Seoul

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 15)

Sunday sees an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and a 6-race card at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05:

 

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Antonio Da Silva (centre) was among the winners on a good day at Seoul for foreign jockeys on Saturday. Can he get more on Sunday? (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

Three debut-makers among the ten who go here and one of them stands-out. That’s (2) NAE GIRUI BIT, a Raconteur gelding, who went through a couple of trials in March, making all in the latest of them. That was impressive enough to suggest that if he runs anything like it in this modest contest, he could win. Fellow first-timer (6) RISING SOCKS trialled well too and should be in the hunt although the biggest danger is likely to be (3) TIAGO TOUCH. While indifferent on debut over 1200M in December, he returned at the end of February to run a much improved 2nd at this trip and must be taken seriously here. He’s certainly the best of those with prior race experience although (1) SEUNGNI LIKE and (8) DAEJI GONGJU may improve.

Selections (2) Nae Girui Bit (3) Tiago Touch (6) Rising Socks (1) Seungni Like
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 10

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

(6) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG has been close in each of his latest four with two 3rds and two 4ths, all of them at this distance. He’s drawn well to get on speed early here and can win. Luigi Riccardi’s (9) DUAL CHOEGANG enters in promising form too. He beat a couple of these on his way to a useful 4th last time out and can get closer here. One of those two in that race three weeks ago was (1) CHOWON YEOJEONSA back in 5th. Just like Dual Choegang, she remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but has enough about her to beat plenty here. She’s not a fast starter but can pick off horses late on. (2) RAON PRO SENSE and (7) WHITE PUNCH are others to take into account.

Selections (6) Naega Kkeutpanwang (9) Dual Choegang (1) Chowon Yeojeonsa (7) White Punch
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Start 2, 6, 10, 122

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

(1) BEST CHAPEL secured her maiden win at the third time of asking with a front-running performance at this distance on March 3rd. She’s up in class today but has little to fear and can make it two in a row in this all filly/mare contest. (6) SEOUL STORY and (9) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE join her up in class following maiden wins of their own and while the pair of them perhaps have a little more to find, both can be competitive. Of those with prior experience at this level, (4) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN is the biggest danger. She was a decent 5th last time at this distance and is likely to join Best Chapel in competing for the early lead. She has every chance. (10) LEAD UP also comes in with encouraging recent form and is another one with good gate speed.

Selections (1) Best Chapel (4) Kwaehan Yebongsan (6) Seoul Story (9) Neungryeok Sidae
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 6, 10

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

(10) SUPER FLY returned from a nine-month layoff to run a good 3rd over class and distance on March 10th, beating a couple of these in the process. He should have come on for that run and if he has, he’s take some beating. (9) THE FINAL finds herself up in class after beginning her career with three consecutive 3rd place finishes. While the level may be different, the strength of the opposition is nothing to fear and she can be competitive. (5) SPECIAL LIGHT ran 5th behind Super Fly last time and while he has plenty to make up on the favourite, he should be beating plenty of the others. (11) HAETSAL WANGJA and (12) JAJINMORI both enter off encouraging latest runs and can come into consideration.

Selections (10) Super Fly (5) Special Light (9) The Final (11) Haetsal Wangja
Next Best 12, 1
Fast Start 8, 10, 12

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

Jimmy Creed colt (4) SPEED JOY was a very encouraging 2nd on debut at 1000M back in January running on nicely. He’s had plenty of time off since and should appreciate the additional distance that he has to play with here. (9) GEUMA FALCON gave out similarly positive signs on his first start last month and looks to have an excellent chance of (more…)

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

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Small field of three-year-old maidens but several have chances. (1) HALLA DAERO has shown progress in two starts so far. He led until the just over a furlong out last time before weakening and could well get a very soft lead once more today. (5) L CAR will be expected to do much better today than on his debut five weeks ago. That day he began badly and raced ungenerously to the extent he was ordered back to trial. He performed very well in that subsequent trial, putting in a fast time. (9) SO ARA DAEWANG wan a creditable enough 6th of 12 on debut a month ago and can build on it here. (4) GANGHO GAECHEOK similarly showed enough on his first try to suggest he has some ability.

Selections (1) Halla Daero (5) L Car (9) So Ara Daewang (4) Gangho Gaecheok
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 1

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

Maiden fillies only and it’s fair to say none of the eight will be expected in the Korean Oaks later this year. We’ll go with (7) HYEONGMA PUBU on the simple grounds that having run just the once, she’s done the least amount wrong. She actually ran reasonably well in a respectable time over the distance on March 11th and if she has come on at all, should beat most of these (3) YONGUI JUDO steps back in trip following some reasonable efforts at 1300M and should get close. (8) CHEONGDAM QUEENS was an encouraging 5th on debut all the way back last September and while she hasn’t come close to matching it in just three starts since, she does have the advantage of being quick out of the gates and should get the lead here. She’ll be challenged early by (5) SEOUL STAR who looks best of the rest along with (6) CHUKJE MAKIT.

