Sprint Series

VINCERO CAVALLO REASSERTS AUTHORITY IN SPRINT SERIES OPENER

VINCERO CAVALLO pulled off a successful and emotional defense of the first leg of the 2026 Sprint Series, winning the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on Sunday afternoon. The five-year-old was racing for the first time in the colours of Kim Hyun-kang, son of late owner Kim In-gyu, who passed away last month.

Two in a row for Vincero Cavallo (Pic: KRA)

Despite sweeping all three legs of the series a year ago, Vincero Cavallo didn’t get a huge amount of support form the assorted racing media prior to the race. After missing a summer prep race, he ran 6th in September’s Korea Sprint and was down the field in his only subsequent start of 2025. Punters kept faith though, sending off the defending champion a 4.8 second favourite to return to form

Return to form he did and in some style. Settling just behind the early speed, which was set by the fancied trio of Born Dia, Fantastic Kingdom and Yeonggwangui World, Vincero Cavallo was never too far away. In the straight, under Jo Jae-ro, he produced that familiar burst of speed that had been missing in the latter half of last year, to burst through the middle and go on to score by two-lengths.

Pre-race favourite Winner Clear was 2nd with Fantastic Kingdom in 3rd.

“When he won the Sprint Series last year, (Vincero Cavallo) was running once a month, and it was difficult to maintain that. I had really been looking forward to the Korea Sprint, but he wasn’t able to show his ability – he was basically telling us he needed a holiday” winning trainer Seo In-seok told KRBC.

“Today he was back to himself, and I think he has a good chance of matching his achievement (of sweeping the Sprint Series) from last year.”

“Born Dia bolted from the gate. If the race had been at Seoul, I might have hurried up to go with her but the Busan track is a little different and I knew I could be patient and just trust Vincero Cavallo” jockey Jo Jae-ro explained.

“I’ve been a jockey for about ten years now and I always dreamed of riding a horse like Vincero Cavallo. I think I need to work to improve my own ability to be worthy of riding horses like him.”

“Last year I came onto that podium for the first time and (owner) Kim In-gyu was there. This time when I went up there, I felt sad. I am sure that somehow he knows that we won again.”

Vincero Cavallo [Cowboy Cal – City Lass (by City Zip)] was purchased by Kim In-gyu for 30 Million Won at the December Yearling Sale on Jeju in 2022. With his latest victory, he moves on to eleven wins from twenty-four starts and prize money in excess of 1.7 Billion Won.

The Sprint Series moves on to Seoul on Sunday April 12th with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). Next weekend, attention shifts to the first leg of the Stayer Series and the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Emphatic Grand Prix winner Clean One makes his first appearance as a four-year-old and is set to face off with Horse of the Year Speed Young.

Sprint Series 1st Leg: Busan Ilbo Preview & Form Comments

SEE HERE FOR RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN

Not since Success Story in 2017 has a Busan-trained horse provided a home winner for its leg of the Sprint Series as Seoul has dominated the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). In that time visitors such as Silver Wolf, Eoma Eoma, Raon The Fighter and most recently Vincero Cavallo have been the most notable winners.  This year may be different though as the home track provides most of the probable favourites among the twelve-strong field.

Vincero Cavallo swept all three legs of last year’s Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

The defending champion is back though. VINCERO CAVALLO swept all three legs of the Sprint Series last year, but he didn’t hold his form for the rest of the year, missing a summer prep before running 6th in the Korea Sprint (1200M IG3) but was well back in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M KOR-G3) in October, and hasn’t raced since. He did though win a February trial.

Busan is dangerous this year. WINNER CLEAR and YEONGGWANGUI WORLD enter as the in-form horses. The former won the KRA Sprint Yeongnam in November and edged out BORN DIA at class 1 level in January. Yeonggwangui World meanwhile looked set to won the Segye Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) at Seoul three weeks ago before Speed Young, who skips this race in order to go to the opening leg of the Stayer Series next week, ran him down late on.

GANGSEO GIANT is another Busan trained horse who will be firmly in the market while FANTASTIC KINGDOM and veteran BLACK MUSK are others who may play a role in the finish. The Busan Ilbo Sprint, kicking off the Sprint Series, gets underway at 16:05 local time on Sunday:

1. BORN DIA – Class 2 winner at this distance in October and then led on January 11th only to be denied by Winner Clear in the final strides by a neck. Good draw and a 2kg mare allowance which brings her right in contention. Chance.

