Seoul

President’s Cup 2019: Full Preview / Seoul & Busan Sunday Race-By-Race (November 3)

This decade there have only been four different President’s Cup winners. From 2010 to 2012, the great Dangdae Bulpae monopolised the race. Indie Band and Gyeongbudaero then each took a turn in the winner’s circle before Triple Nine won the first of what would be four straight successes in 2015.

There will be a new name on the trophy this year. Now aged seven, Triple Nine is back in training but he hasn’t made the starting gate and instead sixteen horses will vie to succeed him in winning the President’s Cup (KOR G1-2000M), the nation’s richest age-open race for Korean-bred horses at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. Race-by-race notes for Seoul below followed by Busan selections.

Simjangui Godong KRA

Simjangui Godong (Pic: KRA)

It’s a deep field. The last two Korean Derby winners, Ecton Blade and Wonderful Fly, are present but both will be outsiders in a bunch headed by Simjangui Godong. The three-year-old ran 2nd in the Derby and 6th in the Minister’s Cup but has since embarked on a purple patch of three wins including the Ilgan Sports and HRI Trophies.

Jockey Moon Se Young had more than one option but ultimately plumped for Simjangui Godong. However, a heavy fall on Saturday that landed him in hospital, seems likely to rule him out of the mount and a chance of winning one of the few elite races still to elude him.

Speaking after Thursday’s barrier draw, Moon had been bullish about Simjangui Godong’s chances and excited to ride a horse on whose sire, Jigeum I Sungan, he finished 3rd in the race in 2013. “I rode his sire in this race. We didn’t win it, but he was a great horse and I would love to win on his son. He’s a good horse, so it’s down to me. He’s so good that we can overcome even one mistake – obviously if we make more, it will be difficult”.

In gate 5, Simjangui Godong also has the plum draw. “In the President’s Cup, it’s so hard to win if you’re not within the inside 10. Gate 5 is perfect”, said Moon. Should Moon not make the race, a replacement rider has yet to be confirmed.

New Legend hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise. A Korea bred, he spent the early part of his career in the United States, even winning at Arlington Park, and for his first few outings back home looked unstoppable. The he hit the elite level and things haven’t been so easy with his latest being a disappointing run in the Keeneland Korea Cup (KOR G1).

This time though, New Legend faces only domestically-bred rivals and Kim Uk, assistant trainer to Kim Young-kwan, believes better is to come. “There is a myth that Menifee’s progeny aren’t good around 2000M or further, but we know that’s not true after Gyeongbudaero and Power Blade (both Grand Prix Stakes winner at 2300M). But we heard it again after New Legend was beaten (in May’s YTN Cup). We think he’s ready. After the Korea Cup he had a bit of a rest then we brought him back and started training him early with this in mind. We put him through a trial, and he went really well, and we think he is a chance here.”

Another serious chance is New Legend’s stablemate Captain Force. The four-year-old, by Peace Rules, is a winner of nine from twenty so far, but last raced in June. That doesn’t concern jockey Lee Hyo-sik. “He has been out a while and we initially wanted him to run once before this race, but we trialled him and felt he wasn’t ready so went back to training. We trialled him again at the beginning of October and were really happy with him so decided to come straight here. He did his fast work on Thursday and he was excellent. He’s exactly where we want him to be.”

Busan’s strong challenge is fortified by Final Energy. The Testa Matta gelding ran 5th behind Blue Chipper in the Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) in September but showed his staying credentials when beating fellow contender here Toham Ace in a strong race over 1800M five weeks ago.

Jockey Lim Sung-sil won this race on Indie Band in 2013 and likes what he sees in Final Energy. “It’s his first time around 2000M so we’ve been working on his stamina. He’s got good gate speed so I wasn’t worried about the draw although getting gate 7 is great, we just have to make sure he sees out the whole race. If he does that then he’s right in there. He travelled well, has eaten well and he likes it at Seoul – the stable here is bigger!”

There are plenty of other contenders too. Among the three-year-olds, Minister’s Cup winner Rock Choice takes his chance while top filly Clear Geom will also be in the gate. Among older contenders, the prolific winner Dokdo Jigi, a winner of eight from eleven lifetime starts, returns to action for the first time in five months and while he was given an easy time in a barrier trial last week, has plenty of quality about him. As for foreign interest, Thomas Gillespie saddles Toham Ace while Richard Oliver rides Ecton Blade and Ioannis Poullis gets the big leg-up on New Legend.

Seoul Comments

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) GEOSEN JILU comes in having run 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far, both at 1000M and both times running on well. She steps up in trip for the first time today and could well be the one to beat. (4) DAESEUNG QUEEN ran well for 2nd on debut on October 5th. She too steps up in trip for the first time and looks to be a danger. (7) ILBO DEUNGCHEON does have experience of this distance having run 4th in what was quite a strong race last start and must be considered for improvement. (2) CHOGANGGUK and (8) BAEKDUSAN CHEONJI look to be the best of the rest.

Selections (5) Geoseon Jilju (4) Daeseung Queen (7) Ilbo Deungcheon (8) Baekdusan Cheonji
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 5, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Competitive – if not especially strong – maiden. (6) SHARK JJANG and (4) EAST BAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced each other on September 28th. That was just East Ban’s second start and e should have improvement in him. He’s drawn better today to get to the lead and can win. (2) MUNHAKUI JEONSA already holds a win over 1200M and while he disappointed last start can be given another chance today back at the minimum. (9) POP STREET comes in off a very narrow defeat last time out over 1700M and is interesting dropped all the way back to 1000M today. (5) GOLDEN SERVICE (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

Seoul and Busan both host their respective 2nd legs of the 2019 Juvenile Series on Sunday with the best in both races qualifying for the final at Busan on the first Sunday in December. There is an 11 race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Roller Blade

Roller Blade won the 1st leg of the Juvenile Series at Seoul (Pic: KRA) 

 

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies to kick things off and all twelve of them are racing for the very first time. (9) BOHEMIAN MUSIC is the only trial winner among them, taking her heat by leading all the way back in September in a decent time and she’ll be among the top line of favourites here. Fastest though in trials was (7) ROAD RAN. She too led all the way until the closing stages and under Moon Se Young could well start favourite. (3) SONGAM PLAYER took part in a slowly-run heat but ran on very competently and can go well first up here while (8) CHEONJI YEOGEOL also hinted at ability. (11) SOSEONO LEGEND is out of Soseono, a filly who ran well in Korea and has a top trainer/jockey combination aboard.