Selections (7) Hyeongma Pubu (8) Cheongdam Queens (3) Yongui Judo (5) Seoul Star
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 5, 8

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

The second division of the maiden fillies and it’s not much stronger than the first. It does involve one or two who have experience of finishing in the money though. Top choice is (1) SOKBO ONGJU, 3rd over 1300M on March 18th having led for part of race. Back in distance today, she’ll look to lead early again and won’t need to hold on for so long this time. (3) STAR SOCKS also has a 3rd to her name, achieved on debut on Christmas Eve. She followed it up with a 4th and while she was pretty poor last time, well back behind (8) CHAPEL QUEEN, she’s worth another chance today. Chapel Queen has actually raced once since then, just two weeks ago, but it was at 1200M and she never got involved. She too can get another chance back in trip here. (5) MJ JILJU improved slightly on her second career start last month and she can continue her upward trajectory today, likely looking to challenge Sokbo Ongju and Star Socks on the early speed.  (7) KAILLUM YEOJE is the sole debut-maker. She did nothing wrong in a March trial and has a top jockey on so watch the market with her.

Selections (1) Sokbo Ongju (5) MJ Jilju (7) Kaillum Yeoje (3) Star Socks
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The maidens keep coming thick and fast (although speed is perhaps something not in plentiful supply). (2) CHOIN DAEBO will be favourite and should win having run a good 3rd on debut despite not starting especially well. He’ll be close to the early pace here and the extra furlong should suit. The main dangers look like being a pair of first-time starters. Both (4) PALPAL VICTORY and (8) BURUI GORI trialled up nicely in March, (more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 8)

It’s KRA Cup Mile Day! However, there is also the matter of an eleven-race card at Seoul to get stuck into. The first race is at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Cup Mile Preview will be in a separate post above:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(8) DORAON ACHIM HAE was 2nd to a good winner last start on March 11th and should have too much for this field of three-year-old maidens. He should get to the lead early and will be hard to beat. (5) ROYAL PRINCE was 4th in that same race and probably has the best chance of getting close to the favourite along with two others who come in off the back of 4th place finishes last time, (6) DAE UNHA and (7) FINE HEART, both of whom were racing for just the second time. (1) JUMBO CAPTAIN also ran in that March 11th race and didn’t go well but he has shown ability before, landing a 2nd place finish at the distance in February and could improve today.

Selections (8) Doraon Achim Hae (5) Royal Prince (6) Dae Unha (7) Fine Heart
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 1, 8

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

(8) MIR PARK has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at the distance on March 3rd. She came from well back that day and if given a slightly better chance this time, she can win this all-filly maiden. Also improving is (11) VALLEY MOON. She is still yet to win after fifteen starts but has been getting closer and comes in following a career-best 2nd at the distance on March 10th, beating a couple of these in the process and she can get close again. (1) GOLDEN WEDDING and (3) ARGO UNIQUE also enter in reasonably promising form although the latter was some way back behind Mir Park last time, while (4) SPECIAL GOLD steps up in trip for the first time following a good 4th at 1000M last time.

Selections (8) Mir Park (11) Valley Moon (1) Golden Wedding (4) Special Gold
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 3, 8, 10, 12

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

(7) KING EXPLOIT may still be a maiden, but he was only narrowly beaten in a fast race at class and distance on March 10th and with a similar performance could take some beating this time. He’ll sit close to the early lead and should be too strong late on. Plenty of others in the hunt though. (6) CALLING KING and (3) SEUNGRI NARAE came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance last month and both can get close again. (2) BULSA BULPAE interestingly steps back in trip following some good efforts at 1700M, including her maiden win, and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) ARES THUNDER is up in class as a result of an all the way win at this trip last time. He’ll likely try to lead again and should be a factor.

Selections (7) King Exploit (3) Seungri Narae (2) Bulsa Bulpae (4) Ares Thunder
Next Best 6, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 7, 4

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

(2) OK DEURIM was a surprise winner at this distance last time and is accordingly up in class today. There really isn’t much to fear here, however, and she has every chance of making it two in a row. (6) JEJUI BARAM hasn’t found things easy in two starts at this level since her maiden win in January but could be worth another chance today with the services of David Breux for the first time. It’s slim pickings among the rest so we really are looking for something to improve. (1) LUCKY MISS hasn’t gone well in two starts at this level but comes in off two months off and could be capable of reproducing the form she showed on debut last October. (3) NEW WORLD STAR and (5) DAESEONG RUBY are other possibles.

