Triple Crown

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday when Oasis Blue makes his run for glory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Oasis Blue (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) WINNER GLORY returned from over three months out to run a much-improved 2nd at this distance on May 4th, racing handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and she won’t need to progress very much to win this.  (7) RAON THE CAVIAR enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this distance, racing handy both times. She’ll be behind the speed again and can be in the finish. She will need to overturn form on (1) CRAZY MARI, who beat her as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in a similar race to this on April 12th. Crazy Mari returns for the first time since, and she should be in the mix. (4) LADYBIRD and (2) SOON LIKE others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(6) Winner Glory (7) Raon The Caviar (1) Crazy Mari (4) Ladybird
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(6) VINCERO CUE had been working his way to his maiden win, and it duly arrived over this distance on April 12th when on pace throughout. He comes up in class but is down in weight and in fresh after nine weeks out, he can measure up. It’s been a while since (4) SEGWANG JILJU got his maiden win, but he has been coming back into form recently, and was a front-running 2nd last start at this class and distance. He will be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (5) QUEEN ABIGAIL enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on May 17th, coming from off the pace and she should be there or thereabouts again.  (9) ALL NUT and (10) SAMGIM DAEPYO are the other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Vincero Cue (4) Segwang Jilju (5) Queen Abigail (9) All Nut
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) GOLD QUEENS has been a beaten odds-on favourite in both of her latest outings at 1200M and 1300M, running 2nd both times. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in her five career starts and from another good draw, she can make it third time lucky.  (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in ten attempts but has never been outside of the top five. He has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this distance and while he may once more find one too quick, he can be in the mix again. (4) MAX PARTY has a win and a 2nd from his last two starts and while that means he carries his fair share of weight, he can be a danger once more. (8) GRACE ROUTE and (3) VINCERO KING other place chances.

Selections(1) Gold Queens (2) Haksan Cairo (4) Max Party (8) Grace Route
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

After doing nothing on debut, (9) VICTORY STORY has run 4th in both his subsequent starts, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. Munro stays in, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) LION MAGIC has finished between 2nd and 5th in each of his four starts so far and has actually beaten Victory Story as well as a couple of the others who go here. He can settle behind the pace and big a big danger late on. There is one debut-maker. (8) POWER STONE led all the way in a May trial, stopping the clock in a fair time, and if he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive first up. (6) JUST SHINY and (11) GOLDEN CARD are the others to consider.

Selections(9) Victory Story (4) Lion Magic (8) Power Stone (6) Just Shiny
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(9) ACAPEL returned from five months out on May 11th and duly won over 1300M, settling midfield and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she should strip fitter for that run, the 1400M can suit, and she can follow up here. (8) STUNNING FLATTER is the main danger. Two starts back in February, he beat three of these on his way to a front-running 2nd at this class and distance and then ran 5th in slightly stiffer company on his return on May 18th. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and will be running on strong. (4) POWER BAND has a win and a 3rd from her two tries at this distance, the latter coming at this class on May 31st. She makes a quick return and can be in the mix again. (1) J ONE POWER and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others in the frame.

Selections(9) Acapel (8) Stunning Flatter (4) Power Band (1) J One Power
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) BLAZING MAN was a class and distance winner two starts back before running a disappointing 7th when stepped up to 1800M last time out, starting badly and never really look like being a threat. He comes back to a trip at which he has two wins and two places, he draws much better and even gets a slight weight drop. (3) RAON THE MASKE is up in class having won over 1400M on May 11th when on pace all the way. He is up to a mile for the first time but is down in weight and can more than measure up. (5) ROCK AND ROLL had gone a bit cold but hinted at a return to form when 3rd at this distance on May 30th. He likes to come from off the pace and can be a danger late here. (7) STELL LUNA and (6) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Blazing Man (3) Raon The Maske (5) Rock And Roll (7) Stell Luna
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Oasis Blue Wins Korean Derby – One Jewel From Triple Crown

The so-called curse of the KRA Cup Mile is over as Oasis Blue became the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to follow-up victory in that race by winning the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), scoring by a comfortable two-lengths at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Oasis Blue and Jin Kyum salute in the Korean Derby (Pic: KRA)

Having won the KRA Cup Mile in April by four-lengths, Oasis Blue was sent off as the 1.5 favourite, a price that regardless of his merits seemed short when drawn in gate thirteen in a sixteen-runner race on a wet surface at a track he never experienced before. All while trying to do what doesn’t get often done.

