Seoul

Derby Sunday Race Notes

It’s one of the biggest days of racing of the year; Korean Derby day! There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30.

Yeongcheon Ace 2

Yeongcheon Ace won last year’s Derby (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English Racecards are available here. Full preview of the Derby here. Three races from Seoul, including the Derby, will be shown on Sky Racing 2 in Australia. Here are notes on them:

Race 7: Class 2 “The Sports Kyunghyang Cup” / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 15:05 (KST)

(5) BLACK TRAIN has a knack of finding one or two too quick but he is a strong finisher and is slightly favoured to come from off the early speed to claim what would be his first win since last August. (10) DORGON defeated both Black Train and (7) SIMSIN JIRYEO when the three of them met in February and should be respected, however, the main danger looks to be (8) JINGYEOGUI GEOJANG. Unlike many of these, he is still on the way up and while the Aussie bred colt struggled on his first try at 1800M last month, he should be much happier back in a one-turn race today. He’ll look to lead early. (2) ILGI DANGCHEON and (11) SEUNGNIYEOJE look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Black Train (8) Jingyeogui Geojang (7) Simsin Jiryeo (10) Dorgon
Next Best 2, 11, 3, 9
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 1 – “China Horse Industry Association Trophy” / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 15:55 (KST)

(10) LUCKY LIGHT beat five of these when running 2nd over this distance on April 3rd and he looks to be the one to beat here. He is a fast starter and will look to lead straight from the gate. Among those he beat last time, (7) CHEONMANG got the closest to him and that one can also be considered for improvement today, however, it’s likely to be (9) SEONBONG who punters consider the greater threat. His 2016 hasn’t really got going yet but he is a very solid sprinter and he can come from just behind the speed here. (12) BRIG has the outside gate to deal with but like Seonbong, will likely be content to avoid the cavalry charge to the corner and will still have plenty of backers. (5) MAGIC DANCER has perhaps seen better days but remains a threat.

Selections (10) Lucky Light (12) Brig (9) Seonbong (5) Magic Dancer
Next Best 7, 8, 2, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11

Race 9: Class Open – The Korean Derby / 1800M / Allowance / KRW 700 Million / 17:00 (KST)

SEE HERE FOR A FULL RUNNER BY RUNNER PREVIEW

(12) POWER BLADE won the 1st leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile, last month by a facile four-lengths and will be strong favourite to add the second jewel today. He has drawn gate 12 but that won’t matter as his style is to be away patiently and then improve in the back straight. On all form, he looks the best. It’s wide open behind though. (3) STEALTH and (4) ZETTABYTE ran 3rd and 4th in the Cup Mile with the former slightly favoured again at the extra distance today. (1) BANJIUI JEWANG ran poorly in the Cup Mile but performed well at Seoul in the Breeders’ Cup last year and can be given another chance. The biggest threat to Power Blade though may come from his own stablemate. (13) WORLD CHAMPION didn’t get to the Cup Mile but comes to Seoul after four consecutive victories, the most recent of which was a gate-to-wire romp at this distance. He’ll get forward early and the favourite will have to come past him. (9) GONGRYONG and (10) WINNERS GLORY look to be Seoul’s best chances while (7) EVER IN EVER and (14) TOHAMSAN look decent outside bets. Another longshot angle is that (6) SISEON POCHAK has been moved to a new trainer specifically so that he can take part in this race (trainers and owners may not enter any more than two horses in the same race – he was with Power Blade and World Champion).

Selections (12) Power Blade (13) World Champion (10) Winner’s Glory (1) Banjiui Jewang
Next Best 3, 9, 7, 4, 14, 6, 5
Outsiders 2, 8, 11, 15
Fast Starters 1, 10, 13, 14

Sunday Seoul & Busan Race By Race Preview

Grand Prix Stakes winner Bold Kings suffered his first defeat last time out but he is back today and will be the favourite for the feature race at Busan. Clean Up Joy, 3rd in the Grand Prix, is among the runners at Seoul while also in the capital. Aussie trainer Brian Dean saddles his first runner in Korea.

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Bold Kings & Clean Up Joy (1st and 3rd in the Grand Prix) race today

We have to wait until the very last race at Seoul to see Dean’s Jangsan Jewang take to the track under jockey Dean Holland. The gelding, who has won six of ten starts to date has a solid chance of placing and perhaps winning the 1200M class 2 race 11.