Selections (2) Ok Deurim (6) Jejui Baram (1) Lucky Miss (5) Daeseong Ruby
Next Best 3, 10, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 6

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

(1) SUPER SOCKS made all to win at the distance on debut in January before trying to repeat the trick when stepped up to 1300M for his first reappearance a month ago. He (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 7)

Cup Mile Eve sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.  And the start of the Seoul Racecourse Cherry Blossom Festival! Here are the previews:

cherry blossom

It’s cherry blossom season in Seoul…

 

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

We’ll go with experience here and (4) BODEURAM has the most of it. A much-improved 2nd on what was her fourth start on March 10th was good enough to suggest that she has a win in her sooner or later and it could well come here. (8) CHILJONG CHILGEUM similarly improved last time, also coming home 2nd at this distance and he looks to be the main threat although (3) ROMAN BLADE can improve on a decent enough 6th on debut when she just weakened a little late on. (7) CHEONGDAM JEPAE has also shown glimpses of ability across two efforts so far while (5) ARGO ROCKET looks pick of the debut-makers.

Selections (4) Bodeuram (8) Chiljong Chilgeum (3) Roman Blade (5) Argo Rocket
Next Best 7
Fast Start 3, 7

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

Another set of three-year-old maidens although this is the weaker of the two divisions. (2) NAMYEOGUI HANEUL may only have finished 7th of 12 on debut a month ago but showed a decent turn of foot and can have come on for it. We’ll make her the marginal pick here. (7) ULTRA MISSILE showed improvement on his second start at the end of February and can continue to make progress today. Of the others who have race before, (1) GWACHEON HERO and (5) UDDUGI perhaps have the best chance of improving while among the two first-timers, (8) SOL PARANG is the pick.

Selections (2) Namyeogui Haneul (8) Sol Parang (7) Ultra Missile (1) Gwacheon Hero
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 7

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

Another maiden but this time it’s age open. (9) BEST BULLET was a decent enough 3rd in a slightly stronger contest than this four weeks ago at the distance and is favoured to make the breakthrough here. He’ll be on the early speed along with (6) SEUNGNI PLUS, who hasn’t been too far away in his latest appearances and can be involved in the business end of the race. (3) BAEKDU POWER beat a couple of these home when finishing 2nd in an admittedly weak contest over 1700M last month and should beat plenty again. (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 1)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews (Busan selections at bottom):

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Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) RAON SIRIUS looked to be making all over 1200M on February 25th, only to be comfortably overhauled by a good favourite and ending up in 2nd. Johan Victoire rode the winner that day and this time he can guide Raon Sirius to the front once more and potentially all the way. (6) GONG SAN was a promising enough 6th of 11 over this distance on debut a month ago and can come on for that here. Antonio Da Silva had a good March and he can get April off to a positive start on (2) KHENDUM POWER, who drops back in trip following a couple of decent efforts around 1700M while (9) BIG AURORA, who tries this trip for the first time, and (12) MIDAS CHIEF, who is one start into a comeback following nine months out, are others to consider.

Selections (3) Raon Sirius (6) Gong San (2) Khendum Power (12) Midas Chief
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After exceeding expectations with 3rd place on debut, (4) HANYANG GONGJU came up short when favourite on reappearance at 1300M on March 3rd. However, her 2nd place that day warrants another chance and she really should be getting it right this time. She’ll be strong favourite ahead of (5) O.K. DAY and (6) GARA GARA GA, both of whom have shown promise across two start each so far with the latter slightly favoured at this point. (3) LEADER’S CAMP didn’t disgrace herself when finishing 6th of 12 on debut at the end of February and may benefit from an additional furlong today while (11) GOLD STREET was an improved 4th when tried at further than the minimum for the first time on March 4th and can match or better that here.

Selections (4) Hanyang Gongju (3) Leader’s Camp (6) Gara Gara Ga (5) O.K. Day
Next Best 11, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) HAMBAK MISO was sent off as the odds-on favourite on debut on March 3rd and duly obliged, winning comfortably over 1000M. He is up in class and distance today and should be competitive. He won’t be favourite, however, because (5) DOKDO JIGI returns for the first time since Christmas Eve. Dokdo Jigi was a fast winner on debut over 1000M before running 2nd to the very good Gaon Champ on reappearance in November. He was 5th of 8 in a very strong juvenile race on Christmas Eve before being diagnosed with a fetlock joint disease. Back now, if he is anything like he was before, he should win. (3) ROYAL BOKSUNI enters having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two and can be close again. (4) MONEY ZIF is up in class following a good win over 1300M a month ago and should figure at some point while (9) STRONG MAN has also shown ability at this class and should get close.

