Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 9)

It’s Korea Cup Eve! Head over to the official twitter (@KRAOfficial) for latest news and pictures. In the meantime, Saturday sees 12 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 featuring exchange races with Macao, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ireland and Japan. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Full field to kick things off with and (3) BLUE SHARK looks to be the pick. He was a much improved2nd at this distance on August 19th and can win from the front today. Joining him on the early speed will likely be the other two top contenders namely (2) SHARP RUBY and (7) STORMY PASSION, both of whom have acquitted themselves well in recent outings without really threatening to make a breakthrough. (1) DUAL CHEOGANG and (4) TOUGH TROPHY others with scope to go better.

Selections (3) Blue Shark (2) Sharp Ruby (7) Stormy Passion (4) Tough Trophy
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 7

 

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

Only one of these has raced before and he’s almost certainly going to start as favourite. (8) P.K. TIME almost made all on debut on August 12th but got eventually taken down close to home. It was still a good performance and followed an impressive trial and (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 3)

It’s Sunday and there’s just a week to go until Seoul Racecourse hosts the international Keeneland Korea Cup & Korea Sprint. Today, however, also sees G3 action at Seoul Racecourse with the Jeju Governor’s Cup. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.

A big field of 15 has been attracted by the big prize; 7 are trained in Seoul while 8 have travelled up from Busan. Those southern raiders include last year’s winner Indian Star (left) who is set to be favourite to retain the crown she won on a soaking wet track just under a year ago.

Among her rivals are the shock Oaks winner Jejui Haneul, who is joined by Bright Star and Uju Star, 2nd and 4th respectively in the fillies’ Classic.  Thomas Gillespie saddles Black Sapphire, a full sister of Triple Nine, while there is other foreign interest with Franco Da Silva partnering Bright Star, Djordje Perovic on Happy Sensation, Johan Victoire on Chang Se, Antonio Da Silva on Rain Sky and JP Guillambert riding at Seoul for the first time as he takes the mount on Pink Blade.

Notes on all races at Seoul are below:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

We’ll have a hot favourite to kick things off and that will be (4) DALLYEORA PACHYAI. He comes in following a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two and should have far too much for this lot, leading from gate to wire. The same owner/trainer combination also sends out (1) DORAON PACHYAI and that on can certainly challenge for a place, along with the main danger (5) ARABIA GONGJU. Of the remainder, (7) DEOGI has perhaps done the least wrong.

Selections (4) Dallyeora Pachyai (5) Arabia Gongju (1) Doraon Pachyai (7) Deogi
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 2

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(5) CLEO returned from three months off to run a decent enough 5th of 12 over 1300M at the end of July. Dropped back to the minimum and given a good start here, she should be the one they need to beat. (6) CHEON NOK did nothing wrong on debut, coming a much better than expected 3rd and looks in the frame for prize money again but there are other dangers. (9) KAISER QUEEN has shown signs of finally figuring things out over her latest two and has the benefit of Djordje Perovic on board today while (8) BLACK CASHMERE has also come close across her four outings to date an should be in the hunt once more.

Selections (5) Cleo (6) Cheon Nok (9) Kaiser Queen (8) Black Cashmere
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 1, 6

 

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

Only two of these have raced before and while neither exactly pulled up trees on their respective debuts, that fact probably won’t stop them being favoured here as none of the first-timers leap out. That means (8) AMENDA, a reasonable enough 5th of 12 at this distance on August 13th, is likely to start as favourite. (2) AREUMDAUN SOPUNG, a Hansen filly was well-backed on her first racecourse appearance at the end of July but only managed to beat one home over 1000M. She had previously trialled well and should be given another chance. Of the first-timers. (5) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG, (6) EMERALD KING and another Hansen, (7) O.J.HWAK DAB look the pick.

Selections (8) Amenda (2) Areumdaun Sopung (7) O.J.Hwak Dap (5) Jeongsang Dolpung
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 5

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

She wasn’t ready on debut in January but having had six months off after that, (3) ECTON SINHWA has shown significant improvement in two starts back. She was 3rd of 12 at this distance last time, coming from well off the pace and she will be favourite today. The only concern is perhaps her not having demonstrated a very fast start and while she has a good draw today, if she does get caught out, the returning (4) RUBY BEOLKIN could be one to take advantage. She races for the first time since a 2nd place in April and put in an eye-catching trial last week. (1) UN SEO was well back behind Ecton Sinhwa last time but can improve while (8) SIMON RICH also has scope for progress.

