Silver Wolf

Moonhak Chief Downs Tiz Plan On Return

Moonhak Chief, 2019 Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner returned to racing for the first time in just shy of a year at Seoul Racecourse on Friday afternoon. And it was a winning return too as the former Horse of the Year downed a hot class 1 field including the star of last summer Tiz Plan, by a full six-lengths.

Moonhak Chief dominated the Korea Cup in September 2019 before a disappointing showing behind Dolkong in the KRA Cup Classic a month later. He would return to form in the Grand Prix Stakes in December before opening what promised to be a glorious 2020 season by beating Cheongdam Dokki in early February just as the pandemic was taking hold.

Moonhak Chief was on the sidelines with a tendon injury while Cheongdam Dokki and the emerging Tiz Plan dueled for big purses over the abbreviated summer racing season but showed he hadn’t lost a step on his Friday return.

A field containing Moonhak Chief, Tiz Plan and the great – if fading – mare Silver Wolf, probably deserves better than to race at 5pm on a Friday afternoon in a deserted racecourse with no betting or live broadcast for a 1st prize of 28 Million Won (US$25,000). Such is Korean racing’s lot these days with customers no nearer being allowed back on track and the Government no nearer budging on allowing online betting.

Coming out of adjoining gates for the 2000M test, Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan came together at the start and under Johan Victoire, Tiz Plan seized the early initiative tracking leader The Gumpu. Once in the back straight though, Moon Se Young moved up a gear on Moonhak Chief and once the Pioneerof The Nile entire took command of the race, the result was scarcely in doubt.

Tiz Plan ran on well but could only get within six-lengths of Moonhak Chief while Tony Castanheira’s The Gumpu ran on for an excellent 3rd. Silver Wolf ran a creditable 5th of twelve but was a full thirteen-lengths behind the winner.

For Moonhak Chief it’s a thirteenth win from twenty-three starts. There will be other days for Tiz Plan and Cheongdam Dokki will surely have a say at some point as well. Then there is Blue Chipper, who may well make his return in a similarly underfunded race at Busan next Friday. Will they get to face each other with a suitable purse on the line with a suitable crowd watching and punting on them at any point? With a legislative lifeline looking ever more unlikely, just as it was a year ago, that will be up to the virus.

  • During January, with all three tracks racing simultaneously on Fridays, the Busan races have been available for international simulcast. With the Seoul coronavirus situation stabilizing a little as well as hopefully the temperature being a little warmer making race times less susceptible to changes, it will be the Seoul races (where there are 15 across the day, rather than the 10 at Busan) which will be broadcast overseas in February). Somewhat amusingly, it means that we have missed Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan this week and could well mean we miss Blue Chipper next week!

Dia Road Dethrones Silver Wolf in Ttukseom While Alan Munro Lands 1st Korean Stakes Win on East Jet in SROA Trophy

Dia Road firmly established herself at the top of the filly and mare division by taking out the Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and in doing so, beat perennial champion Silver Wolf for the second consecutive time. One race later, British jockey Alan Munro recorded his first Korean Stakes race victory when guiding East Jet to a smart victory in the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association (KOR G3).

Coming into the Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, Dia Road [Captain Coltish – Gieongnal Geunal (Menifee)] had won seven of her eight prior races, including that meeting with stablemate Silver Wolf in the Donga Ilbo Cup prior to the shutdown earlier this year when she had a 5kg weight advantage.

At level weights this time, Dia Road was slowly out of the gates but by the end of the back straight, jockey Kim Yong-geun had threaded a way through the field and was up just behind the leaders. She struck the front at the top of the home straight and powered away from the rest to record a six-length win from early pacesetter Raon First and closer Ice Marine. Silver Wolf, who took a long time to find space for a run, came home 5th.

If all goes to plan – and that is a big “if” with Korean racing in an uncertain position due to the recent COVID-19 resurgence, the four-year-old Dia Road and the eight-year-old Silver Wolf will most likely meet again in the final two legs of the Queens’ Tour – of which Silver Wolf is already a two-time winner – in the autumn.

The SROA Trophy (KOR G3) brought back together some of the nation’s top sprinters including the first five home in last month’s SBS Sports Sprint. Most pre-race attention focused on the young up and comer Eoma Eoma who after three straight wins, had suffered her first career defeat when a gutsy 3rd in the SBS Sports Sprint a month ago.

Despite a much better draw, this time Eoma Eoma had to settle for 2nd place as East Jet [Strike Again – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)], the only other three-year-old in the race, made short work of a wide draw to get right on pace with the leaders and then proved too strong in the straight, holding off Eoma Eoma by just under a length. SBS Sports Sprint winner Morfhis produced his customary late charge but had to settle for 3rd.

First Korean Stakes winner for Alan Munro (Pic:KRA)

East Jet was ridden by Alan Munro, who was recording his first Koream Stakes race victory. Munro, who only returned earlier this month from a broken wrist suffered prior to the KRA Cup Mile has now ridden 67 winners from 570 rides in the country since debuting in February 2019.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Silver Wolf Returns – Race-By-Race Preview (February 16)

Champion mare Silver Wolf will get her 2020 campaign underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The eight-year-old Australian-bred will face ten rivals as she seeks to win the Listed Donga Ilbo Cup for a third time. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews with Busan selections at the bottom:

Silver wolf Gyeongnam

Silver Wolf (KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

We start the day with twelve three-year-old maidens and several look in with a shout. (4) TIZ BLACK is the pick, having run a solid 2nd on debut on January 12th over 1000M just beaten a couple of lengths by a good winner. He came from just behind the pace and the additional distance should suit here. It should also suit (8) LONG GUY. He missed the kick by a full three-lengths on his own debut a month ago over 1300M but rallied nicely to run 3rd. He should have come on for that run and with a better start today will be right in the mix. (2) HYPER CAR has raced twice and improved in the latest of those finishing 3rd at 1300M last month. (10) GANGHAN YEOJEONGSA was a much-improved 2nd on what was her fourth start on January 17th and is stretched out to further than the minimum for the first time today with solid claims to go close. She was ridden on pace for the first time that day and after that success surely will be again along with (5) BAEKSAN THUNDER, who did weaken over 1300M last start but can be given another chance today.

