Seoul

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):

RH7_2659

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…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 10)

Eleven Saturday races at Seoul with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Moon Se Young is back from suspension! Here are the previews:

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

Just fillies to begin with and it isn’t a very strong race, even for class 6. (2) CITY ANGEL is favoured to make the breakthrough on what will be her sixth start. Her best performance to date came at this distance and was superior to anything any of the rest have achieved. Her latest two have been encouraging and she should lead all the way. Encouraging too last time was (11) ENJOY MY SHOW, who improved to a decent 2nd. It was a slow race on an admittedly slow track, but she had shown signs of getting better leading up to it and Moon Se Young rides for the first time today. She’s clear second-favourite. (12) JOEUN NADEURI has a 3rd place to her name back in December – actually beating Enjoy My Show in the process – so she can’t be completely ruled out wither. As for the rest, we’re scraping around a little with possibly (3) MJ JILJU and (10) NEW FAMILY having the most potential to improve.

Selections (2) City Angel (11) Enjoy My Show (12) Joeun Nadeuri (3) MJ Jilju
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 11

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

The second heat of the all-fillies contest isn’t really any stronger than the first but is perhaps a touch trickier. We’ll go with (6) BODEURAM, who didn’t go well at all when stepped up to 1300M a month ago but had previously shown a good but of promise at this distance and dropped back down today, she should go much better. (12) SEOUL STORY has hinted at ability with 3rd place at this trip back in January being her best to date. She has to overcome being drawn in the car-park but can get close. (10) FIORE is the only one among them to have previously recorded a 2nd place finish. That was all the way back in August at 1300M and she hasn’t raced at all since October. She trialled up two weeks ago in reasonably competent fashion and given the company, goes straight back into contention. (8) SINUITAB and (9) FLYING HERA are others who could come into play.

Selections (6) Bodeuram (12) Seoul Story (10) Fiore (8) Sinuitab
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 12

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

(1) ARES THUNDER and (9) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG came home 3rd and 4th respectively when racing each other over 1300M on February 10th. Naega Kkeutpanwang led that day and will likely look to do so again while Ares Thunder has a strong finish and they can be competing with each other for the top prize this time. (4) CHEONGDAM JEPAE was 4th of 12 on debut five weeks ago in a slow race at the minimum distance. It’s hard to judge how good or otherwise that performance was but it was encouraging enough to suggest she can push on here. (2) VALLEY MOON landed an improved 3rd – her best finish to date – at this distance last time and could repeat, while the less experienced (6) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI likewise was much better on what was just his second career start last time. That was all the way back in November though, so he comes in here off a sixteen-week layoff.

Selections (1) Ares Thunder (9) Naega Kkeutpanwang (4) Cheongdam Jepae (6) Hwanggeum Jumeoni
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 9

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

Four of the twelve are up in class for the very first time and they include (4) TRIPLE HAPPY, an eye-catching six-length winner on debut back in January. He is also up in distance and does return after nine-weeks off but he’s in with a chance. Returning from even longer out is (7) SUPER FLY. He’s shown plenty of potential in Spring and Summer of last year culminating in a victory at this distance and after returning to training, he made all to win a trial just before the Lunar New Year break. Up in class too, he goes straight into contention. They run into a couple with good experience of this level though. Quality Road filly (12) SUN PLAZA may still be a maiden after eight attempts but her latest run in January, when 3rd in a very solid contest at this distance, gives cause for optimism. (9) SPECIAL LIGHT got his second runner-up finish at this class a month ago, running on strongly late on and should also be a factor here. (5) WELLBEING JOY and (1) JEJUI HEUKSEON best of the rest in a very competitive looking race.

