Seoul

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 26)

This year’s Korean Derby winner Ecton Blade returns to his home-track of Busan this Sunday as the colt drops back in trip to contest the class 1 feature handicap over 1400M. It’s the highlight of a 6-race Sunday card at Busan while up in Seoul there are a further 11 races.

RH7_1777

Derby winner Ecton Blade & Franco Da Silva are in action at Busan on Sunday

It will be Ecton Blade’s first appearance at Busan since running a close 2nd to Divide Wind in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, in April. Last year’s champion juvenile then comfortably won the Derby in Seoul by a full-three lengths but only managed to finish in 3rd in the final leg of the series, the Minister’s Cup, also at Seoul in June. However, that 3rd was enough to assure himself the title of 2018 Champion Three-Year-Old.

While the winner of the Minister’s Cup, World Sun, was beaten on his own return to Busan on Friday evening, things should be different for Ecton Blade. With the rating limit capped at 100, Sunday’s race is not strong by class 1 standards and it is one he should be winning. Nevertheless, there are some useful operators among his ten rivals with Mupae, Miracle Line and Daeho Sidae the ones expected to provide the sternest opposition.

While a tilt at the international Korea Cup two weeks from now was considered for Ecton Blade, it was ultimately decided to keep him in Busan and drop him down to the trip he last ran at when winning the Breeders’ Cup – Korea’s top juvenile race – last year. Franco Da Silva, who rode him in the Derby, partners him once again.

Up at Seoul the most valuable race of the day is a six-furlongs test exclusively for juvenile graduates of the Jeju Breeze-up Sales. A field of eight will go to post and there is set to be a hot favourite in the shape of first-time starter Gyoryong Unu. The Limitless Bid colt trialed up impressively and is expected to have too much for a field which contains just two horses with prior racing experience.

Here is the fill race-by-race preview, beginning with Seoul, scroll down for Busan:

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) MAPAEBONG beat two of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on July 29th and he looks the most likely to make the breakthrough here. (5) HARD PRINCESS also beat some of her rivals here when recording a much-improved 3rd place four weeks ago. That was her thirteenth career start and he best-finish to date and shoe can maintain that momentum here. (7) RAON STELLA ran a creditable race on debut the same day and should improve for the experience. Similarly (4) JJANGDAE made his racecourse debut running 4th behind Mapaebong and can also have come on for it. (9) DALLYEORA RAON has raced four times so far with two 3rd places to his name and shouldn’t be too far away again.

Selections (1) Mapaebong (5) Hard Princess (9) Dallyeora Raon (7) Raon Stella
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 3, 4, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

This race is restricted to maiden fillies and (4) ATHENA V, 2nd on debut at this distance on July 21st is favoured to prevail. She was well-back behind a good winner that day but should have too much here. (12) SOKBO ONGJU and (1) DANGDAE SONYEO came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced at the distance on July 22nd. That was the latter’s debut and she may well improve. (6) HALLA DAERO and (10) SUN QUEEN both have 2nd place finishes to their names and can be competitive while among the four first-time starters, (5) SONGAM BARBIE catches the eye. She qualified when winning a trial back in March but didn’t make it to a race. She then re-qualified in good fashion at the end of July and can be considered first-up.

Selections (4) Athena V (1) Dangdae Sonyeo (12) Sokbo Ongju (5) Songam Barbie
Next Best 6, 10, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A very competitive race which sees three horses up in class after recording their maiden wins last time out. In the case of (4) RAON SIRIUS, that win was all the way back in April. However, he looked very good when winning a trial two weeks ago and looks to have a very good chance first-up. He’ll be on pace early alongside (1) DAESEUNG AGAIN, and all-the-way winner at this distance on his third career start on July 14th and who also should go close. The final one up in class, (11) THUNDER MONEY, looks to have a bit more to find but shouldn’t be completely ruled out. Of those with experience at this level, (2) HI EUREKA looks the pick. He’s finished 3rd in three out of his last four starts and with Antonio Da Silva up today, could get it right, while (5) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE too has gone close. (6) ROAN PRO SENSE didn’t go especially well at 1300M on what was his first try at this class last month but may go better dropped back to the minimum today.

Selections (4) Raon Sirius (2) Hi Eureka (1) Daeseung Again (5) Neungryeok Sidae
Next Best 6, 8, 11
Fast Start 1, 4, 6, 8

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

(3) TRIPLE HAPPY has run 3rd on both his latest starts and last time was slightly unlucky in a desperately close three-way finish over 1200M. He steps up marginally in trip today and can come from just off the early pace to make a strong challenge. (6) HAENGBOK STAR disappointed when favourite last time beaten by (8) REBECCA, among others. He should at least overturn that form today and can be given another chance. (10) ROYAL PRINCE enters having been 2nd at class and distance on July 22nd and can look to at least match that today. (2) TAURUS is up in class after getting his maiden win on his second start four weeks ago and should be competitive. (1) JI SEONI is better than her latest form suggests and is a potential improver.

Selections (3) Triple Happy (10) Royal Prince (6) Haengbok Star (2) Taurus
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 6, 7, 8

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

(11) JANGSAN WILD returned to winning ways at class and distance on July 7th, scoring in a decent race by half a length. He carries a bit more weight today but should be prominent throughout and is favoured to win again. (10) SOMETHING MYSTERY ran a close 2nd on his first try at this level four weeks ago. He’s never run worse than 5th in seven outings to date and should be very much in the frame here. (1) CUPID DATE similarly finished 3rd on his own first attempt at this level on the same day at 1400M and looks nicely in here. (5) BLACK MUSIC is already a class and distance winner and he only managed 5th last start under the same weight he carries today, he can aim for a place as can (8) DREAM INDY, who drops back in trip after recent assignments over 1700M.

Selections (11) Jangsan Wild (10) Something Mystery (1) Cupid Date (5) Black Music
Next Best 8
Fast Start 5, 7, 8, 11, 12

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

(8) BEST YEJI has finished 3rd in each of her last three races, two of them at 1700M and then most recently at 1300M, beating a couple of others who go here in the process. 3rd should be a minimum target today and the Friesian Fire filly can come from just behind the early lead to put in a challenge late on. (4) CRAZY FACTOR has been 3rd on both his starts so far and steps up in trip for the first time. He’ll be on pace early and could be (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 25)

Well the typhoon completely missed Seoul but temperatures have eased off from the heatwave that has consumed the peninsula for the past month. We’re into the penultimate weekend of afternoon/evening racing now and there are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 14:25 to 21:00.