Jockey Jin Kyum didn’t panic and was seemingly content to stay wide throughout on Oasis Blue, safe in the knowledge that he had the best horse under him. They improved rapidly in the backstraight to sit just behind the leading pair in the and, once the brakes were removed after tuning for home, proved way too strong, winning by two-lengths.

Unju Guy was a 56/1 revelation in 2nd while the second-favourite Eclipse the King was 3rd. Both of those raced on pace throughout on a weekend where the wet track was favouring front runners and who in the latter’s case, led from the gate until Oasis Blue swept past late.

Oasis Blue moved on to six wins from nine starts (plus one disqualification) and fo jockey Jin Kyum, winning his first Derby – and his first Group 1 – he could well prove to be a career-defining horse.

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Oasis Blue Claims First Jewel Of Triple Crown in Overwhelming Fashion

Oasis Blue produced a performance of consummate control and maturity to dominate the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the first leg of the 2025 Korean Triple Crown, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Oasis Blue in the clear in the Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Fully justifying his 2.8 favourite status, Oasis Blue was ridden patiently in the early stages by jockey Jin Kyum, before letting down in the home straight and the Busan Classic Trial winner pulled away for a comfortable four-length victory in the opening jewel of the crown.

“I didn’t really have to do much; he is so straightforward” winning jockey Jin Kyum told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The stable prepared him really well, I am grateful for the opportunity and happy to repay their trust in me.”

Getting the closest was Thomas Gillespie’s My Dream Day, who as a 38.0 chance ran on under Alan Munro. Another outsider, Yongbi Paewang, ridden by Masa Tanaka, was 3rd. However, pre-race fancies Long Run Bulpae and Gangnaru, as well as Oasis Blue’s stablemate Beolmaui Ace, made little impact.

“These are three-year-olds, the other horses will continue to make progress, but I think Oasis Blue has potential for more too” jockey Jin continued. “The next race (Korean Derby) we know the increased distance is no problem so if he remains well, then he has a big chance of winning again.”

For the 30-year-old jockey Jin, it was a first Graded Stakes win but for trainer Baik Kwang-yeol it was familiar territory, saddling his eighth Graded winner and second in this race after Betelgeuse scored two years ago for the same owner as Oasis Blue, Lee Jong-hun. According to the trainer, it was one of his simplest.

“Although (Oasis Blue) is only three, he is a very relaxed horse, he can settle into a rhythm and pace that is very mature for his age” said Baik, speaking to KRBC. “He is a gentle horse in the stable, so he is easy to manage and train and he is an easy ride. If he continues to make the progress he has so far, then he has a very big future.”

“The owner is very good; he trusts us completely and I have complete trust in the jockey, so I am in a very lucky position as Trainer. The next race is the Derby, we’ll prepare well and see what happens.”

There is much cause for optimism. Oasis Blue has already won over the Derby distance of 1800M and is now set to be a hot favourite when the division reconvenes in Seoul on Sunday May 11th for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1).

Oasis Blue is by KRA stallion Uncaptured and is out of Saena (by Peace Rules). He was bred by Lee Nam-il at Pyeongdae Farm and was purchased by owner Lee Jong-hun for 69 Million Korean Won at the November 2023 Korea Breeders’ Association Sale. The win moves him on to five wins from eight starts – he also crossed the line 1st in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy last October only to be disqualified for an incident early in the race.

Next week the focus shifts to the Road to September’s International Korea Sprint and the second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 6)

The 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan. It is the last race on a 6-race card on the south coast that runs from 12:05 to 16:30. Up at Seoul there are 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Succes Baekpa won the race a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

(1) STUNNING WORLD has a 2nd place to her name, recorded on her final run as a juvenile over this distance at the end of December. She has raced just the once since when slow away from a wide draw and running on for 5th. She comes into a much better gate today and won’t need to improve much to win this modest maiden. (10) CHOEGANG SPEED was a fiar 5th in debut over this distance on March 1st, settling back and finishing off well enough. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Debut maker (3) RAON THE BIG RED tried and failed to qualify a couple of times last summer. He was then gelded and put away until this March when he was a good 3rd in a trial. If he brings that form to the races he has every chance. (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) DREAM LYZE others who can improve.

