Seoul

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

12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:50 to 18:00. English race cards are here and notes on races 5-12 are below:

Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40  

Two stand-outs here. (4) WHIZ SPARK was all over the place last time out, finishing the race on the grandstand running rail yet still managed 3rd place. She was sent back to trial, which she came through comfortably and has to be fancied here. If she fails to run in a straight line again, (3) SAMJEONG MAGNUM looks most likely to take advantage. She was slightly disappointing on her first try at this class a month ago but wasn’t beaten by much and gets another chance here. The top two look superior but (5) GINNY ACE, 6th behind Whiz Spark last time, can improve while solid runs are capable from (6) SILVERGRAY CAT and (8) HAENURI.

Selections: (4) Whiz Spark (3) Samjeong Magnum (6) Silvergray Cat (8) Haenuri
Next Best: 6, 9
Rating: 4=6, 5, 9, 3
Fast Starters: 4, 5, 6
Start-200M: 6, 4, 5, 3, 2
200M-Finish: 9, 10, 5, 3, 2

Race 6: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:25

Competitive race and it’s about time (9) RAON ROUIS added to his two victories on what will be his tenth career start here. Last time out at 1200M he led until the closing stages before being well-beaten by a good winner and back at 1000M today, he can lead all the way. Also looking to lead will be (8) DAESEONG MALLI, who beat five of these when finishing 2nd on what was just her second career outing on October 22nd and she can continue her development here. (5) PICO TIME is up in class following a dominant four-length win over the distance last month. She has a strong finish and will one to watch out for in the closing stages. (3) NABOM CASTLE comes in looking for softer opposition after a couple of chastening outings at domestic class 4 and may improve while (6) APPALACHIA BOM perhaps hasn’t shown his best yet.

Selections: (9) Raon Rouis (8) Daeseong Malli (5) Pico Time (3) Nabom Castle
Next Best: 6, 1
Rating: 3, 4=8=9, 1
Fast Starters: 2, 6, 8, 9
Start-200M: 8, 9, 6, 3, 7
200M-Finish: 1, 4, 5, 12, 8

Click “more” to read on…

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:10  (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Full Race-By-Race Preview for President’s Cup Day (November 13)

Sunday is President’s Cup Day at Seoul. The big race is the highlight of 11 contests at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00. Meanwhile at Busan there is a competitive 6-race card running from 12:50 to 17:05.

See here for a runner-by-runner preview of the President’s Cup. Full English race cards can be found here and see below for a race-by-race preview of the whole day (click continue reading):

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40

Five first-timers and five with prior experience here and we’ll go with the experience. (7) K KING has shown improvement over his two outings to date and can keep that going here. He should lead from the gate and can win. (8) CHARMING GOOD was an encouraging 4th in a tight race on debut last month and also improve today while (4) RAON ROCKY also showed promise when racing 5th on debut on October 2nd. Among the debut makers, (2) BEST CAMP looked the pick in trials.

Selections: (7) K King (2) Best Camp (8) Charming Good (4) Raon Rocky
Next Best: 6, 10
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 2, 4, 7
Start-200M: 8, 7, 9, 4, 1
200M-Finish: 1, 7, 8, 9, 4

click “more” to continue…it’s too long to keep on the front!

(more…)

Sunday Preview: Munhwa Ilbo, Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo (November 6)

Busy day of racing at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with big prizes at both tracks for imported 2-year olds. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:50 to 17:00.

Ottug Ottugi

Oaks Winner Ottug Ottugi faces Perdido Pomeroy on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

At Seoul, It’s the Munhwa Ilbo Cup and Spirit Of Hansen looks set to be favourite for a race that has attracted a full field of fourteen runners. Fourteen go too in Busan’s equivalent, the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Cup, a really open event in which the excellently named I’m Your Father, Sillaui Jeonseol, and Wonder Wall are likely to be among the favourites.

Also at Busan, there is an intriguing match-up in the finale as two of the track’s best sprinters, Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi and Korea/Japan Cup winner Perdido Pomeroy face off over six furlongs. Races 9-11 at Seoul will be shown in Australia on Sky Racing 2. English race cards are here. Notes on those three races below:

Race 9: Class Open – The Munhwa Ilbo Cup / 1200M / Allowance (2yo Only) / KRW 200 Million / 16:35

Following three 2nd place finishes, (5) SPIRIT OF HANSEN was perhaps a touch fortunate to get his maiden victory last time out when his main rival missed the break enabling him to comfortably make all. Nevertheless he has shown enough to suggest he should be favourite to take this valuable prize with champion jockey Moon Se Young on board for the first time. (14) NEW CITADEL made his own breakthrough last time with a visually impressive win over 1400M and while the draw is far from ideal, looks the main danger. There are plenty of unknowns in the race though. (7) CHEONGDAM DOKKI and (2) GRACE CITY have both won their only starts to date and will have backers while (8) DOLKONG may have only managed 2nd on debut behind one of his rivals at the end of August but clearly needed further and gets it today. (12) INGWANGDO has also shown promise in two outings so far and is to be considered.

Selections: (5) Spirit Of Hansen (14) New Citadel (7) Cheongdam Dokki (8) Dolkong
Next Best: 12, 2, 11
Rating: 5, 14, 4, 1=2
Fast Starters: 3, 4, 5, 12
Start-200M: 12, 4, 3, 14, 10
200M-Finish: 8, 11, 7, 13, 14

Race 10: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30

Nice competitive race here and while (6) SMART TIME found herself overmatched in the Jeju Governor’s Cup last month, she should go much better here in more amenable company. She races best when she gets a forward position from the gate and can do that today. (2) GREY KAISER beat a couple of these when racing 3rd over 1200M a month ago and will also be on speed today while (3) BAEKSAN can improve on a 6th place in tough company last start. (4) CUPID POWER and (12) SUN SHOT look best of the rest.

Selections: (6) Smart Time (2) Grey Kaiser (3) Baeksan (4) Cupid Power
Next Best: 12, 5, 1, 8
Rating: 85=85, 83=83, 82
Fast Starters: 2, 5, 6, 12
Start-200M: 12, 5, 1, 10, 2
200M-Finish: 4, 8, 7, 12, 3

Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00

It took (10) WINNER RED six starts to get his maiden win but he’s now won four of his last five and tackles class 1 opposition for the first time here with every indication being that he can be equal to the task. Also up in class is (11) SAMBONG. He was a, eight-length winner over 1900M last month but is a very solid sprinter too and must be considered. (7) DIPLOMATIC MISSION was 2nd at class and distance three weeks ago and can match that today while (1) WORLD JJANG and (6) CITY HUNTER have proven competitive at this level, the latter having returned from seven months out with a solid 3rd last month. (4) SUN STRONG and (12) GUMANSEOK are longer shots who also can’t be ruled out.

Selections: (10) Winner Red (7) Diplomatic Mission (11) Sambong (4) Sun Strong
Next Best: 12, 1, 6
Rating: 12, 8, 10, 2=7
Fast Starters: 2, 7, 8, 9
Start-200M: 8, 9, 10, 2, 7
200M-Finish: 6, 11, 1, 2, 10

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 5)

There are twelve races at Seoul on Saturday with the first at 10:50 and the last at 18:00. English language race cards are here. Notes on races 5-12 below:

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:40 

Nice competitive one to start with and (8) WINNER BLACK came from off the speed to land 2nd place, beating (6) GOLD JANGGUN by a length in the process, over 1300M a month ago. The latter will be on speed today and both will be competitive with Winner Black slightly favoured once more. (2) SARYEONI WIN was an encouraging 4th on debut last month and can build on that today while (4) GOLDSTAR HILLS, who beat Saryeoni Win in trials, has shown improvement in two starts so far and is to be considered. The very experienced – although without a win in thirty outings – (9) FOUR J is also capable of scoring some money from off the pace.