Selections (3) Ecton Sinhwa (4) Ruby Beolkin (8) Simon Rich (1) Un Seo
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 4, 1

 

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

Good little filly race this. (8) EXCELLENT QUEEN does have a bit of a case of “second-it is” having been runner-up in four of six outings to date, but if anyone can cure her of it, it’s Djordje Perovic, who gets the leg-up on her for the first time. Her one previous outing at this distance resulted in her worst finish so far but it can be a different story today. She’ll be favourite but she’s no sure thing and (6) BRAVE UP, 4th at class and distance on July 23rd has claims as does (7) STAR PERFECT who, like Excellent Queen has never finished better than 2nd but unlike Excellent Queen, she has done it at the distance, beating a couple of these in the process. (1) SHINE QUEEN and (10) BONNET BLUE others in with a shout.

Selections (8) Excellent Queen (7) Star Perfect (6) Brave Up (10) Bonnet Blue
Next Best 1, 9, 2
Fast Start 9, 4, 5

 

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

Interesting contest again. (3) JEOKBYEOK SHINHWA was 3rd on debut on July 30th in a very quick time over 1000M having led for much of the way. He’s up in distance and the conditions are likely to be very different this time but he could well do it. So too could (4) TRICKER. He got his maiden win at the 7th time of asking on July 16th at 1300M but does carry an extra 3kg today. Nevertheless, he can repeat. There are others to consider too. (2) EOMJI GANGHO had a bad day at the office last time out but is worthy of another chance for at least a place while (12) CROWN ME BOSS gets the services of Moon Se Young and can improve on her three consecutive 5th placed finishes. There are also a couple of first-time starters involved and (5) BROWN CHAMPION can expect to attract some support first-up.

Selections (3) Jeokbyeok Sinhwa (4) Tricker (12) Crown Me Boss (2) Eomji Gangho
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 2, 4

 

Race 7: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It would be slightly unfair to accuse (9) BULHUUI MYEONGGOG of a severe case of second and even “third-it is” as the truth has been that he’s always come up against one or two a bit too good and has run to of above expectation each time. Today though, following three 3rd places and two 2nds, the expectation will be of victory. Taking on 1700M for the 2nd time and having beaten three of these on the first occasion, he should do it. If he’s to be stopped, it’s (7) CUPID BOY, who he beat last time who is perhaps the most likely to do it although (3) BIG SKY was also 2nd at the distance on his latest start and should be involved. Trying the distance for the first time is (8) COLORS QUEEN and although yet to win, she looks capable of challenging for the places.

Selections (9) Bulhuui Myeonggog, (7) Cupid Boy (3) Big Sky (8) Colors Queen
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 8, 11

 

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

(4) FIRE DREAM was a class and distance winner on July 23rd but up in the weights and in different conditions, he’s going to have to work very hard to repeat. Instead we have two standouts in the shape of (1) SPERO and (6) GANGDAEGANG. Spero is a class and distance winner in the past and comes in following two very solid outings at shorter distance while Gangdaegang comes in after a strong 2nd place at the distance last time. It’s tough to split them but well side with Gangdaegang and his slight weight advantage. Among the rest, (2) JIGONG BULPAE and (7) SUPER BROAD look to have the best claims.

Selections (6) Gangdaegang (1) Spero (4) Fire Dream (7) Super Broad
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 5

 

Race 9: Class Open (1400M) The Jeju Governor’s Cup / Allowance / KRW 350 Million

One of the most valuable races of the season for Korean bred fillies and mares sees eight from Busan travel up to capital to take on 7 from Seoul. Last year’s winner (12) INDIAN STAR returns to defend her title and she has every chance of doing so following an encouraging warm up race against stiff opposition in July. Thomas Gillespie’s (9) BLACK SAPPHIRE may be more suited to further but looks set to mount a strong challenge while Korean Oaks winner (14) JEJUI HANEUL also must be respected. 2nd in the Oaks was (2) BRIGHT STAR and she too has claims along with 4th placed that day (5) UJU STAR. Jockey JP Guillambert gets his first taste of Seoul and (4) PINK BLADE is one of a number of interesting outsiders in a fascinating race.