The simulcast will have gone off air by then but eleven races will be sent overseas today. English Race Cards are here while below are race by race notes:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

We’re going to go for Peter Wolsley’s debut-maker (12) VICAR HOPE to make an immediate impact here. Decent in trials, if she brings that to the track, she should have too much for these. (4) NAMYANG TOWER was a decent 4th on debut a month ago and can build on that today while the more experienced pair of (1) LUCKY JILJU and (10) STRONG MYEONGUN will also be dangerous. (9) HAEGA TTEUNDA disappointed as favourite last start but can be given another chance today.

Selections (12) Vicar Hope (1) Lucky Jilju (10) Strong Myeongun (9) Haega Tteunda
Next Best 4, 7, 11
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 6, 8
Fast Starters 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(6) GEUMGOKSEONG is up in class following his maiden win on her third start a month ago and while up in distance too, she will go forward from the gate and has claims here. She won’t be favourite though. (3) JOGUGUI DEUNGBUL could only manage sixth in what was a competitive race at class and distance at the end of March and should have better luck here while (8) GANGNAMGUL has come close in three races since returning from a spell and can go well once more. Those two will challenge Geumgokseong for the early lead. Others to look out for are (5) HAPPY FOREVER and (1) RECKLESS who can both improve on recent starts.

Selections (3) Jogugui Deungbul (8) Gangnamgul (6) Geumgokseong (1) Reckless
Next Best 5, 10, 7
Outsiders 2, 4, 9, 11
Fast Starters 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:45 (KST)

All fillies or mares here. A full ten months after his debut, (2) CAPITAL GANGJA returned to make her second career start on April 15th and ran out a three-length winner over 1200M. She’s up in class here but should have too much for this field and should lead from gate to wire. Main danger could be (4) SEONGHO JEONGSANG. It took her twelve races to get off the mark but she did so last time out at class and distance and she’ll be competitive again. (1) WONIL ROSE, (9) SUNDAY ROYAL and (8) ILMANGMUJE, who finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in a very similar race back in February are the other ones to look out for, along with (5) SAMDA GONGJU, who didn’t go well in that particular race but can perform on her day.

Selections (2) Capital Gangja (4) Seongho Jeongsang (8) Ilmangmuje (1) Wonil Rose
Next Best 5, 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 2, 8, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(2) DANGCHAN YEOGEOL beat two of these when finishing 2nd in a narrow finish at class and distance on April 2nd and is slightly favoured to go one better today. Less than a length behind in that race was (3) SUPER ANGEL and she will be a strong challenger here. (11) YAHO MIRACLE is yet to win in eighteen but come in following a creditable 2nd place over 1400M last month and can be respected while champion jockey Moon Se Young taking the mount will cause some punters to consider (1) HAPJAKPUM for improvement. Racing for the first time this year, (5) JAJINARI is up in class while (4) ECTON GAYA is another who can go close.

Selections (2) Dangchan Yeogeol (3) Super Angel (5) Jajinari (1) Hapjakpum
Next Best 4, 11, 7
Outsiders 6, 8, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Lightly-raced four-year-old (10) FURIOUS RUNNER looks the one to beat here. He was 3rd over 1400M last time out and will try to lead from gate to wire here with every chance of doing so. (2) MARUON was a long-shot class and distance winner last time but will struggle to repeat so that leaves (6) AMAZING DAEJI and (9) HOLY GANGTA as the most likely others to break their own maidens. (7) GANGJA BONSAEK and returning from a short spell, (8) PAMPAS FARM look next best.

Selections (10) Furious Runner (6) Amazing Daeji (9) Holy Gangta (8) Pampas Farm
Next Best 2, 7, 12, 1
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 11
Fast Starters 6, 10

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(10) TOTAL WALKER has beaten a number of these in recent starts and following a career-best 2nd place over 1700M on April 2nd, looks ready to finally win at the tenth time of asking today. He will look to come from just behind the early seed which will likely be set by (1) KWAESOK POWER and (8) HWANGGEUM CHEONHA, both of whom have claims to stay on and compete. The experienced (2) INSUJAE was 2nd over 1200M last month and can go well again while (7) CUPID BOY and (9) SUPER JJANG are others to consider.