Selections: (8) Winner Black (2) Saryeoni Win (4) Goldstar Hills (6) Gold Janggun
Next Best: 9
Rating: –
Fast Starters: 1, 6, 7
Start-200M: 1, 6, 2, 5, 4
200M-Finish: 4, 8, 2, 9, 6

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:25 

Another competitive race and while (9) DREAM MISS could only manage 7th when well fancied in a decent all-filly race over this distance at the end of September, she gets another chance here. She is a front-runner but although she weakened that day, back at 1000M today, she is the one to beat. On the other hand (4) THANKS BEAN may prefer further but will be dangerous under Imran Siddiqui while (7) SANGBIGUN is up in class following his maiden win at this distance three weeks ago and looks to have potential for more. He is another who will look to lead early. (3) YONGWANG SIDAE doesn’t enter in form but should have the beating of a few of these while (6) HANIL ENSEMBLE similarly can compete for the money.

Selections: (9) Dream Miss (4) Thanks Bean (3) Yongwang Sidae (7) Sangbigun
Next Best: 8, 10
Rating: 9, 1=10, 7, 4
Fast Starters: 6, 7, 9, 10
Start-200M: 9, 6, 10, 7, 1
200M-Finish 2, 9, 3, 10, 5

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:10 

Four of these enter this filly & mare contest having been winners last time out and it is (5) BOUNDING PARK, a visually impressive eleven length winner at this distance on October 1st, who is the pick to score again. However, her numbers haven’t been that impressive so far and she is up in class so there is plenty of reason to oppose too. Among the other last-time winners, (10) PHILLANIKE looks the most likely. She too caught the eye making all to win by no fewer than twelve lengths at 1200M last month and while the gate is not ideal, can win again. (3) SAETBYEOL ACHIM and (7) ECTON GAYA are proven money winners at this level and both should be aiming to improve on the 4th places they scored last time out. (8) GOODMORNING FUSION, an unexpected winner at this class on October 1st will get more respect this time.

Selections: (5) Bounding Park (10) Phillanike (3) Saetbyeol Achim (8) Goodmorning Fusion
Next Best: 1, 7, 9
Rating: 5=10, 3=8, 7
Fast Starters: 3, 5, 10
Start-200M: 3, 10, 5, 2, 8
200M-Finish: 6, 7, 8, 4, 3

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:00 

Two wins from four so far and a strong 2nd last time at domestic class 4, (3) SILVER HERO looks the pick here sent in against potentially weaker imported opposition. He’ll be on speed early and can go all the way. There are two promising imports sent in against him though. Both (11) DORAON NARI and (12) ANOTHER SMART ONE were 2nd on their respective debuts in early October with Doraon Nari perhaps showing a little bit more, albeit over 1000M. Those two will also want to be on speed early and can be competitive. (6) GONE WALKABOUT was 4th on debut behind Doraon Nalri and can build on that here while (9) CLEAN UP HERO looks the better of two debut-makers having shown some glimpses of talent in an October trial.

Selections: (3) Silver Hero (11) Doraon Nalri (12) Another Smart One (6) Gone Walkabout
Next Best: 8, 9
Rating: 10=11, 12, 3=4
Fast Starters: 3, 11, 12
Start-200M: 12, 11, 10, 7, 3
200M-Finish: 11, 10, 2, 3, 6

Seoul Race 9: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:30 

Brian Dean’s (6) JANGSAN ROCKY has won two of his last three, just getting up by a head in a competitive race over 1400M at domestic class 4. He’ll be on pace early and should have the beating of most of these. Another Korean-bred is the main danger. (9) SO ARA YEOWANG came from just behind the pace to record victory over 1200M at domestic class 4 a month ago. She’s won four of eleven to date and there looks to be more to come. Among the imports, (3) HWAGANG was an encouraging 5th on debut beaten by (7) TODAY WINNER, who was much improved. (5) HIPPOCRENE and (8) GUKJE MYEONGPUM are best of the rest.

Selections: (6) Jangsan Rocky (9) So Ara Yeowang (3) Hwagang (7) Today Winner
Next Best: 5, 8
Rating: 2, 9=12, 6, 1
Fast Starters: 1, 2, 6, 7
Start-200M: 7, 6, 1, 12, 10
200M-Finish: 5, 3, 9, 4, 8

Seoul Race 10: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:00 

(4) HONEY BUTTER NINO has disappointed in both his last two starts but does get another opportunity here. If he can get on speed early he can go well and he is sure to be well bet once more in what is a competitive race. (1) CHUL AE and (8) CALL ME JK are both up in class despite neither having yet won but both should be competitive here while (9) SONOGONG and (10) SEUNGNISARANG look best of an average rest.

Selections: (4) Honey Butter Nino (1) Chul Ae (8) Call Me JK (9) Sonogong
Next Best: 10, 6
Rating: 9, 4, 2=3, 7
Fast Starters: 4
Start-200M: 9, 7, 3, 5, 2
200M-Finish: 5, 3, 4, 10, 7

Seoul Race 11: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 17:30 

(10) JANGSAN CITY could only manage 5th when coming from off the pace in a solid race at this class over 12000M on October 1st and back to 1400M today he can get it right. Brian Dean’s (2) OFFI SAEMI looks the main danger coming in after a solid 3rd place over 1200 in a tough race three weeks ago and likely to be ridden forward early today. (11) PRETTY BOY and (8) ÉCLAIR HUMOR ran 2nd and 3rd over class and distance on October 9th and both have potential to repeat today while (3) ON THE STAGE has been a surprise winner of both her last two outings and must be given some respect here.

Selections: (10) Jangsan City (2) Offi Saemi (11) Pretty Boy (3) On The Stage
Next Best: 8, 1
Rating: 3, 1, 11, 5=10
Fast Starters: 2, 3, 4, 8
Start-200M: 4, 8, 3, 6, 2
200M-Finish: 1, 2, 10, 11, 3

Seoul Race 12: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 

(8) CHEONHABI was 5th when favourite in a tight finish over 1700M on October 9th. He drops back to 1400M today, will be on speed early and is one of three standouts here. (4) BLUSHING VOW returned from five months off with a good win at class and distance on October 1st and can follow up here. He will also want to be upfront early on. (5) HUGHES ROAD is two starts into a comeback following a six-month absence. He showed improvement last time at 1900M and should come on more today. (2) GIANT KILLER and (9) STORYTELLING should also show well.

Selections: (8) Cheonhabi (4) Blushing Vow (5) Hughes Road (9) Storytelling
Next Best: 2, 3
Rating: 8, 3=5, 4, 10
Fast Starters: 4, 8
Start-200M: 8, 4, 1, 5, 6
200M-Finish: 3, 8, 4, 2, 6

Sunday Preview: Nonghyup Trophy At Seoul / Beolmaui Kkum At Busan

Sunday is a big day of racing across the peninsula with good quality match ups at both Seoul and Busan. The unfortunately named Goreous Dream goes after what would be his eighth win on his ninth start in Seoul’s Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy while Beolmaui Kkum, such a disappointment in last month’s Korea Cup, headlines Busan’s feature.

beolmaui-kkum-korea-cup-lead

Beolmaui Kkum quickly led the Korea Cup but quickly faded. He returns to action on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Formerly for fillies and mares, this year the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy has been repackaged as a race for 3-year-olds. And at Seoul, Goreous Dream (yes, he really is actually called “Gorgeous Dream” in Korean, it seems to be a typo but we’re going to go with it anyway) looks a talent, at least at sprint distances. He’s going to be the strong favourite to keep his record going in the 1200M Nonghyup.