Selections (9) Bohemian Music (7) Road Ran (3) Songam Player (11) Soseono Legend
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not the strongest of maidens here. There were six months between his first and second starts and (3) GOOD MOUNT returned to run 4th at this distance on September 28th. He’ll most likely be on the early pace here and won’t need much improvement to win. That’s true too of (8) JOLLY ROGER, an improved 4th on his third start last month. He led for much of that race and is in weaker company here. (7) PRETTY JOY races for the first time since February. And trialled up adequately enough to suggest she has a chance first-up here. (5) GWACHEON ACE and first-time starter (11) ULTRA ANNIE are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (3) Good Mount (8) Jolly Roger (7) Pretty Joy (11) Ultra Annie
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Competitive maiden. (7) CHOEGANG MAGIC gets the decision having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two, at this distance and at 1700M. He’s likely to be among the early leaders here and could have too much. (9) ROYAL REMEMBER ran an improved 4th at this distance last month and should join Choegang Magic on the early speed and pose the biggest threat. (10) BEST LUCKY showed some progress on his latest outing and may appreciate the increase in trip today while (12) CHEONNYEONUI GODO has finished 4th in each of his last three starts and coule well finish 4th again today. (4) SOUTHERN MAN looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Choegang Magic (9) Royal Remember (10) Best Lucky (12) Cheonnyeonui Godo
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Banker favourite of the day time. (2) KING OF RULES may still be a maiden, but he’s finished as runner-up in four of eight starts so far, beaten by useful ones each time. From gate 2, he should lead from the start and would be a big surprise where he to not finally make the breakthrough here. (5) LUCKY BEOPJEON is in a similar position having finished as runner-up behind TK Day and Stretto, both talented juveniles. He’s up in class here but does have a win in him sooner or later.  (10) BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE ran 2nd on his first try at this level on September 29th and should be competitive here too. (1) KAHINAH and (11) SOLGAEBARAM look best of the rest.

Selections (2) King Of Rules (5) Lucky Beopjeon (10) Baeksaek Gwangchae (1) Kahinah
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 1, 2

Busan Race 1 Selections: 5, 1, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) SPEEDOM was an emphatic five-length winner on debut over 1000M on September 21st. He’s up in distance today but looks to have plenty more in him and he can make it two from two today. (3) CHEMI BLUE remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but comes in having finished as runner-up in each of his latest three, just beaten a nose last time. He’ll be on pace from the start and today looks as good a chance as any he has had so far. (4) MUNHAK REWARD showed some progress on what was his second start a month ago, running 3rd and can build on that today. (5) EOMAMUSI was a good maiden winner last start and should be competitive. (9) SOULY MAJESTIC looked sharp when winning a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections (8) Speedom (3) Chemi Blue (4) Munhak Reward (5) Eomamusi
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 3, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Having debuted last November, it wasn’t until September 27th that (11) YEONGSEONG HOPE finally returned to the track. It was a winning return though, as he scored by three-lengths over 1000M. He’s up in class and distance today but should be equal to both and is favoured to win again. (4) AMOR FATI got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking a month ago. It was at this distance and he made all. He’ll try to get to the lead right away today and looks the main danger. (8) NAEGA SAEGANGJA enters with recent form reading well and should be challenging for a place, as should (3) DONE IT MY, who may be a twenty-nine-race maiden but is capable of finding the money in this type of company. (9) GIDAEHAE another in the hunt.

Selections (11) Yeongseong Hope (4) Amor Fati (3) Done It My (8) Naega Saegangja
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race but (4) HWANGGEUM DOYAJI looks the pick. She may only have been 5th last start but she was only half a length off 4th and ran on strongly. Today marks her firs try at 1700M and it may well suit. (3) CITY CHAMP is still a maiden after twenty-six starts but comes in having raced well lately with a 3rd and a 2nd from his most recent two, both at this distance. He should be placing again. (6) INDIAN BOSS and (1) CHEONJI MYEONGJANG came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on September 29th and both should be aiming for some money here. (11) CHOEGANG SINGI, up in class today, looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Hwanggeum Doyaji (3) City Champ (11) Choegang Singi (6) Indian Boss
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 5, 10

 Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) WONDERFUL COUNTRY ran out a good class and distance winner just two weeks ago. As a result, he carries an additional 4.5kg today but if anything, the competition is not as strong as it was that day and another win is possible. (5) DAEHO JILJU enters in similarly good form with a win and runner=up finish from his latest two and should be a threat while (3) YEONGGWANGUI CHEER is better than his latest couple of outings suggest and back in trip today, can get closer. There are two wildcards. Both (1) SPEED FURY and (7) TANGENT are returning from lengthy spells on the sidelines and both looked well in trials.

Selections (6) Wonderful Country (5) Daeho Jilju (1) Speed Fury (7) Tangent
Next Best 3, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) VICAR BRACING enters having completed a hat-trick of victories in his last three starts, the most recent of which was at class and distance and four in a row is not (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 26)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Burui Gori Sports Chosun

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Maiden to kick things off. (6) FAMILY PARK has two 3rd place finishes to his name, including last time out at this distance. He was sent off as favourite that day but couldn’t quite get to the front. He should be on pace today and can win. The main danger is (2) PUNCH POWER. He’s only raced twice so far, improving in the latest of them when he briefly led before finishing 4th. (1) KAIZEN SILVER has a 2nd place in his records and should go close here while (4) RAON DANCER and (5) DONGJJOK GLORY are others with the potential to improve.

Selections (2) Punch Power (6) Family Park (4) Raon Dancer (1) Kaizen Silver
Next Best 5, 11
Fast Start 4, 6, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with precisely half the field racing for the very first time. (8) COMPLETE CAPTAIN is set to be a strong favourite having run 3rd on debut on September 7th. He quickened pleasingly that day and should have too much for his rivals here. (7) CHEONJI KKOT BARAM was 5th that day and should get closer this time while (11) SINDAERO and (12) WONDERFUL HEART also have scope to improve – the latter is the only one in the field to have raced twice already and ran well for 2nd last time. As for the first-timers, the most impressive in trials was (3) MIRACLE ICHEON.

Selections (8) Complete Captain (3) Miracle Icheon (7) Cheonji Kkot Baram (12) Wonderful Heart
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden for fillies. (1) TA MINA beat a couple of these on her way to a somewhat unexpected 2nd place at this distance last start. She came from well off the pace that day and ran on very well and should be in the mix again here. (9) VIRTUS finished 4th in that race in what was her second start back following six months off. She’s had a stop start career but looks to have ability and can go close today. (4) HWANGGEUM STAR ran 6th in the same race but has since come back and put in a strong run for 2nd at this distance on September 22nd. Like Ta Mina, she finished strongly from off the pace and could well start as favourite here. (2) HAPPY MONTH showed considerable improvement when 2nd last start while (6) WONDERFUL PLEASURE also has scope for improvement.