Selections (10) Total Walker (1) Kwaesok Power (8) Hwanggeum Cheonha (2) Insujae
Next Best 9, 7
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 8, 11, 12

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:45 (KST)

(6) BINGO STAR was the winner of a weak race at class and distance on April 3rd. She won well and had two seconds before it but the form of (5) DONGHAE CHANGA, unbeaten until she came a narrow 3rd in a very good race at 1200M at the end of March is the more impressive and it is her who is the pick here. Yet to win after twenty-nine outings, (1) MAGIC QUEEN comes in following her third 2nd place finish and can come close – but will probably miss out on victory – again. (8) MIRACLE LOVER and (11) BRIAN are others who should be competitive. (9) SAEJAE SARANG is up in class following victory at this distance last month but will need to find plenty here.

Selections (5) Donghae Changa (6) Bingo Star (1) Magic Queen (11) Brian
Next Best 8, 4, 2, 9
Outsiders 3, 7, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

Bart Rice’s stable was in good form on Friday and that can continue here with (3) TRIPLE FIVE, after a hat-trick of 2nd place finishes and having beaten three of these last start, the top pick to score here. (7) AJU CHOEGANG also beat three of these when running 2nd last start and is the main danger. Among the ones the pair beat, (4) YOU’RE HILARIOUS and (6) B.K. PHIL look to have the best chance of getting close today. (9) DANGDAE HWASIN could only manage 5th on her first try at this class last month but can be considered for improvement today.

Selections (3) Triple Five (7) Aju Choegang (9) Dangdae Hwasin (4) You’re Hilarious
Next Best 6, 12,
Outsiders 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 3, 6, 9, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

The smallest field of the day but competitive enough with the up in class (3) BLUE GUARDIAN favourite to score here. He has won at the distance before and can lead gate to wire. (4) LAKWING beat (6) MIRACLE CHUKJE and an out of sorts (1) VALLEY STAR over 1800M on April 10th. All can go well here although we’ll look to Valley Star to show the greatest improvement. Despite her most recent three, which have all been in races that didn’t suit her, be it in terms of distance or competition, (7) PUREUN GEOTAP can be much better here.

Selections (3) Blue Guardian (1) Valley Star (7) Pureun Geotap (4) Lakwing
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 5
Fast Starters 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Last year’s Grand Prix Stakes winner (11) BOLD KINGS suffered his first ever defeat at the hands of Triple Nine over 2000M at the end of March but he can be backed to return to winning ways in Busan’s feature race. There is plenty of early speed here but even from the outside gate, he should get forward early and can dominate this race. The up and coming (2) TONGIL SIDAE, who has won his last three, looks very dangerous while (1) DYNAMIC DASH beat three of these when winning at class and distance last month and must be respected. Also a class 1 winner just two weeks ago was Bold Kings’ stablemate (5) GOLIATH MARINE and he too can go well. Others to consider for the money are (3) BATHSHEBA PARK and (7) NOBODY CATCH ME, both beaten by Dynamic Dash last time.

Selections (11) Bold Kings (5) Goliath Marine (2) Tongil Sidae (1) Dynamic Dash
Next Best 3, 7, 4
Outsiders 6, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)

3rd to Bold Kings in the Grand Prix last December, (9) CLEAN UP JOY has won twice since at 1800M and at 1200M and is strongly favoured to strike once more today in what is Seoul’s feature race. (10) SAMJEONG JEGUK was beaten by (2) SPACE PORT in January, the latter going on to win again last month and both should be competitive here. (4) HWANGGEUM TAP and (6) BICHUI WANGJA look to be the others in with a chance.

Selections (9) Clean Up Joy (10) Samjeong Jeguk (2) Space Port (6) Bichui Wangja
Next Best 4, 3, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 8
Fast Starters 3, 4, 7

Four Foreign Jockeys Newly Licensed In Korea

Four foreign jockeys have recently been licensed in Korea. Japan’s Yonekura Satoshi began riding at Busan on Friday and is about to be joined on the south-coast by Italian Paolo Aragoni. Meanwhile at Seoul, India’s Imran Chisty and Australian Patrick Keane have arrived in the capital and are set to start as soon as possible.

Aragoni

Paolo Aragoni is set to join Busan (Pic: Supplied by jockey)

35-year-old Paolo Aragoni debuted in Italy in 1997 and has ridden seven Group 3 and numerous Listed race winners in his home country among more than 700 career winners overall. His riding weight is 53kg.

Yonekura Satoshi has been riding in Japan’s NAR since 1994, most recently based at Kanazawa Racecourse. The 40-year-old jockey has partnered over 1300 winners throughout his career and has a riding weight of 51kg.