Selections (4) Tiz Black (8) Long Guy (2) Hyper Car (10) Ganghan Yeojeonsa

Next Best 5, 3

Fast Start 5, 10

 

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

There is no standout in the second on the card but what makes the race even trickier is the lack of speed engaged. Form analysts should watch the trial replay of (7) PARAN WANGJA who won his heat with ease. The Divine Park colt sat on speed before extending under his own steam with Kim Dong-soo letting the horse do it all himself. Rider Kim will partner him for his first start, and he looks capable of sitting on speed and proving hard to run down. (11) CUPID BISANG clocked a quick time for this grade last start when hitting the line strong. The Thunder Moccasin filly was unlucky at the start when copping a squeeze shortly after they jumped and being shuffled out to the tail of the field. The filly recovered for a good 4th and if she has some luck in this race can be considered a winning chance. (2) SEOUL CROWN ran through the line strong last start. He should get every opportunity from barrier two. (1) CHEONGDAM CURLING comes out of the same race as Seoul Crown and hit the line with gusto. Look for improvement at his second start.

Selections (7) Paran Wangja (11) Cupid Bisang (2) Seoul Crown (1) Cheongdam Curling

Next Best 8, 9

Fast Start 7

 

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

An emphatic maiden winner over the distance last November, (2) CHOEGANGMA beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place on her first try at this class on January 12th. She’s shown plenty of speed as well as the potential for more and she should be winning this comfortably. (3) MY MEMBER made all for an easy three-length win in a maiden at the start of last month. She’s up in class here but if anything is to challenge the favourite, it is likely to be here. She has good gate speed and should be getting to the front from the start. (7) NUNBIT EUNYAK steps up in class too following a maiden win of his own and while he perhaps has a bit more to find, he should be competitive at this level. Definitely competitive at this level is (12) MONEY CHAMP having run out a good winner at class and distance on January 11th. The track was wet so the time can perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt but he ran almost as fast the time before so he must be taken seriously. (8) GONGJU SARANG, 5th behind Choegangma last start. Is another in the placing hunt.

Selections (2) Choegangma (3) My Member (12) Money Champ (7) Nunbit Eunyak

Next Best 8, 9

Fast Start 1, 2, 3

 

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

There is a handful of chances in the fourth where a field of twelve go over the 1300M. The win of (6) CLEAN UP HAPPY on debut was good when the Paynter three-year-old won in the last stride. He dug in deep to get there in the nick of time, given he steps up to the 1300M, it looks as if Lim Gi-won can let the galloper relax and rely on his turn of foot late. (10) SONGAM CANDY handled the step up in class last time out well when 2nd behind Complete Kingdom. He has had just the three starts for the one win and two seconds. He is likely to settle further back in this even with a wide draw. (3) JEJUI YOJEONG has raced well at his past couple of starts. He hit the line strong last time out when clocking the fastest sectional in the race. (12) DURI was a winner in this grade last time out but it did take thirteen starts to produce the maiden win. She goes up 3kg and has to overcome a wide gate but in an open race she can figure.

Selections (6) Clean Up Happy (10) Songam Candy (3) Jejui Yojeong (12) Duri

Next Best 1, 7

Fast Start 4, 7, 8

 

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

(8) BODY STAR was on pace throughout when scoring a strong maiden win over 1300M on January 11th. He steps up in class here, but the company is in no way intimidating for the level and he has every chance of winning again. (1) DASHING CANOE and (2) WIND RIVER come in with form practically identical to one another – a 5th and two 4ths from their respective latest three. Both have proved capable of more than holding their own in this type of company and both look set to go close here. (9) GALAXY PEACE was caught wide most of the way around last start when finishing 5th behind Dashing Canoe. He’s previously gone well over 1700M, registering a 3rd place finish, and the 1400M may well suit him today. Another who has been at this level for quite some time, always hovering around the minor money without ever looking like breaking through, is (11) LUCKY MIDAS. This will be the furthest distance he has tackled, and it could be could for him.

Selections (8) Body Star (1) Dashing Canoe (9) Galaxy Peace (11) Lucky Midas

Next Best 2, 12

Fast Start 4, 6, 7

 

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

The sixth on the card looks a competitive affair with a field of twelve imports lining up (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

Silver Wolf will bid to sweep all three legs of the Queens’ Tour for the second time as the nation’s top fillies and mares come together for the final time this season in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00). 

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Silver Wolf has already won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour

Silver Wolf won the Ttukseom Cup, KNN Cup and Gyeongnam Govenor’s in 2017. Under the old rules, only fillies and mares aged 305 were eligible for the Queens’ Tour but that was changed this year and the now seven-year-old Aussie-bred Silver Wolf (Oratorio) was able to rejoin. In her absence last year, Sky Bay took full advantage and she also returns to Busan in what is set to be an uphill battle to retain her Crown.