2. GANGSEO GIANT – Won the G3 Kookje Shinmun over 1400M in 2024 and was 3rd in the same race in 2025. Won at class 1 over 1200M in November and hasn’t raced since but looked well in a February trial. Likes to come from off the pace, Seo Seung-un is on, and she will be among the favourites.

3. WINNER CLEAR – Dueled with Clean One as a juvenile but has found his niche at 1200M where all seven of his wins have come. He won the KRA Sprint Yeongnam on Grand Prix weekend in emphatic fashion before just getting up to beat Born Dia on January. Comes from off the pace and has a fiendish turn of foot. He will be favourite.

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Sprint Series Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (March 8)

The Sprint Series gets underway on Sunday with the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55 and 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Former Busan Ilbo winner Eoma Eoma was recently retired (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO ran 2nd on debut before following up with 4th at start number two on January 24th both times racing handy. Third-up she should be nice and fit and with Maia climbing on for the first time, he can win. (8) BINNALEEDS improved to 4th on her second appearance, which came at this distance on January 4th when away among the trailers but running on well. She comes in fresh after nine weeks out and should be danger. (11) FLASH JUDE similarly improved at her second start and can challenge late here. (3) STUNNING BOLT and (9) MISS CHRISTIE are others who have hinted at ability and can be in at least the placing frame in a competitive opener.

Selections(7) Yeongwonhan Soleo (8) Binnaleeds (11) Flash Jude (3) Stunning Bolt
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) ONEMO TIME ran 2nd to Reverence at this distance two starts back before finishing 4th over 1400M on her latest effort at the end of December. She hasn’t raced since then so she comes in fresh, CC gets on, and she can win. (6) BEAT FRESH shapes as the main threat. She has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 24th when on pace. Her times haven’t been quick but that’s been more to do with recent track conditions, and she can be expected to be on pace again and in this a long way. (3) STUNNING POINT has a pair of 5th places from her latest two. She has finished off her races well so may appreciate the step up in trip and she can challenge. (8) BANK LINE and (5) NAEGEROWAJWO others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Onemo Time (6) Beat Fresh (3) Stunning Point (8) Bank Line
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll go with a first timer and (4) SKYNEX. A half-brother to last year’s KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue, he was an on-pace winner of a trial on February 5th and if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (6) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA debuted all the way back last July and ran well for 2nd but later developed a chip fracture. He looked very well when leading all the way in a February trial and he can pick up from where he left off. (12) ARE YOU READY has a 3rd and a 2nd from three starts, sandwiching a lesser effort, and can be in this. Newcomer (8) BABEL FOLGORE, along with (10) WOLF STEP, who needs his latest overlooked, are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Skynex (6) Success Pyeonghwa (12) Are You Ready (8) Babel Folgore
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. We’ll go with that mare, (2) RAON PARANOMA but we will need to forgive her latest at the end of December where aside from a very small bump at the start and then racing ungenerously late, she didn’t have many excuses for a poor effort when well backed. Prior to that she was going well and after ten weeks off and in this company, she is worth another chance. (5) BLACK SUN has a 3rd place on her record and enters off back-to-back 5th place finishes over 1400M and 1700M. She tends to leave herself too much to do but should be running on late. (1) GRAY PHANTOM comes back in trip to a distance at which she has recorded the fastest time of any of these and with a 4kg claim can be in this. (8) NUNKKOT and (11) SAENAE RANIA others to consider.

Selections(2) Raon Paranoma (5) Black Sun (1) Gray Phantom (8) Nunkkot
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) KING BLACK was ordinary on debut but has since run 4th on three consecutive occasions most recently racing handy over 1300M. He steps up to a mile for the first time and has as good a chance as any of coming out on top here. He may have more improvement in him than (2) DOROTHY QUEEN. She enters off her best finishes to date having been 2nd in both her latest two over this distance when coming from off the pace. She has the fastest time among these for the mile (though that’s not quick) and will be in the finish. (1) MAGIC MIRROR has beaten a few of these across his latest two when 2nd at 1400M and then 4th at this distance on February 15th. He’ll be on the pace and in this a long way. (10) BIROE SERVE and (6) SMART YULIM others who should be competitive.