Imran Chisty turned professional in 1997. The 39-year-old Indian rider has mainly been at the Bangalore Turf Club where over the past three years he has 216 winners while achieving a Moon Se Young-esque quinella strike-rate of 33%.He can ride at 50kg.

The youngest of the newcomers is up and coming Australian jockey Patrick Keane. Based in Victoria, 23-year-old Kean has a quinella strike rate of 15.3% over the last three years on the ultra-competitive circuit there.

Aragoni and Satoshi join Makoto Okabe, Ikuyasu Kurakane and Pasquale Borelli at Busan taking the foreign jockey contingent on the south-coast up to five following Nozi Tomizawa’s departure last month.  Chisty and Kean’s addition at Seoul mean there are now four foreign jockeys in the capital, Djordje Perovic and Dean Holland being the others.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview

It’s set to be a dry, albeit misty Saturday in the South Korean capital of Seoul. There are eleven races in total from 10:50 to 18:00. English Racecards can be found here. Notes on races 4-11 are below:

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

A three-length winner on debut, (4) LAST CODIE steps up in class and distance but is still the strong pick to make all and win here. Main danger (2) HIGH VET is also up in class but is yet to win in eight starts and will need to improve as will (3) CHOWONUI CHANGA , who raced poorly at 1300M last month and needs a better start today. (8) EUNSANDEOKAE was 2nd at 1300M last start and can go close again while (10) AMERICA DREAM and (12) PARTY TIME look to be the others to consider.

Selections (4) Last Codie (2) High Vet (8) Eunsandeokae (10) America Dream
Next Best 3, 12, 1
Outsiders 5, 6, 7, 9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 4, 11

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:50 (KST)

Up in class after his maiden win at this distance on March 19th, (1) DANGDAE GEOLJAK is one of three standouts here. He is likely to go straight to the front from the gate and has every chance of staying on for the win. The two other fancies raced each other at this distance on March 26th and it was (10) DIDORPHIN who finished 2nd to (8) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG’s 3rd. The latter was favourite that day and both will be well fancied here. Already a winner, Gwangyang Dolpung is slightly favoured again this time. The rest will need to find plenty but (4) CHOWON BOLT and the up in class (11) SEONGEUP GANGTOL look the pick of them.

Selections (8) Gwangyang Dolpung (1) Dangdae Geoljak (10) Didorphin (11) Seongeup Gangtol
Next Best 4, 9, 5, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 6
Fast Starters 1, 2, 9, 10, 11

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:40 (KST)

We’ll go with (7) TRIPLE SHINING, who comes in following 3rd and 2nd place finishes to go forward from the gate and get his maiden win. Already a winner at class and distance, (1) SMOKEN JOE looks to be the main danger while (8) MADURYEONG is yet to strike in eight attempts but closed really strongly for 3rd last time out and can go well. (12) TONGILDAEBAK has beaten plenty of these recently and should be competitive while (2) OPEN BANK and (9) POWER BISEUL are others to watch.

Selections (7) Triple Shining (1) Smoken Joe (8) Maduryeong (9) Power Biseul
Next Best 12, 10, 2
Outsiders 3, 4, 5, 6, 11
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Banker favourite of the day here and it will be (4) CITY STAR, a nine-length winner over 1200M on March 26th. He is up in class today but there is little here that should trouble him. Also up in class is (10) YEONGNONG. His maiden win was slightly less visually impressive and it was at 1000M but he won it well and will be competitive here too. Of those with experience at this level (2) STORM RYKER just struggled to stay on down the rail and was just beaten in a very tight finish when favourite last month at 1200M. Given a better trip today, he can be dangerous. (3) DAL HANGARI is yet to win in twenty-one outings but regularly comes close while (5) I AM STAR is also capable in this company.

Selections (4) City Star (2) Storm Ryker (10) Yeongnong (3) Dal Hangari
Next Best 5, 8, 6
Outsiders 1, 7, 9, 11, 12
Fast Starters 2, 4, 5

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:30 (KST)

(2) JEWELRY PARK enters after three consecutive wins, including one at this class. She is the likely pace-setter and will be well supported but she may not be favourite to keep that winning streak going. That favourite is likely to be (1) CHANMA, who is up in class following a very solid four-length win at 1300M on March 13th and should show further development as the distances get longer. (5) SINGGEUREOUNBOM is a capable performer at this level and should be placing with (6) OFFIDAY and (8) MY HAPPY posing the most credible threats.