Selections (9) Virtus (4) Hwanggeum Star (1) Ta Mina (2) Happy Month
Next Best 6, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 12

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) WHITE COMET made all to secure his maiden win in fast time over this distance on September 21st. He is up in class today, but that manner of that victory was impressive enough for him to warrant favourite status here. (2) JEONGMUN SUMMIT had a hard time on his first try at this level but comes back in after two months off, back in trip and looking set to pose a sterner challenge today. (9) BAEKJEUI KKUM similarly had a hard time on what was just her second start, but she too should be a different prospect here. (3) SAMAE JILJU and (11) CAMP BADA look best of the rest.

Selections (8) White Comet (9) Baekjeui Kkum (2) Jeongmun Summit (11) Camp Bada
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 8, 9, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) CHEONJI AEGA stepped up to this distance last start and ran a good 3rd, beating a couple of these in the process. She ran on well and can be considered favourite here. (4) HOSUA too tried two-turns for the first time on his latest start and got on well with it recording a career best to date of 3rd and looks to be the main danger. (9) DAEGIRI too ran pleasingly for 2nd last start and is likely to look to lead from the start here. (6) WIND SKY was beaten by Cheonji Aega last time out but can get closer today while (8) GREEN PARK looks best of the rest.

Selections (2) Cheonji Aega (4) Hosua (9) Daegiri (6) Wind Sky
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 2, 6, 9

Race 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Maiden for imported juveniles with just three of them having raced before. One of those is (2) D K PURMIR and having run a good 2nd on debut back in August, looks set to be favourite here. (7) CHUKBOKUI YAKSOK debuted in the same race, running 3rd. He’s since run at this distance, finishing 5th and can be a contender today. The other with experience is (4) VICTORY MAP and he will be expected to improve on his debut 7th. Among the newcomers there were a few who hinted at ability in trials. (5) GLOBAL LUCKY looks the best of them having made all in her heat taking the line in front by a comfortable margin in a fast time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll be right in this. (9) CONSTI SOLO also posted a fast time and can go well first up.

Selections (5) Global Lucky (2) D K Purmir (7) Chukbokui Yaksok (9) Consti Solo
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 1, 2, 10

Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) MENI HERO has a 3rd and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far. That’s enough to se him up in class today but despite that – and the fact he has been the beaten favourite in each of his latest two appearances – he should be favourite here and this time should make no mistake. Should Meni Hero come up short then (6) BISAYEON and (7) MENI SPEED both come in off the back of solid performances last start and could take advantage while (9) DASHING CANOE came home 5th on her first try at this class a month ago and should be in at least placing contention. Like Meni Hero (5) WONDERFUL PANGPANG finds herself up in class despite still being winless. She should be capable of challenging for a place here.

Selections (4) Meni Hero (6) Bisayeon (5) Wonderful Pangpang (7) Meni Speed
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 4, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A winner on debut in July, (3) TK DAY has been 3rd in both her subsequent outings, both times in good company and most recently at this distance. She’ll be one of a number on pace here and could well lead all the way in this race which is restricted to fillies and mares. (2) WHITE QUEEN won her first two races to be rapidly promoted to this class. She hasn’t raced since running 7th behind TK Day in a valuable juvenile race in August and looks set to be one of the main dangers here. (4) THANK YOU MOTHER has finished in the top three on seven of her ten starts to date and should be close here while (1) INDIAN ECO and (8) MIGHTY LUCK are also contenders.

Selections (3) TK Day (2) White Queen (8) Mighty Luck (4) Thank You Mother
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 7, 8

Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Good match up here. It took (2) CHEON GOE SEONG eleven attempts to secure his maiden win but he did it in fine style at this distance a month ago. His reward is to be bumped up in class today but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again. The big danger is (11) MANSEOK JIGI. He’s thrived since being tried around two turns with two wins and a runner-up finish from his latest three outings. Whereas Cheon Goe Seong will likely be on pace from the start, Manseok Jigi can come from behind and it should be a good battle late on. Aside from those two, (1) JEONGSANG ETTEUM and (4) RULE BREAKER enter with recent form reading well while (8) JACOB is another who can go well in this company.

Selections (2) Cheon Goe Seong (11) Manseok Jigi (1) Jeongsang Etteum (4) Rule Breaker
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 2, 8

Race 10: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) MUSTANG RUN was a class and distance winner on September 28th, racing prominently throughout and running on well. He does carry an additional 4kg today but could well be equal to the task. (5) RULES ICHEON came from off the pace to win at this class over 1200M last month and should get on well with the additional distance today while (4) FLASH JET ran a decent 4th in a similar race to this last start and can match or better that today. Both (1) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI and (7) GWANAK HAMSEONG are better than their respective latest outings suggest, and they can get closer today.

Selections (9) Mustang Run (4) Flash Jet (5) Rules Icheon (7) Gwanak Hamseong
Next Best 1, 8
Fast Start 8, 9

Race 11: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(4) URI has three races in a row and was a very handy winner over 1800M last start at this class. He steps up in trip slightly once more and carries more weight than in any of his previous races, but he should be capable of winning again. (8) GEUMA WHOLESOME won back to back races in June and July and comes in off a decent 4th over 1800M last month. He’ll be dangerous here. (1) HWANSANG STAR has finished no worse than 3rd in three attempts at this level and should be close today. (9) SEOUL TANK and (10) CALL WIN, the latter up in class after a good win over 1300M, are others in the hunt.

Selections (4) Uri (8) Geuma Wholesome (1) Hwansang Star (9) Seoul Tank
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 4, 8

Race 12: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(10) GUREUM WANGJA beat a couple of these on his way to a good 3rd place over 1400M on September 22nd. He drops back in trip today and could well come out on top. (8) GOLDEN GATE and (7) PENETRO came home 1st and 3rd when they raced each other at class and distance on September 28th. Penetro led for much of that race, just weakening slightly in the closing stages and with Golden Gate carrying plenty more weight today, that form could be overturned. (3) CRAZY WIKI and (5) SEONGPA are others with placing claims.

Selections (10) Gureum Wangja (7) Penetro (8) Golden Gate (3) Crazy Wiki
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

Silver Wolf will bid to sweep all three legs of the Queens’ Tour for the second time as the nation’s top fillies and mares come together for the final time this season in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00). 

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Silver Wolf has already won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour

Silver Wolf won the Ttukseom Cup, KNN Cup and Gyeongnam Govenor’s in 2017. Under the old rules, only fillies and mares aged 305 were eligible for the Queens’ Tour but that was changed this year and the now seven-year-old Aussie-bred Silver Wolf (Oratorio) was able to rejoin. In her absence last year, Sky Bay took full advantage and she also returns to Busan in what is set to be an uphill battle to retain her Crown.