Start

Saturday means Seoul!

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

A competitive opener with lots in the hunt and (5) MAX THUNDER, who beat three of these on her way to 3rd place at the distance on July 21st has as much chance as any. She’s well-drawn to get off to a fast start here and at the tenth time of asking, this could be her day. (3) CUPID GANGJA steps back in trip after some reasonable efforts at 1300M. He’s the only one of the twelve to have as much as a 2nd place to his name (over 1700M) and he should be a danger. (6) MONEY SHARP has shown progression over three outings to date culminating in 3rd place last time and can continue his development here. (1) KAILLUM YEOJE and the debut-maker (7) TOUR BROTHER are others who could make an impression.

Selections (5) Max Thunder (6) Money Sharp (3) Cupid Gangja (7) Tour Brother
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

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

There are twelve juvenile fillies all racing for the very first time here. The most impressive in trials was (12) CHEONNYEON VIKING, who finished well clear of a couple of others who debut here in what was a fast time. She’s a half-sister to New Partner, who won four of his first six starts, and she can overcome the widest gate to go well first-up here. (1) GREEN DARC was the only one to actually win her trial, making all and looking easy on the eye in the process and she’ll have backers while (2) DADDY GLORY and (5) INDY LADY both performed creditably in their respective heats as well. For a longer shot, (8) MISS GELLA finished behind Daddy Glory in her trial but did lead for the first half of the heat and could improve on race day.

Selections (12) Cheonnyeon Viking (1) Green Darc (2) Daddy Glory (5) Indy Lady
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 1, 8, 11, 12

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

(8) TAEWANG SINHWA is set to be a relatively warm favourite here. Although he was beaten by, among others, (10) MAIN EVENT when the latter ran 2nd over this distance at the end of June, he recovered to turn the tables on that one on his way to 3rd place again at this distance on July 28th. He just needs one more top three finish to find himself up in class 5 and he can settle behind the early speed and finish strongly. (5) MEGA CITY has been inconsistent across his four starts so far but registered a 3rd place at this distance at the end of April and while he disappointed in his only start since, can go better today. (2) SPECIAL DREAM too has run 3rd at the distance and while he was well back behind Taewang Sinhwa on his last start can also improve. (7) HWANSANGUI BIT steps back up in trip today and can go better than she did last time she tried this distance.

Selections (8) Taewang Sinhwa (5) Mega City (2) Special Dream (7) Hwansangui Bit
Next Best 10, 1
Fast Start 4, 5, 7

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

(3) SAGWARANG ran a close 3rd on what was her first try at this class on July 21st. She was sent off favourite that day having broken her maiden with a nine-length all the way score a month earlier. She looks set for an easy lead here and once in front, she’ll be difficult to overhaul. (1) JUNGJEON MAMA is two starts into a comeback following nine months out and she looks to be getting back into the swing of things with a 3rd place at the distance last start. She’ll be a danger here. (8) LAST CONCERT drops back in trip following a good 3rd over 1300M on July 21st and she too should be in at least the placing hunt as will (4) CHUKBOGUI YEOLMAE and (7) VICAR SCOOP.

Selections (3) Sagwarang (1) Jungjeon Mama (8) Last Concert (7) Vicar Scoop
Next Best 4, 6
Fast Start 3

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) DAEGIL SANGJON returned from ten months off to record his maiden win over the distance on July 22nd and while up in class again, has solid claims to score again. He will settle just behind the early lead and could be too strong late on. It’s a competitive race though with both (9) ULTRA CHAMPION and (10) POX RANGER also up in class for the first time and while they both have a little more to find, can also be competitive. There are plenty with experience at this level to contend with too. (1) GANGHWA CHONGGAK comes in off a decent 4th over the distance last start in a similar strength race to this with (8) GONG SAN finishing just half a length further back. Both can go well here while (6) WITH FRIENDSHIP ran 3rd over 1300M at the end of June and returns slightly back in trip following eight weeks off and is another who should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections (5) Daegil Sangjon (1) Ganghwa Chonggak (9) Ultra Champion (6) With Friendship
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 9

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

The very experienced (1) WHITE CUPID ran 2nd at class and distance on July 1st before dropping back to 1300M at the end of the month and finishing a decent 4th of 8. Back up in trip today, he’s a little one-paced but he can put himself in the middle of the field early and could well out-stay them all. (8) BARAM KING was 4th behind White Cupid in that 1300M race at the end of last month. That was his first go at the level following a maiden (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: KNN Cup Day Race-By-Race Preview (August 19)

It’s a big Sunday of racing in Korea with the KNN Cup, the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour at Busan being the highlight. In total there are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Previews for every single race are below (including horse by horse for the KNN Cup). Busan first with the Seoul ones below:

Cheongsu Yeogeol Ttukseom 2

Cheongsu Yeogeol won the 1st leg of the Queens’ Tour last month and is among 16 fillies & mares lining up for the KNN Cup at Busan today (Pic: KRA)

Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) MUJEOK YEONGUNG was a very nice-looking winner on debut on July 20th over 1000M and while he is up in both class and distance today, the manner of it suggests Thomas Gillespie’s colt will be hard to beat today. He’ll go to the front from the gate and should stay there. (2) OFFICE TAP comes up in class after his maiden win too. His victory, on what was his second career start, was slightly less eye-catching but nevertheless, he should be very competitive at this level. (1) COOL MINT got promoted after finishing runner-up in both his first two outings. He stepped up to this class on July 15th, running a decent 5th over 1400M. He drops back to this trip for the first time today and can look to at least place. (6) NURI ACHIM, a class and distance winner in May, and (10) RACHEL, who did the same a month later, are others who can go close.