Selections (5) Dokdo Jigi (6) Hambak Miso (9) Strong Man (3) Royal Boksuni
Next Best 4, 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 5

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

(2) THE QUEEN GRACE was a touch disappointing running 6th of 12 when second-favourite over the distance on February 25th. That wasn’t a bad race though and she already has a 2d place to her name at class and distance and can go one better here. Speaking of 2nd place finishes, that’s fast becoming (3) CHEONJI BOBAE’s specialty, (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 31)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Maiden race in which four of the twelve are racing for the very first time and among them, there are a couple with the potential to win first-up. Both (2) MAGIC ROAD and (12) MYEONGJIN MAN looked very competent in trials. Magic Road is out of a dam who won seven of her fourteen races in Korea while Myeongjin Man is a Drosselmeyer colt who was imported in-utero. We are, however, going to come down on the side of racecourse experience and (11) HIN BYEOL ran on very nicely for 3rd on debut at the end of February and can come out on top today. The debut-makers look to be the main danger while (3) BROWN ROSE debuted in a stiffer contest than this and should improve for it. (9) SURFING POINT was bad on debut three weeks ago but trialled up well before that and can improve today.

Selections (11) Hin Byeol (12) Myeongjin Man (2) Magic Road (9) Surfing Point
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 8

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Hansen filly (11) GEOSEN MAPUNG got promoted to this level without a win but acquitted herself very nicely when finishing 3rd on February 25th at this distance with (5) GUREUM SONJITHAE some way back in 7th. She overcame gate 12 that day and can do similar again today. (4) CREMOA POWER is up in class following victory over 1300M all the way back in January. He’s had twelve weeks off since then and drops back to in trip but should be a threat. (7) DALDARI enters following 2nd and 3rd places in her two starts so far this year and may be considered while (12) HANIL MAGIC steps back in trip following two reasonably encouraging efforts at 1300M and can be in the placing frame.

Selections (11) Geosen Mapung (7) Daldari (4) Cremoa Power (12) Hanil Magic
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 11

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

Last weekend was a good one for David Breux and the French jockey can keep his winning form going here by riding (3) FLYING JOY to victory. The colt has been 3rd in each of his latest two and should be on the early speed here. (9) HADALRAE was an encouraging 4th on debut on March 3rd, making up a lot of ground in the closing stages. That was at 1000M and the step up in trip today should suit. (5) MORAN DONGBEAK has (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 25)

Silver Wolf headlines Seoul’s feature while Today, Doraonpogyeongseon and Perdido Pomeroy face off at Busan on a big Sunday of racing in Korea. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Silver Wolf Donga

Last year’ Champion Filly/Mare Silver Wolf won February’s Donga Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) JUNGLE BEAT ran very nicely for 2nd place on debut three weeks ago and Simon Foster’s filly looks hard to beat in this maiden for three-year-olds. She can set up camp just behind the early lead and if she runs like she did first-up, should be too strong late on. (9) HANSEN VOLT has shown some ability across two starts so far and should be looking to at least match the 3rd place he scored on his second outing a month ago. He’s another who perhaps won’t be the quickest out of the gate but can finish well. (12) FRENCH STAR looked competent enough on debut running 6th of 12 behind Hansen Volt and can improve today. (10) SANTOS and the solitary first-timer, (11) STAR LIST look to be others to follow.

Selections (2) Jungle Beat (9) Hansen Volt (12) French Star (10) Santos
Next Best 11, 4, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens again, this time with two debut-makers and both look to be in with a decent chance first-up. (7) MENI BLADE won a trial back in January ahead of (9) TAEWANG SINHWA, who went on to race encouragingly first-up. She should be on the early speed here and should be a threat. The other first-timer is (10) SMARTY BLUE, who showed at the front in his trial and ran on well enough to suggest he has a chance too. If racecourse experience is preferred, then (6) HAENGBOK STAR looks to be the pick. He was 4th on debut at 1000M a month ago but the margins were not huge, and he ran on nicely suggesting that the extra furlong today will be in his favour. (2) MERLIN and (8) ADELE JEONGSANG are others who may improve.