Selections(1) Stunning World (10) Choegang Speed (3) Raon The Big Red (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2., 3, 4, 6

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

(4) HIGH CROWN is the one to beat here. He has a 2nd on his record and enters off a solid enough 4th place at 1300M on March 15th when settling just behind the speed and running through the line. In this company he should be on or close to the speed and he can goa ll the way. (5) GWACHEON QUEEN got a long way back when well supported over this distance on February 9th. At the start before she was a good 3rd, running on, and coming in fresh after eight weeks off and with conditions now different, she can be given another chance. (10) LOVE SCARLET was an improved 4th at start number two on March 9th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and 3rd up she can be peaking. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO and (6) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) High Crown (5) Gwacheon Queen (10) Love Scarlet (9) Eclipse Tango
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) KING WARRIOR has hinted at ability across six starts so far with his best being a 3rd and his most recent a solid 4th over 1300M on March 2nd when on pace throughout and briefly leading. Ruan Maia rode him that day and stays on and he has as much chance as any. (3) MALSGO was a significantly improved 3rd when beating a couple of these at this distance on March 8th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day and from a good draw, expect similar tactics with the chance of going all the way. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE and (8) ISEUL CHEOREOM were 4th and 5th respectively in that March 8th race and both should be able to have a say here. (6) LALA GIRL also picked up when 2nd on her latest and can build on that here.

Selections(5) King Warrior (3) Malsgo (2) Haksan Prince (8) Iseul Cheoreom
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It’s not often we start a card at 1800M but here we are, and it is very competitive with just fillies and mares. (5) BROWN FALCON was the longest but one shot on the board at a mile on March 14th, but she made a mockery of that by coming from well back to run 2nd, beating a couple of these in the process. She remains lightly weighted and from a better gate she can go one better. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA was one of those beaten in that race but she has a class and distance 4th on a tougher race than this as recently as January and with Franco climbing on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) ARION QUEEN mixes her form but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG and (4) LASER GRIT others to consider.

Selections(5) Brown Falcon (1) Seongsil Sihwa (3) Arion Queen (9) Jilju Yeoljeong
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

(1) TAPDINE was 3rd in both his first two starts before breaking through at start three over this distance on February 23rd when leading from gate to wire. He comes up in class today and while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, he draws very well to lead again, and he can repeat. (2) WONDERFUL FAPPY has been a touch disappointing in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win in December. In this company and drawn well he can be challenging Tapdine for the early lead and is worth another chance. (8) BEOLGYO D Y is yet to win in eight attempts but has three 2nd places including last time out over 1300M at this class. He can settle behind the speed and run on here and he should be close. The up in class pair of (9) UMA DACHI and (7) YES ANGEL others to consider.

Selections(1) Tapdine (2) Wonderful Fappy (8) Beolgyo D Y (9) Uma Dachi
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Clas 6 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

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Success Baekpa Adds Minister’s Cup to Cup Mile in Triple Crown Finale

There may be no Triple Crown winner, but Success Baekpa confirmed his place on top of the three-year-old ranks with a commanding nine-length victory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Added to his win in the KRA Cup Mile and 3rd place in the Korean Derby, Success Baekpa ran out the winner of the Triple Crown series by almost 600 points.

Success Baekpa goes clear (Pic: KRA)

True the task was made somewhat simpler for Success Baekpa at the start when World Dragon, who was set to jump as third favourite in the betting market, reared in the gate, crunching jockey Seo Seung-un into the machine. With the field backed out for a reload neither horse nor jockey was passed fit to race. That left fifteen in the race.

Hangang Class was sent off as the favourite at marginally better than even-money once World Dragon was removed from the pool, but it was outsiders Great Winner and Miracle Marine who set the early pace while Success Baekpa, the 4.5 second favourite sat behind the leaders alongside Nice Time, who began third in the market.

Into the home straight, jockey You Hyun-myung asked Success Baekpa for an effort and the Purge colt cruised clear, putting the result beyond doubt a full furlong from home. Nice Time crossed the line in 2nd place, a full nine-lengths adrift, while a further four-lengths back, Doctor Kingdom edged out the Derby winner Eunpa Sarang by a nose.

“I made a few mistakes (in the Korean Derby) but this time we were very well prepared” winning jockey You Hyun-myung told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The draw didn’t really matter and there were no opponents that we were afraid of here. The pace was a little fast, but he showed no signs of fatigue.” When quizzed on what was next for the colt, You replied: “The aim is to come back here and win the President’s Cup.”

