There is no Triple Tiara winner in 2025 as Boryeonglightqueen swept by Fantastic Value to win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Boryeonglightqueen and Jung Do-yun (Pic: KRA)
Having won both the the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks in facile fashion, Fantastic Value was sent off as the odds-on favourite to emulate Golden Power and Jeulgeounyeojeong in being a Tiara winner.
As in the Oaks, Oneuldo Smile led for most of the way around what was an unchartered 2000M for all nine fillies. Fantastic Value loomed up in the home straight and briefly took the lead but was powerless to resist the challenge of Boryeonglightqueen, 3rd in both the Luna and the Oaks, who flashed home to score comfortably under Jung Do-yun.
Boryeonglightqueen is by the 2015 Minister’s Cup winner Rock Band and is out of Yaho Prez (by Menifee). Rock Band’s Rock Candy was 4th. The winner is owned by Choi Won-gil and is trained at Busan by Kim Gil-jung. She moves on tothree wins from eleven starts.
Next week it is the big one. The Triple Crown is on the line on Sunday afternoon in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) when KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby winner Oasis Blue will make his run for glory.
Next weekend all eyes will be on Oasis Blue’s attempt to become the first three-year-old since Power Blade almost a decade ago to sweep all three-legs of the Triple Crown. This Sunday at Seoul Racecourse, Fantastic Value has the opportunity to become the third filly in four years to claim the Triple Tiara as she starts the hot favourite for the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3).SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.
Fantastic Value and Oneuldo Smile were 1st and 2nd in the Oaks and meet again (Pic: KRA(
After winning the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks in 2022, Golden Power successfully completed the set with victory in the Gyeonggi while a year later Jeulgeounyeojeong did the same. Having pulled off dominant victories in both the Luna and the Oaks, FANTASTIC VALUE should be joining them.
All of the top five in the Oaks return with runner-up ONEULDO SMILE the probable second-favourite. Having skipped the Luna, she entered the Oaks with a perfect four from four record but while she led for much of the way, she was powerless to stop Fantastic Value from sweeping by and was five-lengths in arrears on the line.
CC Wong will be aboard Oneuldo Smile once more and it will be interesting to see whether they employ the same tactics and lead again.
BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN was 3rd in both the Oaks and the Luna and should be in at least the placing mix again, while a newcomer to the Series is ROCK CANDY. The Bart Rice trainee gets her chance having won two of her last three up to class 5 and a mile and her running style suggests that she could be a filly who can make the step up in trip.
The Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup is race 7 on the 9-race Sunday card at Seoul.
1. FLASH RUN – Only win came in maiden company at 1300M but she was a good 5th in the Oaks as the longest shot on the board and from the widest gate. Further improvement is possible.
2. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – 3rd in both the Luna and Oaks but she has won over 1800M. Hard to see her overturning the form on Fantastic Value but shapes as a place chance and the additional trip can suit.
3. LIME TREE – Class 4 winner over a mile and 4th in both the Luna and the Oaks, eight-lengths behind Fantastic Value in the later. Will race handy and can match or better that 4th.
4. RISING MO – 2nd in the Luna Stakes coming from well off the pace but only beat one him in the Oaks. Has run better when coming from a long way back but too inconsistent to confidently recommend for a place
5. ONEULDO SMILE – Won her first four up to Class 4 and 1200M and then led the Oaks before being passed by Fantastic Value. She has five-lengths to make up but will probably be on pace again and will be 2nd favourite.
6. ECLIPSE THE QUEEN – Enters off her maiden win over 1400M on April 5th when coming from midfield. Fresh after nine weeks off, but big step up here.
7. FANTASTIC VALUE – Comfortable winner of the first two legs of the series and no reason to suggest that the step up in trip, or the new environment at Seoul, will be a problem. She will be the strong favourite.
8. ROCK CANDY – Gets her chance having won two of her last three up to class 5 and a mile, coming from off the pace. Extended trip may suit and may offer some each-way interest.