Selections(9) King Black (2) Dorothy Queen (1) Magic Mirror (10) Biroe Serve
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Korea Sprint Target For Vincero Cavallo Following Series Sweep

While most talk within Korean racing circles has been about whether Oasis Blue will become the first horse since Power Blade to sweep all three legs of the Triple Crown next month, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday VINCERO CAVALLO swept to Sprint Series glory with victory in the SROA Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-G2), adding to his earlier wins in Busan Ilbo Sprint and SBS Sports Sprint. He will now target September’s international Korea Sprint.

Three and easy. Vincero Cavallo and Jo Jae-ro win the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (Pic: KRA)

The manner of his victories in the two preceding legs of the Sprint Series meant that Vincero Cavallo was sent off as a 1.5 favourite despite facing thirteen rivals on a fine Sunday Spring afternoon. Coming off the Queens’ Tour following back-to-back runner-up finishes, filly CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off second in the market, with BLACK MAMBA, 3rd in both the Busan Ilbo and in the SBS the next best.

As expected, Crown Hamseong was the quickest out of the gate and set the pace while Vincero Cavallo, not a front-runner by any means, was slightly further back than forecasted, racing in the rear-division as the field exited the back straight.

Having improved to 5th on the turn, jockey Jo Jae-ro brought his mount off the rail and with clear track in front of them, Vincero Cavallo set about reeling his rivals in, passing first Fantastic Kingdom, before accounting for Super Finish and I’m Jjang. Crown Hamseong held firm but Vincero Cavallo was relentless, passing her with just thirty metres to go but opening up a margin of almost a length on the line.

“When he started slowly and went to the back, I was a little concerned” winning trainer Seo In-seok told in house broadcaster KRBC. “But I trusted him and Jo Jae-ro and they did well.”

Vincero Cavallo is a four-year-old colt by Cowboy Cal and out of City Lass (by City Zip). He made a solid start to his career winning four of his first twelve but came to prominence running 6th of fifteen in last September’s International G3 Korea Sprint when still only possessing a class 2 rating. He’s not looked back, winning six of eight subsequent starts.

As for what’s next, trainer Seo was emphatic. “There is one goal – The Korea Sprint.”

The big race against the internationals is at Seoul on Sunday September 7 and Vincero Cavallo is head and shoulders the best local hope. Next week it is the turn of the big local hope for the Korea Cup, Global Hit, to appear. He will make a rare outing at his home track of Busan as the Stayer Series concludes with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M Kor-G2)

SROA Chairman’s Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 18)

The Sprint Series concludes at Seoul on Sunday with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) when Vincero Cavallo will seek to complete a clean sweep of the series, having already taken out the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, which also includes the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Vincero Cavallo (KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Small but competitive field in the opener. (7) STUNNING WORLD was a solid 3rd last time out over 1200M on April 6th, racing handy. She also has a 2nd place on her record. She comes up to the 1300M for the first time and she can win. (2) TEUKGEUP PARTY also has a runner-up finish to her name, which she achieved on debut at the end of December. She has since run 5th in back-to-back outings and from a good draw here can lead and be in this a long. (6) HWANGGEUM MASK got his best finish of 3rd at this distance and on his latest couple of outings, both ending in 4th, has to rate as a chance. (5) WILD HAPPY and (4) PROOF others who could have a say in the minors.

Selections(7) Stunning World (2) Teukgeup Party (6) Hwanggeum Mask (5) Wild Happy
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) WILD WHIZ ran once last summer for 3rd place at 1000M. He hasn’t been seen since, but he trialed well in mid-April under Moon Se-young, coming from off the pace and finishing well. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (4) PINE PINK also ran just the once last year, in her case a 4th place in December. She offered fewer clues in her trial at the start of this month but from a good draw, if she brings that form she showed before, she can be in this. (7) TIGER K has mixed his form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him in this. (6) SOMETHING DARK and (3) AMENO are others to consider.