Selections (12) Indian Star (9) Black Sapphire (2) Bright Star (5) Uju Star
Next Best 14, 7, 15
Fast Start 10, 12

 

Race 10: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A few decent ones here but (6) IBAEGJEOM should have the beating of them. He was 3rd in a quick race over 1300M last start, his first try at this class and can go two better today. (4) SAMJEONG MAGNUM comes in following back to back 3rd places over 1000M and could well be ready to try further once more while (8) BLACK SUGAR was a decent 4th at class and distance on his last start a couple of months ago and looks in the placing frame too. The main danger, however, looks set to be (7) OUR CAT who makes his 40th starts today and enters in very solid form. He was a quick 2nd over 1000M last time out and should be looking to at least match it here.

Selections (6) Ibaegjeom (7) Our Cat (4) Samjeong Magnum (8) Black Sugar
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 2, 4

 

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

(6) OP SEVEN was a very quick winner on debut and on July 30th and while he is up in both and class and distance today, he will be expected to score once more against this moderate opposition. He should really lead gate to wire. He’ll be a strong favourite and those with the best potential to get close to him will emerge from either end of the gate with both (1) CHEONJAEILU and (8) SMOKEY VALE having proven competitive in this kind of race. Meanwhile (2) ÉCLAIR HUMOR had a tough time on his first outing at this level back in July but could improve today.

Selections (6) OP Seven (8) Smokey Vale (1) Cheonjaeilu (2) Éclair Humor
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 5, 6

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 2)

We’re back to the daytime schedule at Seoul. 12 Saturday races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Small field to begin with and we’ll go with the most experienced, (3) HWANGGEUM YEONMEOT to make the breakthrough at what will be the 11th time of asking. She’s been 4th in both her latest two and looks to be figuring things out. (1) RUN AWAY has shown glimpses across seven starts so far while (8) MENI JILJU didn’t disgrace herself on debut either and they look next best. The two debut-makers trialled up together with (2) CHEONNYEON DIRE looking the pick of the pair.

Selections (3) Hwanggeum Yeonmeot (1) Run Away (8) Meni Jilju (2) Cheonnyeon Dire
Next Best 4, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 6

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another small field and there are two who standout. (1) VIVA GALLOPER manage a 2nd place back in February but was then out for four months, returning to some form with a 4th place over this distance last month. He can get on the early speed here without too much difficulty and could go all the way. Threatening late in the race will be (6) (more…)

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

It’s Sunday! 11 races at Seoul from 11:45 to 19:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:25 to 17:35. All races will be simulcast overseas so here’s the full preview:

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

1. CREMOA POWER – Well backed on debut following successful trial but only managed 7th of 12 behind Phoenix Heart.
2. MASK – Good 3rd of 12 on debut despite almost slipping on the home turn. Big chance
3. HAE HU – Debut-maker who won his trial. Will have some backers.
4. SPEED CAPTAIN – Last of 12 on debut on July 30th behind Phoenix Heart.
5. CLEAN UP SECRET – 5th of 11 on debut on July 15th, quickening pleasingly enough. A chance.
6. K.N BLUE – First-timer. Did ok in trials and champion jockey’s presence ensures plenty of support.
7. CHEONHA HYEONGGUK – Debut-maker. Ok in trials but watching brief the best idea first-up.
8. PHOENIX HEART – He’ll be strong favourite following a quick 2nd place on debut on July 30th beating a couple of these in the process. Extra distance should suit.
9. I B S MAN – Trialed well and debuts here. Not impossible but won’t be among favourites.
10. SPECIAL LIGHT – 7th of 12 on debut behind Mask. Plenty to find.
11. LUCKY BONGHWA – 5th and 4th in two outings so far. Could get even closer.
12. AMAZING PEACE – Trialed up in average fashion.