Below are race-by-race comments for Seoul, followed at the bottom by selections for Busan as well as a comment on the big race:

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

Banker of the day is in the first as (2) WORLD BEYOND will be heavy favourite to score. One of only two in the field to have raced before, she was 3rd on debut in a good time on September 21st. She should be leading from the start and a run that is in any way similar to last time will be enough here. The other one with prior experience is (8) MAY BLUE, who was an improved 4th on her second outing last month and she should at least match that here. Among the first-time starters, (6) FIGHTING NOW and (7) BRAVO GWACHEON look the most likely to make to make an immediate impact.

Selections (2) World Beyond (6) Fighting Now (7) Bravo Gwacheon (8) May Blue
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 8

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

More juvenile maidens with just three of the nine having raced previously. Of those, both (2) YEOLRIN MUN and (7) MONEY CHAMP have shown enough to suggest that wins at this level will be possible and both will have plenty of backers here. The favourite though is likely to be one of the first-timers. (6) GEUMA KITTEN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd in a fast trial last month and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) WONDERFUL GLITTER was a trial winner last month and while the time wasn’t fast, she looked very competent, leading all the way. (4) YAHO GOLDEN CAT is another trial winner who can go well first-up.

Selections (6) Geuma Kitten (2) Yeolrin Mun (5) Wonderful Glitter (7) Money Champ
Next Best 4, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 7

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

Decent little maiden here. (7) YEONHUI ILCHUL ran a very good 3rd over 1300M on debut last month. She was a full ten-lengths behind a good winner, but the time was creditable and while it’s interesting to see her drop back in trip when she took to the distance so well, she probably deserves favourite status here. (6) MASEONG TUHON has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far, showing a good turn of foot along the way and should at least maintain that record here. (1) MAD DIVA improved on her second outing on September 22nd and while it was a weaker race than this, showed she has some ability. (2) BAEDARI SUMMIT and (5) HAMYANG SANGRIM are others to consider.

Selections (7) Yeonhui Ilchul (6) Maseong Tuhon (1) Mad Diva (5) Hamyang Sangrim
Next Best 2
Fast Start 2, 5, 6

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

(4) FEDERAL KING makes for a warm favourite here. He ran 2nd in a similar strength race to this over 1000M four weeks ago and having previously demonstrated he can run at this distance too, should really be making all. (1) PENUMBRA backs up quickly following a career-best 2nd two weeks ago and should be figuring again while (6) CLEAR STORY has two good runs to her name at this distance and should be challenging Federal King for the early lead. (3) MANE HANA has been knocking on the door of the places for some time now and could improve here while (7) CHEONSE MANSE is another who could compete for the minor money.

Selections (4) Federal King (1) Penumbra (6) Clear Story (3) Mane Hana
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

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

(7) JEONGJOUI KKUM has moved rapidly up in class having won two of his latest three including a four-length score last start. The manner of that victory suggests more to come, and he can win this. A couple of others step up in class following last start victories too and of them, (4) VALLEY QUEEN looks best equipped to immediately challenge at this level. As for those with experience in this class, (3) PRIVATE MAN has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since being promoted. He somewhat surprisingly drops back to the minimum trip here, but he looks competitive. (6) WINNER CROWN and (1) HANEULEUL DALRIDA are others who can go close.

Selections (7) Jeongjoui Kkum (3) Private Man (6) Winner Crown (4) Valley Queen
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 6

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) UTGE HAEJULGE was a beaten favourite at class and distance on September 7th. He’s drawn well to get a fast start here though and looks worth another chance on top. (6) HOMECOMING was a good class and distance winner last start and while he carries a couple of additional kilograms today, has strong claims to follow up while (7) FLYING JOY drops back in trip for the first time in a while and can come into contention. (10) ACE WIN remains a maiden but is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes, both times behind the favourite and she should be able to hold her own here. (9) HEUNG KKAEBI returns to racing for the first time since April and is the wildcard having trialled well last month.

Selections (4) Utge Haejulge (6) Homecoming (7) Flying Joy (10) Ace Win
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 6

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) PANORAMA VIEW was a winner on debut over 1200M on September 21st. He came from off the pace to run on well and the slight step up in trip should only be to his benefit and he is favoured to win again. The main danger is still a maiden. (3) BRIGADIER GENERAL has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far and the Aussie import looks sure to get a maiden win sooner or later. It could be here. (1) ALL THAT KOREA enters with recent form reading well and should be close once more while (5) DOLGYEOK APEURO and (8) BROWN ROSE others in the placing hunt.

Selections (4) Panorama View (3) Brigadier General (5) Dolgyeok Apeuro (8) Brown Rose
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 4, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) JANGSAN FLY prevailed at class and distance by two and a half lengths on September 7th, leading from gate to wire. He carries an additional 3kg today, but with seemingly no other early speed in the race, it would be a surprise if he didn’t get a soft lead and come out on top again. (7) JEONGSANG BAEKHO ran a good 2nd on debut four weeks ago. He’s up in trip today but that could well suit and he looks to be the main danger. The experienced (3) BAEKSAN GUNJU showed some signs of returning to form with a useful 4th place in a good race at class and distance at the end of August and comes in here after eight weeks off with placing claims. (4) TWIN JET and (9) WHIZ REINA are others worthy of consideration.

