
Selections
(8) Mr Quality (6) Glory And Honour (4) Legend K (5) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. The form is pretty hapless, so we’re prepared to overlook (8) TES MARY’s latest couple and instead go on her 3rd place at this distance back in January when she settled back and ran on. It was a slow race, but she won’t need to be fast to win this and she has as good a chance as any. (1) YEOLJEONG ARGO was 5th on debut and while she was dreadful on her reappearance in January, she ran fairly enough to finish midfield from a wide gate on February 18th. She has been running close to the pace and crucially she draws inside here, which should give her an easy run to the front. In such a weak race, it’s possible that nobody will catch her. (7) CUPID CHIC has the fastest time among these for the distance and although that is very much a relative term here, it’s enough to give her a chance. (4) HWANGWOO CHOEGANG didn’t run terribly on debut and along with debut-maker (3) MAGU is another potential placer.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(4) DAEHEUNG CLASS will be favoured to score in this maiden. He has shown steady improvement across his recent outings, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on March 5th when he settled off the pace and ran on well. He can sit back again here and should prove too strong. (3) WONPYEONG CHUKJE looks the logical second best. He too has shown steady improvement, in his case across four starts so far and he registered a 3rd place over this distance on February 25th. The time was glacial, but he won’t need to improve very much to get even closer here. (2) CATS WOMAN has mixed her form across her nine races, but she ran 3rd at this distance two starts back and shouldn’t be far away here. (1) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA and (8) ACE TIARA others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) EUNHYE looks set to be a warm favourite here. His solitary win came four starts back and before he missed ten months. He is two starts into his comeback and has impressed with a 3rd and a 2nd so far, both at this class and distance and both times settling midfield and running on. Third-up he should be peaking fitness wise and today should be his day. (9) CHEOLLICHONG is a decent type who may be yet to win in eighteen attempts but has nine top-five finishes including five 2nd places. She comes down 2kg on her last start 4th on March 4th and while she may find one too quick again, she is firmly in the placing hunt. (5) BEST FALCON was 3rd in that March 4th race ahead of Cheollichong. She too comes down in the weights, she should be on pace and she can be in this a long way. (2) COMPLETE LUCKY and (3) CLAIR BEST among others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Eunhye (9) Cheollichong (5) Best Falcon (2) Complete Lucky
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
We’re going to need to overlook some bad last starts here as none of this lot managed better than 6th on their respective latest appearances. (4) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI is still a maiden but got promoted to this class with two 3rd places followed by a 2nd, all at 1200M. She was away badly on her first try at this class, again at 1200M on March 4th but from a good draw, can be ridden handy here and is worth another chance. (9) JILJU DAESE was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two last October. She didn’t reappear until February 26th when finishing midfield on her first try at class and distance. She should strip fitter for that run and has solid claims. (5) GEOLJAK MAN ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back. He tends to leave himself a bit too much to do but does have the fastest finish among these and can go close here. (3) WONPYEONG GWANGYA and (7) VIENTO others in the minor money hunt.
There’s no Listed or Graded racing this Sunday but still plenty of action to get stuck into. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Can Jangsan Laser prevail again over a mile? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) NONSTOP THUNDER will be the one to beat. She almost led the entire way around on February 18th over 1200M, ultimately being taken down by the favourite in the closing stages. She comes up slightly in trip but draws nicely to be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (10) AKKAENGI races for the fist time since December when he was an improved 3rd over 1200M. He’ll therefore have to be taken on trust fitness wise but the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can sit behind the early speed and run on. (6) WORLD FASHION came from off the pace for 3rd at this distance on February 25th. The additional half-furlong can suit and if he can continue on the same upward trajectory, he’ll be in the mix here. The form drops off a bit after that although (9) JEONGSANG LUCKY has a 2nd place to her name which gives her the right to be considered here. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL another potential improver.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies. (11) MIRACLE ONE has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on February 3rd in a tight three-way-go on the line. That was the second time in a row that she overcame the widest gate to go close and while the draw does her no favours again, this time she can go one better with an additional half furlong to play with. (10) HAPPY TAEYANG was a much improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on February 19th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd. She was well back behind a good winner but she is another who may apprentice the slight rise in trip and she can be a danger. (8) ACE GOOD JOB ran 3rd on debut at 1200M on February 24th having barely scraped through a trial. The time was painfully slow, but she beat three of today’s rivals coming from off the pace and she may well pass plenty late again here. (5) SOLEDAD and (2) FLYING DIA others to look out for.