Below are race-by-race comments for Seoul, followed at the bottom by selections for Busan as well as a comment on the big race:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Banker of the day is in the first as (2) WORLD BEYOND will be heavy favourite to score. One of only two in the field to have raced before, she was 3rd on debut in a good time on September 21st. She should be leading from the start and a run that is in any way similar to last time will be enough here. The other one with prior experience is (8) MAY BLUE, who was an improved 4th on her second outing last month and she should at least match that here. Among the first-time starters, (6) FIGHTING NOW and (7) BRAVO GWACHEON look the most likely to make to make an immediate impact.

Selections (2) World Beyond (6) Fighting Now (7) Bravo Gwacheon (8) May Blue
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens with just three of the nine having raced previously. Of those, both (2) YEOLRIN MUN and (7) MONEY CHAMP have shown enough to suggest that wins at this level will be possible and both will have plenty of backers here. The favourite though is likely to be one of the first-timers. (6) GEUMA KITTEN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd in a fast trial last month and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) WONDERFUL GLITTER was a trial winner last month and while the time wasn’t fast, she looked very competent, leading all the way. (4) YAHO GOLDEN CAT is another trial winner who can go well first-up.

Selections (6) Geuma Kitten (2) Yeolrin Mun (5) Wonderful Glitter (7) Money Champ
Next Best 4, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Decent little maiden here. (7) YEONHUI ILCHUL ran a very good 3rd over 1300M on debut last month. She was a full ten-lengths behind a good winner, but the time was creditable and while it’s interesting to see her drop back in trip when she took to the distance so well, she probably deserves favourite status here. (6) MASEONG TUHON has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far, showing a good turn of foot along the way and should at least maintain that record here. (1) MAD DIVA improved on her second outing on September 22nd and while it was a weaker race than this, showed she has some ability. (2) BAEDARI SUMMIT and (5) HAMYANG SANGRIM are others to consider.

Selections (7) Yeonhui Ilchul (6) Maseong Tuhon (1) Mad Diva (5) Hamyang Sangrim
Next Best 2
Fast Start 2, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) FEDERAL KING makes for a warm favourite here. He ran 2nd in a similar strength race to this over 1000M four weeks ago and having previously demonstrated he can run at this distance too, should really be making all. (1) PENUMBRA backs up quickly following a career-best 2nd two weeks ago and should be figuring again while (6) CLEAR STORY has two good runs to her name at this distance and should be challenging Federal King for the early lead. (3) MANE HANA has been knocking on the door of the places for some time now and could improve here while (7) CHEONSE MANSE is another who could compete for the minor money.

Selections (4) Federal King (1) Penumbra (6) Clear Story (3) Mane Hana
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) JEONGJOUI KKUM has moved rapidly up in class having won two of his latest three including a four-length score last start. The manner of that victory suggests more to come, and he can win this. A couple of others step up in class following last start victories too and of them, (4) VALLEY QUEEN looks best equipped to immediately challenge at this level. As for those with experience in this class, (3) PRIVATE MAN has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since being promoted. He somewhat surprisingly drops back to the minimum trip here, but he looks competitive. (6) WINNER CROWN and (1) HANEULEUL DALRIDA are others who can go close.

Selections (7) Jeongjoui Kkum (3) Private Man (6) Winner Crown (4) Valley Queen
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 6

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) UTGE HAEJULGE was a beaten favourite at class and distance on September 7th. He’s drawn well to get a fast start here though and looks worth another chance on top. (6) HOMECOMING was a good class and distance winner last start and while he carries a couple of additional kilograms today, has strong claims to follow up while (7) FLYING JOY drops back in trip for the first time in a while and can come into contention. (10) ACE WIN remains a maiden but is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes, both times behind the favourite and she should be able to hold her own here. (9) HEUNG KKAEBI returns to racing for the first time since April and is the wildcard having trialled well last month.

Selections (4) Utge Haejulge (6) Homecoming (7) Flying Joy (10) Ace Win
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 6

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) PANORAMA VIEW was a winner on debut over 1200M on September 21st. He came from off the pace to run on well and the slight step up in trip should only be to his benefit and he is favoured to win again. The main danger is still a maiden. (3) BRIGADIER GENERAL has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far and the Aussie import looks sure to get a maiden win sooner or later. It could be here. (1) ALL THAT KOREA enters with recent form reading well and should be close once more while (5) DOLGYEOK APEURO and (8) BROWN ROSE others in the placing hunt.

Selections (4) Panorama View (3) Brigadier General (5) Dolgyeok Apeuro (8) Brown Rose
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 4, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) JANGSAN FLY prevailed at class and distance by two and a half lengths on September 7th, leading from gate to wire. He carries an additional 3kg today, but with seemingly no other early speed in the race, it would be a surprise if he didn’t get a soft lead and come out on top again. (7) JEONGSANG BAEKHO ran a good 2nd on debut four weeks ago. He’s up in trip today but that could well suit and he looks to be the main danger. The experienced (3) BAEKSAN GUNJU showed some signs of returning to form with a useful 4th place in a good race at class and distance at the end of August and comes in here after eight weeks off with placing claims. (4) TWIN JET and (9) WHIZ REINA are others worthy of consideration.

Selections (2) Jangsan Fly (7) Jeongsang Baekho (3) Baeksan Gunju (4) Twin Jet
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2

Race 9: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) DETERMINATION ran out a four-length winner on what was his second career start on September 21st. he is accordingly up in class and in distance today, but the manner of that win suggested there is more to come. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue as he won’t be looking to lead, and he can win this. (4) GEUMSUNI STAR enters off back to back 3rd place finishes, the latter at this distance and he should go close again while (7) CRAZY QUEEN has two runner-up finishes in her latest two but steps up to this trip for the first time. (6) BAEKDUI TAEYANG and (10) SPEED HEUKRYEONG look best of the rest.

Selections (11) Determination (4) Geumsuni Star (7) Crazy Queen (10) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 10

Race 10: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(5) COLORFUL JOY has won three of his latest four and steps up in class and up to this trip for the first time. His running style suggests that it can suit, however, and we’ll put him on top to score again. (9) EAST KINGDOM and (12) BEST VICTORY are both up in class having won at this distance in their respective latest outings. The former looks better equipped to compete at this level right away. (11) SOJUNGHAN MANNAM enters with recent form reading well and looks a solid placing chance while (2) GEUMA KINGDOM and (4) ELAN are others who can aim for the money.