Selections (6) Haengbok Star (7) Meni Blade (10) Smarty Blue (8) Adele Jeongsang
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 10

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

It’s about time (8) MIGHTY COOL won a race. She’s zero for thirteen but recent performances suggest she has one in her and it could well be today. She was a decent 3rd last time in what was by no means a good race, but it was stronger than this and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can finally get off the mark. (5) RUN AWAY was behind Mighty Cool that day and she too remains a maiden. She is inconsistent but, in this company, should be looking to at least place. (9) GANADORA looks the greater threat though. She’s only raced four times so far and has shown promise with a 2nd and 3rd place at 1300M and 1700M respectively in her latest two. She’s likely to be on the early speed here and can go very close. (7) SEOUL STAR and (11) MAJJABEUN SON are others in at least the hunt for places.

Selections (8) Mighty Cool (9) Ganadora (5) Run Away (11) Majjabeun Son
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 7, 9, 12

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

(2) WONDERFUL JACKPOT was 3rd in both the Gyeonggi Govenor’s and Gwacheon Mayor’s Cups last autumn, Seoul’s top two juvenile races, before trying his luck in the Breeders’ Cup, the nation’s biggest race for two-year-olds, in December. That latter effort didn’t go well, and he’s not raced since but returns here with an excellent chance of making his way back to the winner’s circle. This is the distance at which he got his only win to date and he can settle behind the early speed and come through in the latter part (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Clean Up Joy/Triple Nine – Race-By-Race Preview (March 18)

The big names are out on Sunday with Clean Up Joy and Triple Nine headlining feature handicaps at Seoul and Busan respectively. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the Seoul previews with Busan selections below:

Clean Up Joy GP

Clean Up Joy won the 2016 Grand Prix Stakes and should return to the winner’s circle at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off. (9) J.S. STORM was favourite for his latest start on February 10th but ended up in 4th place. However, he’s never finished worse than 5th in his five starts to date and has a good chance of getting it right today. He should be on the early speed. (2) STAR SOCKS has shown promise in her two efforts so far, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and she should be in the frame again. (3) ARGO GALLOPER improved   into 3rd on what was his fifth outing on February 3rd and looks as though he is finally figuring things out. (8) CHEONGANG SEONG debuted all the way back in July of last year running a very encouraging 3rd. Injuries affected him afterwards though and he’s not been seen since. He returned to training at the beginning of this year and trialled up well back at the end of January and could be interesting first-up today. (1) TAMNA YEOSIN, stepped back to the minimum today, looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) J.S. Storm (8) Cheongang Seong (2) Star Socks (3) Argo Galloper
Next Best 1, 10
Fast Start 1, 8, 9, 10

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

Another set of three-year-olds. (10) JANGSAN WILD was favourite on debut on February 3rd following a couple of very promising trial showings. He ran well although never looked like catching the winner and of he has come on a bit for that run, he should be hard to beat today. (2) HALLA DAERO and (9) QUEEN FORCE ONE also put in creditable, if slightly less impressive debuts, both running 5th of 12 in their respective races and both have something to build on here. (4) SAE DIXIE and (6) SPECIAL WINNER are the only two in the race to have raced more than once. Both have a good result in their form too – a 2nd for Sae Dixie last October and 3rd for Special Winner in January – and both should be in the hunt to match that here. There are two debut-makers but neither (5) EUNICE nor (8) WHO ARE YOU caught the eye in trials.

Selections (10) Jangsan Wild (9) Queen Force One (2) Halla Daero (4) Sae Dixie
Next Best 11, 6
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 11

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

Maiden fillies only here and it’s not strong but it is competitive. (2) DANCING BLADE took a long time to get going on debut on February 3rd but once she did, she began to pass a few and given the extra furlong and a half today, that may be enough to have her as top pick here. (3) HUIMANG STAR and (6) GEUMBIT HWANHYANG have both hinted at some ability across their races so far, both having a 4th place at this distance as their best. Neither are quick starters and in their respective latest outings, they both left themselves too much to do but should be looking to go much better here. (1) CHAMP STORM also has a 4th to his name at the distance while (4) ORANGE SOCKS steps back up to this trip and may improve today. The wildcard is (5) BOEUNUI KKUM, another who has started slowly in races so far but today, for the first time, gets the chance to run at further than the minimum distance.

Selections (2) Dancing Blade (3) Huimang Star (5) Boeunni Kkum (6) Geumbit Hwanhyang
Next Best 1, 9
Fast Start 4, 8, 9

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

(3) JI SEONI was a bit of a disappointment when favourite at class and distance last time, getting herself into a good position in the straight but not kicking on and ending up in 4th. She’s had a couple of months off since then and has every chance of putting things right today. She should lead from the gate. (11) JAELONGI remains a maiden but has three 2nd places and two 3rds to his name now with two of those 2nd places being at this class and distance including last time and he looks the most likely candidate to beat the favourite. (1) SHANGHAI PANGPANG remains a maiden after twenty-six starts but drops back in trip from 1700M and this is the kind of race in which she can challenge for the places while (9) PERFECT LOVER has similarly been around the block a few times and while it’s been a long time since he finished better than 5th, he could get a bit closer today. (7) I B S MAN looks to be getting to grips with this class and steps up to this distance for the first time.