Selections
(11) Miracle One (10) Happy Taeyang (8) Ace Good Job (5) Soldedad
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 10, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A weak maiden and it’s hard to go past (5) CLUB D. He only went down by a nose at start three over this distance on February 26th when settling midfield and almost catching the all the way winner. He comes into a better gate today and a similar run surely sees him home on top. (12) NEVER AGAIN has shown definite improvement over his four starts and came home 5th in a fair time at this distance on March 4th. The wide draw may not be too much of an issue as that day he went back and ran on and he can improve once more today. (7) SECRET WANGJA was the longest shot on the board when 3rd over this distance in January in a time faster than any of the others here have managed (albeit on a weekend when the track was playing very quick). He wasn’t much better fancied when 5th of nine over 1300M on February 11th. He will be shorter today and can keep the positive momentum going, probably taking a sit and finishing strongly. (11) TWO ACE and (3) HERO QUEEN other place chances.
Selections
(5) Club D (12) Never Again (7) Secret Wangja (11) Two Ace
Next Best
3, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(12) GLOBAL SKY has a couple of 4th place finishes and last time out improved to 2nd place over this distance when sitting handy and running on stopping the clock in a time quicker than of the rest here have achieved for this distance. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a touch of luck at the start can sit behind the speed and run on. (7) FANTASTIC CHAMP ran once last May and ran well, coming from well off the pace to finish 2nd. He then had a setback and has had forty-three weeks off. He ran at his own pace earlier this month in a trial that was blitzed by Beolmaui Star, who was preparing for next week’s Busan Ilbo Sprint, so we shan’t read too much into that but Seo Seung-un being aboard means he is sure to be very well backed. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was on pace a long way on debut over this distance on March 12th, beating a couple of these in 4th. She is another who may need some luck in the early stages but can be a danger. (2) WORLD POINT and (6) MIRACULUM among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(12) Global Sky (7) Fantastic Champ (11) Baedari Dolpung (2) World Point
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 11, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) EUREKA was a beaten favourite on his latest start on February 26th when handy throughout but only finishing 4th – a finish he has achieved on no fewer than six occasions now. Two starts back he beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance and from a great draw, today really should be his day. If he does find one (or three) too quick again then it might be (10) EURO GANGJA. He has done it before having been 3rd in that February 26th when he sat midfield and ran on. That was a big uptick in form but in this company there is no reason why he can’t repeat. (5) PURPLE STORM comes up to two turns for the first time having been 2nd and 5th in his latest two, both at 1400M. Both times he has gone right to the back before making up good ground and the additional distance may well suit. (6) HOUYHNHNM and (7) TRES VITE others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(1) Eureka (10) Euro Gangja (5) Purple Storm (6) Houyhnhnm
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(1) SUCCESS MOCCA has finished no worse than 3rd (a dead heat on debut) in three starts so far. His win came over this distance at class 6 level in January before he was then a close 3rd from a wide draw on his first try at this class on February 17th. He likes to be on pace, so he has a much more favourable draw today, and he may prove hard to hold out. (11) NORTHERN BID was an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on February 19th stalking the leader early before taking command a long way out. He comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide draw, but with a bit of luck early, he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) PHANTOM ACE got his maiden win three starts back and has subsequently held his own in two starts at this level, both over 1200M. He can take a sit behind the early speed – of which there should be plenty – and can launch a late challenge here. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN and (8) THUNDER FURY are others to keep safe.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(12) ARGO RICH remains a maiden but after finishing 4th on debut, has since run 2nd on three consecutive occasions, most recently at his class over 1300M on February 25th. He as run 2nd from on the pace and from off the pace so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and he can go one better today. (10) SAENAE HWANGJE also remains a maiden, in his case after seventeen attempts but on the strength of his latest effort at class and distance on February 26th when he was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd in a good time, he must be right in this. He also has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance, and he should be close. (4) QUEEN OF BEST has run fairly for 4th and 6th in her latest two. She is another who has posted a quick time for the distance and who can be running on strong at the business end here. (11) WORLD KING MAN and (9) BLUE INDY others in the hunt.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Top jockeys Moon Se-young, Choi Bum-hyun, Lim Gi-won and Jang Chu-youl all find themselves with two-day bans this weekend. Here are the previews:
Park Tae-jong finally got his 2200th career winner last week and is one of few top local jockeys not suspended this weekend – although he only has one ride Saturday and four Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies here. One of four first-timer starters, (1) GREEN VIVACE took four trials to qualify but in the latest of those on March 3rd, pinged the start and then led all the way under a hold and ask for very little. The time wasn’t quick, but she was well clear of the rest and didn’t get out of first gear. It was a big improvement on her previous trials and if she brings that form to the races, she may be hard to hold out. (4) TI AMO ran on gamely for an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 18th. A similar performance will put her firmly in the frame here. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) BRIGHT WINNER was still somewhat green in her second trial but ran through the line well and can make an impact first up in this company. (7) FIRST USER and (10) BEATRIZ potential improvers.