9. ALPHA FEMALE – The only maiden in the race, she hasn’t even finished in the top three. Seirene won this race as a maiden for the same owners last year but surely lightning does not strike twice.
Selections
(7) Fantastic Value (5) Oneuldo Smile (2) Boryeonglightqueen (8) Rock Candy
Even as an odds-on chance, FANTASTIC VALUE provided plenty as she eased to victory in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, adding the second jewel of the Triple Tiara to the first that she scored in the Luna Stakes at the end of March.
The wildcard – and perhaps sole interest in the race given Fantastic Value’s Luna superiority – was ONEULDO SMILE, a hitherto unbeaten filly, who travelled down from Seoul with a perfect four-from-four albeit never having raced at further than 1200M.
As expected, Oneuldo Smile was sent to the lead by CC Wong while Seo Seung-un settled Fantastic Value handy and Oneul Smile ended up giving a very good account of herself leading until just over a furlong to go when the favourite came by.
Just as in the Luna, Fantastic Value’s winning margin was five-lengths with Oneuldo Smile managing to hold off Boryeonglightqueen and Lime Tree for an excellent 2nd, the latter pair repeating their Luna finishes of 3rd and 4th respectively.
Fantastic Value [Afleet Express – Union Belle (by Dixie Union)] moves on to five wins from ten starts. Owned by Moojigae Rentcar, she is trained at Busan by Lim Keum-man. She will be the hot favourite to emulate Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 in claiming all three jewels in the Tiara. The final leg, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) is at Seoul on Sunday June 8th.
A more interesting prospect as to whether she completes the Tiara, may be the prospect of Fantastic Value facing the likes of Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Queens’ Tour Winter/Fall in the latter part of the year.
Next Sunday it is the turn of the three-year-old colts with KRA Cup Mile winner Oasis Blue the favourite to win the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul.
Two out of the past three years have seen a single filly sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara and on Sunday Fantastic Value can go one step closer to emulating Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 by winning the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan.SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.
Fantastic Value comprehensively won the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
That the three-year-old Korean bred filly division isn’t a very deep one is reflected in only ten going to face the starter, one of which is a maiden with a rating of just twenty-six. FANTASTIC VALUE had little trouble seeing off her rivals in the opening jewel of the Tiara, the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at the end of March, when she pulled away in the home straight to win by five-lengths.
With that Luna triumph, the Lim Keum-man trained Fantastic Value moved onto four wins from nine starts and has experience of the 1800M Oaks distance having run 4th over it at class 4 level prior to her Tiara 1st leg score.
All first four home in the Luna return for another go in the Oaks, but the most fascinating runner is a newcomer to the Tiara trail. ONEULDO SMILE debuted as a juvenile last August and won but then got injured and didn’t reappear until this January. She has since won three on the spin, most recently a fourteen-length romp at Class 4 level on March 23rd.
CC Wong rides Oneuldo Smile for the first time and while she has never been further than 1200M, the daughter of Federalist looks an enticing prospect.
1. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – Ran 3rd in the Luna from a wide draw. A winner and runner-up in two tries at 1800M both at class 5 level puts her ahead of most of these. In the frame.
2. TEAM SURPRISE – Yet to win in eleven and that probably won’t change here but does have nine top five finishes. First try at further than 1400M can suit, but minor money chance only.
The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday when twelve fillies line up for the Luna Stakes over a mile. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 (this big race is the last) while at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry won last year’s Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (7) CHRYSOL NIKE ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 25th, settling midfield and running on well. She comes in relatively fresh after nine weeks out, she should have come on for the run, and she can go one better today. (9) GIDAEHARA improved to 5th at start number two on February 22nd, showing on pace before weakening a little late on. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and with Maia getting on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) NAEGILUI ACE beat Gidaehara when running 3rd in that February 22nd race. She has shown progression across each of her three starts so far and can be in the mix again. (8) MISS FAMOUS and (10) SMART TAKE the other main chances.