Selections (3) Mujeok Yeongung (2) Office Tap (1) Cool Mint (6) Nuri Achim
Next Best 10, 12
Fast Start 3, 6

Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A smart winner at this class over 1300M on July 20th to make it three wins from seven career starts, (1) ICE LEG is slightly favoured to prevail again. It’s his first time at 1400M but an apprentice jockey on board means he carries scarcely any extra weight and he could have too much. (6) ISLE CAT ran 2nd that day and while she has a bit to find on the favourite here, can run well again and certainly should beat plenty. Stiffer tests may come from (8) CITY WINNER and (2) FINE POWER, who came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when racing each other at class and distance on July 15th, getting within half a length of winner Oryong, who was landing his third straight win. (4) RISING PRINCE came home 5th in that race and is another who could have a say about the places.

Selections (1) Ice Leg (8) City Winner (2) Fine Power (6) Isle Cat
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 4, 8

Race 3: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) BAENGNYEON SONNIM rather unexpectedly finished ahead of (5) SMART DANCER when they raced each other at this distance three weeks ago coming home 2nd and 3rd and bringing the latter’s winning streak to an end at three. They face each other again here but this time we’ll expect Smart Dancer to put things right and return to the winner’s circle. Baengnyeon Sonnim is probably the biggest danger here along with (7) WINNING AGAIN, who was rapidly promoted to this class with a pair of wins in May and June. He ran 3rd on his first try at this level on July 13th and should be close here. There is one debut-maker and he looks an interesting one. US import (4) JJUUK trialled up competently last month and the Min Jang Gi trained colt can go well first up.

Selections (5) Smart Dancer (3) Baengnyeon Sonnim (7) Winning Again (4)Jjuuk
Next Best 2, 1
Fast Start 4, 5, 7

Race 4: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

After a setback early in his career which saw him lose almost his entire three-year-old campaign, the recent rise of (3) SILLAUI JEONSEOL has been rapid. He’s won three in a row to get up to class 1 here and he looks very nicely in to potentially take his winning streak to four. He’s up to 2000M for the first time an there’s no doubt this is a tough ask but he could do it. (9) STEALTH beat tree of these on his way to a good class and distance victory on July 8th and must be respected. Once again, he carries a low weight, has strong claims and should be favourite. (10) SAENGIL GIPPEUM doesn’t carry a low weight but showed signs of coming back into form when finishing 4th in the Owners’ Cup at the end of July and could maintain that momentum here. (5) FOUR NINES and (2) DORAON HYEONPYO were both beaten by Stealth last time – both were nominated for September’s Korea Cup last week and likely need big performances here in order to be confident of getting on.

Selections (3) Sillaui Jeonseol (9) Stealth (2) Doraon Hyeonpyo (5) Four Nines
Next Best 10, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 3

 

Race 5: Class Open “The KNN Cup” (KOR G3) / 1600M Allowance / KRW 400 Million

  1. HAEYA – She was favourite for the Ttukseom Cup but put in a flat performance ending up in 6th. Hard to recommend her to win at a mile although she did manage to come 3rd in this race last year and as one of the few true class 1 horses in the race, it would be no surprise if she was sent off as favourite. She’ll try to do it gate to wire.
  2. YEONGHUI SIDAE – Sent off as second-favourite in the Oaks last month but never travelled fluently and ended up well back in the field. She has though won at this distance at class 3 and could be a factor here. Runs best when leading, something she hasn’t been able to do in her last two starts.
  3. I’M YOUR MOTHER – Struggled over 1800M on her latest but she is a winner at a mile at class 4. Her solitary win did come at this distance in May, but it was at class 4 and she has a lot to find here.
  4. SOJUNGHAN SOMANG – Beaten by Shark Run in April but returned to overcome some good ones on her way to a valuable prize over 1400M at the beginning of June. First try at a mile, she’ll likely settle in midfield and look to finish strongly. Place is not impossible.
  5. ACEUI SEONMUL – Good winner over this distance on July 6th, enabling her to take her chance here. That was at class 3 and while she shouldn’t be too far away she will need to improve if she is to challenge for a place.
  6. CHEONGSU YEOGEOL – Comfortable winner of the Ttukseom Cup at the beginning fo June coming from just off the pace to win well. This will be her first attempt at a mile but there is no reason why it shouldn’t suit and she’ll be firmly in the hunt to maintain her bid for a sweep of all three races in the series.
  7. RICH YEOJANGGUN – Winner of five of her first six starts, she’s come unstuck since reaching class 2. Not many of these have managed to get to that level though so she may well find the company today amenable. First try at the distance, she settles in the middle of the pack and looks to launch a bid late on.
  8. ACE SPINNING – First start since winning the Singapore Turf Club Trophy last September, this is a big ask first-up but she’s certainly capable. Looked good in two trials, the latest of which was last week. First try at a mile too but like Haeya, she is a class 1 horse, and this is not impossible. Settles in midfield.
  9. ROCKET QUEEN – Beat Cheongsu Yeogeol over 1400M in April before running 4th in the Ttukseom Cup. A solid class 2 competitor who is not far away from class 1, she tuned up in a barrier trial in Seoul last Saturday which she won very comfortable. She has a chance. Likely settles closer to the back than the front and finishes strongly.
  10. GOLD BLUE – Absolutely flew home for 3rd place in the Ttukseom Cup having been last entering the home straight. She is inconsistent though as was shown when she only beat one home on her reappearance on July 8th. That was at class 1 thugh and both company and distance should be more suitable today. An outside chance.
  11. DAMYANG HWANHO – Finished strongly for a surprise 2nd place in the Ttukseom Cup. It perhaps shouldn’t have been a surprise though as she had previously registered a class 2 win at 1200M. It’s been a long time since she ran further than 1400M and she previously didn’t show any aptitude for it but she’s a better horse now and another surprise isn’t impossible.
  12. BRIGHT STAR – 2nd in last year’s Oaks and Jeju Governor’s Cup she’s no doubt got plenty of talent. She recorded a solid 3rd place at class 2 before running 7th in the Ttukseom Cup, she can be frustratingly inconsistent. She probably won’t be among the fancied ones here but should be on the early pace.
  13. ICE MARINE – Two starts into a comeback following almost exactly a year off. She was a really impressive winner over 1400M at class 2 on July 6th. That form got a boost when the second place-getter that day, Taeyangui Sinhwa, won well on Friday. She had to go wide all the way that day and it’s likely she’ll have to do so again but she looks very capable of challenging for at least a place and possibly even the win.
  14. UJU STAR – Top trainer Kim Young Kwan’s only representative in the race. She’s only raced three times this year, winning a class 2 race over 1400M in May. She’s been well back in the other two though including behind Ice Marine last time. It’s dangerous to rule out anything from this stable but she’ll need to find significant improvement.
  15. SHARK RUN – Headed into the Ttukseom Cup on the back of consecutive victories at class 3 and came with a huge late run to make it to 5th in that race. Scratched from a scheduled start in early July with some soreness, she’s back fit now and could be a real danger here.
  16. HELLO VENUS – Couldn’t get on speed in the Ttukseom Cup although she did improve for a 6th place finish. Returned to Busan to run 2nd over 1800M on July 13th leading all the way only to beaten by a nose on the line. She was drawn in gate 1 that day and today has the hardest ask of all to get to where she likes to be.