Selections (3) Ji Seoni (11) Jaelongi (7) I B S Man (9) Perfect Lover
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 1, 3, 11

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

A good winner at 1300M in December, (10) LEONNING STROM was 3rd behind (12) BOLD SHINING on reappearance in January. He returns after two months off today dropped back to the minimum distance at which he was 2nd on debut and with strong claims to return to the winner’s circle. Bold Shining can be a threat too although he has raced once that day without distinction and perhaps has more to find. (9) LUCKY ROOKIE has a win and 2nd from two efforts to date, both at this distance and looks to be the main danger although the front-running performances to date of (8) SUN BOLT put him in the frame too. Besides Bold Shining, (1) JEONGSANG MUJEOK is another who can get close. She is without a win in three attempts to date but has performed well in all three and led for much of her last start until succumbing for 2nd in the closing stages.

Selections (10) Leonning Strom (9) Lucky Rookie (8) Sun Bolt (1) Jeongsang Mujeok
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 1, 6, 8

Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Aussie trainer Simon Foster saddled his first Korean winner last Sunday with a longshot, but he’ll have a far more fancied one here. Aussie import (4) LOVELY HELMET is a first-timer starter but put in an eye-catching trial two weeks ago. If she brings that kind of form to the track in the afternoon, she has every chance of making a winning debut. The other twelve half all raced at least once before and among them, (6) JANGSAN BEARS, 4th in all three of his starts so far, looks the most appealing in terms of making a breakthrough. The competition doesn’t look as stiff today as it was in any of those and he’ll be a danger, likely from the front. More experienced is (10) DALLYEORA LEO and her recent form reads well, again in marginally tougher company than today and she can get close too. (7) BADA CHIEF raced three times last Summer before enduring a lengthy layoff. He returned to action with an encouraging 4th of 10 at 1000M five weeks ago and can build on that here. (2) ONE GATE ran on nicely on debut at the end of January over 1000M and may appreciate a bit more distance today.

Selections (4) Lovely Helmet (6) Jangsan Bears (10) Dallyeora Leo (7) Bada Chief
Next Best 2, 8, 9
Fast Start 3, 6, 9, 12

Race 7: Class 3 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

A winner of four from five so far, including his latest two, (8) GEUMAK YEOJE steps up in class and in distance. He wasn’t especially well-fancied last start but did win over 1200M at class 5 last Summer (he was off for five months later in the year) and while this is his toughest test to date, he could well come through it. The main danger is (1) FACT HEAVENS and she will probably start as favourite. While she was beaten by both (4) GOLD HORAH and (6) CHEONGSANGUI BYEOL last October, she has bounced back very well, finishing 3rd in both her subsequent starts in tougher company than this. Given the draw and today’s small field, she can be expected to be on the early pace and can win. While Cheongsangui Byeol has gone cold since that October race, Gold Horah has pushed on nicely and should be in the frame while (2) SHARK RUN, who has had a bit of a stop-start career so far, also looks nicely in with scope for improvement.

Selections (1) Fact Heavens (8) Geumak Yeoje (4) Gold Horah (2) Shark Run
Next Best 5, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) GEOM HAENG stepped up to this trip after getting his maiden win at 1300M in January. He did well at it too, just missing out on 3rd by a neck in a similar strength race to this. He can have come on for the experience and could be the one to beat here. Aussie import (4) JINGYEOGUI TYRANNO has also taken very well to this distance, registering 2nd place in both attempts at it so far. The Uncle Mo Colt has led in both those until the closing stages and returning from a twelve-week layoff, could stay on all the way this time. (2) FANTASTIC COMBI stayed on well on his first try at the distance a month ago; he just left it far too late. Likely ridden further forward earlier today, he’ll get closer. (3) SEOUL TANK pulled off an all-the-way win at the distance in January. He couldn’t get to the front from a wide draw on his return last month but from gate 3, will be sure to try and pull off the same trick here. (5) JISANGMYEONGRYEONG, behind Seoul Tank the day he gave them all the slip, looks best of the rest.