Selections(9) Wild Whiz (4) Pine Pink (7) Tiger K (6) Something Dark
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) GHOST CHRYSOL was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 30th when racing handy throughout. He carries a similar weight, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and a similar effort should be sufficient to win this. (3) TTOSUNI SEOUL stepped up to 1700M last time out and came from off the pace to run a decent 3rd. She should have benefitted from that experience and can be a danger here. (10) CHAMPIONS FIELD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. Plenty of others have hinted at ability too with (8) EUNPA SWEET and (7) TEN KOREA perhaps the most likely to challenge for the places.

Selections(11) Ghost Chrysol (3) Ttosuni Seoul (10) Champions Field (8) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(9) ONEULISUNGAN was a winner at this class and distance two starts back before running 4th in a competitive Trophy race over a mile on April 13th. He carries 3kg more than his winning mark but is one for one at the trip and five from ten in total and he can win again here. Both of (8) SOLEDAD’s wins came at this trip and she enters in consistent form, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place in another April 13th Trophy race, in her case over 1800M.  She has the fastest time among these for the distance and is a danger. (2) SPECIAL WIND won over this trip at class 4 level in February and hinted at getting to grips with this class when 5th on April 4th. He draws nicely and under a light weight can be backed on a place line (4) DANGDAE STAR and (6) MORPHEUS others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(9) Oneulisungan (8) Soledad (2) Special Wind (4) Dangdae Star
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only. (8) DONKEY PLAY was a winner at this class and distance in a similar all-filly affair on April 19th when settling midfield and running on. That was her maiden win, but the manner of it was strong and while she carries an additional 3kg, there is little to fear here. (10) LALA GIRL remains a maiden but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and this distance. In doing so, she posted a quicker time than any of these for the 1300M (albeit on a wet track) and she can measure up. Seo Seung-un is in town to ride Black Mamba in the big race later and he picks up the ride on (6) WONDERFUL PASS. Another non-winner, she comes in off a smart 4th at this class over 1200M and can go close. (11) LUCKY DAY and (9) KOTAP others to consider.

Selections(8) Donkey Play (10) Lala Girl (6) Wonderful Pass (11) Lucky Day
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden and it’s not a strong field so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker. That’s (6) MAGIC SHOW, a Federalist filly who looked good in her trial, showing handy and finishing in 3rd place in a fair time. If she can have some natural improvement from that then she has as good a chance as any. (7) GOLDEN CARD enters off an improved 3rd place over 1400M on April 18th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In the absence of much early speed, she may well be the early leader and can be in this a long way. (2) SEONGSIL WORLD came from well back to run 4th at start number two on April 4th. Third-up she should still have scope for improvement. (8) WINNERS ROOKIE and (1) HIT WINNER others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Magic Show (7) Golden Card (2) Seongsil World (8) Winners Rookie
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Beolmaui Star, Eoma Eoma To Clash Again in SROA Chairman’s Sprint

The road to September’s Korea Sprint hots up on Sunday as the domestic Sprint Series reaches its conclusion with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2), a race that is being run for the first time with international Listed status, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un (Pic: KRA)

Following his gate to wire win in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on April 14th, BEOLMAUI STAR is the favourite to back up. He ran a huge 2nd to Japanese star Remake in last year’s International Korea Sprint but struggled with his start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy at Busan last November and then in two forgettable efforts in Dubai to begin the year.

Seoul seems to suit Beolmaui Star though and under Seo Seung-un, he was the fastest away in the SBS Sports Sprint and was never headed, scoring by three-quarters of a length. He comes into a much better gate this time around and so long as he gets the start right, he will prove hard to beat again.

EOMA EOMA was the horse who got closest to Beolmaui Star in the SBS. It was a return to form for the 2022 Korea Sprint winner who had been an underwhelming 5th in the first leg of this year’s series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) in March 10th. To add to the intrigue, CC Wong gets legged up for his first real live chance in a Korean Group race.

The result of the Busan Ilbo had hinted at a generational shift as the four-year-old pair of RAON THE POINT and SOMETHING LOST swept home late to finish 1st and 2nd respectively. The older sprinters struck back in Seoul last month but Something Lost finished a close 3rd and Raon The Point is worth another chance from a better draw.

A newcomer on the Sprint Series trail is VICS GO. In the absence of the top line of sprinters he won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M in February but instead of persisting into the Busan Ilbo, he was sent back up to two turns and the Stayer Series instead. That didn’t go well so he comes back down in trip again and from a good gate, can be in the mix.