Selections
(7) Chrysol Nike (9) Gidaehara (3) Naegilui Ace (8) Miss Famous
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) TOUR FELIX ran once without distinction last summer and then didn’t reappear until February 23rd this year when he was a much-improved 2nd at 1200M, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and he can go one better today. (7) THUNDER FIRE improved to 3rd at start number two on March 1st, similarly racing handy all the way. He’ll do the same here and third up can be even fitter. (3) J ONE POWER ran 3rd behind Tour Felix in that February 23rd race, having settled a little closer than in his first two outings and accordingly running better. He draws well and can be there or thereabouts again. (11) MUNHAK CHUKJE and (2) RAON SILENCE are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Tour Felix (7) Thunder Fire (3) J One Power (11) Munhak Chukje
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (9) CUPID K probably gets the verdict although that means having to discount her latest effort on March 2nd when she was sent off as favourite but barely laid a glove on them and finished midfield. Her form leading up to that was good though and on her 2nd place two starts back, she warrants another chance with the extended trip potentially suiting. (11) MARUBYEOL must be close to setting the record for most class 6 starts. That’s not a good thing. However, she got her best ever finish at this distance in January and in this very modest company, could be going even better. (6) GHOST CHYSOL races fro the first time since being beaten by Marubyeol at thus distance in that January race. He comes into a better gate today and get closer. (5) GRAND FLYING and (1) SAVANA CHARLIE perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(9) Cupid K (11) Marubyeol (6) Ghost Chrysol (5) Grand Flying
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After running 4th on debut in February, (2) VANGIE was beaten into 2nd place when sent off as favourite on March 7th over 1200M. He draws nicely here, and with the slight step up in trip, he will be hot favourite to get it right at the third time of asking. (4) JJAK SARANG also has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts to date, racing on pace both times. She can be on pace and in this a long way. Those two will be at the top of most quinella picks, although (8) HEUIMANG GUNJU was an improved 3rd at start number three over this distance on February 28th when close to the speed throughout. He can aim to at least repeat in this company. (6) FAST QUEEN and (7) THUNDER PASSION others who can potentially improve.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) RAON NOTHERN DANCE is yet to win in five but comes up in class following four top four finishes, including a last start 3rd on his first try at this distance on February 23rd when close to the speed throughout. He can have come on for that experience and coming down a full 4kg in weight and drawn nicely, can win here. (3) DANGDAECHOWOL is similarly winless and in his case has sic top five finishes from seven attempts. He enters off a 2nd place at this class and distance on January 25th and while he was well beaten by a good winner, he won’t need to improve much to have winning claims here. (9) LOTUSMIREU has improved since a six-month layoff and can aim to at least match the 3rd places she has from each of her latest two. (6) GRAND KWAEMA and up in class (10) TROLL other minor hopes.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) SWORD MASTER was an also ran in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Rookie and since then has two runner-up finishes and most recently, a 4th place at this class over a mile on February 23rd when on pace throughout. He ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and he looks the one to beat today. He will need to overturn the form on (6) WORLD HIT, who was 3rd in that February 23rd race, showing on pace throughout. He will be on the speed again and can be in this a long way. (5) HOMYEONG SHINHWA comes up in class following a maiden win over 1300M that had been coming. She carries a light weight and can measure up in this company. (7) MORNING DEW and (10) TRIPLE AXEL are others to look out for.