Selections (11) Geom Haeng (4) Jingyeogui Tyranno (2) Fantastic Combi (3) Seoul Tank
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 3, 4, 10

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

Hard to look past (7) CLEAN UP TEUKGEUP here. A winner of two from five, he’s comfortably beaten three of these in his latest two races, both at this distance, and he should win easily today, most probably making all. (1) MONSTER QUEEN was 3rd behind Clean Up Teukgeup last time and has four lengths to make up today but looks to have a good chance of the places again while (6) ROCKET ROAD steps all the way up to this trip for the first time after a couple of good showings at 1000M in his latest two and could be interesting. (2) NEW WHY FI returns to action for the first time in over six months. He departed the scene a winner at the distance last August so has to be taken seriously and performed competently in his requalifying trial. (4) CHEONJI GONGSA, behind Clean Up Teukgeup and Monster Queen last time, could challenge for minor money.

Selections (7) Clean Up Teukgeup (1) Monster Queen (6) Rocket Road (2) New Why Fi
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 2, 7, 9

Race 10: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 150 Million

(7) CLEAN UP JOY should return to winning ways here. The 2016 Grand Prix winner hasn’t actually won a race since last May although he has, as ever, only been lightly campaigned since. On his one start of 2018 so far, he ran 2nd to Cheongdam Dokki at this distance after things were set up for him to mount a late challenge by stable-mate Shamrocker, but he shouldn’t need any assistance here. He puts all the others out of the handicap so he’s giving 8kgs to them all, but it shouldn’t matter. (6) HEUNGRYONG looks next best, having been consistently good at both sprint and distance races recently and he tries 2000M for the first time. (5) CHEONMA and (4) CHEONJEOK best of the rest although they really ought to be battling over 2nd place.

Selections (7) Clean Up Joy (6) Heungryong (5) Cheonma (4) Cheonjeok
Next Best 3
Fast Start 1, 6

Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(3) HWANGGEUM SORI beat four of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance behind Winner Gold on February 10th. That was his second consecutive 2nd place having finished runner-up somewhat unexpectedly to (10) BLUSHING VOW in January. A fast finisher, Hwanggeum Sori can settle behind the early lead and could be too strong late on. (6) KOREA JEONGSANG was 3rd behind Hwanggeum Sori in that race a month ago and can get close today too. (11) JEONSEUNG DAESE steps back in trip following a really good 3rd place at 1800M last time suggesting he may be coming back into form while (12) PENACOVA similarly steps back to a sprint distance which he finished 3rd at last time he attempted it. (8) HOWIMUSA absolutely blitzed a trial two weeks ago, completing the five furlongs in an almost unheard of (and generally unnecessary) for the morning one-minute flat. This is his first race for exactly fifty-one weeks although he did trial sporadically in the latter half of last year. It should be an interesting first race back and we’ll make him the wildcard.

Selections (3) Hwanggeum Sori (6) Korea Jeongsang (8) Howimusa (11) Jeonseung Daese
Next Best 12, 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 5, 9, 11

Busan Selections

Race 1: 7, 2, 3, 5
Race 2: 2, 1, 8, 4
Race 3: 9, 10, 5, 3
Race 4: 3, 4, 8, 9
Race 5: 11, 8, 2, 10
Race 6: 2, 1, 4, 9

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 17)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00:

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

(7) POWER KOREA races for the first time since January when he registered a 2nd place over 1000M in his best finish from eleven starts to date and today could be his day, most likely ridden from the front. The two main dangers are both returning from lengthy absences. (1) BLUE ANNA ran twice last summer with a best finish of 2nd before her setback. She trialled well at the start of this month and can be taken seriously here. (10) MISS MOUNTAIN got to race just the once all the way back at the beginning of March of last year before suffering a chip fracture. She did well in that one appearance, showing on pace and finishing 2nd. She requalified last November but had further setbacks and finally returns today. Both the returnees are in with a shout in this modest contest. (9) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE can build on a competent enough debut a month ago while (11) RAON PRO SENSE has hinted at ability across five starts to date and can improve here.

Selections (7) Power Korea (10) Miss Mountain (1) Blue Anna (9) Neungryeok Sidae
Next Best 11, 3
Fast Start 1, 7, 8, 11

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

(8) EAST KINGDOM began his career well with a 3rd and a 2nd at the tail-end of last year and while he was underwhelming on his 2018 debut, only beating a couple home at this distance back in January, he comes in here fresh after eight weeks out and can return to form. (6) SEUNGRI PLUS hasn’t been too far away in four outings so far and can continue that record here, most likely leading from the gate. (5) BAEKDUI TAEYANG should be on speed too. He was beaten by East Kingdom on what was both their debuts back in October but has since registered a 4th place at the distance and can come under consideration. (4) MAIN EVENT has shown little so far but his stable is in good form and an upturn is possible while (9) ADELEUI KKUM’s 3rd place last start may have been slow and a long way behind a good winner but was certainly an improvement and can be built on here.