Selections (1) Chanma (2) Jewelry Park (5) Singgeureounbom (6) Offiday
Next Best 8
Outsiders 3, 4, 7
Fast Starters 2

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Another three-race winning streak is on the line here and this time it is (6) OCULUS, who beat a couple of these when completing his hat-trick, who is the one looking to make it four in a row. However, he hasn’t run since January and others look more attractive here. (4) TOUCH FLYING is up in class and in distance following a nine-length win over 1700M on March 13th and looks very nicely in here. (5) LUCKY MUSIC comes in following 4th place in a fillies & mares stakes race last month and should be very competitive in this company while (3) ROYAL VICTORY was 2nd to Oculus in January and has gone on to record two subsequent solid results in tougher races. (2) ROYAL STEP, 3rd last time out at the distance is also capable of finding the money.

Selections (4) Touch Flying (5) Lucky Music (6) Oculus (3) Royal Victory
Next Best 2, 1
Outsiders 7
Fast Starters 4, 7

Race 10: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:30 (KST)

Really open race this one but Aussie jockey Dean Holland has been doing well on horses of limited talent since arriving in Korea and here he gets an opportunity with one who has a chance so we’ll go with (10) ATLAS TWO, who really should have more than just the one win to his name, to get the job done here. (1) BIG MOUNTAIN beat three of these over this distance last month and is a danger as is the up and coming (5) JEONSEUNG DAESE, who is yet to finish outside the top three in five starts and there’s no reason to suggest that should change today. Up in class (11) SHAMROCKER won at 1700M last month and is a threat with (8) NAESARANG DAMYANG able to improve on recent form.

Selections (10) Atlas Two (5) Jeonseung Daese (1) Big Mountain (11) Shamrocker
Next Best 8, 2, 4
Outsiders 3, 6, 7, 9
Fast Starters 1, 5

Race 11: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Another open race to finish with but (2) SINJO DAEHYEOP, though up in class following a 2nd place at the distance last month looks the one to beat. He has never finished any worse than 3rd in six outings to date and 3rd will be a minimum requirement here. (12) TAEYANGWANG was 4th on his first try at this class last month and can go better than that today while (5) JEOLMYOHANSEONTAEK comes in after a good 3rd at 1400M and is to be considered. (10) A. P. STAR beat (9) DOUBLE LUCKY as the pair raced 1st and 2nd over this distance at class 3 on March 20th. The latter is the more favoured today.

Selections (2) Sinjo Daehyeop (12) Taeyangwang (9) Double Lucky (5) Jeolmyohanseontaek
Next Best 7, 10, 4, 1
Outsiders 3, 6, 8, 11
Fast Starters 1, 6, 8

Seoul Saturday: Race By Race Preview

Has Spring sprung? Last Sunday saw the final two races at Seoul called off due to snow and while at Busan on Friday, the most useful bit of gear would have been a canoe and paddle such was the rain, temperatures all of a sudden are in the high teens. The rain is set to hit Seoul in time for Saturday’s card but there will still be plenty going on.

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Just two days previously, this was under half a foot of snow – could be underwater on Saturday

There are 11 races from 10:50am to 18:00. English racecards can be found here. See below for comments on overseas simulcast races 4-11:

Race 4: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:00 (SIN)

All filly & mare affair first up and (9) KATIE STAR is strongly favoured to get her second win in three starts. A good winner at this distance on debut, she was 2nd over 1200M on her first try at this level at the end of January and will surely go one better this time. (2) NEW NANCHO has a 5th and a pair of 4ths in three tries at this level and will benefit from the in-form Djordje Perovic in the saddle. (7) SAMJEONG GUARDIAN disappointed on her first try at this class but gets another chance here. She finished behind (1) NAREUSYA QUEEN last start and that one, along with (4) SUNDAY DREAMER are the others to look out for.

Favourites: (9) Katie Star (2) New Nancho (7) Samjeong Guardian (1) Nareusya Queen

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:50 (SIN)

(2) DONGCHONUI GUY comes in looking for a hat-trick of victories and he can do it but it won’t be easy. (1) DAECHEON FOCUS, a winner at this distance already, looks to be the main danger and these two up and comers will both look to get forward straight from the gate. (7) SWEEP ICHEON is yet to win in twelve outings but enters having come close recently while (4) OUR CAT generally runs at five furlongs and looks an interesting entry here. (8) PERFECT BIC C and (9) CLEANUP SEED are others to take into consideration.