Selections (2) Jangsan Fly (7) Jeongsang Baekho (3) Baeksan Gunju (4) Twin Jet
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2

Race 9: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) DETERMINATION ran out a four-length winner on what was his second career start on September 21st. he is accordingly up in class and in distance today, but the manner of that win suggested there is more to come. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue as he won’t be looking to lead, and he can win this. (4) GEUMSUNI STAR enters off back to back 3rd place finishes, the latter at this distance and he should go close again while (7) CRAZY QUEEN has two runner-up finishes in her latest two but steps up to this trip for the first time. (6) BAEKDUI TAEYANG and (10) SPEED HEUKRYEONG look best of the rest.

Selections (11) Determination (4) Geumsuni Star (7) Crazy Queen (10) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 10

Race 10: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(5) COLORFUL JOY has won three of his latest four and steps up in class and up to this trip for the first time. His running style suggests that it can suit, however, and we’ll put him on top to score again. (9) EAST KINGDOM and (12) BEST VICTORY are both up in class having won at this distance in their respective latest outings. The former looks better equipped to compete at this level right away. (11) SOJUNGHAN MANNAM enters with recent form reading well and looks a solid placing chance while (2) GEUMA KINGDOM and (4) ELAN are others who can aim for the money.

Selections (5) Colorful Joy (9) East Kingdom (11) Sojunghan Mannam (2) Geuma Kingdom
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 9, 11

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

It took (1) LIL’ PATRON six goes to get his maiden breakthrough but he seemed to enjoy it as he followed up immediately with another. That latter one was at this class and distance and he beat three of these in the process. He carries an extra 3kg today, but he can overcome it to complete his hat-trick. (5) BARAMEUL GEURIDA won back to back races in June and July to be promoted to this level. He put in a useful 3rd place last start in a similar strength race to this over 1400M, leading for much of it, and he looks a threat here. (7) CATS MIRACLE has proven himself competitive at this level and should be good for a place while (2) BIG GARLAND and (8) CUPID GUY, the latter up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections (1) Lil’ Patron (5) Barameul Geurida (7) Cats Miracle (2) Big Garland
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 5, 9, 11, 12

Busan Selections

Race 1: 10, 5, 3, 12

Race 2: 3, 1, 7, 5

Race 3: 3, 1, 4, 7

Race 4: 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 5: 7, 2, 8, 10

Race 6: Class Open – Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M) KOR G3 –

There are no grounds for opposing (11) SILVER WOLF as she is simply significantly better than anything else in the fillt and mare division. She made a clean sweep of all three legs of the Queens’ Tour last year and while 2000M may not be her optimum distance, she surely has enough to win. The most credible opponent is (5) SKY BAY. She won this race last year (Silver Wolf wasn’t there) and has looked to be coming back to her best having run 2nd to the favourite in the KNN Cup in August. She looked very sharp when winning a trial at Seoul last Friday. (7) COVERGIRL JUSTICE is a stablemate of Silver Wolf and looks to be improving rapidly. This may be a bit soon for her to compete for the win but she certainly has placing claims. (3) YEONGCHEON DERBY and (12) DAMYANG HWANHO are others who can aim for the money.

Selections: 11, 5, 7, 3

Next Best: 12, 10, 6

Fast Start: 2, 6, 7, 10

Silver Wolf Shows Her Superiority in KNN Cup

It always threatened to be a mismatch and that’s how it turned out as Silver Wolf once more asserted her dominance over the filly and mare ranks with a dismissively easy victory in the KNN Cup at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

The seven-year-old Aussie-bred mare kept her perfect record for 2019 intact by claiming the second leg of the Queens’ Tour, having already won the Ttukseom Cup and assuring herself of a second victory in the series with one race still to come.

In truth no other result was likely. With a local rating of 125, a full 32 higher than next best Sky Bay, if it had been a handicap, Silver Wolf would have put the rest of the field twelve points out of the scale.

Ultimately it was Sky Bay who put up the best fight, as last year’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup winner led from the gate and into the home straight.

But Sky Bay could do nothing as Yoo Seung-wan and Silver Wolf, who had sat comfortably in the middle of the pack throughout the early stages of the race, loomed up on the outside and cruised on by with a furlong to go for a four-length win on the line.

Silver Wolf has been conservatively campaigned for four wins from four  this year although she has only faced males on one occasion – when she comfortably dispatched them in the Seoul Owners Association Trophy at odds of 9/1.

Silver Wolf’s win moves her on to sixteen wins from thirty-two lifetime starts, ten of them in listed or graded company. She has now won well in excess of US$2.5Million and sits behind only Triple Nine and Power Blade in the list of all-time money winners in Korea.

Come October, we will most likely see Silver Wolf back at Busan to contest the final leg of the Queens’ Tour, the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup over 2000M and provided she avoids any setbacks in the meantime, she will surely win that too.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Silver Wolf In The KNN Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

Korea’s top mare returns to action on Sunday as Silver Wolf faces fifteen pretenders in the KNN Cup, the 2nd leg of the 2019 Queens’ Tour at Busan Racecourse. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. 

Silver wolf Gyeongnam

The Great Aussie Mare Silver Wolf is back on Sunday

Silver Wolf was an easy winner of the first leg of the Tour, the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in June. She’ll be strong favourite to win the 2nd leg too although there will potentially be competition from the Ttukseom Cup runner-up Damyang Hwanho, as well as last year’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup winner Sky Bay and especially up and coming filly Thunder Mark.

