Triple Tiara

SUNRISE SHINES OVER CATCH RACE IN TIARA FINALE

For the first time in five years, a different filly has won each individual jewel of the Triple Tiara as Sunrise got the better of Korean Oaks winner Catch Race in a final furlong duel, to win the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Sunrise bests Catch Race (Pic: KRA)

With Luna Stakes victor Clearly Winner skipping the race, Catch Race, who had got the better of her in a desperately close finish to the Oaks, was sent off as the 1.7 odds-on favourite for the final and longest test of the Tiara.

After early pacesetters Chief Star, Daebi Mama and Wild Magic gave way, Catch Race and jockey Seo Seung-un assumed the lead inside the home straight and looked set to go on score. But Under Jung Do-yun, Sunrise, who at 8.9 hadn’t exactly been missed by the market following her Oaks 4th place, loomed up from midfield and went by late to win by half a length on the line. A full six-lengths behind the first pair, Tiger Roar closed for 3rd.

It was a redemption of sorts for jockey Jung, who just a week ago had been demoted from 2nd to 3rd on Breedo Sol in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the colts’ Triple Crown. Not that he dwelt on that:

“It was the first time I had ridden (Sunrise) in a race” Jung Do-yun told KRBC. “But I rode her in training a few times and while there are always going to be a lot of variables in the final leg of the Tiara, I did think we had a good chance.”

“When she ran in the Oaks, she hadn’t previously gone any further than 1300M but as this was the second time, I thought she would come on for it and with only ten runners the positioning would be easier. It went exactly as planned and I felt the further we went, the stronger she got.”

(Pic: KRA)

Sunrise is trained at Busan by Ha Mu-seon and runs in the colours of owner Kim Geun-young. By Gemologist, she is out of Sun Crest (by Arch), who also did her racing in Korea, winning one of twenty-three starts.

“I felt really good coming in” winning trainer Ha Mu-seon said. “Sunrise really has no weaknesses, and I expected it to come down to her and Catch Race with our filly having a very good chance of winning.”

“As a stable, we won our first big race in the Breeders’ Cup Queen (with Ace High) last November so it’s good to carry that momentum forward and win today.”

Seo In-seok, trainer of Catch Race, wasn’t too downbeat. “I was hopeful for today, I don’t think she ran badly but Sunrise just ran a little bit harder. Running in these (Triple Tiara) races in three consecutive months isn’t easy so she will have a rest, and I think we will see her in some big races again.”

With a win and two placings from the three races, Catch Race is the comfortable winner of the Series in terms of points with Sunrise and Clearly Winner tied for 2nd. They will probably now move on to face their elders when the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter begins on September 20th with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3).

(Pic: KRA)

There is no Stakes action in Korea next weekend but there are still full programs at both Seoul and Busan. Group level racing returns with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the first instalment of the Premier Series, at Busan on Sunday June 28.

Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup: Preview & Form Comments for the Triple Tiara Finale

A week after Funny Wild claimed the Minister’s Cup, Catch Race will seek to emulate him by winning two of the three legs of the Triple Tiara series when she lines up as favourite for the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Catch Race won the Oaks (Pic: KRA)

Six of the ten come out of the Oaks, including that day’s winner. CATCH RACE showed before just getting the better of Clearly Winner in a tight finish. She had previously finished 3rd in the Luna Stakes, and she can thrive at the extended trip and trainer Seo In-seok and jockey Jo Jae-ro can continue their successful 2026.

Clearly Winner doesn’t take her chance. The Kim Hye-sun trained filly is in work but appears to have other targets ahead. But that doesn’t mean it will be straightforward for Catch Race.

TIGER ROAR was 6th in the Luna and then 3rd in the Oaks, coming from well off the pace both times under Johan Victoire. The French rider stays aboard today, and the Musket Man filly looks sure to be a big danger late on.