Favourites: (2) Dongchonui Guy (1) Daecheon Focus (7) Sweep Icheon (9) Cleanup Seed

Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 (SIN)

Another competitive affair with (7) GEUMA BALIOS under champion jockey Moon Se Young set to be slightly favoured following a good 2nd place last start. He tries this distance for the first time while (1) CURRICLE didn’t go well in one previous attempt but comes in after a strong 3rd over 1300M in January and can be competitive. (3) WHIZ RUN and (5) GWANGSOK can improve on recent starts while (10) RECKLESS, 4th behind Geuma Balios at odds in excess of 200/1 last time, will be much shorter today and could compete for a place.

Favourites: (7) Geuma Balios (1) Curricle (3) Whiz Run (10) Reckless

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:30 (SIN)

Up in class after back to back wins but shrewdly entered against imported opposition, there is little reason to oppose (5) SUPER START. He’s the only one of these with winning experience; he has led gate to wire in both those recent victories and will look to do so again. If we are to oppose him then we need to find up and comers with potential to improve. (1) KAIZEN FORCE and (13) KODIAK LOVE come closest to fulfilling that requirement while (12) TOTAL WALKER and (14) SMART HULK may also receive some backing.

Favourites: (5) Super Start (13) Kodiak Love (1) Kaizen Force (14) Smart Hulk

Race 8: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:30 (SIN)

(8) WINNERS GLORY is on the Classic trail having been 3rd in the Champion Juvenile race last November. He got his three-year-old season off to a solid start with a comfortable win over 1400M last month and races around two turns for the first time today. He is the favourite. (6) AYERS ROCK beat (5) KING CREEK CAT as they ran 2nd and 5th over this distance on February 13th and those two look to be the main dangers here, the latter having already won twice at this distance. (4) CLEAN UP KING was last on his first try at 1700M in January but can go better today while (7) STRONG FIELD , returning for the first time since November, is also to be considered.

Favourites: (8) Winners Glory (6) Ayers Rock (5) King Creek Cat (4) Clean Up King

Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:00 (SIN)

This race also sees one of those on the Classic trail as the top pick. (3) CHEONJI STORM didn’t go well in the Juvenile Championship race despite being very well backed. He has a win and a 2nd in two starts since, both at 1400M and takes on two turns for the first time today. He is likely to go forward and should he stay on, he has an excellent chance. To beat him, the others will all need to find something above their recent form with (1) DAEGEONI and (5) SEONUP looking the most likely. (2) LUCKY HEART, another front-runner, and (6) ROYAL VICTORY are others with claims on a place.

Favourites: (3) Cheonji Storm (5) Seonup (1) Daegeoni (2) Lucky Heart

Race 10: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:30 (SIN)

(6) MISO WANGJA has two wins and two 2nd places from four outings prior to today and while this is his first try at 1800M, he was quick when only beaten a neck over 1700M at the end of January and in this company is very difficult to oppose. He will be the strong favourite. It’s tough to make a case for the others but (7) THE SSEN CHAMP has won at the distance before and can be in the hunt while (4) HUGHES ROAD is inconsistent but should be placing here. (5) JINMYEONG GANGHO and (9) CONCORDE II are others who can be competitive.

Selections: (6) Miso Wangja (7) The Ssen Champ (4) Hughes Road (9) Concorde II

Race 11: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:00 (SIN)

Open contest to finish with, we’ll go with (7) RAON RUSA after he beat three of these when getting his second consecutive 2nd place in January. It’s not with a huge amount of enthusiasm though as there are plenty of others capable. One of those he beat last time is (9) CHEONYEONUIGIPPEUM, who has won at the distance before and has a significant weight advantage. (3) GUMPO YEOJANGGUN also looks nicely in and can improve on recent starts while (1) HAERANGANGJA and (13) LUCKY LIGHT should appreciate the opportunity for a crack at this distance. Open race and there could be some value to find.

Favourites: (7) Raon Rusa (9) Cheonyeonuigippeum (13) Lucky Light (1) Haerangangja

International Exchange Race / YTN Cup Round-Up

No International jockey Challenge this year – we’ll have 6 visiting jockeys in town for the Asia Challenge Cup later this month – but the annual international exchange races went ahead at Seoul Racecourse this past weekend.