Several old-favourites among the sprinting ranks return including last year’s winner SSONSAL as well as the venerable MORFHIS, now nine-years-old but a creditable 6th placegetter in the SBS Sports. Among the lesser-known ones, FANTASTIC KINGDOM is a winner of six of nine starts up to class 2 level and while facing the elite at level weights will be a new experience for him, he may just measure up.

The SROA (Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association) Chairman’s Sprint is race 8 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 16:30.

Beolmaui Star Puts Start & Dubai Woes Behind Him in SBS Sports Sprint Triumph

It was always going to be about the start for Beolmaui Star. At Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the five-year-old shrugged off his recent gate woes to begin beautifully and cross to the lead and then proceeded to make every post the proverbial winning post in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un after winning the SBS (Pic: KRA)

The so-called generational shift hinted at with Raon The Point’s victory over fellow four-year-old Something Lost in the first leg of the Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint last month, will have to wait. Something Lost was sent off as favourite and was in the race a long way, crossing the line 3rd, just a length and a half behind Beolmaui Star.

But Raon The Point, while showing near the front early on, faded from the scene early and finished well back. Instead, it was the veteran Eoma Eoma, showing he is far from done yet, who was a fast-finishing 2nd, three-quarters of a length behind the winner.

Beolmaui Star was unable to run in the Busan Ilbo as his quarantine period on his return from his disappointing Dubai sojourn meant that he wasn’t able to return to work in time Local punters didn’t care about that and also ignored those Dubai results and his latest start in Korea, when missing the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November, and they made him 2nd favourite behind Something Lost. 

“I was actually nervous” winning trainer Baik Kwang-yeol told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The first time I have ever been nervous before a Group race.”

Eoma Eoma made a late bid but couldn’t get there (Pic: KRA)

Baik didn’t talk much more about the race but expanded on his chastening experience at the Dubai Carnival with a horse he felt, given the times he had run at 1200M – and having finished just four-lengths behind international superstar Remake – should have been competitive, but was not:

“I thought we prepared well for Dubai but ultimately, I felt like that frog in the well (who knows nothing of the sea). He can (run the times necessary to be competitive) but just couldn’t adjust to the pace and tempo of the race there. If we can’t adjust to that then (Korean racing) will never be any better, I feel good and fortunate to have won today, but I will not just be satisfied with this.”

Beolmaui Star seems to love racing at Seoul. After the Korea Sprint and before his Dubai disgrace, he also messed up the start in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy in Busan last November, but this time, back in the capital, there was no mistake.

“(Beolmaui Star) has just one drawback” winning jockey Seo Seung-un explained to KRBC. “He can get anxious in the gates, and he is a lead horse so if he makes a mistake at the start, he simply won’t get a result. So, we trained a lot to get the start right and he did and then we were able to carry out our plan effectively.”

(Pic: KRA)

As for the Dubai expedition, Seo, who travelled over to Meydan to ride his first race, didn’t have much of an explanation and quickly moved on. “There wasn’t a particular problem with the horse, he just didn’t run well. Next month is the SROA Chairman’s Trophy over the same 1200M distance so if the horse is in good health and condition then there will be a high possibility that we will be here.”

Like Moon Se-young two weeks ago, Seo also noted the demographics among the racegoers. “When I come to Seoul, I feel like I can receive a lot of support because the crowd is so big. The number of younger fans has increased a lot, so the atmosphere makes it feel like the culture has changed a lot compared to just ten years ago. It is really nice to see.”

The final leg of the Sprint Series is the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) at Seoul on Sunday May 19th. Next weekend, the focus shifts back to the Korea Cup lead-up with the Stayer Series and Global Hit heading the field in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

SBS Sports Sprint & International Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, takes centre stage on Sunday, but there are plenty of other valuable races spread across both the capital and Busan with Trophy Exchange races for the Singapore Turf Club (evidently for the final time), Jockey Club of Turkey, Tokyo City Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club and the China Horse Industry Association. There is also a big money race to mark the end of the Cherry Blossom season. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the opening leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) SEOBU CHAMP comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on March 16th when settling back and running on strongly. She comes in here carrying the same weight and has every chance of coming out on top this day. It’s a competitive maiden though. (4) TAP DIA has a 2nd and a 3rd among her own three starts so far. In this company, she may be further forward than in those races and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) PROCEED showed improvement to run 3rd at start number two over 1300M on March 2nd. He too may like the increased distance and CC Wong climbs up. (3) EUMSEONG POWER and (10) ALL EYES ON ME among others capable of at least challenging for the places.