Verdict: As in the Ttukseom Cup, this race is fascinating as so many could win it. All things being equal, (1) HAEYA is the best in the race and will most likely begin as favourite but the distance and her inconsistency make her beatable. (6) CHEONGSU YEOGEOL’s Ttukseom Cup win was impressive and she has claims too but there were other big runs in that race as well from (11) DAMYANG HWANHO and especially (9) ROCKET QUEEN and (15) SHARK RUN. We’re going to go for new challengers who didn’t (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

The heatwave has finally broken! Temperatures have dropped to the summer normal with highs of “only” 32C expected in Seoul on Saturday. There is a 12-race card in the capital from 14L25 to 21:00. With lots of Seoul jockeys down at Busan for Sunday’s KNN Cup, there is a big chance for some of Seoul’s overseas jockeys to have a very good day. Here are the previews:

Seoul Night

It should be a cool(ish) evening at Seoul on Saturday

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(1) HANIL DALBIT will be hard to beat here. He came very close to getting his maiden win back in April and last time out finished 3rd, well clear of four of his rivals here over 1200M. He’ll be on pace from the gate and should have too much. (9) ISCRA has finished 4th and 3rd in his two starts to date and while he has been extremely well beaten in both of them, looks to have more about him than most here. (7) WANY K’s three consecutive 6th place finishes have been in stiffer company than this and she should improve today. (6) BEST LEVEL is, along with Hanil Dalbit, one of just two to have a 2nd place finish to his name and while he was well back behind the favourite last time, can get closer today. Debut-maker (2) SEOKGWA BULSIK trialed competently enough and may be considered for some minor money first-up.

Selections (1) Hanil Dalbit (7) Wany K (9) Iscra (6) Best Level
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 3

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

Another weak maiden and (5) SOKBO WANGWI could be the one to make the breakthrough. She drops back to the distance at which she secured her solitary 2nd place to date at back in May and comes in off a useful 4th at 1200M a month ago. A similar performance to either of those runs could see her home on top. (8) LUCAS ran encouragingly on debut in June and is probably worth another chance despite flopping on re-appearance four weeks ago while (7) GWANGPOK JUHAENG has shown a couple of glimpses of ability and can improve today. (6) ULTRA MISSILE will likely set the early pace and can hang on for a place while (3) FAPP CAT showed a slight sign of improvement on his latest.

Selections (5) Sokbo Wangwi (8) Lucas (7) Gwangpok Juhaeng (3) Fapp Cat
Next Best 6
Fast Start 6

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) LOVELY NUTE is up in class following an eye-catching seven-length win on her return from seven months off three weeks ago. She drops back kin trip as well but can get on pace early here and win again. (9) YEOWOORI remains a maiden after nine attempts but was only beaten a half-length at this class over 1200M last time and looks a big danger here. (6) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON also came close to getting her maiden win last time, just running out of track as she closed to within half a length of the winner on July 21st. She beat three of these in the process and it’s not impossible she could get that elusive first win. (1) BEST MAID and (4) DAMON ANGEL, the latter up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections (7) Lovely Nute (6) Kkeuleojuneun Son (4) Damon Angel (9) Yeowoori
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) UNDEFEATED, who is now anything but, looks ready to win again. He disappointed in 5th place when favourite at 1300M on July 22nd, finishing 5th but steps back in trip today and can win. Manoel Nunes rode Undefeated in the colt’s latest two outings but he gets on (6) BAEKDUUI JEONGSANG today. He’s got a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts at this level so far and will join Undefeated on the early pace with a solid chance of going all the way. (7) JUMBO CAPTAIN was 4th in that race behind Baekduui Jeongsang and can look to match or better today. (5) BACK TO BACK has been a little underwhelming in his recent efforts but could improve here and along with (4) HANIL MAGIC, looks to be best of the rest. (9) GEUMA GLORY steps up in class following a win on debut at 1000M but will need to improve.

Selections (2) Undefeated (6) Baekduui Jeongsang (5) Back To Back (7) Jumbo Captain
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 9

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) MIRACLE HANSEN enters off back to back 2nd place finishes, both at class and distance and really should be going one better today. He led until close to home last time and with Lee Chan Ho in the saddle today, can hold on this time. (8) WINNING WIN came from well off the pace to score a class and distance victory on July 21st. He doesn’t carry too much extra weight here and can go very close again for a stable that has come into form. (4) MYEONGPUM BOBAE, a stablemate of Miracle Hansen, was also a class and (more…)

Seoul Sunday Race-By-Race Preview (August 12)

With Busan taking the weekend off, there are no fewer than 15 races at Seoul on Sunday with the daytime card running from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Start

15 races at Seoul on Sunday

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

(12) BEYOND OVER ran a useful 2nd on debut on July 15th, running on pleasingly. She’s got the widest gate today but that shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance and she’s got a good chance of coming out on top this time in this all-filly affair. (4) STEEL RUN was 4th in that race, a position she’s developed a habit of ending up in and there is a chance she could improve here although stiffer competition may come in the form of (1) RAON WILLIAMS. She was a touch disappointing in 6th on her debut last month having previously impressed in trials, but hopefully learned a bit from it and does better this time. (9) HALLA DAERO and (11) SCARLET PERFECT both recorded their first runner-up finish on their respective latest starts and should be very much in the placing hunt again today.