The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is the richest race restricted to Korean bred horses that is age open and Success Baekpa can expect to come up against Global Hit, last year’s Minister’s Cup winner. This year it will take place on October 13th. Connections may well be tempted by a tilt at the international Korea Cup in early September, although that will be a far harder ask.

You Hyun-myung salutes the crowd after the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). He was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. He moves on to a record of five wins from nine starts.

In the final standings for the Triple Crown series, Success Baekpa finished on top with 1600 points with Eunpa Sarang in 2nd with 1030. His Minister’s Cup runner-up finish saw Nice Time jump up two places to 3rd overall with 700 points.

There is no Stakes action next week in Seoul with the next big race being the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) on June 30th. The early entries comprise an intriguing mix of stayers and sprinters with Tuhonui Banseok and Eoma Eoma, as well as unbeaten import Sky Wind among twenty-two still in.

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 16)

There won’t be a Triple Crown winner this year with the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby having been won by Success Baekpa and Eunpa Sarang respectively, however, there is plenty to look forward to on Sunday as a full field of sixteen contest the final leg, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Eunpa Sarang saluted in the Derby. He returns for Sunday’s Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (5) RUN WILD, who raced twice across the turn of the year with a very close 2nd on debut at this distance followed by a midfield finish over 1300M. He trialled up fairly at the end of May settling back from a wide draw before running on and back at 1200M first up, can win. The best of the debut makers is (3) COING. It took him two trials – in consecutive weeks – to qualify, but he was much better in the second of them, winning it ahead of none other than Run Wild, leading all the way. He draws nicely and can put in a bold showing from the front here. (7) WITH DIS KURO ran 3rd on debut at this distance in April. It wasn’t a quick race but nine weeks on, he can have derived benefit from the experience and should be in this (2) SAEROUN GUY is next best but after that it is a struggle to make a case for another. Perhaps (6) COMMAND BLUE who trialled fairly could sneak a minor money finish.

Selections(5) Run Wild (3) Coing (7) With Dis Kuro (2) Saeroun Guy
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(11) MR. POWER enters off a much-improved 3rd place over this distance back in March when slow out and coming from well off the pace. He has had fifteen weeks off since then, so he comes in fresh, the wide draw won’t matter, and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today can be the day. (5) KHAS was a useful 4th on debut back in April. He has since been back to trial, coming through it in fine style, and he can be a danger here. (6) HANGANG CAPTAIN has shown progress across his three outings to date, most recently a 5th place on May 25th over this distance. That was his first appearance since January, and he can strip fitter here. (2) SMART NOTION and (9) YEONGWON GIANT are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Mr. Power (5) Khas (6) Hangang Captain (2) Smart Notion
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) BINNANEUNGIL has raced four times, all of them last year and registered a 2nd place and three 4th place finishes despite racing very erratically on a couple of occasions. He has since been gelded and returns here having trialled up well in April. With better manners, he will take some beating. (8) SKY ARCH will be the second favourite. While only ordinary in her latest, she has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name as recently as April and she can settle back and be a danger late on here. Best of the first timers is (3) OASIS GREEN. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (which as a voluntary trial, may not appear in all racecards) when on pace and crossing the line 3rd in a fair time. From a good gate she can be on pace and in this a long way first-up. (6) WHITE OIL similarly trialled well enough and can be considered. (4) BORA CHAMP another of the experienced ones who can go well.

Selections(2) Binnaneungil (8) Sky Arch (3) Oasis Green (6) White Oil
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN VIVACE enters off a 3rd place in a similar class and distance filly only race on May 18th when she drew gate ten and worked hard to get on pace. She comes up slightly in the weights but into a better gate and in this company should get a much easier run to the front and can win. That will mean overturning the form on (9) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL, who won that May 18th race coming from off the pace. She comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but she warrants respect here. (6) BIG BRIDGE is yet to win but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1200M and under a light weight she can measure up in this company. (5) TESTA RUBY and (3) BEAUTYWONDERFUL, also both up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Green Vivace (9) Gangcheol Yeogeol (6) Big Bridge (5) Testa Ruby
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Small but competitive field. (6) CHEONHA SARANG is yet to win in five but comes in having run a close 3rd over 1300M in his first try at this class on April 19th. He comes up 3kg in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, but Choi Si-dae climbs up and the colt has run well at this distance before. (1) OVER ENERGY is the main danger. The same apprentice who rode Cheonha Sarang last time gets on, keeping his weight similar to when he ran 2nd in a quick race at 1300M at this class on May 12th. He’ll be on pace and in this a long way. (3) DOCTOR WICKY is the other winning chance. He defied long odds to run 2nd at 1300M on May 26th having briefly led in the straight and warrants more respect today. (2) NAMDO ILDEUNG and (7) ZET CASH are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) Cheonha Sarang (1) Over Energy (3) Doctor Wicky (2) Namdo Ildeung
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