Selections
(1) Green Vivace (4) Ti Amo (2) Bright Winner (7) First User
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
1, 7, 10, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies but imports this time and nine America breds face the starter. All have raced at least once before including the top pick (9) POWER VICTORY. She beat several of these on her way to 2nd place on debut on February 25th in a very similar race to this over the same distance. With some natural improvement from that run, she may prove hard to beat. (2) MOONHAK SONG came 3rd in that race on what was for her, start number five. She has a length and three-quarters to make up on Power Victory but she led that day and draws well to do so once more. She can get closer this time. (3) MEDICI WOLF was well backed in that February race but was no better than midfield throughout. She was 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy behind Raon Giant and Furiosa last November though and in this company should be given another chance. (4) DUSON CHAMP is another to keep safe while if you want something that didn’t go in that February race (6) MIGHTY Q, who beat a fair few of these on Christmas Day, would be the pick.
Selections
(9) Power Victory (2) Moonhak Song (3) Medici Wolf (4) Duson Champ
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A maiden for three-years-old, this time open to the boys as well. (6) FINAL CHUKJE just about gets the edge, based on an improved 3rd place when stepped up to this distance on February 19th when he led for most of the way. That was the first time he had been ridden forward and from a central gate we can expect similar tactics today and for him to be in this a long way. The main danger is (3) SAVANA CHARLIE. Aside from two starts back when he drew the widest gate, he has run well including a 4th place last time out on February 11th when settling back and finishing strongly. The additional half furlong should suit, and he will be a danger running on late. (7) RUBY AGAIN comes into the calculations based on her run two starts back when 2nd over 1200M. She is another who likes to get back and run on. (5) THUNDER PRINCE and (8) DASI TAEEONADO others to keep safe.
Selections
(6) Final Chukje (3) Savana Charlie (7) Ruby Again (5) Thunder Prince
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and there are no Oaks contenders here. That means that the 4th place registered by (3) MADISON MOUNTAIN in her latest effort at this distance on February 5th is enough to make her the top pick. She has a tendency to get a bit far back, but today’s competition is softer and there should be less danger of her leaving herself too much to do. Second pick is (7) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER. She comes back in trip following a spin around 1700M just two weeks ago when she was handy before coming home 5th. She’ll be on pace here and despite the quick turnaround can be in this a long way again. The form drops off the proverbial after those two. At a push, (4) SINPUNG YEOGEOL might be expected to kick on following a career best 6th place last time out. (9) ZIRCON and (1) GEOLJAK TOUR others for whom we can’t have much confidence in but in this race should really be looking for improvement.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) POWERFUL SOCKS got his maiden in two starts back over this distance making all at class 6 level before running a useful enough 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th when handy throughout. He has the fastest time among these for the distance, he has a smart finish on him, and he has every chance of returning to winning ways here. (3) LEGAL HIGH comes up in class following a maiden win over 1200M on February 18th when settling just off the pace and running on. The class rise is balanced by a much better gate and a very slight drop in the weights, and she can measure up in this company. (2) K N TIZWON comes back down in trip following recent work over 1700M including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He can get a bit far back in his races but from a good gate can be ridden further forward today and he should be dangerous. (10) TANGJA and (6) DAECHEON CHAMP among others in the placing frame.
Sunday is Classic Trials day in Korea with the Sports Seoul Trophy in the Capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the south coast offering the three-year-old crop a big prize on their way to the Triple Crown, the first leg of which is just six weeks away. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Seungbusa won last year’s Sports Seoul Trophy before going on to place in two legs of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) BANFF went through plenty of trials before debuting on February 19th and he gave a good account for himself over this distance, coming out of the widest gate to sit midfield and then run on for 3rd. He should have come on for that run, he draws well here, and he can win. (10) FLY DAY has a 5th and a 3rd from two appearances so far, both times settling midfield and finishing off well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, an apprentice keeps his weight light, and he should be challenging late again here. (8) MIR POINT has a 2nd place to her name over 1000M and comes in off a solid 4th place at this distance on February 12th when he led for much of the way. He should be on pace again, and in this a long way. (6) CLAIR QUEEN and (7) JEOLDAE GACHI among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Banff (10) Fly Day (8) Mir Point (6) Clair Queen
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
4, 8, 7, 12
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) CHEERFUL LIFE looks to be the one to beat. After running 5th on debut in December, he has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has raced on pace in both those and is beautifully drawn so to do again, and he can win. (5) BLACK VOLT came from a wide draw and from off the pace to run 3rd over 1300M on February 10th. He also has a 2nd to his name at 1000M and should be a threat today doing his best work late. (9) HONOR LORD returns for the first time since last September. He trialled up three times between December and February, winning two of them and posting good times, and must be taken seriously first-up here. (4) SANGSANGGEUISANG has steadily improved across three starts so far, with a 4th place at 1300M on February 19th his most recent. He can sit behind the speed here and run on with every chance of a money finish. Debut-maker (2) UNJU BONNEUNG stopped the clock in a good time in his trial and a bold first-time showing is possible.