Selections
(8) Sword Master (6) World Hit (5) Homyeong Shinhwa (7) Morning Dew
Next Best
10, 12
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The Triple Tiara Series for three-year-old fillies concludes on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse with Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and Eclipse Berry will be the favourite to complete a clean-sweep of the series having already won the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks. The big race is race 8 on a 10-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (9) CUPID MIR in this maiden. He has no fewer than six top-four finishes from seven attempts, including his latest over 1200M on May 18th when slow away and settling right back before running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and in this company, he should be on pace and will take some beating. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished in either 4th or 5th place in all seven of his starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can be aiming for better here. Solitary debut-maker (4) WONDERFUL TECHNO trialled up well and from a good draw shouldn’t be ruled out first up. (2) DAEMUL SOCKS and (1) SCALE KING the other major place chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) SUNSHINE QUEEN comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times finishing off well. She comes up to 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, Jo Jae-ro can pick his spot behind the speed and she has solid claims here. (8) MK LEE has shown good progress across four starts so far and was a close 4th over 1300M last time out. He too comes up to the 1400M for the first time and in this company can be on or close to the pace and can be in this a long way. (3) RAON THE KLAMMER was 5th behind MK Lee at his last start. He draws better this time and can be a danger, (11) TRES VITE and (6) SMILE GOLD others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Sunshine Queen (8) MK Lee (3) Raon The Klammer (11) Tres Vite
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
One of two debut-makers in the race, (5) QUEEN SOPHIA looked very well when winning a trial as easily as she pleased in a quick time on May 18th, sitting behind the leader before pulling clear. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (8) SEOGWI STAR is yet to finish outside of the top-five and comes in off her best finish so far when 2nd at this distance on May 17th. She carries a light weight here and can be a danger. (1) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE likes to race on pace and today draws very nicely for a much easier run to the front. Franco climbs on and she should be in this a long way. (10) GREEN BULLDOZER and (3) PURE DANCE others in the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Queen Sophia (8) Seogwi Star (1) Yeonggwangui Rose (10) Green Bulldozer
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive race. (10) AMAZING STAR has two 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far racing handy on each occasion. She draws a touch wide here but should be able to find a relatively forward position and today can be her day. (8) BLACK SPECTER ran 3rd on debut in March before following up with a close 5th on May 4th, both times over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be a threat here. (7) SEONGSIL CHEONHA has trialled twice since his latest run and looked much more assured in the latter of those on May 23rd (may not appear in all racecards) when a close 2nd in a quick time. He can be in the mix first-up here for his first race in sixteen weeks. (5) ALL NUT and (1) MAX PARTY among plenty of others who can be in the mix.
Selections
(10) Amazing Star (8) Black Specter (7) Seongsil Cheonha (5) All Nut
Next Best
1, 2
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Open race with plenty of chances. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER is yet to win but got promoted to this level having placed in each of his first three starts. He then ran a solid 5th over this distance on his first try at this level on May 10th when he had to overcome gate ten. He draws much better today and under a light weight, he can win. (6) STRIKE ZONE has never finished any worse than 5th in seven attempts with his win coming at 1300M. He races for the first time since running 3rd in a quick race at this class over 1400M in January, but he looked well in a May trial and can go well first-up. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off a 4th place at class and distance on May 10th coming from off the pace and he can be a danger late on again here. (8) MOST RAPID and (9) GOLDEN AIR others in the frame.
Selections
(4) Wonderful Fever (6) Strike Zone (7) Majestic Dancer (8) Most Rapid
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Eclipse Berry enters the second leg of the Triple Tiara as hot favourite to take out the most prestigious jewel in the series, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.The Korean Oaks is race 6 on the 7-race Sunday card at Busan with a local post time of 16:05. There is also a 10-race Sunday card at Seoul. SEE HERE FOR THE RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW.
Eclipse Berry (Pic: KRA)
The top-nine placegetters from the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) on March 31st all return, but with ECLIPSE BERRY having won that race by a cool seven-lengths, making all the running, she is going to be hard to oppose. She has already won over 1800M, the only one in the race to have done so, and that was on a wet track. Rain is forecast for Busan on Sunday afternoon. Moon Se-young returns to Busan to partner the Seo Hong-soo trained Shackleford filly.