It’s about time (5) RAON THE MAN returned to winning ways. Having won two of his first four to get promoted to this level, he is zero for five at class 4. He hasn’t run badly though with two 2nd places and two 3rd places and with CC climbing on, today can be his day. (1) CHAMJOEUN JILJU is the main danger. She comes in having beaten three of these on her way to 2nd place behind Baden Baden at this class and distance on May 18th when slightly slow away from a wide gate and then racing on pace. She carries the same light weight today but draws much better, and she should be in the finish. After two ordinary efforts at this level, (2) PURGE KING ran an improved 2nd when only narrowly defeated at class and distance on May 11th. He comes into a better gate today and Harry Kasim, who rode him for the first time that, day stays on. (9) YONGAM MARENGO and (8) DAEBAK STAR others in the frame.

Selections(5) Raon The Man (1) Chamjoeun Jilju (2) Purge King (9) Yongam Marengo
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

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KOREAN DERBY 2024 PREVIEW & FORM COMMENTS

A full field of sixteen will go to post for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1), the second leg of the 2024 Triple Crown, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR RACE-BY-RACE GUIDE.

Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

The field is headed by SUCCESS BAEKPA, who claimed the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile, at Busan on April 7th for trainer Min Jang-gi and jockey You Hyun-myung. They will be favourites to score again but it is a wide-open renewal.

Jockey Moon Se-young was the most relieved man on the peninsula last Sunday after he dropped his crop when clear in the Korean Oaks on Eclipse Berry. The filly just about managed to get him home in a photo-finish. He partners Sports Seoul Trophy (Seoul’s Classic Trial) winner NICE TIME, who ran 2nd in the Cup Mile. The only concern is the wide draw but they shape as big dangers.

Another threat is HANGANG CLASS. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but missed the start for the second consecutive race and was then always on the back foot. He did rally for a strong 3rd though and Franco Da Silva, who rode the winner of this race in 2018, is engaged. The widest gate will probably make the start moot in any case as different tactics may be required.

Trainer Kim Young-kwan has won the Korean Derby five times but it is one big race that still eludes top jockey Seo Seung-un. Seo partners WORLD DRAGON for trainer Kim and having won at this distance at class 4 level in April, they are not without a chance.

Last Year, Kim Hye-sun became the first female jockey to win a Korean Derby, adding to her Oaks score in 2017. Almost a year on and Global Hit has firmly established himself at the top of the Korean racing pyramid. This time around, Kim partners WONDERFUL LEAR for trainer Tom Gillespie. They combined to win Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, over 1400M in February, but weakened having shown on pace in the Cup Mile. Don’t rule out a return to form.

UMAPOY would be a popular winner. Running in the colours of Japanese owner Yoshiaki Kimura, and named with a certain racing based video game in mind, he has become the mascot horse of a sizeable portion of the young “MZ Generation” fan group. He has won twice at 1800M and is not without a chance although he is racing for the first time since early March and, like Nice Time and Hangang Class, has the challenge of a wide gate.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GEOLJAK ONE – The only filly in the race, she skipped the Oaks last week to come here. Won a Listed race for juvenile fillies last December and was 3rd in the Sports Seoul but well back in the Cup Mile when drawn gate 14. Much better draw today and CC Wong up. Potential value play.

2. MEGA DRAGON – Well back in the Sports Seoul but a smart winner at class 4 over a mile on March 24th. Ran 2nd at class 3 level on first try at this distance in a good time on April 20th. Likes to be on pace, gets a great draw and can make excellent each-way appeal.

3. MY CENTER – The highest rated in the race and the most experienced with twelve starts and five wins, his latest a valuable Trophy race at a mile. First time at 1800M but is by a Korea Cup winner over the distance and not impossible he can run a big race.