Verdict: (8) PHOENIX HEART ran a strong 2nd on debut a month ago and has to be the one to beat here. (2) MASK almost fell on debut but managed to recover and finish a very good 3rd behind Icheon Ssal who has already gone on to better things. He looks the main danger. (5) CLEAN UP SECRET and (11) LUCKY BONGHWA others who could play a role.

 

Selections (8) Phoenix Heart (2) Mask (5) Clean Up Secret (11) Lucky Bonghwa
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 8, 2, 3, 7, 9

 

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million (more…)

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

The final day of evening racing for 2017 is about to get underway at Seoul Racecourse. There are 12 Saturday races from 14:00 to 21:00. Here are the (brief) simulcast race notes:

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

Twelve first-timers going here and a few of them stood out in trials and work. (8) FIRE WIND was the most impressive, winning her trial in a fast time and she’s the likely favourite. Both trainer and jockey are in form and can get underway with a win here. (9) DAE BYEONHWA is the mount of champion jockey Moon Se Young and was actually quicker in trials than Fire Wind and is sure to be backed while others who caught the eye are (3) RAON ALICE and (2) SIMPLE RULES.

 

Selections (8) Fire Wind (9) Dae Byeonhwa (3) Raon Alice (2) Simple Rules
Next Best 1, 12
Fast Start 2, 3, 8, 11

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 20)

The Autumn Carnival was officially launched this weekend – see the press release below – but we’ve still got plenty of racing to go before we get to the Korea Cup & Sprint on the second Sunday in September. It’s a wet Sunday morning in Seoul but there are 11 races from 11:45 to 19:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 13:25 to 17:35. See below for form comments on all races for overseas simulcast:

https://twitter.com/KRAOfficial/status/898823464659832832

Simulcast Form Comments:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

1. YAHO STRONG CAT – First-time starter. Didn’t catch the eye in trials.
2. DALLYEORA PACHYAI – Much improved 2nd on second outing at this distance July 23rd. Big chance here. Could well lead all the way.
3. WHITE ERICA – First time starter. Watching brief first up.
4. WONDERFUL LUCKY – 10th of 12 on debut on July 28th. Not yet.
5. FANTASTIC QUEEN – Best of 5th from six starts so far. Could improve on that here.
6. SEMYEONG KHAN – 2nd on debut in June but could only manage 8th when stepped up to 1300M last time. Should go much better back at 1000M today.
7. PENETRO – Debut-maker from Japanese owner Kadono Shigeo. Looked ok in trials and will be backed first up.
8. SHUMA – Managed a 2nd place over 1300M back in March. First start since April and makes for an interesting outsider.
9. SAEROUN GUNHWANG – Offered little in two efforts so far.
10. GOLD MONT – Well off the pace in two outings so far. Top jockey on today though.
11. STORMY PASSION – Career best 4th over 1000M on muddy track on July 29th ahead of Fapp Cat. Not impossible.
12. FAPP CAT – Only beat a couple home on debut behind Stormy Passion on July 29th. Not ready yet.

Verdict: Two standouts here. (2) DALLYEORA PACHYAI improved a lot on his second start, running a close 2nd. If he can get the early lead here, he could be tough to beat. The other is (6) SEMYOUNG KHAN who put in a solid shift on debut but found it harder when asked to travel further on reappearance. He should be better today. (11) STORMY PASSION looks to be figuring things out while debut-maker (7) PENETRO looks potentially intriguing.

 

Selections (2) Dallyeora Pachyai (6) Semyoung Khan (11) Stormy Passion (7) Penetro
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 6, 7

 

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

1. CRYSTALGACHI – Yet to trouble the judges in five outings.
2. ENJOY MY SHOW – Has had an extremely luckless time but on the rare occasions she’s got to the track, she has shown promise. First start since December, trialed ok and not impossible.
3. KHENDUM POWER – Well backed on debut after promising trial but only beat one home on July 29. Worth another chance here.
4. ONE TWO THREE – Best of 5th from four goes so far. Can at least match that in this company.
5. BLACK TRIGGER – Debut-maker who didn’t catch the eye in trials. Watching brief here.
6. UPDATE – Been showing signs of figuring things out. 5th, ahead of Best Mission on latest and looks among the favourites.
7. SUPER COBRA – Debut-maker. Less than impressive in trials. All half-siblings have won though.
8. BEST MISSION – Managed a 4th place back in January but offered little since.
9. BIG MASTER – Improved 5th last time. Still a bit to find.
10. GIJEOGUI JEWANG – Debuted almost a year ago with a 2nd place but only raced twice since. First start since Christmas Day. Trialed up well.
11. CAPTAIN POWER – 9th of 12 on debut on July 22nd. Lots to find.
12. MR. KING – The most experienced in the race. 6th of 11 last time but has managed a 3rd. Not impossible.