Pinot Noir and Park Hyun Woo win the Horse Racing Ireland Trophy (KRA)

Pinot Noir and Park Hyun Woo win the Horse Racing Ireland Trophy (KRA)

Four exchange races were held on Saturday(the Singapore Turf Club Trophy will this year be run on August 30, the day before the Challenge Cup) while the YTN Cup, traditionally the finale of the Jockey Challenge took place on Sunday.

First up was the Macau Jockey Club Trophy. Three-year old colt Clay Shot (Wildcat Heir), 5/1 chance, took the honours by just under a length under jockey Choi Bum Hyun.

Next came the Horse Racing Ireland Trophy which saw odds-on favourite Sun Gear beaten into fourth place in a tight finish where 7/1 shot Pinot Noir (Capital Spending) just got the better of Revereduction (Revere) right on the line.

On a blustery day where national flags were hoisted and lowered over the racecourse at a speed greater than that of some of the runners, the VIP balcony groaned under the strain of a procession of visiting dignitaries that included the Ambassadors of Turkey and Ireland.

One race later, Choi Bum Hyun made his 2nd visit of the day to the Presentation stage after guiding Ganghae (Didyme) to victory in the Selangor Turf Club Trophy. Ganghae’s victory came at the expense of the much vaunted Raon Morris who despite being sent off at long odds-on following a very easy win last time out, faded in the home straight as Ganghae came past to record his 4th win from 13 starts.

The feature race of the day, however, was the Turkey Jockey Club Trophy, the only class 1 event on the program. And in what was a very open betting race, 50/1 outsider Seoul Jeongsang (Capital Spending) swooped late to claim a narrow victory, giving jockey Lim Gi Won his biggest race win to date. It was also the biggest win in 6-year-old Seoul Jeongsang’s career, and only his 5th from 36 starts.

Stakes action returned to Seoul on Sunday in the shape of the YTN Cup, one of very few televised live races in Korea (by virtue of it being sponsored by the YTN Cable News Channel).

Run under the floodlights and in a torrential downpour, 5-year-old American-bred mare Big Power (A.P.Warrior) beat out Dragon Hill and Strong Wind to win by a length under Ham Wan Sik.

YTN Cup – Seoul Racecourse – 1900M – Aug 10, 2014

1. Big Power (USA) [A.P.Warrior – Dixie Satin (Dynaformer)] – Ham Wan Sik – 7.4, 1.9
2. Dragon Hill (USA) [Afleet Alex – Caracara (Nashwan)] – Seo Seung Un – 1.6
3. Strong Wind (NZ) [Duelled – Seams Of Gold (Made Of Gold)] – Moon Se Young – 1.1
Distances: 1.25 lengths/1 length – 13 ran

Riding the third horse home was Moon Se Young. The champion jockey rode six winners across the weekend and moves onto 999 for his career. Next weekend, he’ll bid to become only the 2nd Korean jockey in history to ride 1000 career winners.

Grand Prix Voting Results: Jigeum I Sungan, Beolmaui Kkum Top Poll

The results of the public vote for invitations to the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul Race Park on December 15 were published today.

Popular: Jigeum I Sungan

Popular: Jigeum I Sungan

Like Japan’s “Arima Kinen” the public gets to choose which horses they want to see run in the season-ending showpiece. This year 42 horses – 21 each from Seoul and Busan – were on the ballot with the top 8 from each track getting the first invites to fill the maximum field size of 16.

Connections are still under no obligation to run but it is expected that most will. 2012 Korean Derby winner Jigeum I Sungan topped the Seoul vote with Smarty Moonhak, 3rd in the race as a 2-year-old in 2011, just behind him. That year’s Grand Prix winner Tough Win was the public’s 3rd choice.

At Busan, Gukje Sinmun winner Beolmaui Kkum headed the poll with recent President’s Cup winner Indie Band in 2nd place ahead of Gyeongbudaero. 2012 Grand Prix winner Gamdonguibada was 4th in the Busan vote.

Peter Wolsley’s Governor’s cup heroine Secret Whisper is sure of a run, having come in 5th but the Aussie trainer’s other hope, Cheongchun Bulpae is missing out at the moment.