Selections (12) Beyond Over (9) Halla Daero (1) Raon Williams (4) Steel Run
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 5, 8, 9

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

Only one of these juveniles has raced before. That’s (9) WONDERFUL EVIL, who ran a decent 4th in a similar contest over the distance on July 7th. That experience should stand him in good stead and he has a chance but we will be favouring a couple of the first-timers. Likely favourite is (6) WINT SEVEN. He won his trial in a decent time under today’s jockey Manoel Nunes and is perfectly drawn in the middle to get a good start and go all the way. (1) HAE SAEM CHAM won her trial too, coming from just behind the early leaders to run on nicely. Nunes was also her trial rider but gets on Wint Seven here. With a name like (7) DO KKI BLADE, you’d hope this Officer colt is good, but he didn’t offer many clues in his trial. Connections mean he will be backed though. (8) BLACK ZAPPER is another who has the potential to go well first-up.

Selections (6) Wint Seven (1) Hae Saem Cham (7) Do Kki Blade (9) Wonderful Evil
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 6

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

(1) CHEONSANG GIUN did noting in his first two starts before being shunted up to 1700M for his next two where he started to show some hints of ability. That continued back down at this distance last start when he ran a useful 4th and he can make his breakthrough today. The main danger looks to be the solitary debut-maker (7) MYEONGPUM CHUKJE. He looked good across two trials, most recently on July 20th and if he brings that form to the races, he has a real chance. (8) BEST BOBAE comes in off a 3rd place in an admittedly weak contest over 1200M on July 7th and could look to match that here while (2) DAEJIUI SAESSAK and (6) GANGSANUI ACHIM are ones with potential to improve on recent results.

Selections (1) Cheonsang Giun (7) Myeomgpum Chukje (8) Best Bobae (2) Daejiui Saessak
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 4

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

(6) MAIN RACER has had a couple of months off since disappointing when favourite at class and distance on June 3rd. He was reasonably well positioned that day but didn’t quicken, ultimately ending up in 5th. He’s shown plenty of ability though and will probably be ridden on the speed today and is worth another chance. Stablemate (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR ran well when stepped up to this trip last time and can build on it here, while (3) SUJEBI and (7) SPEED HWANGNYONG came home 3rd and 4th over this distance on June 16th. Sujebi has raced once more since then and struggled when favourite, but Speed Hangnyong returns for the first time and will be expected to do better today. (4) MIDAS CHIEF is another hwo looks to be figuring things out and can go close.

Selections (6) Main Racer (7) Speed Hwangnyong (4) Midas Chief (2) Daemyeong Solar
Next Best 3
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

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

(7) KING POSE drops back in trip having just been beaten a head over 1700M on June 24th. He’s won at this trip already, should be on speed early and has a chance. (4) MALAKAS keeps going close at this class with several near-misses. He began poorly at 1000M last time but still rallied for 5th and with a better start, can get much closer. (6) SUN BOLT won on debut back in January but had seemingly started to lose his was in his next three outings He arrested that slide with a solid 3rd on his first try at this distance three weeks ago and can build on it here. (2) NANGMAN STAR and (5) BAEKSAN ISLAND are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections (7) King Pose (4) Malakas (6) Sun Bolt (5) Baeksan Island
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 4, 6, 7

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

(3) ROMAN BLADE only managed 6th place when favourite at class and distance on July 15th. We’ll not give up on her yet though and with Manoel Nunes rising her for the first time, she’ll likely be favourite to put things right here. When she got her maiden win back in June, she beat (4) CLEAN FLOWER by two lengths. Clean Flower followed up with a five-length win of her own on July 7th to come up in class for the first time and she will be one of the principal dangers. Others include (5) SPECIAL WINNER, who drops back in trip following a good 2nd place at 1400M and (2) MONEY DAERYUK, who like Roman (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 11)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 2pm to 9pm:

Turn

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

(11) GOLD SEUTAK has gone no better than 3rd in nineteen starts so far and only achieved that on her latest start, However, her latest three efforts have been promising and she beat a couple of these last time. It could be her day. (1) RAON SITIEOSEU has beaten Gold Seutak in the past and while her latest couple of starts have been disappointing, they were in slightly tougher company than this and she can improve today. (3) MAGIC DOLPUNG hasn’t done too much wrong in two tries to date while (7) SPHAERA also looks to be figuring things out with 2nd place last time, albeit in an even weaker race than this and some distance behind the winner. (6) YONGUI JUDO is another who has a 2nd place to her name and she can aim to repeat here.

Selections (11) Gold Seutak (1) Raon Sitieoseu (3) Magic Dolpung (7) Sphaera
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) SO ARA DAEWANG enters off back to back 3rd place finishes, running on nicely each time and the extra furlong today may be exactly what she needs to get her maiden win. (5) CHANGSEONG LUCKY debuted at this distance on May 27th and did well, finishing 4th. It’s been eleven weeks since but he comes in here with solid chances for a stable that has started to pick up recently. (1) JEONGMUN K enters off a similar layoff and can improve here while (9) GLORY VERN should be setting the early pace and can stay on. (2) SAND CHAMP another who has offered a couple of glimpses of ability and could improve.

Selections (6) So Ara Daewang (5) Changseong Lucky (9) Glory Vern (1) Jeongmun K
Next Best 2
Fast Start 8, 9

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

Two-year-old maidens only here with three racing for the first time and the other five making their second appearances. (5) BI PYEONG was 2nd on debut on June 16th and while he was well-beaten by a good winner, he has every chance of going one better today. He ran on well that day at 1000M and the additional distance should suit. (3) RAYMOND also went well on his debut, running 3rd, also at 1000M and he should be a danger here while (2) GUREUM WANGJA demonstrated some promise too and is likely to be on the lead from the gate. Among the debut-makers, (6) CHOEGANG SINGI looked the best in trials.

Selections (5) Bi Pyeong (3) Raymond (2) Gureum Wangja (6) Choegang Singi
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 2

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

(9) BAEKSAN FORCE got her maiden win by an emphatic thirteen-lengths at 1200M on July 1st, making all. That win had been coming and while she’s up in both class and slightly in trip today, she’s the one to beat again. This is undoubtedly a tougher assignment though. (2) FLYING JOY remains a maiden after eight attempts but has run 3rd in each of his last two, both at this class and should surely be close again. (8) SPEED YEONGUNG beat (3) VICTORY STAR as the pair came home 2nd and 4th over 1400M on July 14th and both are capable of challenging again here. (1) RAON MIRACLE too ran an encouraging 3rd at class and distance on her latest outing and should be in the hunt to at least match that today.