Beolmaui Kkum went out like a train in the Korea Cup at Seoul last month but quickly ran out of steam and handed the race on a platter to the two Japanese visitors. There’s a jockey change today with an apprentice coming in to take some weight off but it still won’t be easy for Beolmaui Kkum in the 1800M race 6. Dongbang Daero, Supreme Magic – 6th in the Korea Sprint – and the ever-reliable Heba will also go.

At Seoul there are 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:50 to 17:00. English race cards are here. Three races will be shown in Australia on Sky Racing 2 for betting on the TAB, including the Nonghyup Trophy. Notes on those below:

Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 14:45

(3) KODIAK LOVE will be the strong favourite here. He didn’t get the greatest of trips in a tough race over this distance on October 2nd but if he can get on speed early today, he has every chance of going all the way in what is slightly weaker company. (9) POWER AND SPEED returned from a full ten months off in September to record an unexpected win at domestic class 4. She’s up in class today but has a strong finish and looks to be the main danger. Also up in class is (10) BARAM SOGEURO. He didn’t disappoint with an all the way win over 1300M and while the draw is less favourable today, he’s should be competitive. (5) SKY JEWANG has a 4th and a 6th from two outings at this level and can build on those today while (1) TAEYANGBYEOL looks best of the rest.

Selections: (3) Kodiak Love (9) Power And Speed (10) Baram Sogeuro (5) Sky Jewang
Next Best: 1, 6, 7
Rating: 3, 10, 4=8, 6
Fast Starters: 3, 4, 5, 10
Start-200M: 4, 3, 6, 10, 5
200M-Finish: 7, 9, 3, 5, 8

Race 9: Class 1 / 1200M / Allowance (3yo only) – The Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy / KRW 120 Million / 16:35

He may be a typo in the registry but (8) GOREOUS DREAM has proved a very effective sprinter on the track. The Sharp Humor colt has won seven of his eight outings to date, almost all of them having led from gat to wire and he will be hot favourite to do exactly the same here. (1) SUN ROK comes in having won his last two and drops back to this distance for the first time since last year. He’s won seven of ten and is a danger. Under the same ownership as Sun Rok (although a different trainer), (5) GWANGBOK CHILSIP is another talent who drops back to a sprint distance for the first time in many months and must be taken seriously. (7) SUSEONG CAPTAIN and (3) SHAMROCKER too will appreciate the distance with the former likely to challenge Goreous Dream and Gwangbok Chilsip for the early lead. It’s a competitive race with seven of the eight having claims (it’s hard to make a case for the still maiden Hwanggeum Cheonha), but the favourite should be too good.

Selections: (8) Goreous Dream (5) Gwangbok Chilsip (1) Sun Rok (7) Suseong Captain
Next Best: 3, 6, 4
Rating: 8, 5, 3, 1, 7
Fast Starters: 5, 7, 8
Start-200M: 8, 2, 7, 5, 6
200M-Finish: 3, 6, 7, 1, 4
Race 10: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:30

Small but competitive field here with two standouts. (3) WINNERS GLORY looked like he was heading to the top earlier this year but hasn’t managed to build on a 4th place in the Korean Derby. He managed another 4th in the Ilgan Sports Cup in July but his only race since then was a disappointing run over 1400M. He gets another chance here though and should be on speed throughout. Among those beating Winners Glory in that 1400M race was (2) SEOMGWANGI. He was recording his third consecutive 2nd place finish that day but with champion jockey Moon Se Young back in the saddle, he should also be on speed early and can go one better today. He’s the pick. (4) DIXIE PLOIT, a half-brother to a Derby winner, is up in class following a smart win over this distance last month and looks best of the rest. He’ll come from off the pace as will the next best (7) GRAND PNYX and (8) CARDIFF HWANHUI.

Selections: (2) Seomgwangi (3) Winners Glory (4) Dixie Ploit (8) Cardiff Hwanhui
Next Best: 7
Rating: 7, 2, 6=8, 3
Fast Starters: 2, 3
Start-200M: 2, 3, 7, 1, 5
200M-Finish: 4, 3, 1, 2, 5

Sunday Preview (October 23)

There’s a busy day of racing in Korea today with 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:50 to 17:05. 

Feature race is at Busan in the shape of the Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup, the southern track’s top juvenile race of the year. English racecards here. Just three races will be simulcast overseas today and notes on them are below:

 Busan Race 4: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 15:20

(9) GABO STAR is the one to beat here. He’s won his last two in comfortable style, beating (6) FOR MY SIS by a length three weeks ago at this distance. Both of them are up in class here. Gabo Star should be on speed early and he can complete a hat-trick of victories. The reliable For My Sis can find the money once again but the main danger may turn out to be (10) BIO BLUE. He’s back in the winning habit with two from his last three and while 1200M may be a touch short for him, he’ll be a danger coming from just behind the early pace. (1) JUNGANG YEOJE has suffered a couple of setbacks when favourite in both his last two outings but will surely find at least the places again while (4) ILMANGMUJE weakened late on in a good race over 1400M last month and should go better back at 1200M today.

Selections (9) Gabo Star (10) Bio Blue (1) Jungang Yeoje (6) For My Sis
Next Best 4
Rating 2=8, 3, 10, 7
Fast Starters 1, 4, 7, 9
Start-200M 7, 1, 4, 9, 5
200M-Finish 6, 10, 1, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The Gyeongnam Sinmun Cup / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 250 Million / 16:15

This race is Busan’s top juvenile race of the year with those who perform well likely to go to Seoul in early December to contest the overall Championship. It’s a tricky one too with plenty of unknown quantities. We’ll start with the known though and on that basis, (9) ICE MARINE gets the nod. She’s won three of four so far and beat three of these in a valuable race for domestic sales graduates last month. A fast starter, she’ll possibly be the favourite here. Of those she beat in that race on September 11th, (3) ADELEUI BOM and (7) MUHAN YEOLJEONG look capable of going well here. Trainer Kim Young Kwan saddled winner and runner-up last year; those two went on to win the Oaks and the Triple Crown respectively and Korea’s top trainer comes in well-armed again today. (2) EUROPA is the pick of his pair. He tied up from two furlongs out when up against older horses over 1300M last start but has had two months off since and should be factor here. Kim’s other entrant (6) SINUIPUMGYEOK was 3rd in challenging company at the distance last month and is also likely to have come on. (4) ILLYU STAR comes in two for two and is another who’ll want to be on speed early while (1) QUEEN’S QUEEN and (11) HWARANGUI HUYE are the wildcard picks, both running under in-form expat jockeys.

Selections (6) Sinuipumgyeok (9) Ice Marine (2) Europa (11) Hwarangui Huye
Next Best 4, 10, 3, 1
Rating –
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9
Start-200M 9, 4, 7, 2, 8
200M-Finish 11, 4, 1, 7, 3

Busan Race 6: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:05

Another competitive race and while (10) SAEROUN STEALTH demonstrated that he can get two turns with a solid 2nd over 1800M last month but it is at this distance and shorter where he has excelled most so far and he is very much the one to beat here. (4) PUREUN ACE beat (2) AJU CHOEGANG when the pair ran 4th and 5th at class and distance exactly a month ago and both can challenge here with the latter favoured to overturn that result while (3) SEONGSAN PAECHEONG returned to form with a 2nd place at class and distance two weeks ago and can build on that here despite carrying an extra three kilos. (11) MORNING DAERO enters following back to back 2nd place finishes most recently at class and distance and can be fancied for a late charge here.