Here’s a list of the top 10 vote-getters at each track with their 2013 Stakes race wins (if any) listed:

Seoul Top 10

1. Jigeum I Sungan (KOR) – Seoul Owners’ Cup, Jeju Governor’s Cup
2. Smarty Moonhak (USA)
3. Tough Win (USA) – Busan Metropolitan Stakes
4. Mari Daemul (USA) – KRA Cup Classic
5. Indian Blue (USA) – Segye Ilbo Cup
6. Gippeun Sesang (CAN)
7. Murangae (USA)
8=. Mr. Rocky (KOR)
9=. Berongi (USA)

Busan Top 10

1. Beolmaui Kkum (USA) – Gukje Sinmun Cup
2. Indie Band (KOR) – President’s Cup, Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Cup
3. Gyeongbudaero (KOR) – Busan Owners’ Cup
4. Gamdonguibada (USA)
5. Secret Whisper (KOR) – Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup
6. Useung Touch (KOR) – Ttukseom Cup
7. Cheonji Bulpae (AUS)
8. Lion Santa (USA)
9. Cheongchun Bulpae (KOR)
10. Nuri Choegang (USA)

Weekend Race Times

With just a week to go until the richest race of the year, the President’s Cup, there’s a low-key weekend of racing in store.

There was some late autumn sun at Seoul Racecourse this weekend last year - rain is forecast this

There was some late autumn sun at Seoul Racecourse this weekend last year – rain is forecast this

Still plenty to watch and have a punt on though. Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday November 1
Busan Race Park: 11 races from 11:50 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:10 to 17:40

Saturday November 2
Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:20 to 17:10

Sunday November 3
Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Weekend Racing Times

It’s Korean Oaks weekend. See here for a full preview of the big race which takes place at Busan this Sunday.

Busan hosts the Korean Oaks this Sunday

Busan hosts the Korean Oaks this Sunday

Here’s what’s happening when and where across the weekend:

Friday August 23

Busan Race Park: 11 races from 13:30 to 18:10
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 15:10 to 19:40

Saturday August 24

Seoul Race Park: 12 races from 13:00 to 18:10
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 15:10 to 19:40

Sunday August 25

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 13:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 16:45 to 19:40 including the Korean Oaks at 17:35

Weekend Preview

Just a week after Speedy First won the 2013 Korean Derby, last year’s winner Jigeum I Sungan, headlines the action at Seoul Race Park, while on Jeju Island, the ponies have their own Derby.

Jigeum I Sungan and Moon Se Young go again on Sunday

Jigeum I Sungan and Moon Se Young go again on Sunday

Jigeum I Sungan (Ingrandire) added another Stakes crown, the Owners’ Association Trophy, to his big-race haul last time out and, despite being top-weight by some considerable margin, will be heavy favourite to win in slightly more modest company in Sunday’s feature handicap.

Down at Busan, another former Derby winner, Ebony Storm (Buster’s Daydream), the evergreen winner of the 2008 edition is also in action. He’ll be nowhere near favourite but the 8-year old is not without a hope in the 7-furlong main-event. Last year’s KRA Cup mile winner Gyeongbudaero (Menifee) heads the field.

Derby winning jockey Joe Fujii returns to his home-track of Busan and has 10 rides across the weekend. The other foreign riders at the track aren’t getting quite the same support, however, with Ureshi Katsunori and Darryll Holland having just 3 and 2 mounts respectively.

Up at Seoul, however, it is a very busy weekend for Ikuyasu Kurakane, who rides 17 while even the ever-relaxed Yukio Abe will get on 9.

Meanwhile, down on Jeju Island, it is Derby Day! The KRA Jeju-Bred Derby is a new event on the calendar (or rather, an old Stakes race re-packaged as a Derby for 3-year olds) and brings together 10 of the most promising ponies running at the track. I’ll not pretend to know anything about the form but I do know that a month ago, practically the same field ran over the same 5-furlong distance in a race called the “Seongsan Ilchul” (hereafter called the “Jeju Guineas”) and it was won by a gelding called Sanjeongmuhan by a neck.

Sanjeongmuhan comes into the Derby with 6 wins from 9 starts. The race is number 5 on a 9-race card on Saturday at Jeju and will be simulcasted live to Seoul Race Park.

Here’s what’s happening when and where:

Friday May 24

Busan Race Park: 10 races from 12:00 to 18:00
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 13:30 to 17:30

Saturday May 25

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 17:40
Jeju Race Park: 9 races from 12:30 to 17:40 including the KRA Jeju Derby at 15:15

Sunday May 26

Seoul Race Park: 11 races from 11:00 to 18:00
Busan Race Park: 6 races from 12:50 to 17:00

Here’s what’s happening when and where.