A newcomer onto the Tiara trail is WILD MAGIC. The Luigi Riccardi trained filly enters off back-to-back wins over 1700M and 1800M up to class 4 level. From a great draw, she will surely be on pace and is one they will have to come past.

They will also need to get past CHIEF STAR, who is perhaps the enigma in the field. Her ability isn’t in question – and in this kind of race, regardless of the distance, ability can be enough – although her staying power certainly is.

Oaks 4th-placed SUNRISE along with WORLD DANCER CAT are the others likely to be in the place market. There is one maiden. DAEBI MAMA has raced just twice before and is seeking to emulate Seirene, who recorded her first career win in this race in 2024. Here are the runners:

1. REGINA VINCIT – Sole win came in a maiden over a mile, but she came from a long way back to run 6th in the Oaks so she may like the trip. Form to overturn on four of these but she’s not the worst here and Seo Seung-un is an eye-catching booking.

2. CHIEF STAR – A front-runner she was a Listed winner as a juvenile before problems in the gate scuppered her Breeders’ Cup Rookie attempt. Led the Luna and was on pace in the Oaks but others stayed on better and while she has a load of talent, the 2000M is a big question.

3. DAEBI MAMA – A maiden and unrated she was 2nd at start two over 1200M on April 18th, coming from off the pace. Totally unexposed so impossible to recommend or rule out but this has to be classed as a big ask. A maiden did win this race two years ago.

4. WILD MAGIC – Could be the wildcard. She has won her latest two at 1700M and 1800M up to class 4 level, leading all the way in both. There’s no reason the additional furlong can’t suit and from a good draw she can lead again and be in this a long way.

5. CATCH RACE – 3rd in the Luna and then won the Oaks in a stretch duel with Clearly Winner. She likes to race on pace or handy, the step up to 2000M should pose no problems, and she will be the favourite.

6. WORLD DANCER CAT – Second-favourite for the Luna but finished well back. She came out lame in the following days so there was an excuse. Back in work since May 15th and having run a close on pace 2nd at class 4 over 1800M prior to the Luna, she can be given another chance here.

7. COSMO LONG – Sole win was in a maiden, and she was a long way back in both the Luna and the Oaks. Should stay the trip but has a lot of form to overturn if she is going to get close.

8. TIGER ROAR – A winner of just one from ten but came from well off the pace for 6th in the Luna at a mile and then 3rd in the Oaks at 1800M. The 2000M here should be even better and she will probably start as second favourite.

9. MYEONG DREAM – Won three of four as a juvenile but hasn’t held her form into her three-year-old campaign and was well back in the Luna Stakes and only beat one home over 1800M at class 4 level last time out.

10. SUNRISE – Won back-to-back races at 1200M and 1300M up to class 5 before taking her chance in the Oaks where she stayed on for 4th place having settled in the front end of midfield. Can match or better that here.

Selections(5) Catch Race (8) Tiger Roar (4) Wild Magic (2) Chief Star
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10
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Triple Tiara Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

The Triple Tiara reaches its conclusion at Seoul on Sunday with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), race 8 in Seoul. There is no Tiara sweep on the line but still plenty of intrigue among the field of ten fillies. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

(8) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG has run 4th in both starts so far over this distance, most recently as favourite on April 11th when he got a long way back before running on. He enters fresh after nine weeks off and with a good apprentice claiming 2kg, he can win. (1) DONGBAEK was an improved 3rd at this distance on May 10th, coming from off the pace. She comes into a much better gate today so can sit a bit further forward and can be a danger. (7) MISS CHRISTIE similarly draws better than she did at her latest and with a 4kg claim today, she can be much closer. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM and debut-maker (10) SAVERS are others who can be in the hunt.