Verdict: Not a strong race and that means a lot could be in the hunt. We’ll go with (6) UPDATE, who looked hopeless in his first few but has shown clear signs of figuring things out. Likewise it’s a fresh start for (2) ENJOY MY SHOW trialed well and has plenty of talent. (3) KHENDUM POWER disappointed on debut but we’ll not give up just yet while (4) ONE TWO THREE could also improve.

 

Selections (2) Enjoy My Show (6) Update (3) Khendum Power (4) One Two Three
Next Best 10, 12
Fast Start 2, 1, 3, 6

 

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

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

Saturday at Seoul sees 11 races from 14:00 to 21:00. Notes on all are below:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

1. JEONGSANG GADO – Sole start in February. Re-qualified behind some very quick ones last month. Not yet.
2. CUPID DOCTOR – 4th of 12 ahead of Jeonsin Mukyang on promising debut on July 23rd. In the hunt.
3. BROWN BOMBER – First-time starter. Trialed up ok although others favoured.
4. MALAKAS – Debut-maker. Won his trial in good fashion. First foal out of his dam, who ran very well in Korea. Interesting.
5. CHEONGUN ILHO – Finish in midfield in all of five starts last autumn and winter. First appearance since February. Looked ok in trial.
6. JUNGDONG JIJON – 4th on debut on July 22nd. Can get closer today.
7. BLUE SHARK – Sent back to trial after woeful debut over 1300M. Was entered at that distance because of hanging inwards in training. Drops back today. Trialed ok.
8. CHOWON YEOJEONSA – 10th behind Argo Unique last time. Lots to find.
7. ARGO UNIQUE – Shown some promise in four starts so far although disappointed when odd-on favourite in June. 6th last time ahead of Chowon yeojeonsa and in the frame today.
8. SACHEON DAESEONG – Best from seven outings is a 5th of 11 back in April. Last of 10 on latest at 1300M on July 16th.
9. MAJJABEUN SON 0 7th of 10 on debut on July 15th. Failed to quicken.
10. JEONSIN MUKYANG – 8th of 12 on debut behind Cupid Doctor on debut on July 23rd.

Verdict: The interestingly named (4) MALAKAS looks an interesting prospect. First foal from a dam who was a very good racehorse in Korea and a good looking trial winner, he can win first up. (2) CUPID DOCTOR was an encouraging 4th on debut and can build on that today. At the opposite end of the scale (7) BLUE SHARK was dreadful on debut but (more…)

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

Sunday is a huge day of racing in Korea with potential Korea Cup & Sprint implications too. Stablemates Triple Nine and Power Blade renew hostilities in the graded Owners’ Cup at Busan while Derby winner Final Boss will seek to get back to winning ways at Seoul. There are 12 races at Seoul from 11:45 to 19:00 and 5 at Busan from 14:15 to 17:40. Notes on every race below:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

1. BLACK MUSIC – Two 4ths among latest three. Can repeat.
2. BEST SIDAE – 5th of 11 in similar race last month.
3. BULHUUI SEUNGJA – First try at this distance. Likely front-runner.
4. C.K.QUEEN – Best of 2nd, comes in off 4th of 12 in similar race last time and can go better here.
5. DAEHAN GANGSAN – Improved 2nd on first try at this distance last time. Big chance.
6. HERO KING – Managed three 4th places among seven starts. Would be a good result today.
7. ONLY BARAM – 9th of 11 on debut last month. Not backable yet,
8. JEGUKUI HUYE – Interrupted career so far with four starts spread over almost a year. Did improve last time.