GLOBAL TAEYANG was 2nd in the Luna Stakes and from a much better draw this time can get closer, while last year’s champion juvenile BAEKDUUI KKUM is not to be dismissed. WONPYEONG LIST had plenty of excuses in the Luna and is a class 3 winner already while BANG BANG BANG was a revelatory 3rd in the opening jewel of the Tiara and only four races into her career, still has plenty of scope for further development.
1. STAR CHANGER – Maiden winner at start seven at class 5 level over 1700M on March 30th making all. Well drawn but a big ask here.
2. GLOBAL TAEYANG – A winner up to a mile and class 4 level and 2nd in the Luna Stakes. Has seven-lengths to make up on Eclipse Berry but draws better this time and can get closer. Second favourite.
3. PERFECT ACTION – Won three of nine up to a mile and class 4 but was 8th in the Luna Stakes so plenty of form to overturn. Will race handy and may offer each-way value.
4. LOVE MUNMAK – Only win came at class 6 level but was a smart 2nd over 1700M at class 5 last time out when on pace. Plenty to find in this company but has a strong finish.
5. FLYING STAR – 5th in the Luna and was found to be slightly lame. Returned to work on April 19th. Has won at class 4 over a mile but a few too many question marks to recommend.
It’s Korean Oaks Day. The Filly Classic is race 6 on a 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Eclipse Berry is hot favourite to return to winner’s circle in the Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in the opening maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time, and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (4) UASEN looked very competent in her trial crossing the line in 4th place in a good time (albeit with a class 1 horse up front helping them to some fast fractions. She ran through the line well and 1200M can suit first-up. Of the experienced ones, (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has shown the most so far. She comes in following a runner-up finish over 1200M on March 24th when she settled midfield and ran on. That continued an upward trajectory in her recent appearances, and she should be close again. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has a 2nd place on her resume and in this limited company that’s enough to put her in the numbers while (2) SEMYEONG GHOST and debut-maker (5) TIZ THE FASHION look other minor chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) NAOL INDY was a much-improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on April 5th, settling midfield and running on. That was a full ten months after his inauspicious debut last summer and he should strip much fitter for the run and from a good draw, is the one to beat. (7) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across six starts so far with a 3rd on his record and a last start 4th over this distance. In this small field and this company, he can be a little further forward than usual and can be in this a long way. (4) DANCING GANGJA enters off a much-improved 3rd place over 1200M on April 7th when racing handy throughout. He is drawn well to attempt similar here. (9) CHROMITE and (2) P N S JU are other placing chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two debut-makers in this field and she looks interesting. (6) YOUR TURN has been through three trials, dating back to last September and has won two of them and finished 2nd in the other, all three in quick times. This is not an intimidating field to debut among and if she brings the trial form to the races, she can win. (7) STORM GRIT is the big danger. He was very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when coming from off the pace and almost getting there. He will be running on strong again here. The other first-timer is (9) NEW LEADER. She went through two trials, finishing behind Your Turn in the second of them. The time was quick though and a big first-up run can’t be ruled out. (3) DANCING BOY and (1) DONGBU CHOEGANG are other experienced ones who may have a say.
Selections
(6) Your Turn (7) Storm Grit (9) New Leader (3) Dancing Boy
Next Best
1, 11
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) ECLIPSE HONOR will be a hot favourite. He ran 2nd over this distance on debut on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but nothing here has gone much quicker and with some natural improvement from his first start, he will be hard to beat. (7) EUMSEONG POWER was 5th behind Eclipse Honor on debut in that March 23rd race and has since come back out and run 4th, again at 1400M. He seems on the right trajectory and third-up can be peaking fitness-wise. (8) NONSTOP YEOLCHA enters off a solid 2nd at 1300M on March 23rd, settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit. (4) TAENGGEURI and (9) MAGIC PRINCE others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (9) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win but has also never finished outside the top-four in seven starts. She loves finishing 2nd, which she has done on each of her last four outings, but she really should be stepping up here. On her latest she was a very close runner-up in a quick time over this distance and she won’t need to improve much on that to win. If she does find one too quick yet again, it could be (2) TROUBLEMAKER. She is one for one at this distance but has been slow away in her two subsequent tries at this class over 1400M. She draws nicely here and if she gets out of the gate even only fairly, then she can be a threat. (8) GREAT QUEEN got her maiden win over this distance on March 29th. She comes up in class today but can measure up. (11) BLACK JILJU and (10) RAID HIT among plenty of others with placing chances.