Selections (10) Saeroun Stealth (2) Aju Choegang (11) Morning Daero (4) Pureun Ace
Next Best 3, 8, 7
Rating 4, 1=11, 2, 3
Fast Starters 5, 6, 10
Start-200M 5, 6, 11, 10, 7
200M-Finish 2, 11, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

While at Busan, Power Blade is the main attraction on Sunday, there’s a big card at Seoul too with 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00

English racecards can be found here. Notes on all Seoul races below:

Key

Rating Top five official rated
Fast Starters Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M Fastest average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Race 1: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40

 (8) CLEAN UP SKY was 3rd in the valuable HKJC Trophy on September 10th and would probably have won had he not been one of two who shifted outwards abruptly away from the whip in the closing stages, losing a lot of ground. The other who did that was a winner last week and in Korea, Clean Up Sky will be odds-on to follow suit here. Next best is (3) YEOKDAE CHOESANG who closed strongly for 2nd last start and will appreciate the extra furlong today. (5) RULE OF SUM was an encouraging 5th on debut in August and can come on here while (4) PHILLANIKE and (12) JEULGEOUN HAMSEONG are perhaps best of the rest although (11) MEGA CHAMP won his trial and will have some backing.

Selections (8) Clean Up Sky (3) Yeokdae Choesang (5) Rule Of Sum (12) Jeulgeoun Hamseong
Next Best 11, 4, 9
Rating –
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8
Start-200M 8, 4, 12, 2, 3
200M-Finish 5, 3, 12, 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:05

The market will be slightly more balanced in this one with all except (5) HALO TIME likely to have at least some support. (2) QUEEN PRINCESS and (7) EUNBIT NARAE recorded 3rd places at 1200M and 1300M respectively in August and while both struggled on reappearance last month, they can return to some semblance of form here. It’s similar for (1) GANGJASEUNG, the most experienced one in the race, who failed to follow up on an August 2nd place. (3) YEONGUNG GEONMA’s best I three outings so far came at this distance and will benefit from the services of Djordje Perovic, while (6) GOLDIE EARTH finally showed some improvement in a weak race last month and carries the lightest weight here.

Selections (3) Yeongung Geonma (2) Queen Princess (1) Gangjaseung (6) Goldie Earth
Next Best 7, 4
Rating –
Fast Starters 2
Start-200M 3, 2, 4, 6, 7
200M-Finish 5, 3, 1, 7, 2

Race 3: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:30

Another competitive race. Slight pick and likely favourite is (6) MABEOP TANHWAN, a class and distance winner on September 3rd when not fancied at all. He came from just behind the early leaders that day and beat (5) GALKKOTBI in 3rd by almost two lengths. This race isn’t significantly stronger although (2) DONGHAE VICAR and (3) KING LIGHT, both of whom struggled on their first try at this class and both should welcome the step down in trip today. That’s true too of (10) GANGNAMGUL while (8) JEOMIPGASOK returns for the first time since May and looked lively enough in a trial last month.

Selections (6) Mabeop Tanhwan (3) King Light (2) Donghae Vicar (10) Gangnamgul
Next Best 8, 1, 5
Rating 3=10, 6, 1=2
Fast Starters 2, 3, 10
Start-200M 7, 3, 10, 2, 6
200M-Finish 8, 6, 4, 1, 9

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:10

After back to back 3rd places in all-filly races at this class and distance and prior to that a solid 2nd at 1400M, (11) BEST QUEEN looks ready to win again here. She’s usually steadily away so the outside gate shouldn’t be an issue. Finding one too quick once more may be an issue though and if that happens, the most likely is (8) NEULPUREUN KOKO. She was a well-beaten 2nd at this distance a month ago but is a winner at this distance and will be on speed early. (9) YONGDUSAN showed tentative signs of a return to form with a 4th place at class and distance in August and can go well here too while (6) EIGER and the oddly named (1) VET TIME look best of the rest.

Selections (11) Best Queen (8) Neulpureun Koko (9) Yongdusan (6) Eiger
Next Best 1, 10
Rating 5, 11, 7, 8, 6
Fast Starters 5, 8
Start-200M 8, 5, 1, 9, 6
200M-Finish 11, 3, 1, 2, 6

Race 5: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:15

Another competitive race and we’ll make (1) LAKE LOUISE, 3rd on her first try at this level on September 11th, the pick to score. She led until the closing stages that day and with half a furlong less to worry about today, can go all the way this time. (6) SUN MASTER was 5th, a length and a half behind Lake Louise that day and can go closer here. (7) LA FENICE was a winner at this class over 1000M last month and while that seems to be his ideal distance, he should be able to be competitive at 1200M and will challenge for the lead early. (4) SILVER HERO is up in class having won two of his first three outings and is to be considered while (8) SO ARA YEOWANG drops back to this distance for the first time since beating Lake Louise over it in July. Trainer and jockey combination is bang in form right now.

Selections (1) Lake Louise (4) Silver Hero (6) Sun Master (8) So Ara Yeowang
Next Best 6, 2
Rating 2, 7, 5, 1, 8
Fast Starters 1, 3, 7
Start-200M 7, 3, 1, 5, 6
200M-Finish 9, 5, 8, 2, 4

Race 6: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:05

Since beginning his career with a pair of wins, (11) SIDAEUIYEOWANG has never finished any worse than 4th but has always managed to find at least one too quick. He can put that right today. The main danger looks to be the up in class (6) GWACHEONUI HAMSEONG who’s won two from four and attempts 1400M for the first time. He’s likely to try to make all while Sidaeuiyeowang will be ridden more patiently. Also on speed will be (8) EOJJUGURI, who should be close at the end although the distance may be a slight concern. (2) PRETTY BOY and the up in class (10) DIXIE SMILE, who landed his 2nd win at the 26th time of asking last month, are others in contention.

Selections (11) Sidaeuiyeowang (6) Gwacheonui Hamseong (8) Eojjuguri (10) Dixie Smile
Next Best 2, 5, 12
Rating 11, 3, 1, 8, 2
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6, 8
Start-200M 5, 11, 8, 4, 6
200M-Finish 6, 9, 2, 12, 10

Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55

There are three stand-outs here in a very average looking race and among them (5) NEW CITADEL, 2nd on debut over 1300M on August 27th, is favoured to take the honours. (7) BANYA DONGHAENG was an encouraging 5th on debut last month and can build on it here while (1) GOOD TO YOU is yet to win in eighteen outings but beat three of these when running 3rd over this distance last start in August and should beat plenty again. It’s slim pickings beyond those so well give a chance to debut-maker (8) HWAGANG, who was 2nd in a trial just last week and also to (12) USEUNG GONGGAM who has a strong of recent 4th places that he should be looking to match or better in this company.

Selections (5) New Citadel (7) Banya Donghaeng (1) Good To You (8) Hwagang
Next Best 12, 3
Rating 5, 3=7=8, 1
Fast Starters 3, 5
Start-200M 3, 5, 10, 6, 7
200M-Finish 7, 5, 1, 12, 2

Race 8: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45

(4) SPIRIT OF HANSEN has been 2nd on each of his three outings so far and he should be close by once more. It’s possible though that he might have to settle for 2nd – or worse – as he finds himself up in class today in what is a competitive race. (9) DAEBAKIDA and (5) HWANGGEUM DEULPAN have both shown they can be contenders at this level and should go close while (2) DAEMA JIJON has already won at class and distance and can be dangerous. (10) EUNBIT HWANHUI has won two of her last three and is accordingly up in class here. She tries the distance for the first time and it should suit.

Selections (4) Spirit Of Hansen (9) Daebakida (10) Eunbit Hwanhui (5) Hwanggeum Deulpan
Next Best 2, 6, 3
Rating 3, 12, 1=2=5
Fast Starters 1, 2, 11
Start-200M 1, 3, 4, 11, 2
200M-Finish 6, 10, 4, 2, 9

Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:40

Both (1) CHEONHABI and (7) IGWANGSASEOK enter here having won their last two starts, the latest for each of them being at this class and accordingly both must be respected here. We’re going to make (2) SIMBA the pick though. His two latest defeats have been in tougher company than this and he looks very nicely in here. (8) LITTLE BROWN was 2nd, just over a length behind Igwangsaseok, at class and distance on August 28th and can go close again while (6) VALLEY STAR, last behind Cheonhabi last time out, can improve today.