Verdict: Small field to start with and (5) DAEHAN GANGSAN is top choice having showed a liking for this distance on his first attempt at it last time out. He can sit behind the early speed and finish strongly. That speed can be set by (3) BULHUUI SEUNGJA, who along with (4) C.K. QUEEN, look to be the main dangers.

 

Selections (5) Daehan Gangsan (3) Bulhuui Seungja (4) C.K. Queen (1) Black Music
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 1, 3

(more…)

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

Big 15-race card at Seoul on Saturday. Race 1 is at 14:00 and Race 15 at 21:00. Full preview below:

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Playtime’s over. Moon Se Young is back in town 9Pic: Ross Holburt)

 

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

 

1. MINDEULRE CHUKJE – Best of 5th from six outings.
2. YAHO WORLD STAR – 8th on both tries so far. Showed prominently last start but weakened.
3. HWANGGEUM YEONMOT – Improved 4th ahead of Kaiser Queen on latest start at odds of 120/1. May be shorter today but still others favoured.
4. KAISER QUEEN – Beaten by Hwanggeum Yeonmeot in early July but recovered two weeks ago to run 3rd of 11 in wet conditions. Chance today.
5. NOBLE QUEEN – Well backed on debut following winning trial but came last after stumbling out of the gate. Three months off since and fresh start today.
6. CUPID DATE – Took a while to qualify and then only beat two on debut a month ago.
7. BEST DOLPUNG – Average trial followed by average debut last month.
8. SHARK KING – Just second start for this 5-year-old. Raced once last autumn – came last. Trialed up ok but a total wildcard here.
9. HONEY BAROWS – About time this one won. Has had a couple of hard luck stories and also just run badly a couple of times but can put things right here.
10. DUAL CHOEGANG – Has been steadily improving. 4th last time over 1000M and can continue to progress today.

 

Verdict: Pretty competitive opener with (4) KAISER QUEEN and (9) HONEY BAROWS the top picks. Both have been close but inconsistent and we’ll go with the latter to step up here. (3) HWANGGEUM YEONMOT defied lengthy odds last time to improve and could maintain that here while (10) DUAL CHOEGANG looks best of the rest.

 

Selections (9) Honey Barows (4) Kaiser Queen (3) Hwanggeum Yeonmot (10) Dual Choegang
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 9

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Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 30)

The Ilgan Sports Cup takes centre-stage at Seoul on Sunday. It’s part of a 14-race card from 11:45 to 19:00. English racecards can be found here. Notes on all overseas simulcast races can be found below:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

1. JIGONG JILJU – Showed early but faded in both starts so far. Likely to be on speed again but an outsider.
2. CHOICE BLUE – Debut-maker. Took him plenty of tries to qualify and he can’t be backed first-up.
3. JANGSAN JEGUK – Solid 3rd on debut on July 1st ahead of a couple of these. Big chance here.
4. BLACK CASHMERE – Comes in following two consecutive 3rd place finishes and a win looks just a matter of time. On speed early under good jockey booking.
5. WINNING WIN – First-timer, he’s by a Korean Derby winner but didn’t exactly impress in trials. One to watch rather than back first up.
6. GASOK SHINHWA – Debut-maker. She came through a couple of trials, actually finishing 2nd in one. Slow time though and outsider today.
7. GEUMBIT HWANHYANG – 7th of 9 on debut behind Jangsan Jeguk and Raise Me Up. Should improve for that run.
8. MORAN DONGBEAK – First-time starter. Average in trials and won’t be hugely well backed here.
9. KKEULEOJUNEUN SON – 3rd on debut in quick race over this distance on June 24th. Strong claims today.
10. BOMBI’S KING – Improved 3rd last start at 1300M. Drops back to the minimum for the first time since debut and can go well again.
11. GIDONG DAEJANG – Only beat a couple home on debut and has plenty to find.
12. RAISE ME UP – 4th behind Jangsan Jeguk on first ever start at the beginning of this month and can look to at least match that today. Half-brother to Korean Derby winner.

Verdict: (9) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON and (3) JANGSAN JEGUK were both 3rd in their respective debut races and they look the top picks here with former the choice to prevail. (12) RAISE ME UP was 4th, just a neck behind Jangsan Jeguk on what was her debut too (more…)