Selections (5) Colorful Joy (9) East Kingdom (11) Sojunghan Mannam (2) Geuma Kingdom
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 9, 11

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It took (1) LIL’ PATRON six goes to get his maiden breakthrough but he seemed to enjoy it as he followed up immediately with another. That latter one was at this class and distance and he beat three of these in the process. He carries an extra 3kg today, but he can overcome it to complete his hat-trick. (5) BARAMEUL GEURIDA won back to back races in June and July to be promoted to this level. He put in a useful 3rd place last start in a similar strength race to this over 1400M, leading for much of it, and he looks a threat here. (7) CATS MIRACLE has proven himself competitive at this level and should be good for a place while (2) BIG GARLAND and (8) CUPID GUY, the latter up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections (1) Lil’ Patron (5) Barameul Geurida (7) Cats Miracle (2) Big Garland
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 5, 9, 11, 12

Busan Selections

Race 1: 10, 5, 3, 12

Race 2: 3, 1, 7, 5

Race 3: 3, 1, 4, 7

Race 4: 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 5: 7, 2, 8, 10

Race 6: Class Open – Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M) KOR G3 –

There are no grounds for opposing (11) SILVER WOLF as she is simply significantly better than anything else in the fillt and mare division. She made a clean sweep of all three legs of the Queens’ Tour last year and while 2000M may not be her optimum distance, she surely has enough to win. The most credible opponent is (5) SKY BAY. She won this race last year (Silver Wolf wasn’t there) and has looked to be coming back to her best having run 2nd to the favourite in the KNN Cup in August. She looked very sharp when winning a trial at Seoul last Friday. (7) COVERGIRL JUSTICE is a stablemate of Silver Wolf and looks to be improving rapidly. This may be a bit soon for her to compete for the win but she certainly has placing claims. (3) YEONGCHEON DERBY and (12) DAMYANG HWANHO are others who can aim for the money.

Selections: 11, 5, 7, 3

Next Best: 12, 10, 6

Fast Start: 2, 6, 7, 10

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

There is a big 12-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

20190526_165113.jpg

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Two heats of juvenile maidens to kick things off. The first has eight runners with just three having raced before. Two of those, (7) RAON LIGHT MAN and (5) HALLA BLOSSOM came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at this distance on September 21st. It was a second start for both, and both showed improvement. There were two lengths between them and accordingly, Raon Light Man will be favourite to strike here. Of the first-timers (4) CHEONGSAN GASE and (6) STRONG RED were the most impressive in trials, both registering good times and should go well first-up. (2) BIG RIVER possibly the most promising of the rest.

Selections (7) Raon Light Man (5) Halla Blossom (6) Strong Red (4) Cheongsan Gase
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 2, 5, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second group of juvenile maidens again has just three with previous experience. Of those, (2) MONEY LINE, with the returning Johan Victoire aboard, probably has the best chance with his two starts so far having been in better company than this. (5) THROUGH THE SKY and (6) DIECO are the others who have raced before and while neither did too much, they both should be beating some of the newcomers. As for those newcomers, (1) CLEAN UP HAPPY is a likely favourite. The Paynter colt looked accomplished in trials and if he brings that form to the races, can make a winning start. The trainer and jockey combination for (8) J.S. CAPTAIN catches the eye, even if the trial run didn’t.

Selections (1) Clean Up Happy (2) Money Line (6) Dieco (8) J.S. Captain
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 3, 5

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) WONDER PLACE comes in having run 4th and 5th in his latest two in similar company to this. From gate 6 he looks likely to be on the early speed this time and can make his breakthrough here. (4) DAEGUN OK beat two of these on his way to 3rd place last start at this distance. That was her best finish to date, and she can build on it here. (7) BIANCA ran an improved 5th in that same race and she too has cope for improvement while (5) POWER PRIDE and (8) MACH THUNDER are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (6) Wonder Place (4) Daegun Ok (5) Power Pride (7) Bianca
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) DIAVOLA comes in off back to back 3rd place finishes and up against limited opposition today has every chance of going two-better. She’ll be on pace from the start and can go all the way. (4) KOOKA CAT is the biggest danger. She’s been runner-up already at this distance and will also be looking for a good start which, if she gets, puts her right in it. (7) BEST GOLD is the only other one to have a 2nd place to her name and while she had a poor day at the office last start, can be given another chance here. (1) CAMPING MANIA should improve on her second start following a seven-month layoff while (6) JEONGSEONG HOLIDAY has had a stop/start career so far but doesn’t look completely devoid of ability.

Selections (2) Diavola (4) Kooka Cat (6) Jeongseong Holiday (1) Camping Mania
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 9

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) CHODONG ROSE ran out a good winner on debut at this distance all the way back on July 20th. She’s been off since then and she is up in class today, but there seems to be no reason why she can’t win again. The potential problem though is the presence of (1) RAON HANNIBAL. Having secured her maiden win at this distance in August, she then ran 3rd on her first try at this class on September 21st. From gate 1, she can sit just off the (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

Racing on Sunday is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05) . Previews for Seoul follow with Busan selections underneath:

Spring Back Korea Sprint

Spring Back, seen here at the Korea Sprint, takes on the unfamiliar distance of 1800M todau (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA) 

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with just three of the twelve having raced before and it’s two of those who are likely to be at the top of the market. (4) RAON TAP MAN ran a very good 2nd on debut on September 8th. His stable is in good form and he’ll be well-fancied here. So will (5) HAECHAN, who despite coming 4th in his debut, was closer to the winner than Raon Tap Man and ran a faster time. Both will be on pace from the start and both are strong contenders. Among the debut-makers, (2) CHODONG ROCKET was the most impressive in trials, running a competent 2nd in a heat back in late August. (9) MEOTJIN SEUNGBU and (10) WILD WOODS also caught the eye when qualifying.

Selections (5) Haechan (4) Raon Tap Man (2) Chodong Rocket (9) Meotjin Seungbu
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies. (9) STORM FORCE has been knocking on the door throughout her five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1000M in august. She’s had nine weeks off since then and looks nicely in to make the breakthrough here. She’ll be hot favourite. (11) GI RO ran on nicely over 1000M last night and can have some confidence coming back up to 1300M today while (8) BAEK HAK may also improve for the slight increase in trip. (1) SINUI CHUKBOK and (7) FAMILY HOPE are others with scope to improve in what, the favourite aside, is not a strong race.

Selections (9) Storm Force (11) Gi Ro (8) Baek Hak (1) Sinui Chukbok
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens. (1) HIT THE PACE returned from seven months off to run 4th in what was admittedly a weak race on September 1st. He’ll have needed that though and should come on for it today and he has winning chances here. (2) J.S. POWER has hinted at ability over three outings so far, all of them at 1000M. He’s run through the line pleasingly enough each time and could appreciate the additional trip here. (8) TOUR DIA and (10) KHAN ACE are the only two in the field to have 2nd place finishes to their names and both can aim to place here. (5) COLORS DE LAGO best of the rest.