Selections
(1) Cheerful Life (5) Black Volt (9) Honor Lord (4) Sangsanggeuisang
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A maiden restricted to three-year-old fillies. The form doesn’t exactly leap off the page, so we’ll go with (4) BARAMUI HYANGGI, who has shown promise when running 5th and 4th in her first two starts, most recently at this distance on February 4th. She drew wide in both those races but gets a much better gate this time, her carried weight remains nice and light, and she has as good a chance as any here. (8) SEMYEONG LADY has run fairly in five starts so far with her best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in December. She also has the fastest time among any of these for the distance and she should be on pace and in the frame here. (1) HERO GANGJA has been 5th in both starts so far, racing on pace both times. She draws well here and should be aiming for improvement. (11) TUHON TEUKGEUP and (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO among others in at least the placing hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this age open maiden and it’s a tricky race where the form is unconvincing, but plenty are plausibly in with a chance. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (6) AQUA MAGIC. She has two 4th places on her record including last time out when she was on pace and beat a couple of today’s rivals. She has the fastest start and may get an easy run to the lead here. If she, does, she may prove hard to pass. (7) PHANTOM QUEEN is two starts into a comeback following almost six months out. She weakened over 1400M last time out but should be better back at a trip at which she has the fastest time of any of these. (5) GREEN LEGEND hasn’t shown an awful lot in two starts so far but draws a good gate this time and can be competitive. (8) RICH COWBOY returned from almost two years out in December and ran an adequate 5th place. She can improve on that here. (1) PURPLE STAR returns after almost a year off and trialled up well enough to suggest that in this limited company, she can be competitive.
Selections
(6) Aqua Magic (7) Phantom Queen (5) Green Legend (8) Rich Cowboy
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(2) ARGO MUJEOK was a beaten favourite over 1200M on February 25th when he was a touch slower away than normal. He does have a 3rd place on his record at this distance and from a good gate and with Antonio climbing aboard, he can be given another chance (5) BADAUI KKUM had a hard time from a wide draw over 1400M at his latest start on February 19th. He was going well prior to that tough and looked to be knocking on the door of his first win, consistently going close. He comes back in trip today, gets a 2kg apprentice claim and draws well. It could be fifteenth time lucky. (6) SPEAR GOLD and (7) SEOUL SPURT both come in following improved 3rd place showings in their latest and can build on their respective momentum here. (1) CANDY GLOW another in the placing frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (2) SPECIAL ROAD looks the one to beat. She got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M back in December and has since finished 3rd and 5th in two attempts at this class, both over six-furlongs. She comes up in distance and in the weights today, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard and from a good gate she should be on pace and can lead all the way. (6) CUQUENAN registered her maiden win at this distance in December. She drew wide for her first crack at this class on January 13th and ran on fairly for 5th. She has had nine weeks off so comes in fresh and can get closer here. (4) WONDERFUL OCEAN enters off a 3rd place in a curious race over 1300M on February 10th (won at big odds by Statice, who also goes here). That marked a return to form after a couple of indifferent runs and she can build on it here. (10) QUALITY QUEEN and (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE among others in the minor money hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only and (5) RAON EMPIRE will be hot favourite. After a 3rd and a 2nd from her opening two starts, she got her maiden win at the third time of asking over 1200M on February 11th when handy throughout. She comes up in class and slightly in trip here but this half-sister to Raon The Fighter should have far too much for her rivals. (7) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win two starts back and then ran a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1400M on February 4th with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She only comes up 1kg in the weights and can be close again. (9) JANGBI MUJIGAE is yet to finish any worse than 5th from five starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from her two attempts at this level, both times going back and running on. She has a strong finish on her and can be running on again late here. (11) DAUL QUEEN and (1) MAPARAM among others to keep safe.
Horse Racing in Korea 