Selections (8) East Kingdom (6) Seungri Plus (5) Baekdui Taeyang (9) Adeleui Kkum
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 5, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here and while even for the level it’s not a strong race, it is competitive. We’re going to give another chance to (3) AMENDA. Following her maiden win in December she began the year with a solid 2nd place at class and distance before disappointing when odds-on favourite last month. She sweated up that day and began poorly which ruined her race. She’s not a very bold sort but if Park Tae Jong can get her in the right position early, she can beat these. (10) AMARONE did ok on her first attempt at this level a month ago, finishing 5th but not too far off 3rd. Her maiden win also came at this distance and she should be in the frame here too. (9) GEUMA THUNDER had such a torrid time last start she was sent back to trial for being so slow. She was anything but slow when romping the resulting trial and comes into contention here on what will be her first try at this distance. Continuing the theme of poor latest showings, (2) BULHUUI SEUNGJA finished well back but in her defence, it was a much tougher race than this and she should improve today. The time before she ran 2nd at class and distance beating (8) STAR PERFECT who was 3rd. The latter has run three times since then with mixed results, the (more…)

Seoul Owners’ Trophy Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

#UPDATE – Final Boss is a non-runner in the Owners’ Cup – Lame in left-foreleg.

Final Boss produced a late surge in a dramatic finale to January’s Segye Ilbo Cup and the 2017 Korean Derby winner can see off the same rivals once more in Korea’s first Group race of 2018, The Owners’ Association Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (Seoul: 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 and Busan: 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05).

FInal Boss Segye

There was a dramatic finish to the Segye Ilbo Cup in January. The same horses return for Sunday’s Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Segye Ilbo Cup – January 28, 2018: https://youtu.be/Xr5dN9un_TE

In total, seven of the thirteen who lined up for the Segye Ilbo Cup on January 28th, take their chances again in the Group 3 Owners’ Cup including the top five place-getters that day and they will be favoured to battle it out for top honours once more. 2017 winner Always Winner, who pulled off a Segye/Owners’ double a year ago, set out in front that day and for a time looked like he was going to repeat his feat of leading gate-to-wire.

That was until a frenetic final furlong which saw City Star, Cheonji Storm and ultimately Final Boss close at speed to sweep past, with Final Boss winning by a neck under Moon Se Young. Final Boss was Champion Juvenile in 2016 but had an up and down three-year-old campaign in which his Derby win was sandwiched between disappointing showings in both the first and final legs of the Triple Crown. His talent was not in doubt, but his maturity was but solid performances in the back-end of last season started to allay those doubts.

If the grown-up Final Boss shows up on Sunday, another big race win – and potentially another big year – awaits.

The Owners’ Association Trophy is race 9 on an 11-race Sunday card at Seoul. Here are full previews of each race (Busan selections follow at the bottom):

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

Exactly half the field are first time starters here but it’s to the ones with at least some experience we turn to find out top picks. With a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, (3) CAMP TOUCH will be strongly favoured to score here on what is her fourth career outing. On her way to that 3rd last time on February 10th, she beat three of the others who go here and should take some beating. (7) WAIT AND SEE was 4th in that race, quite a way back but not without promise on what was his debut and he can build on that today. Among the others who have raced before, (12) RAON ZEUS was also a promising 4th in January and is likely to start as second favourite here. Of the first-timers, (5) TWO M OKAY and (9) SURFING POINT looked the best in trials and may be worth a look first-up.

Selections (3) Camp Touch (12) Raon Zeus (7) Wait And See (9) Surfing Point
Next Best 5, 10
Fast Start 3, 6, 7, 12

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A winner on debut in early January, (2) JEJUI BARAM followed up with a slightly disappointing but in no way poor 5th place over the same distance on his first try at this level two weeks ago. He was on pace that day and will likely be again and this time shouldn’t get caught. Despite still being a maiden, (3) ILGAKSU finds himself up in class following back to back 2nd places both at this distance. He’s a front-runner too and has every chance of being competitive at this level. (7) BOLD NINER hasn’t been too far away in his latest two and could play a role here while (1) RUBY BEOLKIN and (6) CHAPEL ACE are others who should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections (2) Jejui Baram (7) Bold Niner (3) Ilgaksu (1) Ruby Beolkin
Next Best 6, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 10

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

We’ve had relatively obvious picks in the first two races, but this looks a little trickier. (1) JUMBO CAPTAIN was a much improved 2nd when tried at this distance for the first time a month ago and can build on that today while (8) ROYAL PRINCE too took the trip well on what was just his second start a day later. Both can build on those performances here. (12) DORAON ACHIM HAE and (7) JUMEOK DOKKI came home in 4th and 5th in a decent contest at the distance on February 10th and they too should be involved today. Jumeok (more…)