Selections (9) Baeksan Force (2) Flying Joy (3) Victory Star (8) Speed Yeongung
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 9

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

(10) SKY JUMP was a six-length winner over this distance on what was just her second career start two weeks ago. She makes a quick return here and while up in class the small filly – she weighed in at less than 400kg prior to that victory – could win again. She’ll have stiff competition from (6) PRIMO, who just missed out by a nose at class and distance on July 7th and beat a couple of these on her way to another runner-up finish in June. She’ll come from just behind the early pace and could get up this time. (2) CHEONJI BOBAE and (5) PERFECT BIC C came home 3rd and 4th at the distance on June 16th and both look in the placing frame here.

Selections (10) Sky Jump (6) Primo (2) Cheonji Bobae (5) Perfect Bic C
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 8, 10

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

After just being beaten a head into 2nd on his first try at both class and distance in June, (1) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI was sent off as favourite on his re-appearance three weeks ago. Things didn’t go to plan and he ultimately finished 5th of 8 but there’s a good chance he can put that right today. (8) GANADORA is already a winner at this distance, albeit at class 6. The I Want Revenge filly ran a solid 2nd on her first try at this level on July 7th and she should get close again. She may well get an uncontested lead early here. (4) ONNURI ALBA is a stablemate of Ganadora and while a touch inconsistent has proven competitive at both class and distance. (9) CHANGSEONG GANGJA and (10) BAEKDU POWER come in with recent form reading positively and both can challenge here, at least for minor money. Both those two beat (6) ASTER last time but he too can be a useful performer on his day and may well improve here.

Selections (8) Ganadora (1) Hwanggeum Jumeoni (6) Aster (4) Onnuri Alba
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 8

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

A winner of three of her first seven before being put up to this class and distance, (4) OKAY QUEEN managed a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at it to date, She’s likely to race (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview Of The Bumper 15-race card (July 28)

There are no fewer than 15 races at Seoul this Saturday with the 1st at 2pm and the last at 9pm.  There’s no Manoel Nunes as he is away riding in the Macau Derby and no Antonio Da Silva as he is at Busan to ride Mighty Ssing in the Owners’ Cup on Sunday While Johan Victoire and David Breux are both in France. So there are plenty of opportunities for the locals this week:

RH7_8272

Lim Gi Won will be among a number of riders looking to take advantages of several big name absentees on Seoul’s Saturday program

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

(9) GRAND DOLPUNG got his career-best result to date last time out, running 2nd over this distance and the Hansen colt can go one better today for a stable that has been coming into form over the past couple of weeks. (5) GUDSEEORA too enters off a much-improved 2nd just two weeks ago and backs up quickly with chances although (3) ULTRA MISSILE, who is likely to lead from the gate, may be a bigger danger. (2) RUSSEL and (10) MIRACLE GOLD are two others who can have potential to improve on promising – if not exactly quick – recent efforts.

Selections (9) Grand Dolpung (3) Ultra Missile (10) Miracle Gold (5) Gudseeora
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 3, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Two-year-old maidens only and three of the seven have raced before. The one that showed the most was (7) HAEDEULMOE, who ran 3rd at 1000M on July 1st. He finished a cool twelve lengths behind a good winner but he ran on nicely and the extra furlong should suit. (5) GEOTAP did nothing wrong either on his debut comfortably finishing in midfield, also at 1000M and should improve today. There are a couple of useful debut-makers though and (3) SMARTY ADELE could well jump the favourite. She’s from the top Song Moon Gil stable and looked competent when running 3rd in a trial in a quicker time than many race in and if she brings that form to the track, she has a serious chance and could well get an uncontested early lead. (1) GEUMA KINGDOM and (6) RAON STELLA are the other first-timers to keep an eye on.

Selections (3) Smarty Adele (7) Haedeulmoe (5) Geotap (6) Raon Stella
Next Best 1
Fast Start 3

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More two-year-old maidens. Half of the eight have raced once before and it was (8) GOD OF SOCKS who went the best, finishing 2nd over 1000M ten lengths behind a good winner (and ahead of Haedeulmoe from race 2) on July 1st and he can win today. (6) TOHAMSAN POWER and (3) LAO JIN also debuted in that race, running 5th and 7th respectively and both can improve here. Lao Jin went back to trial just last week and performed very well suggesting she may be the greater danger this time. The first-timers here didn’t really catch the eye in trials. The best look to be (4) BARAMUI MISO and (7) GEUMBIT TANHWAN.

Selections (8) God Of Socks (3) Lao Jin (6) Tohamsan Power (4) Baramui Miso
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) BRAVO ILSIN come sin off a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two having led both at some stage. They were at 1300M and she drops slightly back in trip today with a big chance of coming home on top. (2) LOVELY NUTE ran twice without distinction at the tail-end of last year and returns after a full thirty weeks out. She’s moved to Simon Foster’s barn now and looked a much improved animal when trialing two weeks ago and will be a danger here. (5) RAON GANGHO has been close in each of his last five outings and although he’s never managed better than 3rd, can aim for at least the places here. (1) SONGAM JEUNE and (3) JEONGMUN JEKI are others who can go close.

Selections (8) Bravo Ilsin (2) Lovely Nute (5) Raon Gangho (3) Jeongmun Jeki
Next Best 1, 4
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) MAIN EVENT beat both (5) SAMAE STAR and (7) TAEWANG SINHWA on his way to 2nd place at this distance on June 30th. That was something of an upset but Main Even will need some respect today and could repeat. Nevertheless, Taewang Sinhwa, who never looked hugely comfortable from a wide draw that day, has gone close in the past and has every chance of overturning the form here. (4) POX RANGER may be the one they all need to beat though. She was 3rd the last time she raced at this distance in May and held her own in a reasonably stiff 1000M contest at the beginning of this month. Expect her to be ridden to the lead today with every chance of staying on. (9) Cheonsang Giun and (11) Speed Captain others who may get involved.