Selections(5) Seobu Champ (4) Tap Dia (8) Proceed (3) Eumseong Power
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and it’s hard to go past (3) APPLE QUEEN. Having run 4th on debut, all the way back last June, she didn’t race again until this March 16th when she was an on-pace 3rd over 1400M. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly fancied to lead from gate to wire. (6) SHINE BOLT has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1200M on February 24th over this distance. She comes into a better gate here and can continue to get closer. (8) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places among her four appearances. That means that any top-three finish will get her a rating and see her at class 5 next time and she could well match or better. (4) SMILE GOLD and (7) BYLONG STAR, the latter having been back to trial since a chastening debut, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Apple Queen (6) Shine Bolt (8) Complete Party (4) Smile Gold
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4 ,7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive opener. (10) GANGSEO PRIDE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on March 8th, when on pace throughout. It wasn’t a quick time, and he was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, he has as good a chance as any here. (9) GIANT MARINE raced three times without distinction up until July last year. He was then put away and returned on March 15th this year and ran much better, finishing 3rd in a decent time over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (11) ONE WAY ROAD has been getting steadily better in recent outings and can continue his upward trajectory here. (5) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) DREAM WAY others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Gangseo Pride (9) Giant Marine (11) One Way Road (5) Choegang Chongal
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) LOVE COWGIRL returns to action for the first time since last September. After winning on debut, she finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd in three subsequent starts before her layoff and going by her all the way trial win two weeks ago, she can pick up from where she left off. (8) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA got his maiden win at this class and distance on March 3rd, settling handy and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights today, but he can be competitive again. (6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win at this distance three starts back and has since run 4th and 5th in two tries at this level, most recently over 1700M. He looks nicely in here and should go close. (4) SINUI YEOJE and (11) GOOD SEONGBONG the other logical place chances.

Selections(3) Love Cowgirl (8) Seoul Choegangja (6) The Sun Fighter (4) Sinui Yeoje
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(5) I AM LEGEND got her maiden win two starts back over this distance before running 2nd at big odds on her first try at this level on March 8th settling right back and running on. She seems to be hitting her groove and she can win this. (3) RAON THE TANGO enters off a useful 3rd place at this class over 1400M on March 8th. The same apprentice jockey keeps the edge off his carried weight and from a good draw, he can go close again. (11) HANEUL EUTTEUM scored a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 15th. He comes up 2lg in the weights and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he should be running on to be a danger once more. (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS are others who can enter at least the placing calculations.

Selections(5) I Am Legend (3) Raon The Tango (11) Haneul Eutteum (2) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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2024 SPRINT SERIES KICKS OFF SUNDAY BUT EOMA EOMA STILL THE ONE TO BEAT

The road to the Korea Sprint begins on Sunday afternoon as Busan plays host to the first leg of the 2024 Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). But while it may be a new year, it’s a familiar name heading the field as Eoma Eoma, who won this race in 2022 before going on to claim the Korea Sprint itself, remains the leader of the division. Click here for full race-by-race guide to Sunday’s meetings at both Busan and Seoul.

Eoma Eoma races for the first time since winning last November’s Kookje Shinmun Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Now seven-years-old, EOMA EOMA came of age in the Covid-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021 but it was in 2022 when the son of Algorithms got his reward, scoring by three-lengths in the Busan Ilbo Sprint, before passing Japan-trained Raptus, to win the International Korea Sprint in September. He then rounded out the year by returning to Busan to take a last gaps victory in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M.

2023 would prove a more challenging year for Eoma Eoma, with Raon The Fighter winning the Busan Ilbo and the SBS Sports Sprint while Ssonsal took out the final leg of the regular series, the SROA Chairman’s Sprint. Eoma Eoma would then run 5th when defending his Korea Sprint crown under a very conservative ride. He did though round out the year with a repeat in the Kookje Shinmun at Busan in November.