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

Maidens to kick things off and (1) GOLD FIELD was a beaten favourite last time ending up in 4th place. She’s worth another chance here and with a slightly better start today could potentially lead all the way. Along with Gold Field, (5) KHAN ACE and (11) GOLDEN JAY are the only other two runners in the race to have a top-three finish to their name and the two of them should pose the biggest dangers to the favourite here. (6) KOREA DAEJANGBU has been knocking on the door of the places for a while now and may improve today while (8) DAEGUN OK is another who has the potential to improve.

Selections (1) Gold Field (5) Khan Ace (11) Golden Jay (6) Korea Daejangbu
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 4

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) WHITE COMET showed improvement when running 3rd on what was just his second career start on July 14th. If he can continue his upward trajectory today, then he has an excellent chance of winning here. (6) JEJUI YOJEONG ran 4th in that race – the second consecutive time she has finished in that position and she can aim for a repeat here but bigger dangers to the favourite are likely to be (3) RAON HANNIBAL and (12) KAIZEN SILVER, who both come in having placed in their respective outings and who should both be in the mix once again. (7) JEONGMUN SARANG, who also has a 3rd place in his record, looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) White Comet (12) Kaizen Silver (3) Raon Hannibal (6) Jejui Yojeong
Next Best 7, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies here with precisely half the field having raced before. (5) P.K. HILL was the best of those, running a good 2nd over this trip on June 26th. It seems this race has been targeted for her return and from a good draw, she can lead all the way. Of the others who have race before, (1) BISANGDEUNG and (8) DASI DUSON, the latter the only one in the field to have raced twice prior to today, look most likely to improve. There are a couple of promising looking ones among the first-timers. (2) LION YEOJE and (7) RAON FIRST both ran 2nd in their trials, both in fast times and have every chance of going well first-up today.

Selections (5) P.K. Hill (7) Raon First (2) Lion Yeoje (8) Dasi Duson
Next Best 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Competitive maiden but (11) GOLD LEVEL has the experience and just about the ability to finally get her maiden win at what will be the ninth attempt. She’s run 2nd at 1200M and comes in following a useful 4th over this trip last time. (10) TOUR DIA is the main danger as he really seems to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. He will try to get to the front from the start and if he manages it, may be difficult to get past. (3) TIZ ROSE has hinted at ability over three outings so far while (6) WIND SKY and (9) CRAZY QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

Selections (11) Gold Level (10) Tour Dia (3) Tiz Rose (9) Crazy Queen
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 3, 5, 10

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

(10) MIGHTY LUCK will be strongly favoured to score here. After getting his maiden win over this distance in June, he ran 2nd on his first try at this class four weeks ago and while he’s drawn in the car park, he should be able to overcome that and win here, likely leading all the way. (1) SPADE MASHIE was a nice maiden winner last start and while up in class today should be competitive while (7) DREAM MONEY ran 4th on his first try at this level on his latest go and should be in the placing mix here too. (5) SPEED HEUKRYONG and (6) RAON MIRACLE are others in the hunt.

Selections (10) Mighty Luck (1) Spade Mashie (7) Dream Money (5) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 10

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

(8) SANGSEUNG POWER has been close on a number of occasions since returning to action in March following a lengthy absence. On his last start he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at the distance and today he should get it right. (1) USEUNG STORY beat Sangseung Power on his way to a 20/1 win two starts back. He ran 10th when trying to repeat the feat three weeks ago but can be given another chance today. (7) TWO TWO CAPTAIN is up in class having registered a maiden win over a mile just two weeks ago and can be competitive while (2) TURBO SPEED and (12) ZET KING are others with claims.

Selections (8) Sangseung Power (1) Useung Story (7) Two Two Captain (12) Zet King
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 1, 7, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field but competitive. (4) BANGTANMA ran 8th in the Korean Oaks and then 6th in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She then finished 3rd on her return to regular company over 1300M last start. She looks to still have improvement in her and can win here. (3) GOD OF SOCKS looks the main danger. He comes in having run 2nd at class and distance a month ago and should be close. (2) BAEKDUI TAEYANG has run 4th in each of his three latest outings and can at least maintain that consistency here. (5) SINGGEUREOUN TIME and (6) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI are others with placing chances.

Selections (4) Bangtanma (3) God Of Socks (5) Singgeureoun Time (2) Baekdui Taeyang
Next Best 6
Fast Start 3, 4

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(7) SAMSEONG DOKKI is up in class after a good win in a fast time (though very wet and fast track) at this distance on July 19th. That was just his second career start and he came from well off the pace to win. This is a considerably stiffer ask but he looks to have plenty of potential for further development. (8) NUMBER ONE STAR was beaten favourite (more…)

Sunday Busan & Seoul: Kookje News Cup Day Race-By-Race Preview (November 18)

Doraonpogyeongseon faces off against Silver Wolf in a potentially electric renewal of the Kookje News Cup at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The pair are joined by up and coming prospects Today, Ace Korea and King Of Ace in what could turn out to be one of the highlights of autumn. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 while at Seoul there are 11 from 10:45 from 18:00. Here are the previews with (unusually) Busan first. Horse by horse for the big race as well as for Seoul races 9-11:

SIlverWolfKNN1

Can Silver Wolf rise back to the top of the Sprint division on Sunday? (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1 Selections: 1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 2 Selections: 5, 12, 1, 3

Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) PARK MINISTER only managed 6th of 8 last time at class and distance and was beaten by (8) WHITE POINT, among others. Nevertheless, it was his first try at this class and he didn’t run badly. He’s worth another go today. (4) YEONGGWANGUI SIDAE is up in class following two smart wins over 1300M. She’s up to a mile for the first time as well but she should be able to overcome both of those things and can be dangerous. (6) BUGYEONG BOLT moves up in class too, in his case following a very good 2nd over 1300M last month. It’s his first try at a mile as well but it could well suit. It’s been a long time since (7) DONGBANG BULPAE’s solitary win but he comes in following back to back 2nd places at this class over 1200M and 1400M and he has previously gone well at this distance. He won’t be far away.