Selections (2) Simba (1) Cheonhabi (7) Igwangsaseok (8) Little Brown
Next Best 6, 3
Rating 3=8, 1=2=5
Fast Starters 1, 8
Start-200M 8, 1, 7, 2, 4
200M-Finish 3, 1, 2, 7, 8

Race 10: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30

Seven of these raced each other at class and distance on August 28th and it was old-stager (8) GUMANSEOK who surprisingly got the best of them. He hasn’t been respected by punters in either of his last two races but has defied his odds both times to finish 2nd. He’ll be much shorter today. (1) SPACE PORT was just a neck behind Gumanseok in that race and may well start favourite here but the other likely fancies here didn’t go that day. (12) BRIG returned to form with a solid 2nd place over 2000M at the beginning of September and should be strong here while (9) MENI MONEY was 3rd over this distance in June’s SLTC Trophy and enters in good form. (10) HALLA CHUKJE, who will most likely set the early pace and (7) WOLRD JJANG are others to look out for.

Selections (12) Brig (1) Space Port (8) Gumanseok (9) Meni Money
Next Best 10, 7, 2
Rating 1, 3, 4, 10, 2
Fast Starters 3, 4, 10
Start-200M 3, 1, 7, 9, 6
200M-Finish 7, 2, 10, 8, 5

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

Two who are up in class look to be the ones to beat in the finale. (1) MENI MUSIC and (3) SNOW CHARISMA were class 3 winners at the start of September over 1200M and 1400M respectively, both of them making all and they will fight it out early in the race with one of them having the potential to go all the way. (4) SINGGEUREOUNBOM and (8) CUPID CHONGAL, have the best chance of stopping them with (10) KEUNBADA a longer shot in what is another competitive race.

Selections (3) Snow Charisma (1) Meni Music (4) Singgeureounbom (8) Cupid Chongal
Next Best 10, 11,
Rating 10, 1, 8, 2, 11
Fast Starters 1, 3
Start-200M 10, 4, 3, 8, 12
200M-Finish 1, 12, 2, 7, 6

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

It’s a big day of racing in the peninsula as Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi heads the line-up in Seoul in the Jeju Governor’s Cup, a race that brings together some of the top Korean bred fillies on the peninsula. At Busan, Macheon Bolt is the one they have to beat in a top class feature handicap.

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Ottug Ottugi and Choi Si Dae, seen here at the Korea Sprint, return to Seoul Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

English Racecards are here. All Seoul races are available on the TAB in Australia.Race-by-race preview (except Busan race 1) below:

Key

Rating Top five official rated
Fast Starters Expected to lead the race early
Start-200M Fastest Average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races)
200M-Finish Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40 

Two standouts here and we’ll go with (11) SMART PARK to beat (9) LEAD MONEY. The latter would perhaps have won last time had he not shifted inwards away from the whip in the closing stages and gets another chance here. Among the rest, (6) CUPID FLOWER was beaten by Lead Money on debut in August and can improve for it while (2) LUIBAN, (3) RAON ROCKY and (10) GOLDEN STEP look best of the first-timers.

Selections (11) Smart Park (9) Lead Money (6) Cupid Flower (3) Raon Rocky
Next Best 10, 2
Rating –
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 6
Start-200M 9, 4, 5, 11, 6
200M-Finish 11, 8, 6, 9, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:05 

(6) NHA TRANG has improved on each start so far and was 2nd in a weak race over 1000M a month ago. He tries 1300M for the first time today and can win from on the early speed. Main danger is (4) HAWK EYES, narrowly beaten into 3rd last start and with a strong finish. The rest look indifferent at best. It’s not a good sign to still be at class 6 after 23 starts but (1) DREAM KING should be capable of beating a few of these while (2) PROUD and (9) NONGBON OREUM can also compete for places.

Selections (4) Hawk Eyes (6) Nha Trang (2) Proud (1) Dream King
Next Best 9, 3
Rating –
Fast Starters 6, 9
Start-200M 6, 4, 8, 2, 9
200M-Finish 4, 6, 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:30 

(3) NO MERCY was 2nd on debut at the beginning of September, having briefly led close to home and he is one of the main contenders here. He’ll look to lead all the way. (5) BINNANEUN TALLYEOK was a much improved 2nd on what was her fourth start at the end of August. She’s not a fast starter and may appreciate the extra half furlong today. (1) I AM CAPTAIN was a slightly disappointing 6th last time but gets another chance while (4) SUNNY SKY and (6) HIMCHAN CHULBAL look best of the rest.

Selections (3) No Mercy (5) Binnaneun Tallyeok (1) I Am Captain (6) Himchan Chulbal
Next Best 4, 7
Rating –
Fast Starters 3, 7
Start-200M 3, 7, 1, 2, 4
200M-Finish 6, 5, 8, 4, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:10 

(9) RAON CONDOR was a three-length winner on debut a month ago and while she had little to beat that day and is up in class here, she will be competitive. (5) STORM RYKER has been knocking on the door of the places at this class and should be going close here while (3) GEUMBIT ROAD returns after nine months off and looked sharp in a trial in the summer. (7) SUPER ROCKET and (8) SAEBYEOCK BULKKOT both improved last start and may be considered.

Selections (5) Storm Ryker (9) Raon Condor (7) Super Rocket (3) Geumbit Road
Next Best 8, 11
Rating 1, 5, 7, 4=9
Fast Starters 3, 7, 8, 9
Start-200M 9, 7, 3, 5, 8
200M-Finish 3, 11, 4, 2, 1

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:15 

Really open race all-filly race. (1) PUREUN JILJU was a winner on debut last month but will have to find plenty if she’s to repeat. Just as likely to make the step up is (11) GEUMSAEKJO, who looked good making all to get her own maiden win on August 28th. (7) EONJE EODISEONA and (8) MARI have both run twice at this level and should be competitive while (2) ECTON GAYA and especially (3) DOLCE VITA are others to consider.

Selections (11) Geumsaekjo (7) Eonje Eodiseona (3) Dolce Vita (1) Pureun Jilju
Next Best 8, 2, 10
Rating 7, 8, 11, 1, 2
Fast Starters 6, 7, 8, 10
Start-200M 8, 7, 10, 6, 5
200M-Finish 2, 11, 10, 9, 1

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 

(11) GASOK ACE is up in class following his maiden win last time and looks nicely in for a repeat today. Rivals are (9) GOLDEN KINGS returned from five months off to record a solid 5th place earlier this month and should have come on for the run and (10) KWAESEOK BOLT, already a winner at this level and top weight here. The inconsistent (3) ACE POWER looks best of the rest.

Selections (11) Gasok Ace (10) Kwaeseok Bolt (9) Golden Kings (3) Ace Power
Next Best 1, 5, 6
Rating 10, 6, 11, 3, 9
Fast Starters 3, 11
Start-200M 3, 11, 9, 1, 8
200M-Finish 11, 9, 7, 2, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:05 

Only one previous winner amongst this lot and that’s (12) GYODUBO, who races for the first time since that victory, achieved on a muddy track in July. He’s top weight but has claims again. (1) BROOKS comes in following a 3rd and a 2nd from his last two and should place again while (2) TOTAL WALKER is always well-supported and may find conditions more favourable today. (8) SINGIPARANG is one start into a comeback following over a year off and can improve with (7) MUSTANG STRONG, (9) ALL KILL and (11) GUKJE MYEONGPUM among a number of others to watch.