Selections (12) Sun Plaza (4) Triple Happy (9) Special Light (7) Super Fly
Next Best 1, 5, 8, 6
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 7

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

(1) MENI TURBO will likely start a prohibitive favourite and should really be winning this handicap for fillies and mares only. She was favourite in a very similar race last start and while she only managed 2nd, she did finish well clear of a couple of today’s rivals and should have too much this time. (7) BLACK WIND is up in class following a couple of very good showings at class 5 including a front-running win at this distance last time. (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

Choinma vs Gaon Champ at Seoul / Divide Wind vs Captain Force & Haeya vs Captain Blade at Busan

Sunday’s Sports Seoul Cup at Seoul Racecourse may have only attracted a field of eight-runners but it features two of the hottest three-year-olds at the track right now as Choinma and Gaon Champ meet over 1400M. Meanwhile at Busan, Divide Win faces stablemate Captain Force as well as Gimhae Mayor’s Cup winner Major Sun in another big three-year-old contest, the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup

Choinma

Choinma was Seoul’s best juvenile in 2017 but he didn’t have to race Gaon Champ (Pic: KRA)

Choinma was Seoul’s top juvenile of 2017 winning both the Gyeonggi Governor’s and Gwacheon Mayor’s Cups before running 2nd to Busan prospect Ecton Blade in the Breeders’ Cup in December.

Gaon Champ wasn’t involved in any of those races, however, the Ecton Park colt only debuted at the start of December and picked up two modest races before blowing away a strong field in a valuable juvenile race in December, two weeks after the Breeders’ Cup. He’s won his three starts to date by a combined margin of thirty-lengths. There have been concerns throughout about his soundness and he does race at 1400M for the first time, but he is reportedly fit and ready to go and will surely be hard to beat.

Choinma has raced once as a three-year-old already, surprisingly beaten into 2nd in his first try around two turns at 1700M in January but he is still very much in the hunt. Neither he nor Gaon Champ are front-runners so the early pace will most likely be set by Mask and Sinui Myeongryeong, both good prospects themselves, while Sharp Kaylan too looks a better horse than he was when beaten by Gaon Champ in December – since then he’s won two in a row by six and four-lengths respectively.

The Sports Seoul Cup is the highlight of an eleven-race Sunday program at Seoul while at Busan, The Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup headlines five races. Only Seoul is available on overseas simulcast so only full comments for Seoul but Busan Selections are at the bottom:

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

This one looks to be (11) ROAN DOLPUNG’s to lose. The Victoire Pisa gelding didn’t show much in his first two starts but has since followed up with consecutive 3rd place finishes both at this distance and at 1000M and should take some beating today. Despite being drawn wide, he should get on the early speed and lead all the way. The others have plenty to find. (3) BLACK SPIRIT and (7) SPEED YEONGUNG have both hinted at some potential talent, the latter beating a couple of these on his latest outing. (8) EOMJI YEOWANG showed signs of improvement when 5th last start and could maintain that momentum here. (2) FIRST THUNDER the best of a limited rest.

Selections (11) Raon Dolpung (8) Eomji Yeowang (7) Speed Yeongung (3) Black Spirit
Next Best 2, 12
Fast Start 5, 6, 10, 11

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

(2) DAE CAIN was considered promising enough by connections to be given a run in Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup, one of Seoul’s top juvenile races, las October. He was overmatched, only beating two home. He has since bounced back and his latest two starts, both at this distance and ending in 4th and 2nd placed finishes suggest a maiden win isn’t too far away and he’s the pick to score. (10) ONLY BARAM enters off back to back 3rd places and should be competitive again, while one of those he beat a couple of starts ago, (6) MIGHTY COOL, hasn’t been too far away in his recent tries and can be close again. (7) RUN AWAY was an improved 4th last time and enters the placing frame as does (12) SKY DOLPUNG, who can be given another chance after a lacklustre effort behind Dae Cain a month ago.