Selections (1) Hit The Pace (2) J.S. Power (8) Tour Dia (10) Khan Ace
Next Best 5, 12
Fast Start 2, 9, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) LOVE RACE got her maiden win in March and was then off for four months. Since returning, she’s run three times with a 3rd and a pair of 4ths. She’s nicely drawn to get to the lead here and she could well win. (2) MAPAEBONG comes in off back to back 3rd place finishes, both of them at class and distance and in arguably slightly tougher company than this so he should be firmly in contention. (8) ROYAL SMARTY has three 3rd places since being promoted to this level and 3rd should be a minimum requirement here. (6) HANEUL ACE and (7) TAEPUNG EYES look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Love Race (8) Royal Smarty (2) Mapaebong (6) Haneul Ace
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 3, 5

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens here with just three of them having raced before. All three are likely to be towards the upper end of the betting market with (4) J.S. GUNJU the likely favourite having run 4th on debut three weeks ago, coming from well off the pace after a shaky start. Expect him to be ridden much closer much earlier today. (2) OKRYONG was well back in the same race but there was nothing wrong with his time and he can improve today. (6) MOVIECUS is the only one to have raced twice and he’s done well, registering a 2nd and a 3rd and looks good for at least another in the money finish today. It therefore won’t be easy for the newcomers although Daredevil colt (1) ECHO BILL and Street Boss filly (7) THANK YOU BOSS both looked competent enough in trials.

Selections (4) J.S. Gunju (6) Moviecus (1) Echo Bill (7) Thank You Boss
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 4, 6, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) MUDO returned from five months off at the end of August to resume normal service of running 2nd, something he’s now done in three of five starts. He was only beaten less (more…)

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

Saturday racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Antonio

Antonio Da Silva won the KRA Cup Classic on Dolkong last week and looks to have a decent book of rides at Seoul on Saturday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Weak juvenile maiden, but something has got to win. That should be (6) P.K. HILL, who with a 2nd and two 5ths to her name so far has better form than anything else here and she has run faster times too. She should be on pace early and will take some beating. (10) BODY STAR ran 5th of 11 on debut back in June and while he struggled on his return in August, it was over 1300M and he weakened late on. Back at the minimum distance today, he can be close. (1) ROCK LINE didn’t go great on debut but should have come on for it, similarly (5) CHEON CHONG.

Selections (6) P.K. Hill (10) Body Star (1) Rock Line (5) Cheon Chong
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juveniles here with four of them racing for the first time. Of those, (5) NEW MOON WARRIOR won his trial in a fast time and while he was assisted by a muddy track, if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance of going very well first-up today. The other contenders all have experience. (4) POWER TOWER ran 4th on debut on September 1st and should have come on for it while (2) DAHAENGIDA was a little slow to get going on his first start at the end of August but ran on well for 6th and can improve today. (7) BLUE K and (10) BLUE KING are others to take into account.

Selections (5) New Moon Warrior (4) Power Tower (2) Dahaengida (7) Blue K
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 5, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens and (2) BEST TAP ran a good 3rd on debut on September 8th, coming from well off the pace over 1000M. The step up in trip today should give him more to work with and he’s the one to beat here. (11) WILD KINGDOM was a disappointing 9th behind Best Tap in that race but previously ran 3rd over 1200M and should also go better back up in trip today. (8) DYNAMIC PUNCH was a little one-paced when 6th on debut but should come on today while (7) MACH NEDAN and first-time starter (12) LUXURY CAPTAIN are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (2) Best Tap (8) Dynamic Punch (11) Wild Kingdom (12) Luxury Captain
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Weak maiden here and the step up in trip could well be what (11) GOLD FIELD needs in order to make the breakthrough. She has some reasonable showings to her name at 1000M and in this company ought to be able to make it to the lead early. (1) KINGLY has also hinted at ability across ten starts so far and should go close here while (12) HYEONGMA PUBU has similarly managed to continually get beaten despite at times looking to have potential. Those three are likely to be the favourites with (2) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK and (10) BEF K others with potential to improve.

Selections (11) Gold Field (1) Kingly (12) Hyeongma Pubu (2) Neoseong Byokryok
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 4, 8, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(11) ANY SEON beat four of these on her way to a close 2nd place finish on a wet track at this distance on September 8th. It was her first try at 1700M and she seemed to thrive at it and she’ll be the one to beat today. (3) MACH SEUNGCHEON improved when tried at this distance for the first time last start and can build on that today. (5) SUPER VICTOR struggled in her latest two, both at 1300M, but has gone well at this trip in the past and should be in the placing frame here. (9) DAE YONGWANG steps up to two-turns for the first time and looks to be best of the rest.

Selections (11) Any Seon (3) Mach Seungcheon (5) Super Victor (9) Dae Yongwang
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M0 Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for imported juveniles with six of the ten racing for the very first time. And one of those first-timers is set to be hot favourite. (4) CUPID MISSION made all in is trial, (more…)

KRA Cup Classic Sunday – Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (October 6)

September’s Keeneland Korea Cup and Sprint resulted in home wins for the very first time. While Sprint winner Blue Chipper seems set to make his next start in the USA, this Sunday at Seoul Racecourse, Cup winner Moonhak Chief headlines what is in effect, a re-match of the big race against domestic rivals Cheongdam Dokki and Dolkong, over 2000M in the KRA Cup Classic (KOR G2). There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10. Race-by-race is below with horse by horse for the Cup Classic. Busan selections at the bottom:

Moonhak Chief Moon Se Young Korea Cup

Moonhak Chief & Moon Se Young winning the Korea Cup last month (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maiden to kick things off with precisely half the field having raced before. Three of those did rather well. Both (6) DOKBO CHEONHA and (10) GEOSEN JILJU ran 2nd on their respective debuts last month, both in good times with the latter only beaten a nose. Both are likely to be on the early speed here and have serious claims. (3) QUIET ADELE ran 3rd on her debut back in August, coming from just behind the pace and running through the line well. She should have come on for the eight weeks off and should go close. Among the first-time starters, (8) STUNNING HANSEN was a trial winner at the end of August while (5) SHINY QUEEN also caught the eye in her heat. As ever with the newcomers, watch the market for additional clues.