Selections (12) Gyodubo (1) Brooks (2) Total Walker (7) Mustang Strong
Next Best 8, 11, 9, 10
Rating 8, 12, 10, 1, 2
Fast Starters 1, 7, 8, 12
Start-200M 7, 8, 6, 10, 12
200M-Finish 12, 8, 10, 2, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 

(2) CAPITAL GANGJA comes in following three consecutive 2nd place finishes and taking her chance against imports can go one better here. She beat (5) KKEUTPAN BOOSTER into 3rd last time out and both should be in contention with the latter carrying 3kg less today. Main danger is Kim Young Kwan’s (8) MATCH POWER, 3rd on his second start a month ago and surely a winner at some stage. (10) DEVIL KING and (11) YEGEURINA are also to be considered.

Selections (5) Kkeutpan Booster (8) Match Power (2) Capital Gangja (11) Yegeurina
Next Best 10, 4
Rating 11, 6=9, 7, 4
Fast Starters 1, 3
Start-200M 1, 2, 5, 11, 3
200M-Finish 11, 4, 6, 5, 8

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

Competitive race here. (1) MISUJAE and (3) DANGCHANBISANG are up in class after slightly unexpected wins at 1200M and 1300M respectively. They’ll have a bit to find today but can be competitive. (2) SPECIAL ROAD HILL secured her second career win against softer opposition earlier this month and will also need to improve. (9) WHIZ SPEED, with two wins and two 2nds from his last four looks the one to beat although strong finisher (4) SUPER BROAD can improve on recent starts too. (6) CHEOLLI and (11) OFFIDAY also with claims.

Selections (9) Whiz Speed (4) Super Broad (1) Misujae (3) Dangchanbisang
Next Best 11, 6, 2
Rating 9, 11, 2=8, 4
Fast Starters 1, 3, 9, 11
Start-200M 9, 5, 3, 6, 1
200M-Finish 4, 11, 6, 2, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20

(3) GABO STAR has been sent off at odds-on for all but one of his seven starts to date. He’s only won the two but while he is up in class here, he should be leading all the way from a favourable draw and making it three. He’s up against (7) GIFTED SUN though, a sharp winner over 1000M last month who is similarly up in class today and can provide a stern examination. (1) PHANTOM BLADE hasn’t lived up to early promise but can come on for his 5th place back from a spell three weeks ago while (2) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL, (9) FOR MY SIS and (10) GIMAKIN JILJU are always reliably competitive.

Selections (3) Gabo Star (7) Gifted Sun (1) Phantom Blade (9) For My Sis
Next Best 10, 2
Rating 9, 10, 2=3, 6
Fast Starters 3
Start-200M 7, 3, 1, 4, 2
200M-Finish 2, 9, 5, 11, 10

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 

(11) MIDAS ROAD stepped up in class last time just didn’t quicken enough, finish in 3rd at this distance. He gets a chance to return to winning ways today. He narrowly beat (7) KATIE STAR into 4th that day and she too will be competitive as indeed will (9) SUPER START, who beat Katie Star at class and distance in July before going on to disappoint when stepped up to 1400M last month, a race in which (2) ARGO CHAMP finished 2nd. (1) HUIMANG ROCKET was 5th on her first attempt at this level last month and should look to better it here while (8) JINNYEONGUI GEOIN is up in class today and has a bit to find but will be backed.

Selections (11) Midas Road (9) Super Start (7) Katie Star (2) Argo Champ
Next Best 8, 1
Rating 3, 10, 4=9, 11
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5, 7
Start-200M 7, 3, 10, 5, 9
200M-Finish 11, 7, 9, 8, 1

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 

 Small but competitive field and Peter Wolsley’s (3) PRIVATE DANCER showed he’s capable at this level with 2nd place (to a long-shot winner) at the beginning of the month, beating (2) WIN GO MAN into 3rd and can match or better that here. (4) BEOLMAUI SIN is the main danger, up in class and with more wins likely to come. (5) MACHU PICCHU was a strong 4th at class and distance a month ago and can look for the places here with (6) YEONGUNG BOLT the best of the rest.

Selections (3) Private Dancer (4) Beolmaui Sin (5) Machu Picchu (2) Win Go Man
Next Best 6
Rating 5, 6, 3, 4, 2
Fast Starters 2, 5
Start-200M 3, 2, 5, 4, 7
200M-Finish 4, 3, 5, 6, 1

Seoul Race 9: Class Open – Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 300 Million / 16:40 

(6) OTTUG OTTUGI won the Korean Oaks and was 7th in the Korea Sprint here at Seoul three weeks ago. So far, the top filly of her generation, she can prove that here. She will try to make all. Her stablemate (3) SPECIAL ROOKIE was surprisingly beaten by (5) SANTA GLORIA in a trial for this race at the end of last month and both those will be contenders here. (8) CHANG SE was the winner of the corresponding trial at Seoul, beating (1) SMART TIME into 2nd, and will be dangerous as will (9) TOUCH FLYING and (13) RAON AMOS, both of whom come in on a run of four consecutive victories. The experienced Stakes winner (7) PINOT NOIR can never be ruled out of finding the money either and nor can (11) INDIAN STAR.

Selections (6) Ottug Ottugi (3) Special Rookie (8) Chang Se (5) Santa Gloria
Next Best 13, 7, 11, 9, 1
Rating 7=11, 6=9, 8
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13
Start-200M 11, 6, 8, 13, 4
200M-Finish 12, 5, 7, 9, 2

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:05

(2) MACHEON BOLT was 2nd to Hong Kong’s Super Jockey in the Korea Sprint in Seoul three weeks ago over 1200M. He prefers further and has to be favourite to take the honours here. (8) GAMDONGUIBADA was an also-ran that day but should be much happier back on her home track while (9) MS. MARGAUX won on her first outing for trainer Thomas Gillespie earlier in the month and shouldn’t be too far away. (3) HEBA seems to have lost a touch of form recently but an apprentice jockey gives her much less weight to carry than usual. (6) TAPIPOINT, 3rd to Macheon Bolt last start, can look to place.

Selections (2) Macheon Bolt (8) Gamdonguibada (3) Heba (9) Ms. Margaux
Next Best 6, 4
Rating 8, 3, 2=9, 4
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6
Start-200M 6, 8, 5, 4, 2
200M-Finish 3, 2, 9, 7, 8

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30 

(4) SHAMROCKER is giving plenty of weight away but remains a strong contender here to get what would be his 3rd win in his last four starts. A beneficiary of that weight is (9) SAMBONG, who was a strong 2nd on his first try at this class at the beginning of the month. He may try to lead all the way. (3) SUPER COMMANDO is up in class and has a bit to find but may be considered. (1) NEULPUREUN TIGER and (10) NAMSAN CHUKJE may also contest for places.

Selections (4) Shamrocker (9) Sambong (3) Super Commando (10) Namsan Chukje
Next Best 1, 11
Rating 4, 5, 7, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 3, 9
Start-200M 10, 6, 3, 9, 5
200M-Finish 4, 7, 3, 9, 8

Seoul Race 11: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00

Both (4) ACE RUNNER and (8) KENTUCKY YEONIN are up in class following maiden wins on what for both of them was their second start last time out. Both made all and both will be looking for the same again here. (10) KODIAK LOVE beat a number of these when running 2nd at class and distance on September 4th and will be in contention once more with (6) KOREA JEONGSANG and (12) JEONMUHUMU among a number of others with claims.

Selections (8) Kentucky Yeonin (4) Ace Runner (10) Kodiak Love (12) Jeonmuhumu
Next Best 6, 8, 7
Rating 2, 10, 9, 8=12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5, 8, 9
Start-200M 11, 5, 8, 4, 3
200M-Finish 4, 6, 11, 10, 2

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Full Preview (September 11)

It’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Day at Seoul. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:50 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 5 races from 12:20 to 15:55. English race cards are here. Full race-by-race preview below:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:50

Djordje Perovic picked up where he left off last week on his return to Korea after three months away and he can strike quickly with (2) EORIN WANGJA here. The colt was an improved 3rd on July 31st and can go even better today. First timers (8) HAENGUN MONEY and (10) RAON KINGDOM looked good in trials and can compete while (4) GOLDSTAR HILLS and (6) SIMCHEONG SADAL also look to have promise.