Selections (4) Pox Ranger (7) Taewang Sinhwa (6) Main Event (11) Speed Captain
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 4, 6, 11

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

A rare maiden for two-year-old imports sees six first-timer starters and one who has raced one time before. All things being equal, the actual race experience can be important, especially if they ran well and (1) NAUI BICHIYEO did exactly that. The Mission Impazible colt ran 3rd of 7 at this distance on June 16th and can progress from that to the winner’s circle today. (7) THANK YOU CHARLIE made all to “win” his trial by a (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 22)

There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. The feature race is the Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul where Sharp Kaylan, 2nd in the final leg of the Triple Crown last month, has the chance to pick up a piece of silverware. Immediately after the last race at Seoul, the KRA Trophy at Kranji in Singapore will be shown . Three Korean horses, Today, Gakbyeolhan and Approach, have made the trip over. Here are race-by-race comments for the Seoul meeting. Busan selections (and one for Kranji) are below:

Ministers3

Sharp Kaylan came close in the Minister’s Cup but had to settle for 2nd place. He can win Sunday’s Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)

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

(3) GYEONGGUKJIMA ran a strong 3rd in a good time on debut on June 16th, racing on pace throughout. She’s well drawn to lead early and should make all the running in this all-filly maiden. (5) HEUNG OREUM debuted in the same race, ending in a creditable 5th and she can build on that here although she has plenty to find on the favourite. (7) LUCAS was also 3rd on her debut last month and while she was slightly less impressive than Gyeonggukjima, she can at least match that here. First-time starter (4) DANGDAE SONYEO looks an interesting proposition under Manoel Nunes while (9) STAR LIST beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 3rd on her fourth career start four weeks ago.

Selections (3) Gyeonggukjima (7) Lucas (5) Heung Oreum (4) Dangdae Sonyeo
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) HANIL DALBIT has shown promise across four prior starts. His best finish came when he was just beaten a neck over the distance at the end of April having led almost until the line. Last time out he was favourite and while he could only manage 4th, is worth another chance here. (2) SOKBO WANGWI was 6th that day on her first try at this distance and she can continue to progress. (6) SANTOS has been inconsistent but has shown some talent and can be a danger most likely challenging Hanil Dalbit for the early speed. (3) DAEGIL SANGJON offered few clues in two outings last year but returns here after ten months off having trialled up very promisingly a couple of weeks ago and can go well first-up. (9) BEST LEVEL was a much-improved 2nd, albeit a full thirteen lengths behind the winner, at this distance on a soaking wet track three weeks ago and could maintain that momentum.

Selections (7) Hanil Dalbit (6) Santos (3) Daegil Sangjon (2) Sokbo Wangwi
Next Best 9, 11
Fast Start 6, 7

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

A convincing winner over 1000M in May, (4) PALDO DAEJANG stepped up to this class and distance on June 17th and ran a good 2nd place. He was favourite that day but can be given another chance here. He’ll try to get the lead straight from the gate and can go all the way. (7) HAMBAK MISO won on debut back in March and has been close in all three outings since, culminating in 2nd place behind Penetro at the end of May. He comes in here reasonably fresh and should be close again. (2) RAON PRO SENSE is up in class after his maiden win at 1000M on June 23rd and while he has struggled on both previous tries at this distance, could go better today. (3) DUAL CHOEGANG remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but looks to be getting to grips with this level and could make a place.

Selections (4) Paldo Daejang (7) Hambak Miso (2) Raon Pro Sense (3) Dual Choegang
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 2, 4

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

(5) UNDEFEATED won on debut in May but hasn’t quite lived up to his name in two starts since although he has run well, finishing 2nd and 3rd at 1200M and 1000M respectively. He’s with a new trainer today and tries this distance for the first time and can return to winning ways. (1) ROYAL PRINCE scored his maiden win at 1000M and steps up in class here. He’s raced reasonably well at this distance before and can be competitive. (7) DAECHEONUI SARANG ran a good, if slightly unexpected 3rd at class and distance last start four weeks ago and can be given more respect today while (8) CHUKBOGUI (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 21)

It’s very hot! Saturday racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 14:00 to 21:00:

RH7_2982

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

(4) SONGAM GONGJU has been close in each of her latest three, running a good 2nd over this distance back in May before following up with a 3rd and 4th in two tries at 1200M. She only needs another top-three finish to go up in class and she can exit class 6 with a win here. She’s not a fast-starter but can finish strongly. (7) KAILLUM YEOJE has two 5ths among three efforts so far and can improve here under the in-form Antonio Da Silva, (3) SINBIRYONG and (10) MAX THUNDER also come in having run 5th last time out and can improve too. (8) HWANSANGUI BIT showed progress when running 3rd at this distance last time and while it was a slow time in a slow race, can be a threat here.

Selections (4) Songam Gongju (7) Kaillum Yeoje (3) Sinbiryong (10) Max Thunder
Next Best 8, 6, 9
Fast Start 5, 7, 8, 10

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

Eleven previously unraced two-year-olds go here chasing a big prize first-up. Two of them enter having won trials. (6) BAEKSAN MENIQUEEN and (11) MIREU STORM both coming home on top in their heats with front-running performances, with Baeksan Meniqueen the more impressive of the pair. Plenty of others caught the eye too though. The bang-in-form Manoel Nunes partners Simon Foster’s (9) CHOEGANG STAR. The Midshipman colt came 2nd in a fast hear three weeks ago and looks to have solid claims here. Matching his trial time was (1) CHEONSE MANSE. Nunes rode that one too in the heats and he can’t be completely overlooked. Other trial eye-catchers were (2) DEO JOEUN NAEIL and (7) ATHENA V but as ever in this kind of race, be sure to watch the market for clues.

Selections (6) Baeksan Meniqueen (9) Choegang Star (2) Deo Joeun Naeil (7) Athena V
Next Best 11, 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 9, 11

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) SAGWARANG was an eye-catching nine-length winner over the distance on her second career start in an all-filly race four weeks ago. Accordingly, she is up in class today but has every chance of making all once more. (1) BLUE ANNA will be a big threat though. She broke her own maiden back in May, beating a couple of these along the way and ran a good 2nd place on her first try at this level on June 23rd. She may not challenge Sagwarang for the early lead, but she has a strong finish. (3) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON has been frustrating but showed she’s not devoid of talent when running 3rd over 1200M last time and interestingly drops back to the minimum distance for the first time on almost exactly one year. She doesn’t look any closer to her maiden win but can challenge for a place again. (5) STRONG LIGHT is never too far away and also looks good for the places while (7) BEST MAID came back into some kind of form with 3rd last start and can compete once more.