Selections (1) Park Minister (4) Yeonggwangui Sidae (7) Dongbang Bulpae (6) Bugyeong Bolt
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 6, 7, 9

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

(6) A PURE GOOD MAN ran out a three-length winner at class and distance on October 7th. He carries an additional 4.5kg today, and he has been a touch inconsistent, but he should have enough to see off this field. (4) MR. KOREA returned from four months off to pull off a somewhat unexpected win at the distance a month ago. His reward is to move up in class but he’s very nicely weighted and may challenge for the places. The favourite may face stiffer competition from (1) MYEONGSIN POWER and (3) GAMUNUI YEONGGWANG. The former ran well for 5th in a tougher race than this last time while the latter is second up after five months off and should improve. (8) CHIEF TIME was 6th behind A Pure Good Man last month but has since run a solid 3rd at 1000M and may get closer today.

Selections (6) A Pure Good Man (1) Myeongsin Power (3) Mr. Korea (3) Gamunui Yeonggwang
Next Best 8, 11
Fast Start 6, 7, 11

 Busan Race 5: Kookje Shinmun Cup (Listed) 1400M Weight for Age / KRW 350 Million

  1. WINNER RED – Recent form doesn’t read well although he should go better than he did when here for the Mayor’s Cup in July. Only start since 7th of 12 in class 1 handicap at Seoul and 7th would be an excellent result here.
  2. DROP THE BEAT – A winner at this distance in March before injuries kept him out for six months. Returned with 7th of 9 behind Ace Korea, Morning Daero and Perdido Pomeroy at 1200M on October 21st. Needed that run and distance should suit more here but more to find.
  3. SPEED MARK – Returned from six months off to run a good if unexpected 3rd behind King of Ace at this distance on September 16th. Top jockey gets on but plenty more is going to be needed here.
  4. TODAY – Looked set to become Korea’s top sprinter before being beaten by Doraonpogyeongseon in the SBS Sports Sprint in Seoul in June. Ran well for 3rd at Kranji a month later before struggling in the Korea Sprint in September. Don’t rule out a return to form and looked very fast in a trial last week.
  5. RICH YEOJANGGUN – Won five of her first six starts but has stalled since reaching class 2. Last ran here in August when 10th of 16 in the KNN Cup over a mile and it would be a surprise if she finished much higher than that today.
  6. DORAONPOGYEONGSEON – The top sprinter in Korea. A two-time winner of the SBS Sports Srpint and twice placed in the Korea Sprint. 2000M was an ask too much on last month’s KRA Cup Classic at Seoul but back at one turn today, if he runs to his best, he may be too good.
  7. ACE KOREA – 5th place-getter in the Korea Sprint and with the potential to usurp Doraonpogyeongseon at the top of the sprinting ranks. Didn’t get off to the best of starts on return to Busan last month but still overcame it to run a fast time in victory at 1200M. That looks to be his best trip with his only prior try at 1400M ending in 2nd place at class 3. He’s come on since then and he’ll be on pace here, that final furlong is going to be testing though.
  8. CITY STAR – Began the year with back to back runner-up finishes in Listed and Graded company but didn’t race again until last month when he completely blew the start and finished last over 1200M. Evident talent but hard to back.
  9. SILVER WOLF – Swept all before her last year but it’s been harder this term. Ran 3rd here to Doraonpogyeongseon at a mile in the Owners’ Cup before running a good 4th behind Cheongdam Dokki and Triple Nine in the KRA Cup Classic last month over 2000M. First run at 1400M in over a year, she gets a couple of kilos from most, is reasonably well drawn and with luck in running she can win.
  10. SINGIPARANG – Still at class 2 and yet to win at that level. This will be very challenging for him.
  11. KING OF ACE – Won at class 1 over this distance in September and then repeated the feat when pushed up to 1800M three weeks ago. Both times he was getting weight from rivals and he hasn’t got the ideal draw here. This is a big test for him but he looks to be getting better and better. If he gets to the front early, he has a chance.
  12. CHEONJEOK – Always takes his chance in listed or graded races but does tend to find himself overmatched. That will be the case here too.
  13. MORNING DAERO – Ran 2nd to Ace Korea at 1200M on October 21st which was a big uptick in form for him. Plenty more to find here though and he won’t be among the fancies.
  14. PERDIDO POMEROY – At one time set to become the top sprinter around, he just seems to have lost a little bit of pace recently. Always races in tough company and comes in having been 3rd to Ace Korea last month.
  15. BAEDARI BOBAE – Comes in off the longest losing streak of any of these at nineteen starts since his last win and that looks sure to be extended. Was dropped out of class 1 and despite one or two creditable recent performances, shows few signs of returning.