Selections
(9) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (2) Troublemaker (8) Great Queen (11) Black Jilju
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (3) FOUR ACE. She is yet to win in seventeen starts but she has come close on plenty of occasions including a smart 3rd place last time out on March 17th over this distance when, as she often does, she got a long way back. CC Wong climbs aboard today and if she can be a bit closer in touch, it can be her day. (6) BEST DAERO got his maiden win at stat number three over 1300M on March 30th, leading all the way. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and there could be more to come. (7) WONDERFUL SWEET got his maiden win at this distance on Christmas Day and has since run 4th in two tries at this class. He should be there or thereabouts today. (4) LEGENDSUN and (5) SEMYEONG LADY others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Four Ace (6) Best Daero (7) Wonderful Sweet (4) Legendsun
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 6
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) MONSTER DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M in January and has since run 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, both times settling handy and running on. Expect similar tactics today and this time he can come home on top. (2) SKY GRIT was a winner two starts back at 1200M before running 4th on her first try at this level at 300M on April 7th. She draws very nicely to be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (4) GRAY QUEEN was 3rd in that April 7th race having run on from midfield. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish again. (6) BIG WILD has won a trial since his latest showing and can be given another chance. (11) DOCTOR LEO another possible placer.
Eclipse Berry ran out the dominant winner of the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed), leading every step of the way to effortlessly secure the first jewel in this year’s Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies.
Eclipse Berry wins the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Sent off as the 2.4 favourite locally among the sixteen-strong field, Moon Se-young guided Eclipse Berry across from gate eleven to assume the early lead and she was never close to being headed, streaking away to win by seven-lengths on the line. Global Taeyang was 2nd and surprise package Bang Bang Bang 3rd. Baekduui Kkum, the top juvenile filly at Busan last year, was 4th.
Winning trainer Seo Hong-soo noted that things had gone as well as they possibly could. “We had a plan, and Moon Se-young carried it out perfectly” he told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The dam and sire (of Eclipse Berry) are very compatible, so I have always had high hopes for her” he continued. Eclipse Berry is by Shackleford and out of the Speightstown mare Silkberry.
(Pic: KRA)
“Our plan as a stable for this year was to raise our win rate by one or two percentage points and also to win a big race or two, so we are making good progress. We’ll take Eclipse Berry to the Korean Oaks in May and then go up to 2000M to finish the series.”
Moon Se-young told KRBC that it had been a good week. “Eclipse Berry trained really well in the days leading up to the race. Sometimes it can be complicated when traveling young fillies, but she was very relaxed, and I fully trusted her in the race.”
“I’ve ridden winners at Busan before, of course, but this was the first time up on the podium surrounded by fans”. His previous big race wins at the track were in 2022 with one presentation out on a deserted track front and the second held indoors. “It was great that so many fans came out and I was really happy when they were calling my name.”
“What was especially pleasing for me, was how many MZ racing fans travelled to be here today” he said, referring to a term currently used in South Korea to describe a combination of “millennials” and “Generation Z”.
Eclipse Berry and Moon Se-young (Pic: KRA)
“They are the future of this sport and with them I am confident that horse racing will be in a strong place long after I retire.”
Next week it’s the turn of the colts with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2), the first leg of the Triple Crown, at Busan on Sunday afternoon.