Selections (8) Sagwarang (1) Blue Anna (3) Kkeuleojuneun Son (5) Strong Light
Next Best 7, 6, 10
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 8

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

(2) MYEONGJIN MAN has shown steady progress across three starts so far and his 3rd last time at 1200M suggests more to come. He’s up to 1300M for the first time and Manoel Nunes can continue his red-hot July. (10) DAE UNHA has shown ability too in four outings with a best of 3rd and should be the main danger. He returns from a couple of months off and drops back in trip today. (1) GOLD STREET hasn’t been too far away in her recent efforts and ran a useful 4th at the distance last time to enter the placing frame here. (8) DAE CAIN was well back behind Gold Street last start but can be given another chance here.

Selections (2) Myeongjin Man (10) Dae Unha (1) Gold Street (8) Dae Cain
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 1, 5, 8, 10

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

It took (4) CHOIN DAEBO three starts to get his maiden win but he obliged handsomely enough over this distance on June 16th. He’s up in class today but strongly in the frame to win again, likely leading from gate to wire. (7) FIORE joins him up in class having run 2nd to him last start but clearly has more to find so a greater danger could be (2) LAST (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

A familiar face will be in action on Saturday as jockey Masakazu Tanaka returns to Korea to take up an initial four-month engagement at Seoul Racecourse. There are 11 races from 14:00 to 21:00.

Masa Tanaka

Masa Tanaka (Pic: Busan Ilbo)

Now 34, Tanaka, who has spent the majority of his career riding in New Zealand, joined Busan Racecourse in June of 2013 and returned solid results, riding 24 winners in his first seven months up to the end of that year.

2014 was challenging for the Japanese rider, but Tanaka still emerged with 29 winners from 330 rides. It would be in 2015, however, when his persistence paid off and he became acknowledged as one of the top jockeys in the country. He rode 49 winners that season, taking him to 5th place in the jockey championship.

Although he couldn’t secure a Stakes race victory, he landed a 3rd place on New York Blue in the Asia Challenge Cup in 2014 and the following year another 3rd, on Ildeung Hanghaesa in the President’s Cup, at that time Korea’s joint-richest race. He left Busan having ridden 101 winners from 907 rides and returned to New Zealand where he has been riding since.

Tanaka, who this time will be based in Seoul, has four rides in the capital on Saturday but the odds are against him making an immediate winning return although some of the other foreign jockeys at the track should be in the winner’s circle at some stage with Johan Victoire, Manoel Nunes and Antonio Da Silva all on plenty of live mounts.

The day’s feature is a class 2 handicap over 1800M (race 10). Samjung Tapit, Thunder Light and Tosconova Cat, who came home 2nd, 4th and 6th respectively in last month’s TJK Trophy will be among the favourites in an ultra-competitive eleven-runner race.

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Just seven runners to kick us off with and it’s as weak a maiden as you’ll find. (2) HANIL GANGJA ran reasonably well in three outings around the turn of the year before being taken lame. He returned to training a couple of months ago trialling up in early June in good order and he should have far too much here. He will try to lead from gate to wire although he will be challenged for the early lead by (4) GOODCHOICE, who has show a couple of glimpses across eight outings so far and should be aiming for a career-best finish here. (6) SAND CHAMP has only raced twice so far, and the jockey booking makes one take note here. (5) JEONGMUN Y and (7) SUNSHIN MARINE the others with scope for improvement.

Selections (2) Hanil Gangja (4) Goodchoice (6) Sand Champ (7) Sunshin Marine
Next Best 5, 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4

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

The second maiden of the day is only marginally stronger than the first. (2) DAESEUNG AGAIN is the clear standout having run 4th and 3rd in his first two starts. He came close to making all last time, just being headed in the closing stages and this time can go all the way. (1) DALLYEORA RAON steps back to the minimum trip following a decent 3rd place 1300M last time. He’s also returning from seventeen weeks out and can go well first-up here. (4) GWANGPOK JUHAENG and (5) SO ARA DAEWANG have both demonstrated progress over their limited starts so far and while for both, this is slightly harder than their latest assignments, both can be competitive.

Selections (2) Daeseung Again (1) Dallyeora Raon (4) Gwangpok Juhaeng (5) So Ara Daewang
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 2, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Japanese jockey Masa Tanaka, who rode 100 winners at Busan in a previous Korean stint, makes his debut as full-time Seoul jockey here but the Japanese rider may have to wait a little longer for his first winner as his mount in this juvenile maiden, (1) CHEONJI GISANG, won’t be among the favourites. That’s not to say the colt did badly in his trial though, but it’s a competitive affair. Three have raced before and of them, (6) CHANGPA was a solid 4th on June 16th, running on nicely and if she has come of for the run, she’ll be the one to beat. Among the first-timers, (7) GUREUM WANGJA and (9) UP LIGHT looked most impressive in trials. The pair of them will likely join Changpa on the early speed and all three should still be involved at the business end. (4) JACOB and (8) RAYMOND are others to keep an eye on and as ever in races like this, watch the market for clues.

Selections (6) Changpa (7) Gureum Wangja (8) Raymond (9) Up Light
Next Best 4, 1, 11
Fast Start 6, 7, 9

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

(1) BODEURAM and (3) WAIT AND SEE are both up in class after maiden wins at the distance last time. Both are from in-form stables and both look to have more to offer at this level with the filly Bodeuram slightly favoured to make the step up faster. Main danger to both is (4) ARGO GALLOPER. He remains a maiden but now has three 3rd place finishes and a 2nd place at this distance. The 2nd came last time out when he was well-beaten by a good winner having led early on but still finished comfortably ahead of the rest and should be a factor here. The experienced (8) PERFECT BIC C was 4th behind Argo Galloper that day but can run closer here. (7) JUNGJEON MAMA returned to racing (more…)