Selections (10) Geoseon Jilju (3) Quiet Adele (6) Dokbo Cheonha (8) Stunning Hansen
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 6, 10

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

More juvenile maidens here, this time with five of the twelve having raced before. Both (10) DYNAMIC COMING and (12) BRAVE QUEEN ran 2nd on their respective debuts, the former over 1300M and the latter over today’s distance. Despite their wide draws, both will be expected to head to the front here and both should be in the mix. (7) HWANGGEUM LUCKY was anything but lucky on his debut back in August. He had previously trialled well though so gets a chance today. It’s one of the debut-makers that they’ll need to beat tough. (2) UNCLE BELL looked extremely competent when winning a trial in a fast time – ahead of a couple of the other first-timers here – two weeks ago. He came from just behind the early pace and if he brings that kind of form to the races, he’ll be tough to beat. (4) MUNHAK TAP too won his trial and should go well first up.

Selections (2) Uncle Bell (10) Dynamic Coming (12) Brave Queen (4) Munhak Tap
Next Best 7, 8
Fast Start 10, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More maidens and (10) MEOTJIN GEUMSEONG looks set to be hot favourite. He’s run 4th in both his starts so far, both times being defeated by very useful looking types, most recently at this distance. He hasn’t led in his races yet but expect him to be ridden forward here and he should win. (5) THE BEAST also enters with two 4ths from two starts. He steps up in trip for the first time here and is the main danger to the favourite. (8) CHOGANGGUK didn’t nothing much wrong when 5th on debut at this distance at the end of August and can build on it here. Similarly (9) J M FIGHTER has hinted ability across his two efforts so far. The more experienced (3) BAEKDU GEOPO looks best of the rest.

Selections (10) Meotjin Geumseong (5) The Beast (8) Chogangguk (9) J M Fighter
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 1, 6, 10

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only. (2) CHEONDUNG YEOUL led gate to wire for a five-length win over 1000M on debut on September 1st. She steps up in both class and distance today but the manner of that score suggests there is more to come. She looks to be the only real early speed here and she can win again. (8) QUEEN OF CAMP remains a maiden but has finished in the top four on no fewer than nine of her eleven starts and while she may have to settle for another near miss, she shouldn’t be far away. (3) PRIME QUEEN and (6) RAON MIRACLE should both improve on their respective last starts given the slightly softer company today. (7) MASYA is another capable of going close.

Selections (2) Cheondung Yeoul (8) Queen Of Camp (3) Prime Queen (6) Raon Miracle
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 2

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) SAGWARANG returned from almost a year out to pick up right where she left off and won over this distance on August 10th. That was at this class and while there are perhaps a few more dangers this time around, there’s no reason why she can’t win again. (7) JEONGSANG STAR was rapidly promoted to this class following back to back wins, one a dead-heat, in July and August. She ran a useful enough 5th on her first try at this level over 1200M last month but should be better dropped back to the minimum trip today. (4) ULTRA CHAMPION returns after eight months off and looked sharp in a trial a couple of weeks ago, (11) FIRENZE HILL and the up in class (12) GEUMSEONGHWANGJE are others to take into account.

Selections (2) Sagwarang (7) Jeongsang Star (4) Ultra Champion (12) Geumseonghwangje
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 2, 8, 12

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) CHUNGDAM HORANGI never really recovered from an early bump when well backed last start and ended up beating only two home. He’s better than that though and well worth another chance today. (10) RED SUN too had a hard time last start but steps up to this distance for the first time and can go better here. (1) ACE DONQUI and (12) GOLD LEVEL are both up in class having won at this distance on their respective latest starts. Both will need to improve significantly if they are to have a chance here though with (4) AMARONE and (11) COLORS KING perhaps more likely candidates.

Selections (5) Chungdam Horangi (10) Red Sun (11) Colors King (12) Gold Level
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 4, 8

Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) GEUMSEONG YEOWANG ran out a five-length winner at class and distance on August 18th and while he carries an additional 3.5kg today, still looks very much the one they’ll need to beat here. He led gate to wire that day and is well drawn to do the same. (3) GEUMA ANNUITY remains a maiden following twelve attempts but has been consistently close and should be a danger here while (7) MUNHAKUI JEONSA is a class and distance winner already and still looks to have scope for further development. (4) GREAT LEE is (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 5)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. The feature is the very last race on the card and Dia Socks, runner-up to Blue Chipper in the Korea Sprint last month, is set to be favourite. Here are the previews:

Dia Socks Sprint 2nd

Dia Socks got a great 2nd in the Korea Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Twelve previously unraced juveniles go around here. The only trial winner among them is (4) CHEROKEE MARINE and that fact alone puts him firmly in contention. However, his heat wasn’t especially fast and (1) MINE HUNTER and (10) DAESEUNG QUEEN are more favoured. They both finished 2nd in their respective trials, both of them in decent times and with both looking competent. The pair of them are likely to join Cherokee Marine on pace early and it is Mine Hunter who is the slight pick. (8) GONGJAK WANG and (12) GRAND MASTER are two others who looked good in their trials and can go well first up.

Selections (1) Mine Hunter (10) Daeseung Queen (4) Cherokee Marine (12) Grand Master
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 10, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one having raced before. That solitary debut-maker has a chance though. (12) SUNWOO ENTHEUS has been through a few trials, winning one and coming second in another, that latter 2nd in an especially fast time. If she can bring that form to the races, she’ll be right in the mix. The one she needs to beat though is (7) HWANGGEUM HAE. Also a trial winner, he ran 2nd on debut on August 31st and while he was beaten seven-lengths by good winner Raon Best Man, he showed enough to suggest a win of his own shouldn’t be too far away and it could well be here. (1) LUCKY SANGUN did nothing wrong when 4th on his August debut. (3) GEOMPO and (9) RISING VICTORY are others who ran well first-up and can build on those promising debuts today.

Selections (7) Hwanggeum Hae (12) Sunwoo Entheus (1) Lucky Sangun (3) Geompo
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden for fillies and (10) CHOEGANG CAMP comes in having run 2nd over 1000M on her third career start on September 7th. She ran through the line well and the additional furlong and half today could see her home on top. (7) BLUE BAND was beaten by Choegang Camp on her most recent start in August. She’s had eight weeks off since then and should be better. (8) BEST GOLD was a much improved 2nd at this distance a month ago and can build on that today. (4) ALL MY QUEEN and (5) HWARYEO are others to consider.

Selections (10) Choegang Camp (8) Best Gold (7) Blue Band (5) Hwaryeo
Next Best 4, 11
Fast Start 6, 7, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) MASEONG JILJU looked a much better prospect on his return from four months out – and with a handful of additional trials under his belt – when 2nd over 1000M on September 1st. That wasn’t a strong race and he is up in trip today but looks the one to beat. (8) SEOUL MAGIC was 5th behind Maseong Jilju last time and he can get closer today, but the main danger will be (4) BE ZENITH. He’s run 5th in both outings so far and coming from off the pace, he should be in the mix today. (3) WONDERFUL DANCER and (12) ARASHI are others capable of at least a place.