Selections(8) Geumbit Yeongung (1) Dongbaek (7) Miss Christie (5) Jeongmun Kingdom
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) ILGEUP BISUL returned from eight months off to run a fair 5th over this distance on May 16th, settling back and passing a couple late. Before the layoff she had a 3rd place to her name and stripping fitter today, she has as good a chance as any. (9) ECLIPSE SUNNY ran a solid 3rd on debut in March but was lackluster on her second appearance and was later found to have bled. She was stood down the obligatory month and came through a May trial without issue so is well worth another chance here. (8) MEGA WIND hasn’t been far away across his four outings to date and can be around the placings here. (7) NAEGEROWAJWO and (4) DIABIT among other chances.

Selections(1) Ilgeup Bisul (9) Eclipse Sunny (8) Mega Wind (7) Naegerowajwo
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

(8) BABEL FOLGORE has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on May 10th when on pace and beaten by a good winner. She stretches out to 1400M for the first time but in this small field, she should be on the speed again, and she can win. (6) DIA KINGDOM has a 3rd and a 2nd among three outings to date. He has been a huge price on all three occasions but can start to be taken a bit more seriously here. (1) OASIS HWANHUI ran 2nd at start number two all the way back last October. He hasn’t raced since but he looked well in a May trial and can be a danger first up. (3) RED KING and (2) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN others in the frame.

Selections(8) Babel Folgore (6) Dia Kingdom (1) Oasis Hwanhui (3) Red King
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) FLYING SMART has been a beaten favourite in all three of her races so far, getting a long way back and registering a 2nd, a 4th and a 3rd. If she can get out of gates a bit smarter and find a better position she can be given another chance as once out of kickback, she looks to have a bit of pace. If she finds problems again then (3) CLAIR FREEDOM is a decent alternative. She made it to the speed from the widest gate over this distance on May 24th and ran on for 2nd ahead of a couple of today’s rivals and from a much better draw, she won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (5) DELTA DAECHEON looks to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both over 1300M and the slight step up in trip today can suit (9) ÉCLAIR WIND and (6) BLACK SUN – who beat Flying Smart when 2nd in April – others to look out for.

Selections(1) Flying Smart (3) Clair Freedom (5) Delta Daecheon (9) Éclair Wind
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Small but competitive field. (8) DOCTOR HUNTER has won two of his last three, most recently at this class and distance on May 15th racing, as he always does, handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He is up 2.5kg in weight but looks to have more potential and can win. (1) BORYEONG ONE ROAD enters off a very smart 2nd place in a quick race over this class and distance on May 3rd. That was her second consecutive runner-up finish and from the inside gate and under a light weight, she is a big danger. (3) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was 3rd behind Doctor Hunter two outings back and was then 4th from the widest hate on May 31st and she should be there or thereabouts today. (5) DALBITWIE and (6) CALM FAST are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(8) Doctor Hunter (1) Boryeong One Road (3) Taeyang Eutteum (5) Dalbitwie
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

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Korean Oaks 2026: Preview & Form Comments

There won’t be a Korean Triple Crown winner this year after KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild came home 3rd in the Korean Derby a week ago, but there could still be a sweep in the Triple Tiara as Luna Stakes victor Clearly Winner is set to start as favourite in the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Kim Hye-sun and Park Jae-i seek to go again with Clearly Winner in the Oaks (Pic: KRA)

The wife and husband trainer and jockey combination of Kim Hye-sun and Park Jae-I scored their first big race success together in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) on April 5th when Clearly Winner pulled away to score by three-lengths, and the step up in trip in the Oaks will hold no fears. She’s only suffered one defeat – against the colts in the Gyeongnam Shinmun (1400M KOR-Listed) – in early March and she can win again.

Luna runner-up Fappi Babe has since gone lame, but five from the first jewel do re-oppose. Chief among them is CHIEF STAR, the highest rated filly in the race and a Listed winner as a juvenile. However, the Moon Byeong-ki trained Seoul raider has had a difficult relationship with Busan.

Boasting an unbeaten record, Chief Star was backed into favourite status ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) in November, but she reared up and over in the starting gate and had to be scratched. She returned to Seoul for a class 4 win and class 3 runner up (albeit not without some gate nerves) but then came unstuck at Busan again in the Luna Stakes when drawn wide and using up a lot of energy to get forward, setting some breakneck speed fractions.