Selections (2) Eorin Wangja (8) Haengun Money (10) Raon Kingdom (4) Goldstar Hills
Next Best 6, 5, 11, 12
Outsiders 1, 3, 7, 9,
Fast Starters 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 11:15

2nd on debut three weeks ago, (5) SAGYEJEOL is strongly favoured to go one better today. She should lead from the gate and should have too much. (4) GEUMA BENIR has come close in recent starts and should be placing as should (7) FULL GAIN, an improved 3rd last start. (8) EUNBIT NARAE was beaten three lengths by Sagyejeol in that August 20th race but can beat some of these today.

Selections (5) Sagyejeol (4) Geuma Benir (7) Full Gain (8) Eunbit Narae
Next Best 6, 1, 3, 2
Fast Starters 1, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:40

Brian Dean’s (2) JUNGL DRUMMER won on debut in May and looks ready to win again having flown through a trial last week under today’s jockey Jo Sung Gon. He’s the one to beat. (5) RUNNER QUEEN and (6) SERA KING look to be the main dangers having run 4th and 3rd respectively in a good race at this distance a month ago. (3) DEOKSUNG ILHO, up in class following her maiden win, and (7) STORM RYKER are others in the hunt.

Selections (2) Jungl Drummer (6) Sera King (5) Runner Queen (7) Storm Ryker
Next Best 3, 8
Outsiders 1, 4, 9, 10
Fast Starters 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00

Full field in this all-filly race but probably the banker favourite of the day. That’s (11) HYESEONG YEOWANG, up in class after a facile 9-length win over the minimum on August 21st. This is her first time going further than 1000M but she should have too much. Also up in class is (5) EVA ROAD and she can be considered once more while (6) DIXIE SMILE and (10) SOKDO SHINHWA are both experienced money winners – if not actual winners – at this level. Yet to win at all is (12) MAMBO CHEONHA but she’s finished no worse than 3rd in her last six outings and could maintain that today.

Selections (11) Hyeseong Yeowang (6) Dixie Smile (12) Mambo Cheonha (10) Sokdo Shinhwa
Next Best 5, 3, 9, 1, 2, 7
Outsiders 4, 8, 13, 14
Fast Starters 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:45

(9) ULTRA ROCKET landed his maiden win at class and distance three weeks ago, he’ll be on speed early here and there’s no reason why he can’t make it two in a row. In this company (4) HIGH VET and (11) DANGCHANBISANG can improve, likewise the modestly named (3) BORN WINNER, who struggled on his first try at this level last month but has the services of Djordje Perovic aboard today. (7) HAPJAKPUM looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Ultra Rocket (11) Dangchanbisang (4) High Vet (3) Born Winner
Next Best 7, 5, 8, 10, 1
Outsiders 2, 6, 12
Fast Starters 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:35

Plenty of unraced imports go here but it’s a Korean-bred who is likely to be favourite. (11) ATHENA THUNDER is two for two and is therefore up in class. He could be craftily entered to maintain his 1000% record although he is tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time. Main danger and almost certain to be 2nd favourite is (9) SPIRIT OF HANSEN. He’s been 2nd in both starts to date and surely has a win in him soon. (2) MEGA IMPACT resumes nine weeks after scoring his maiden win in a similar race to this at 1000M and can be considered while (14) GANGTA beat (1) SMOKEY VALE on what was the latter’s debut last month and both can be considered here.

Selections (11) Athena Thunder (9) Spirit Of Hansen (14) Gangta (2) Mega Impact
Next Best 1, 3, 6, 5, 12
Outsiders 4, 7, 8, 10, 13
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:25

Big and competitive field. (2) GEUMA ZEUS was a class and distance winner last start, closing strongly and while he carries more weight today, can be respected. Looking for a hat-trick of wins is (11) NABOM CASTLE. He races for the first time in three months and carries top weight but can be considered. He’ll try to lead, as will (6) HURI BARAM, who disappointed on his first try at this class last month, when beaten by (12) RULES, but gets another chance today under champion jockey Moon Se Young. Up in class (5) SUN MASTER and (8) ÉCLAIR HUMOR need to improve but can go well.

Selections (2) Geuma Zeus (6) Huri Baram (5) Sun Master (12) Rules
Next Best 8, 11, 4, 7, 1, 13
Outsiders 3, 9, 10, 14
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 6, 8

 Seoul Race 8: Class Open – The Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) / 1200M / Weight for Age / KRW 700 Million / 16:25

FULL PREVIEW. The first of two international races on the card and Singapore’s (9) SUPER WINNER, in sparking form at Kranji over the summer has settled into Seoul Racecourse well, has drawn adequately if not ideally and is a serious contender for this big prize. He is likely to be the favourite. Main dangers look to be Hong Kong’s (2) SUPER JOCKEY, who has proven himself over similar surfaces in the past and US Group 1 winner (10) WILD DUDE. Among the Korean entries, (8) PERDIDO POMEROY is the pick with Oaks winner (7) OTTUG OTTUGI and last year’s Asia Challenge Cup winner (when he beat El Padrino) (6) CHOEGANG SCHILLER, the wildcard.

Selections (2) Super Jockey (10) Wild Dude (9) Super Winner (8) Perdido Pomeroy
Next Best 7, 6, 13, 3, 1, 4, 14
Outsiders 5, 11, 12, 15, 16
Fast Starters 6, 7, 8, 13

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:55

(1) SPACE SHUTTLE was overwhelmed in a couple of Stakes races earlier this year but can go well in this company and is one of a number of contenders here. (3) GAIA THUNDER comes in off back to back wins and tries this distance for the first time as does (11) CHOWONUI CHANGA. Both can be considered here as can (4) CHEONHABI, who made all to win at 1300M a month and is up in class here. (7) VALLEY STAR and (9) QUEEN HUDSON, both prior winners at the distance are the wildcard picks

Selections (3) Gaia Thunder (11) Chowonui Changa (4) Cheonhabi (1) Space Shuttle
Next Best 10, 8, 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 5, 6
Fast Starters 4, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class Open – The Keeneland Korea Cup (KOR G1) / 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 1 Billion / 17:30

FULL PREVIEW. The second international race looks very competitive. Singapore’s (15) INFANTRY hasn’t drawn well but if he can find a decent position from the outside, he has every chance of going well having taken to the Seoul track a little better than the other Kranji raider (1) ORDER OF THE SUN. The Japanese pair of (3) CHRYSOLITE and (7) KURINO STAR O look the ones to beat with jockey Joe Fujii’s Seoul experience perhaps being a crucial factor on the former. UK all-weather specialist (8) SOLAR DEITY and French visitor (2) FAMOUS MARK provide intrigue. There could be a Korean winner. Triple Crown winner (16) POWER BLADE has had a long season but home fans will be hoping for a solid performance from him and stablemate (13) TRIPLE NINE. However, it may be that (5) BEOLMAUI KKUM is the most dangerous member of the home team.