March wraps up with the first leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies in the shape of the Listed Luna Stakes over a mile at Busan. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05 while in Seoul there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Baekduui Kkkum is among the fillies going for the Luna Stakes (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 and one of those four can go on top. (1) BLACK SPECTER took two goes to qualify but did so in style on February 22nd, settling handy and running on to cross the line in front in a decent time. He draws nicely and if he can bring that form to the races, he can win. The exposed form isn’t impressive with only (9) EUNPA PARTNER having pocketed any prize money. That came at his latest start on February 24th when a much-improved 3rd over 1200M. A repeat of that performance will see him closer in this company. It is very to make a case for any of the others. (2) SONE SONJABGO has raced just once, finishing 7th behind Eunpa Partner. She should have come on for that run and can improve. (11) SEMYEONG GHOST and (8) GEUMSEONG YEOJE could be other improvers but without much confidence.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) EUNPA JOY looks the one to beat here. That’s based on his last start effort when 2nd over 1300M having settled midfield and finished off well. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can go one better today. (4) STUNNING MONEY has finished in the top-five on five of six occasions with a 2nd and a 3rd in the mix over 1300M. He has been doing his best work late in his races so for him too, the additional half furlong can help, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (2) P N S NALA was 5th behind Eunpa Partner last time out but it was only his second start and he showed improvement from his first. He draws nicely again to be on pace, and he should get closer. (11) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE and (7) MARUBYEOL among other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Eunpa Joy (4) Stunning Money (2) P N S Nala (11) Heunghaeng Bulpae
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BEOLGYO FRANCHE has shown slow but steady improvement across four starts so far with his 5th place on March 3rd over this distance being his best. He also looked sharp when winning a trial prior to that and in this company, he shapes as the winner. (11) BURUI TONGCHI ran 3rd on debut last October but hasn’t raced since. He didn’t offer many clues when trialling up at the start of this month but if he can deliver a similar first-up run here, he won’t be far away. (10) DRIVING FORCE offered little in two outings around the turn of the year. She went back to trial at the end of February and looked much more competent running on pace and finishing in a good time. Expect improvement here. (1) GOLDMASK and (3) SWEET BEOMHAN others to consider for the minors.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win, having been promoted to this class with back-to-back 2nd places in his opening two runs. He has run fairly in two starts at this class, both over 1300M, finishing 5th and 6th with the margins not having been huge. The slight step back in trip can be in his favour and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) ARCH CLASS got his maiden win at this distance last September and has been gradually getting closer at this level, culminating in 2nd place last time out on February 18th. He draws well to be on the speed here and he has potential winning claims. (6) VELVETY returned from three months out to run fairly over 1400M on March 10th. She comes down in the weights and should strip fitter this time. (2) GANA POWER and (10) GEUMBIT GANGHO others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Geumak Dia (4) Arch Class (6) Velvety (2) Gana Power
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) BLACK FALCON has a 2nd and a 3rd among his last three starts most recently coming from well off the pace over 1200M. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as he has a strong finish on him, and today can be his day. (1) WORLD MAID CAT was disappointing on his second outing last month but if we go on his January debut when he came from off the pace to run 2nd, he is worth another chance here and Moon Se-young climbs on. (2) ALICE MARINE was a significantly improved 2nd on March 1st racing handy and running on over this distance. She draws nicely again and can match or better that here. (8) HAERANG YOUNGUNG and (10) WE LIKE MONEY are others to consider for the places.
Selections
(12) Black Falcon (1) World Maid Cat (2) Alice Marine (8) Haerang Youngung
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (4) FIJI BLADE remains winless after ten attempts but has no fewer than eight top-five finishes. That includes her latest on February 24th when after settling at the back, she ran on for a close 3rd over 1200M. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights but that’s balanced by a much better gate, and she can make her breakthrough here. (7) DIANA and (6) TIZ MORNING both come up in class having registered their maiden wins on their respective third career starts, the former over 1200M and the later at this trip. They both like to race on pace, and both can measure up in this company. (2) ARCH RUNNER is another non-winner but has a 2nd and a 4th at this class and distance from her latest two and she should be close again. (1) LADY CODI another in the hunt.
Horse Racing in Korea 