Verdict: 3rd in the Korea Sprint at 1200M and winner of the Owners’ Cup at a mile earlier this year, (6) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON has marked himself at as the Gold-Standard for horses in Korea over one-turn. A line can be drawn through the KRA Cup Classic last month as it can be for (9) SILVER WOLF too, although she ran rather well for 4th. Up until then, Doraonpogyeongseon had her number this year but she remains a fine sprinter and can’t be ruled out. The presence of those two makes this race a big litmus test for the up and comers. Peter Wolsley’s pair of (7) ACE KOREA and (11) KING OF ACE especially. If the race was at 1200M, Ace Korea could well be favourite but the extra furlong will be the big test here. The distance will suit King Of Ace very well and he could well pull off a surprise. The other main contender is (4) TODAY. Earlier this year he looked set to wrest the sprinting crown away from Doraonpogyeongseon but the older horse has since bested him twice at 1200M. Don’t rule him out here though.

Selections (6) Doraonpogyeongseon (7) Ace Korea (11) King Of Ace (9) Silver Wolf
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 11, 14

Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It didn’t happen for (1) SUN DAY when sent to Seoul for the Jeju Governor’s Cup last month where she suffered her second defeat in six starts. Her previous one came on her only foray up to a mile and it’s interesting to see her sent up to 1800M for her Busan return. She has plenty of talent though and shouldn’t be ignored. It may be safer though to side with a couple who have already demonstrated ability at this class over at least a mile. (4) WONDERFUL MEMORY fits the bill having run a very good 2nd in a tough race on October 19th, beating a couple of decent ones along the way. It will be interesting to see how his front-running style works for him at 1800M, but he looks to have potential for more. (3) MORNING KOREA beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place at class and distance on October 14th. He’s only won one of nineteen but is rarely far from the money. (2) I’M YOUR MOTHER and (10) DAEHO MYEONGGA are others who could come into play.

Selections (4) Wonderful Memory (1) Sun Day (3) Morning Korea (10) Daeho Myeongga
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 1, 4, 5

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

(2) CHONGAL GACHI returned from eight months off to run 5th over this distance on October 21st, running after a slow start to finish ahead of three of his rivals here. His manners were poor that day but he should have come on for that run and could well prevail here. (9) RAON BULPAE finished 6th in that race, less than a length behind Chongal Gachi and can challenge again today. (7) AQUA STROM makes a comeback of his own today following five months out. He was going well before the layoff and trialled (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Power Blade In The Owners’ Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (July 29)

There is a heavyweight rematch in the Owners’ Cup (Korea Group 3) at Busan this Sunday as Silver Wolf and Power Blade face off once more having run 1st and 2nd in the Busan Ilbo Cup earlier this year. This time it’s at a mile and they’re joined by other big-hitters Doraonpogyeongseon and I’m Your Father  as well as up and comer Mighty Ssing in what is set to be one of the races of the summer. There are 5 races at Busan from 12:40 to 16:20 and 12 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.

(Update 9/29 – It emerged on Sunday morning that on Saturday Power Blade fractured his proximal sesamoid bone in his right foreleg and has been scratched from the Owners’ Cup and retired from racing)

Silver Wolf Power Blade Busan Ilbo 2018

Silver Wolf (right) beat Power Blade to win the Busan Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)

Cheongdam Dokki was entered in the race but ultimately did not travel, to Busan. Full previews of every race in Korea on Sunday (and horse-by-horse of the Owners’ Cup) is below:

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

(2) DONGHAE SILVER was an improved 2nd over 1200 M last time, leading for much of the race before getting overturned in the closing stages. She drops back to 1000M today and can continue here progress. (3) SUN QUEEN ran a promising 2nd on debut over this distance behind Sagwarang, who went on to run 3rd at a higher level last weekend. She was a 70/1 shot that day but will get a bit more respect based on that and looks the main danger. (5) SKY JUMP also looked encouraging on debut, running 4th of 8 on a very wet track at the star of this month and can make progress here. (4) I’M HAPPY and (6) BLESSING ROAD look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Donghae Silver (3) Sun Queen (5) Sky Jump (4) I’m Happy
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 6

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(5) TAURUS run a good 2nd on debut at this distance on July 1st and the stars looked aligned for his maiden win here. (4) MAPAEBONG ran an improved 5th place in that race, his best in three outings so far and he could well prove to be the main danger today. (3) HYEONGMA PUBU keeps on being well backed and keeps coming up short although she should be looking to at least match her career-best finish of 3rd here. (6) MEGA CITY showed some glimpses of talent when finishing 3rd at odds of 90/1 last time. He’s been off since April and is a bit of an unknown quantity here. So too is first-timer starter (7) JJANGDAE but he trialled up competently enough earlier this month and must be given a chance of a place in this limited company.

Selections (5) Taurus (7) Jjangdae (4) Mapaebong (3) Hyeongma Pubu
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 3, 6

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

(5) HADALRAE is up in class after getting his maiden win at the third time of asking on June 30th. It was at this distance and he made all on a wet track. He’s well drawn to get on speed again and can win again. (7) SHAR NAO and (1) HANSEN BAROWS came home 4th and 6th respectively when they raced each other on July 1stover 1700M and both drop back in trip today. Both are likely to challenge the favourite for the early lead and can go close here. (6) DONGTEUL TTAE has raced just the once this year and is a bit of a wildcard but has won at the distance and could go well. (8) SKY BIG remains a maiden after twenty-eight attempts but ran well for 3rd at class and distance on a wet track last time and could repeat.