Selections (3) Chrysolite (5) Beolmaui Kkum (16) Power Blade (15) Infantry
Next Best 7, 13, 1, 8, 2, 10, 4
Outsiders 6, 9, 11, 12, 14
Fast Starters 5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00

(5) GOREOUS DREAM didn’t get into the Korea Sprint so instead he tries class 1 for the first time here. He also stretches out to 1400M which may be more of a concern that the step up in class but if he does handle the distance, he should win. (3) ALWAYS WINNER also steps up to class 1. He wan the JRA Trophy at this distan ce in June before struggling at Kranji the following month. Back at Seoul, he should be dangerous. The two “suns” (11) SUN SHOT and (14) SUN BURSTER look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Goreous Dream (3) Always Winner (11) Sun Shot (14) Sun Burster
Next Best 7, 6, 10, 9, 1, 13
Outsiders 2, 4, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5, 10

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

International weekend gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and while the Cup and Sprint are tomorrow, there’s still plenty going on. There are four exchange “Trophy races” with the Macau Jockey Club, Singapore Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club and Horse Racing Ireland as well as the official launch of the new 127 metre-long screen. In total there are 13 races from 14:00 to 21:00. English racecards here, brief notes on races 1-10 below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 14:00 

Nine of the twelve debut here and trial “winner” (7) RAON QUANTUM is set to be the one to beat. He finished strongly in his trial, beating a couple who also debut here and should go well under the champion jockey. Among other debut makers, (6) MY VISION and (10) USEUNGUI CHUEOK caught the eye in trials, however the main danger is likely to be one of those with experience. (3) YEOKDAE CHOESANG was 3rd on debut at the end of July and can have come on for that.

Selections (7) Raon Quantum (3) Yeokdae Choesang (6) My Vision (10) Useungui Chueok
Next Best 1, 8, 11, 4
Outsiders 2, 5, 9, 12
Fast Starters 6, 8, 9

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45 

Big field and despite a trainer/jockey combination that isn’t in form (3) RECONQUISTA has to be slight favourite here. He beat three of these when running 2nd a month ago at this distance and can go one better today. (11) CALL ME JK comes in following a career best 2nd the same day and can come close once more as can (14) GANGJASEUNG, who improved under an apprentice jockey last time out and has the same rider returning today. Brian Dean’s (2) CALEDONIA can also improve on his debut run behind Reconquista while (1) WON AGAIN – yet to win – is the other one to consider.

Selections (3) Reconquista (2) Caledonia (11) Call Me JK (14) Gangjaseung
Next Best 1, 8, 5, 10
Outsiders 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13
Fast Starters 5

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30 

Another full field and this race is part of a brief challenge for some of the jockeys in town for Sunday’s international races. The Koreans have got the best of the draw with (6) DARK AMBER likely to be disputing favourite status with (10) MONDAY MONEY. Both look ready to win. (9) MENI VET has come close on each of her last four outings and should do so again while among the foreign riders, Abderahim Faddoul has perhaps the best draw with (7) YESANGBAEK SEUNG. Also in with a shout is (5) IBAEGJEOM.

Selections (6) Dark Amber (10) Monday Money (9) Menu Vet (7) Yesangbaek Seung
Next Best 5, 4, 14, 8, 3, 13
Outsiders 1, 2, 11, 12
Fast Starters 7, 9, 10, 12

Race 4: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:15 

The first of the trophy races so a big prize on offer here. (4) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG Is favourite to land it having been a close 2nd his first try at class and distance last month. He’ll settle handy and could have too much late on. (7) SUBAEKHYANG and (2) DIXIE PLOIT come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively at this distance on August 20th and will be competitive again while (5) RAON NARA and (8) DEVIL MAN are both up in class and nicely in here.

Selections (4) GWangyang Dolpung (2) Dixie Ploit (7) Subaekhyang (5) Raon Nara
Next Best  
Outsiders  
Fast Starters  

Race 5: Class Open – The Singapore Turf Club Trophy / 1400M / KRW 150 Million / 16:45

Some of the visiting jockeys return here for this filly-only trophy race although again it’s a local who has the best of the draw with Kim Yong Geun pulling out (9) RAON AMOS. The filly has won her last four with varying degrees of ease and while she faces a stiffer test here, she should be on speed early and can win again. (7) BLAZING STAR gives Tadgh O’Shea an opportunity to show what he can do; the 3-year-old won three in a row between April and June and should also be on speed here. (4) OUR CAT, (5) REWARD HIGH and (8) JEWELRY PARK look best of the rest in a nicely competitive race.

Selections (9) Raon Amos (7) Blazing Star (8) Jewelry Park (5) Reward High
Next Best 4, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 6
Fast Starters 4, 7, 9

Race 6: Class Open Allowance / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 200 Million / 17:15 

The inaugural Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy is for 2-year-olds who passed through local sales and there’s a huge prize on offer. (10) ROCKET QUEEN didn’t impress on debut last month but went back to trail just last week and absolutely flew through and Brian Dean’s filly comes into contention as a result. (3) CLEAN UP SKY and (9) LEAD MONEY were perhaps the most impressive on their debuts with (2) PHILLANIKE and (8) NEW WHY FI also showing potential for improvement.

Selections (10) Rocket Queen (3) Clean Up Sky (9) Lead Money (2) Phillanike
Next Best 8, 11, 1, 5, 12
Outsiders 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 3, 5, 9, 10

Race 7: Class Open / 2000M / Weight for Age / KRW 150 Million / 17:55 

(5) SUN STRONG and (1) GASOKBULPAE ran 1st and 2nd over this distance in the Sports Chosun Cup in June. While Sun Strong struggled on reappreance at class 1 in July and Gasokbulpae han’t raced since, both look strong here. Gasokbulpae will try to lead from gate to wire. (2) CHEONJI STORM was a good 2nd in the Ilgan Sports Cup at the end of July and should be competitive on his first try at this distance while (3) ROYAL VICTORY and (7) HOWIMUSA look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Gasokbulpae (5) Sun Strong (2) Cheonji Storm (7) Howimusa
Next Best 6, 3, 4
Fast Starters 1

Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:35 

Back to the big fields. (10) WANJEON MULGYEOL provided trainer Kim Dong Chul with his first ever winner last month and it is possible he could provide him with his 2nd here. It won’t be easy though. (13) HAPPIEST was beaten by Wanjeon Mulgyeol last time but should get closer today while (2) CUPID PARK and (4) GEUMBIT SONATA can both improve on slightly disappointing outings last time while (12) CHOWON BOLT can build on a 3rd and a 2nd in his last two starts. (6) GWACHEON WONDER is up in class following a 2nd place over this distance and while he is yet to win in ten attempts, he looks nicely in here.

Selections (6) Gwacheon Wonder (10) Wanjeon Mulgyeol (12) Chowon Bolt (2) Cupid Park
Next Best 13, 4, 1, 8, 5
Outsiders 3, 7, 9, 11
Fast Starters  

Race 9: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 19:00 

(10) SILLA HWARANG is up in class following his maiden win on his second start and he is favoured to keep improving her. He should come from just behind an early pace that could be set by (11) PINK STAR, who has just the one win in 25 races but has been coming close recently. (2) DRAGON SPEED comes in following an improved 3rd in July and then ten weeks off and can go well while (3) HWANHUIUISUNGAN and (8) HWANSANGUI DOYAK look best of the rest.

Selections (10) Silla Hwarang (11) Pink Star (2) Dragon Speed (3) Hwanhuiuisungan
Next Best 8, 7, 1
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 5, 6, 11

Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 19:25 

Two standouts here with (3) VIVA TRINITY a class and distance winner on August 20th. He carries more weight today but can follow up. (6) SEONGBULOREUM’s recent form is better than 6th and 5th from her last two suggest – both were tight and with more luck she could have got closer coming from off the pace. (7) PRO MATEUS is inconsistent but can improve here while (2) SHINE CLOVER and (12) INDIE RUNNER are others to take into account.

Selections (3) Viva Trinity (6) Seongbuloreum (12) Indie Runner (7) Pro Mateus
Next Best 2, 10, 5, 8
Outsiders 1, 4, 9, 11, 13, 14
Fast Starters