Selections (2) Maseong Jilju (4) Be Zenith (12) Arashi (8) Seoul Magic
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 8, 11

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(11) BLADE STORM is up in class having been a five-length winner (ahead of Choegang Camp from race 3) over this distance on September 7th. That was his first race back after almost six months off and while he has another wide draw to overcome here, he is the one to beat. (1) HANEUL GONGWON is also up in class after her maiden win. It was back in July, so she’s had ten weeks off, but she’s drawn nicely on the inside and looks a big danger here. (2) SENTOSA remains a maiden but has been knocking on the door in recent starts and looks good for a place again. (6) GYEONGGUKJIMA is another up in class who can be competitive while (9) DALLINEUN ACE looks best of the rest.

Selections (11) Blade Storm (1) Haneul Gongwon (2) Sentosa (6) Gyeonggukjima
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 11

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (6) HANSEN BAROWS is the slight pick following strong showings in his latest two efforts. He goes well for Alan Munro and today could be their day. (5) WINNER BLUE steps up in both class and distance following a tight win over 1000M last month. He’s drawn well to get on the early speed, and he will be a danger. So too will (7) (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 29)

Two big juvenile races headline Seoul and Busan on Sunday. Both will have strong favourites with Choegang Team looking hard to beat in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at Seoul while Save The World is set to start at a short price in the Gold Circle Trophy at Busan. We also get to see several of Seoul’s top three-year-olds take each other on as Derby Winner and Runner-up Wonderful Fly and Myeongpum Chukje are joined by Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Clear Geom as well as Thunder Blade and Rapidocus over 1800M in race 11.

There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the Seoul previews with Busan Selections below:

Wonderful Fly Derby KRA

Derby winner Wonderful Fly races on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Filly-only maiden to kick things off and what it perhaps lacks in quality, it makes up for in competitiveness. Five of them race for the first time and among these first-timers, (2) CHOEGANGMA was a lively looking trial winner in August and from an inside draw could potentially get to the front and lead all the way. Accordingly, she’s the slight pick. (4) LUCKY SMILE ran a good 3rd on debut at the beginning of this month, coming from off the pace and running on well and she can match or better that today while (6) ELITE LADY has a 2nd and a 4th in two starts so far, the latter in a valuable juvenile race over 1200M which she led until the closing stages. She’ll join Choegangma on pace and looks a real danger. (3) PEACE OF RULES and another debut-maker, (9) NUNBUSIN HANSEN, look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Choegangma (6) Elite Lady (4) Lucky Smile (9) Nunbusin Hansen
Next Best 3, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(10) SYDNEY MONEY came from well off the pace to run a good 3rd in a slightly better race than this on August 10th. He’s shown progress in three starts since returning from a lengthy absence and he could make the breakthrough today. (1) RUFFIAN PARK ran promisingly enough for 4th on debut at the end of July and should have come on for the run and a nine-week layoff. He’ll be on pace early. (3) PUNCH POWER did nothing wrong on his first start four weeks ago and will be expected to improve on the 5th he scored that day. (7) DREAM CHAT debuted in 3rd place all the way back in March. She’s had her setbacks since but looked competent enough in a recent trial. (12) DONGSEO JEPAE was a much improved 2nd last time and is another with placing claims.

Selections (10) Sydney Money (1) Ruffian Park (3) Punch Power (7) Dream Chat
Next Best 12, 9
Fast Start 1, 4, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) RAON BEST MAN is up in class following an eye-catching seven-length win over 1000M on August 31st. He made all that day and while he is up in distance for the first time as well, he has every chance of repeating. (10) KING OF RULES enters off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes and should be going close again while (11) HWARYONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two and the step up in trip today should suit well. (4) BISAYEON and (9) GEUMBIT YEOLJEONG, the latter just a neck behind King Of Rules last start and likely to challenging for the early lead here, are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections (3) Raon Best Man (10) King Of Rules (11) Hwaryong (4) Bisayeon
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 3, 4, 9

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(12) RAON TOUGH MAN was a good winner in a fast time on debut on August 11th He only won by a neck but he and the runner-up were a full eight-lengths clear of the rest of the field and while he steps up in both class and distance today – and is drawn in the car park – he can make it two out of two. (4) ROYAL GHOST remains a maiden but comes in having run a very good 2nd on her first try at this class last time out. That was at 1000M, but she’s run well at this distance as well and should go close. (11) DAEHAN CHAMP and (8) IL MARE were both a touch disappointing when well down the field in an admittedly stronger race then this last month. Both should go better today. (9) STAR LIST has been holding her own in useful company lately and can aim for some minor prize money.

Selections (12) Roan Tough Man (4) Royal Ghost (8) Il Mare (11) Daehan Champ
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 4, 8, 12

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) CITY SONGAM beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over 1300M on August 31st. His style across four starts so far has been to come from well off the pace so it’ tempting to suggest that the additional trip – his first time around two turns – should suit perfectly. (10) CHOEGANG SINGI provides French trainer Tony Castanheira with his first Korean runner and it could be a good one. He was just beaten half a length last start six weeks ago and is another who should appreciate a bit of distance. (6) FASTEST already has a 3rd place at this distance to his name and should be aiming to at least repeat. (1) CHEONNYEONUI GODO and (4) MACH SEUNGCHEON are others in the frame.

Selections (2) City Songam (10) Choegang Singi (6) Fastest (1) Cheonnyeonui Godo
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) DAEGUN POWER won back to back races in June and July to get rapidly promoted to this level and then ran a creditable 3rd on his first try at it on August 25th. From the inside gate, he should be on speed from the start and he can return to the winner’s circle here. (3) GAON FORCE ran in the first two legs of this year’s Korean Triple Crown, and while he finished well back both times, he has ability. His latest run saw him come rom off the pace to run 4th over 1200M last month and he should better that today. (2) SUN OF THUNDER was a class and distance winner last start and while he carries more weight today in what is a tougher race, he warrants respect. (11) P.K. JEONSA is up in class following back to back wins and should be competitive while (12) STRONG VULTURE is another who is very capable on his day.

Selections (1) Daegun Power (3) Gaon Force (11) P.K. Jeonsa (12) Strong Vulture
Next Best 2, 10
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 11

Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Another competitive race. (4) SKY DOLPUNG was a class and distance winner on August 11th, coming from off the pace to win by a neck. That was the culmination of a run of good form and he’ll be in the hunt again. He carries 3.5kg more today though and chances are that (6) DADDY GLORY, a couple of lengths back in 3rd that day, will overturn the form. She’s a winner of three from nine and looks to have potential for more. She can sit behind the early speed and be too strong late on. (9) MIREU STORM has beaten plenty of these on his way to back to back runner-up finishes at class and distance and should (more…)