Selections (5) Hadalrae (7) Shar Nao (1) Hansen Barows (8) Sky Big
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 7

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

(2) MASYA remains a maiden but acquitted herself well on her first try at this level having been promoted following a narrow defeat over 1000M at class 6 in May. She ran 4th of 12 at 1200M, running on nicely at the end and has as good a chance as any of winning here. (8) AMARONE was 2nd last start at 1200M, albeit beaten five-lengths by Geuma Thunder. Her solitary win came at this distance back in January and she’s another who can finish strongly. (1) JIGONG JEIL began well but quickly weakened when sent out at this distance on June 24th. It was her first outing in three months and first at this level and she can go much better today. She’ll likely be on the early speed and be joined by (4) HAETSAL WANGJA, who has plenty of experience at this level and can benefit from Manoel Nunes aboard today. (6) COMPLETE HIGH looks best of the rest.

Selections (2) Masya (8) Amarone (1) Jigong Jeil (4) Haetsal Wangja
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Another wide open race with plenty in the hunt. After several near-misses, (1) JUNGLE BEAT finally got his maiden with plenty to spare over 1000M three weeks ago. He’s up in class today and up to 1200M for the first time but he can win again. (11) SOMETHING MYSTERY and (8) WOOSEORA ICHEON are both up in class having finished 1st and 2nd at this distance on June 23rd and both should be competitive at this level. As for those who already have class 4 experience, (5) JEONGSANG MUJEOK is already a winner at this level and steps up in trip for the first time following a 2nd place over 1000M a month ago while (6) INCITATUS came home a creditable 5th in a decent race on a wet track at the beginning of this month and can get closer today.

Selections (1) Jungle Beat (5) Jeongsang Mujeok (6) Incitatus (8) Wooseora Icheon
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) VICAR BLADE got his maiden win over 1300M at the second time of asking two weeks ago and backs up quickly here. He’s up in class and once more marginally in distance but (more…)

Silver Wolf Beats Power Blade in Sprint Series 1st Leg

Champion mare Silver Wolf downed Power Blade in a stretch battle to win the Busan Ilbo Cup, the 1st leg of the 2018 Korean Sprint Series at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

Power Blade was sent off the hot favourite but with a slightly more favourable draw, jockey Kim Dong Soo kept his nerve and kept Silver Wolf on the rail where she was able to gain valuable lengths on her rival as they rounded the turn. Power Blade meanwhile went wide around the field and had significant ground to make up in the straight.

Make it up he did and when Silver Wolf took the lead from early front-runner Perdido Pomeroy, Power Blade was right there. He got to within a length and no more, however, as Silver Wolf held on for what may not have been the richest win of her career but was certainly the best.

More to follow on the race over the next couple of days.

Busan Ilbo Cup – Busan Racecourse – 1200M – Sunday April 29, 2018

1. Silver Wolf (AUS) [Orotorio – Ready For More (More Than Ready)] – Kim Dong Soo – 6.0, 1.4
2. Power Blade (KOR) [Menifee – Cheonmacheong (Lost Mountain)] – Lee Hyo Sik – 1.1
3. Doraonpogyeongseon (USA) [Kantharos – Smartybegone (Smarty Jones)] – You Hyun Myung – 1.6
Distances: 0.5 lengths/4 lengths
Also Ran: 4. Perdido Pomeroy (USA) 5. Paran Juuibo (USA) 6. Saengil Gippeum (USA) 7. Morning Daero (USA) 8. Dynamic Star (KOR) 9. Success Story (KOR) 10. Party Again (KOR) 11. Macheon Bolt (KOR) NR: Cheonha TOngil (KOR)

Silver Wolf Strolls To Donga Ilbo Cup Win

Silver Wolf was the dominant filly or mare of 2017, sweeping all three legs of the Queens’ Tour and she got her six-year-old win underway in the best possible fashion with a dominant win in the Donga Ilbo Cup. In doing so, it gave Djordje Perovic a Listed winner on the Serbian jockey’s last day at Seoul before leaving on an extended sabbatical to recover from a back injury. 

It was always going to be a mismatch.  Just eight fillies and mares opted to take her on over the 1800M, a mix of slightly faded talents and not quite up there prospects. Perovic brought Silver Wolf to the lead at the top of the stretch and the pair eased away from the field for an easy nine-length victory.  43/1 outsider Lead Money came home 2nd with 38/1 Chang Se in 3rd.

Australian-bred SIlver Wolf (Orotorio) has now won 10 of her 21 career starts, three of them Graded Stakes races (the Queens’ Tour last year) and now two Listed (adding to the Munhwa Ilbo Cup last autumn). It was only as a five-year-old last year that she really showed her ability and while she is now too old to run in the Queens’ Tour races, she will surely be a danger in other big races, especially at sprint distances.

As for the other “wolf”, Djordje Perovic; known as “The Balkan Wolf” has been suffering from a back injury for some time and the constant grind that goes with being a top freelance jockey in Korea makes recovery very difficult. While it’s true there are only two race days each week, a freelancer is expected to ride an awful lot of track-work six days a week if he wishes to ride in the races – din’t ride the work and you don’t ride the race. It’s the same for the top local jockeys with Moon Se Young speaking last year about how it is increasingly hard to do.

PeroMoon

Moon Se Young (left) & Djordje Perovic embrace after the last at Seoul on Sunday 

Perovic would go on to ride the final two winners on the card too, finishing off with Choegang Schiller (Artie Schiller) beating Another Smart One (Smarty Jones) in the class 1 finale. Moon Se Young was on the runner-up and the pair shook hands after the line. Their rivalry over the past three years has brought another aspect to racing at Seoul and with any luck, it will be renewed when Perovic returns which, if all goes well, could be around Korea Cup time.