With Raon The Fighter on the long-term injured list and Korea Cup runner-up Beolmaui Star having only just returned from Dubai, Eoma Eoma kicks off the 2024 Sprint Series as one to beat again. He hasn’t raced since November’s Kookje Shinmun but the Song Moon-gil trainee went through a trial at Seoul on February 29th, and looked in imperious form, cracking one minute for the five-furlongs without breaking a sweat (although fellow class 1 horse The Gumpu went with him every stride and looked even less fussed.

Song Jae-chul, who rode Eoma Eoma in his very first races before losing the ride first to Moon Se-young and then to Yoo Seung-wan and finally Antonio Davielson, is restored to the mount for the first time since September 2021 and from an excellent draw in gate five, they can win.

SOMETHING LOST is the new hope. He made it four wins from four when winning the Sports Seoul Trophy, the capital’s Classic trial, last April but came up short in all three of the Triple Crown races themselves. He then didn’t race again until this February 3rd, but his return was sensational, blitzing a class 2 field over 1400M. Now a winner of five from eight, a statement run will be expected although jockey Lee Hyeok will have to contend with a wide draw on the Hong Dae-you trained galloper.

Another up and comer is RAON THE POINT. A winner of six from eight, he has posted some super times at distances up to a mile although he came up short both times when tested by strong opposition, first in the Gold Circle last September, and then on his first try at class 1 at the end of January.

Then there are the usual suspects. DAEMANGUI GIL and SSONSAL shouldn’t be too far away while multiple Stakes winner MORFHIS kicks of his nine-year-old campaign. Eoma Eoma remains very much the one to beat though.

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is race 5 on the 6 race Sunday card at Busan with a post time of 15:15 Korean Standard Time.

Selections(5) Eoma Eoma (12) Something Lost (4) Ssonsal (14) Daemangui Gil
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9, 12

Eoma Eoma Poised To Return To Sprint Summit

Eoma Eoma has had a mixed year so far, but the 2022 International Korea Sprint winner looks set to return to the top of the sprinting division on Sunday afternoon when he will start a short-price favourite for the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association (SROA) Chairman’s Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse.

Eoma Eoma (Pic: KRA)

The SROA is the third leg of the Sprint Series a series where Raon The Fighter is in an insurmountable position having won both the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint in emphatic style. Raon The Fighter though, had a mild bout of colic in late May that prevented him from returning to work until this Monday and he has instead been pointed back up in trip towards next month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) in the Stayer Series and another crack at Winner’s Man. That leaves the door wide open for Eoma Eoma to return to the top.

There is a big field of sixteen in the SROA, but Eoma Eoma, who after an out of sorts 6th in the Busan Ilbo, got within two-and-a-half lengths of Raon The Fighter in the SBS Sports, will take some beating. The main danger looks to be another (and it is hard to keep track of all of them), Raon First, who having been beaten by stablemate Raon The Spurt in the Ttukseom Cup over 1400M, comes back to renew hostilities with the boys, and is never to be underestimated over any distance.

Ssonsal has had a resurgence this year and lies 2nd overall in the Sprint Series standings having finished 2nd in both legs so far. He will have support on a place line once again. Backing for Beolmaui Star seemingly evaporated once the front-runner drew the widest gate, while the evergreen Morfhis – who did draw well – as well as newcomer to the series, Legend Day, are others in the frame.

“I would prefer it if I had a lower draw but nine is ok, all things considered.” Eoma Eoma’s jockey Yoo Seung-wan told in-house broadcaster KRBC following the barrier draw.

“There are loads of horses in the race with fast starts. There is speed on the outside and those who have drawn well won’t want to give up their places either. In the previous race we ran well following the speed, I don’t think you need to lead.” Yoo continued. As for how the horse is: “His condition is great, I think even better than last time and it’s all systems go.”

Song Jae-hwan, assistant to trainer Park Jong-kon (Raon First) told KRBC that the draw was a good one but Raon First wouldn’t necessarily need to lead; “Against these male horses going to the front won’t be easy. We’ve got a middle gate and I will be happy to see her settle forward to middle. She is going well but Eoma Eoma, Beolmaui Star and Morfhis will be very tough to beat.”

The SROA Chairman’s Trophy is race 8 on the 10-race card at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Selections: (9) Eoma Eoma (7) Raon First (2) Morfhis (16) Beolmaui Star