4. LAST DRAGON – Gets his chance after winning his last three, most recently over this distance on April 21st in a good time. Likes to settle midfield and run on and from a good gate, Choi Si-dae, who has won the Derby, can pick his spot. Will have support.

5. EUNPA SARANG – Ran a strong 2nd to Nice Time in the Sports Seoul and then 5th in the Cup Mile, making up excellent ground both times. The step up to 1800M should suit and while others are favoured, don’t rule out him running late into some money again.

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Success Baekpa Swoops To Claim Triple Crown 1st Leg

If there is to be a Triple Crown winner this year, his name will be Success Baekpa after the Min Jang-gi trained colt roared home late to sweep past Nice Time to claim the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Last year’s champion juvenile Hangang Class was sent off as the odds-on favourite among the thirteen-strong field, but just as in the Busan Classic Trial in February, he was a touch slow coming out of the gate and was always on the backfoot from there on. Ultimately, he did well to run 3rd.

Seoul’s Classic Trial winner Nice Time set the early pace along with second-favourite Wonderful Lear. The latter was quickly beaten but Nice Time stayed on and looked set to go on to score until You Hyun-myung launched 13/1 chance Success Baekpa, who had settled well back in the pack, down the centre of the track to sweep past everything in his path and beat Nice Time by three-quarters of a length on the line.

“The horses drawn in one, two, and three (Hangang Class, Wonderful Lear and Nice Time) were so strong that I would have been very happy even to make it into the top-three, so it is a little unexpected” winning trainer Min Jang-gi told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “I instructed (You Hyun-myung) to follow the leaders from midfield and I think he made good decisions at the right time and was able to win the race.”

Accordingly, expectations have changed now for the remainder of the Triple Crown series. “Now that he has successfully passed the first hurdle, there are two races left. This horse can come from behind and pick up speed, so I think that the distances getting longer mean his winning chances increase.”

For You Hyun-myung it was a return to the Graded Stakes winning enclosure for the first time since enduring a horrible 2023 when he missed most of the season after two heavy falls resulting in multiple surgeries.

“It makes it more special because it’s my first Grand Prize since returning and my family were here today so I’m even happier” he told KRBC. “I think of winning this race as a new beginning and a reason to work even harder, starting from next week.”

You may have to wait a little longer than next week as he picked up a 2-day ban for excessive whip use. Moon Se-young on Nice Time also got a two-day ban for shifting out in the straight.

Success Baekpa is by Purge and out of the 2007 Korean Oaks winner Baekpa (by Revere). She was bred by Kang Seung-youn and was purchased by her owner Lee Jong-hun for KRW 90 Million at the November 2022 Yearling Sale. She moves on to a record of four wins from seven starts – and four in a row.

The second leg of the Triple Crown is the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday May 12th. Next week, attention shifts to the Sprint Series and the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon.

KRA Cup Mile – Triple Crown 1st Leg Preview & Form Comments

The 2024 Korean Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday afternoon as thirteen three-year-olds line up for the first jewel, the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL ON SUNDAY.

Nice Time and Eunpa Sarang have headed South for the KRA Cup Mile (Pic: KRA)

Six colts have made the trip down from Seoul to face seven from the host track and it is a race of many chances.

Champion juvenile HANGANG CLASS will probably start as the betting favourite locally, but he comes in having been beaten in Busan’s Classic Trial, the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy (1400M KOR-Listed) in February, when taken down late by WONDERFUL LEAR. The pair meet again with Hangang Class this time much better drawn.

NICE TIME was Seoul’s best juvenile last year, and he has started 2024 in fine fashion with two wins, including in the capital city’s Classic Trial. He will be ridden by Moon Se-young, who last week won the opening leg of the Triple Tiara on Eclipse Berry and could well make it a double here.

DOCTOR KINGDOM had plenty of near misses throughout the juvenile series last year but an improvement shouldn’t be ruled out while his stablemate, BACCHUS, has taken the same route that last year’s winner Betelgeuse did, and is already a winner at 1800M, let a lone a mile. SUCCESS BAEKPA and STORM BREAKER are others who skipped the Juvenile Series and the Classic Trials to take a different path here.