Selections (2) Dae Cain (10) Only Baram (6) Mighty Cool (7) Run Away
Next Best 12, 11, 4
Fast Start 1, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) GULCHARMNAMUSUP finished strongly to record a maiden win on debut on January 20th and while she is up in class today, she showed enough to suggest she is going to be very dangerous once more. (4) GANGCHONUI BYEOL used different tactics on her own debut two weeks later, leading from the gate, but the result was the same as she made all for a very comfortable win and she too steps up in class. At least one 100% record is going to be broken and it could go either way. We’ll come down marginally on the side of Gulcharmnamusup. Should both be beaten then it’s another up in class one, (7) SEONGBUL CHAMP, who could be best placed to take advantage. She has never been worse than 5th and was a really good winner last start at this distance. (1) HI EUREKA was a decent class and distance 4th last time while (8) SIMPLE RULES is better than the 8th place he registered on his first try at this class back in December and should be better dropped back in trip today.

Selections (2) Gulcharmnamusup (4) Gangchonui Byeol (7) Seongbul Champ (8) Simple Rules
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 7

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

(2) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG steps up in class today following a commanding four-length win over 1000M at the end of January. On his only previous try at this distance he led early only to fade to 5th late on but he should be better now and can stay on this time. The big danger is (7) HYEONMU. He couldn’t get on the early pace from a wide draw when well-backed last time but looks better positioned to do so today and is a proven performer at this class. (9) DICE KING must be respected entering as he does a class and distance winner a month ago. It wasn’t an especially strong race, but Dice King won (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 3)

Eleven Saturday races at Seoul with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Top jockey Moon Se Young is suspended this weekend so plenty of chances for the rest. Here are the previews:

moon-se-young

The Moon won’t be rising at Seoul this weekend

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

It has to be (2) BEST CHAPEL here. Her 2nd and 3rd across her two starts to date were not especially quick but were in excess of anything achieved by most of the others here and he should win this time. (3) BLESSING ROAD is the only one who has put in a similar performance with her much-improved 3rd place last time and she’s the clear next best. Beyond those we’re scratching around a little bit. (1) MIDAS CHIEF ran twice unimpressively last summer before being put away for nine months. He trialled up nicely enough alongside some experienced horses at the end of January and should be better this time around. (4) MERLIN debuted all the way back last July in reasonably creditable fashion but hasn’t been seen since. He trialled well enough too. (9) INDIAN ECO and (7) OPI RIVER perhaps the other two with the best chance of improving.

Selections (2) Best Chapel (3) Blessing Road (1) Midas Chief (4) Merlin
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 12

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

Just three-year-olds here and ten of the twelve are racing for the very first time. Of the two who have raced before, (1) GANGHWA CHONGGAK did ok, finishing 4th of 8 at this distance at the end of January. It’s to the debut-makers we turn to find our picks though. (4) HAMBAK MISO won his trial in good fashion and will probably be favourite given that he was the only one of these to finish on top in a heat but there are a few others who showed promise too. (12) CHOIN DAEBO trialled all the way back in November. He’s half-brother to a Korean Oaks winner as well (the 50/1 chance Euro Fighter back in 2010) and should go well first-up. (7) ROMAN BLADE is another well-bred one sporting the “Blade” name and colours of Kim Hyeong Ran and will be sure to be backed – she showed promise in a couple of trials at the end of last year but has taken a while to be ready to race. (11) HADALRAE is another who went well in the mornings.

Selections (4) Hambak Miso (12) Choin Daebo (7) Roman Blade (11) Hadalrae
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens again although this time there are only two first-time starters. One of those, (3) GONG SAN will be well supported having shown some ability in a trail just last week, finishing 2nd in a competitive time. We’ll certainly have her among the contenders here although not necessarily on top as one or two have hinted at talent in actual races too. (11) HANYANG GONGJU wasn’t fancied at all on debut at the end of January but ran very nicely, coming home in 3rd place at 1000M. She ran through the line well and the additional trip today may benefit. It certainly benefitted (1) CUPID STORM when he stepped up to 1300M last start and registered a much-improved 2nd. He can build on that today. (2) SPECIAL DREAM was sent up to 1700M early in his career but also looked far more comfortable back at this trip last time. (4) MONEY ZIF’s latest two haven’t been special but she has previously shown she knows what to do.

Selections (11) Hanyang Gongju (1) Cupid Storm (3) Gong San (4) Money Zif
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 4, 9, 10

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

Fillies only here. (12) DAECHEONUI SARANG was a narrowly beaten 3rd in a similar race at the distance on February 3rd beating four of these in the process. She doesn’t have the ideal draw today as she’ll want to be close to the early speed, but she can overcome it and pick up her maiden win. Among those who were behind her that day, (4) ARGO UNIQUE and (8) CHAMP STORM perhaps have the best chance of overturning that form – in fact, Daecheonui Sarang caused Champ Storm to have to be checked five furlongs out but she still recovered to finish well. (5) FOREVER WINNER steps up to run further than (more…)

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

A big day’s racing on Sunday at both Seoul and Busan. Seoul has 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 contests from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

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

(8) HAPPY MAUNTAIN ran 2nd on debut four weeks ago and while he was beaten a long way by a very handy winner, he showed enough to suggest he knows what he’s doing and he’s the pick to see off this field which is comprised six debut-makers and six who have just run once each. (9) HANSEN VOLT and (10) DONGBANG JIJU both also hinted at some kind of ability on their respective debuts and while neither were fast, they can improve here. Among the first-time starters, (12) FRENCH STAR looked the most convincing in trials. As ever with the debut-makers, watch the market.

Selections (8) Happy Mauntain (9) Hansen Volt (12) French Star (10) Dongbang Jiju
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 2, 10, 12

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

Fillies only here and (8) MORAN DONGBEAK finished well to pick off three of her rivals here when running 4th over 1000M on January 27th. She gets an overdue bump up in trip here for the first time and it could well pay dividends. (2) CHOM NIA has raced at this distance before and while it didn’t go especially well, a decent 2nd back at 1000M last month when she ran on well through the line suggests she may go better this time. (10) BANGGEUT BANGGEUT too ran on nicely on debut at the minimum distance before running out of track and could also appreciate the extended trip today. (12) IRYEO HAYEO has run over 1300M before and did well at it. She came 3rd on January 21st in a very similar contest to this and should be looking to at least repeat. (7) MAGGIEUI CHUEOG is another to consider.

Selections (8) Moran Dongbeak (2) Chom Nia (12) Iryeo Hayeo (10) Banggeut Banggeut
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 6

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

Tricky contest this. (4) JEJUI BARAM was an all-the-way winner in an all-filly race on debut at the distance on January 6th. She is up in class here but the competition is not especially intimidating and she could well win again. (10) THE QUEEN GRACE was such an eye-catching winner on her own debut last September that she was entered in a big juvenile race the following month. It didn’t go well as while she was prominent early, she faded to beat only one home in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup. She returned though to run 2nd on her season debut a month ago, back at 1000M and she should be a threat. Half a length behind The Queen Grace last time was (11) ROYAL ACE and he can aim to match that here while (1) GALAXY POWER and the up in class (12) GEOSEON MAPUNG both have potential at this distance.

Selections (4) Jejui Baram (10) The Queen Grace (1) Galaxy Power (11) Royal Ace
Next Best 12, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 10

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

(1) GEUMBIRANG was a much-improved 2nd on what was his third outing on January 14th. He’s a slow starter but a strong finisher and while it is perhaps surprising he’s dropped back slightly in trip today, he can still win. (3) RAON SIRIUS hasn’t been too far away in each of his three outings to date and can go close here. He’s well drawn to get on the early lead and could go all the way. (5) FLYING JOY didn’t go well on debut over 1300M but was much improved when dropped back to the minimum on reappearance last month. Moon Se Young being on board for the first time will enhance his appeal among punters. (10) BARAM KING likewise showed signs of improvement in his second (more…)