1. HANGANG CLASS – Dominant seven-length winner of the Breeders’ Cup in December to be crowned champion juvenile. He was favourite for Busan’s Classic Trial in February but was a touch slow out of the widest gate and was then ridden hard around the outside to ultimately establish a four-length lead turning into the straight before being picked off late. He is drawn much better today for an easier run and his class can see him through. The favourite.

2. WONDERFUL LEAR – Picked off Hangang Class late on to win Busan’s Classic Trial, he is a winner of three from six. He has mixed his form and Hangang Class beat him twice last year. Don’t read too much into his midfield finish at this distance in January in a tough and quick race against older horses at class 3 level. He can be very competitive here.

3. NICE TIME – A winner of five from six stars so far with his only defeat coming at Busan when 4th in the Breeders’ Cup. He was slowly away in Seoul’s Classic Trial but showed a lot of heart to haul himself to the lead and then to keep it under pressure. The mile may well suit.

4. LALA KA – Won the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy but has never come close to repeating his explosive exploits from last August’s Rookie Stakes. 5th of ten at class 3 level in his only start this year back in January, he does at least come in here fresh, and the mile could be to his liking.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 7)

The Triple Crown season is upon us with the first jewel being contested at Busan on Sunday afternoon in the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). The big race is number 5 on a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 16:05. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul – where the cherry blossom festival continues – from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Wonderful Lear beat Hangang Class in the Busan Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) TAENGGEURI has five top-five finishes and comes back in trip after a couple of spins at 1700M and one at 1400M, not without some success. He has a 3rd place over this distance and has as good a chance as any here. (1) B.K. BELLE is the main danger. She has mixed her form across five starts so far but her running style suggests that the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be running on late. There isn’t much early speed in the race though. (8) HAYAN TAEYANG returns to action for the first time since last November. She has trialled up well on two occasions and should be in the mix first up here. The form falls off a bit after those three so it may be worth taking note of the debut making pair of (11) WONDERFUL LORD and (2) MAGIC PRINCE, both of whom hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(7) Taenggeuri (1) B.K. Belle (8) Hayan Taeyang (11) Wonderful Lord
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

A small field of maiden fillies. (2) MAGIC IMPACT won a February trial and then finished midfield on debut over 1200M later that month. She should have derived benefit from that experience, she draws much better today, and she has every chance here. (4) BAEDARI HYANGGI has been getting closer in recent outings, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 2nd. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can get even closer today. (7) GENERAL POWER may sound like an energy company and she has mixed her output across her four starts, but going on her 3rd place at 1200M in a good time two starts back, she is a chance here. (1) FLYING LION and (8) NEXTLEVEL are other placing chances.

Selections(2) Magic Impact (4) Baedari Hyanggi (7) General Power (1) Flying Lion
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

(4) BLACK JILJU led for much of the way around over this distance on March 1st and was only narrowly beaten into 2nd place. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and she looks very much the one to beat here. (1) NAEPYEON ran an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on February 23rd. From the inside gate he should be on pace and with Seo Seung-un booked to ride, more improvement seems probable. (10) SEOGWI STAR has been solid if unspectacular across her four appearances to date. She generally finishes off well and can run into some money again here. (8) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE and (6) DANCING BOY are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Black Jilju (1) Naepyeon (10) Seogwi Star (8) Yeonggwangui Rose
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) STUNNING CHAMP enters off a close 2nd place over 1300M on February 24th when settling midfield and running on well. She has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin, and she can win here. (1) SPALTA is clear second pick. He was an improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on March 3rd when racing handy throughout. From a good draw, he should get a relatively easy run to the lead and is the one the favourite will have to get past. There are a couple of debut-makers. Both (9) SPARKLING and (8) MAX PARTY went through plenty of trials, and both are capable of a bold first-up showing. (4) PERFECT TIARA the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Stunning Champ (1) Spalta (9) Sparkling (8) Max Party
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win in six attempts but is also yet to finish outside of the top four. She comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes, the most recent of which was ahead of a couple of today’s rivals at this class and distance on March 3rd. She comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but today should really be her day. If she manages to find one too quick again, it could be (2) FLYING DANU, who was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 8th and duly obliged, racing on pace throughout. She is up in class here but carries a light weight, draws well, and can measure up. (7) SKY GRIT is up in class after a maiden win in a good time at 1200M on March 3rd. She’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) GRAY QUEEN and (8) DONGNAM WINNER other placing chances.

Selections(1) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Flying Danu (7) Sky Grit (6) Gray Queen
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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