Her final furlong was the slowest in the field but this time from a better gate and a more sensible pace, Chief Star is a chance. CATCH RACE was 3rd in the Luna at big odds but will be given much more respect this time. TIGER ROAR finished off strongly and is one of a number who may appreciate the step up in trip.

Six fillies who didn’t go in the Luna joint the Tiara trail for the Oaks, with the Seo Seung-un ridden Bayern filly RUSH WILD likely to be the best supported of them in the market.

The Korean Oaks is race 6 with a local post time of 16:05. Here’s a full rundown of the field:

1. RUSH WILD – A winner on debut over 1300M followed by 2nd at a mile and most recently 4th over this distance at class 5 level when ridden to the lead from a wide gate. Better draw today and one of few natural leaders. Seo Se ung-un aboard means she will have backers.

2. CATCH RACE – Sole win came in a maiden over 1400M, but she was a smart 3rd at big odds in the Luna Stakes, overcoming the widest gate and running on from an unpromising position. Better draw and on that effort has to be a place chance.

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Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

Sunday is the Korean Oaks at Busan. The second leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara series is race 6 on the 7-race card with a local post time of 16:05. Busan’s program runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Fantastic Value won the Oaks last year (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) WORLD VICS has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, racing on pace each time, most recently on March 29th. She’ll be on pace here and this time, she has every chance of going one better.  (5) CHAOS also has two 3rd place finishes, in her case in consecutive races, most recently when favourite on March 15th over this distance when she led for much of the way around. Jang Chu-youl gets off and on to World Vics, but CC is a more than adequate replacement and she too has winning claims. (4) POWER MAGIC has a 4th and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently behind World Vics on March 29th.  He draws well to be handy and should be in the finish again. (9) YEONDONG STAR and (11) DONGBAEK other place chances.

Selections(8) World Vics (5) Chaos (4) Power Magic (9) Yeondong Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

(4) SUPERTRAMP has made steady progress across three starts so far with his best being his latest when 4th at 1300M on April 11th when slow away and running on.  While that was the second time he has taken the long way home, he is nicely drawn and can give a little bit more here. (2) SMART MINK has raced fourteen times and has never finished any better than 5th. She did that last time though on April 11th over this distance when coming from a wide draw and beating a couple of today’s rivals. This is one of the shallower fields she has been in so should be aiming for a best to date result. (5) COSMO JJIN has a 2nd place to her name two starts back over 1200M and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. It’s hard to make a case for any of the others, with perhaps (3) RISING WIND – who was 3rd back in January – and (7) VICAR DRAGON, the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Supertramp (2) Smart Mink (5) Cosmo Jjin (3) Rising Wind
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) KING BLACK arrested a run of four consecutive 4th place finishes with a strong 2nd place at this distance on April 5th when handy throughout. He comes into a better gate today and he will be favoured to go one better. (7) WORLD TREE was 3rh in that April 5th race, having led for much of the way throughout. After a 4th place at his previous start, that confirmed that he is figuring things out and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, means a few will fancy him to overturn the form on the favourite. (6) JEONGMUN SKIP has five top five finishes from seven starts and enters off a good 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 19th. Like the other two, he races best on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) LOOKS GOOD and (3) SKYNEX the next bests.

Selections(4) King Black (7) World Tree (6) Jeongmun Skip (1) Looks Good
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) SUPERDAY got his maiden win over 1300M in February and has held his form in two starts at this class with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place, again at 1300M, on April 5th when as usual, he raced handy to the speed. He comes up to 1400M for the first time, but it can suit and he will be a short price to score. (10) TOUR FELIX is yet to win in six attempts but comes up in class here following three placings, most recently a 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 4th. The class rise means a 4.5kg weight drop and that should be enough to make him competitive in this company. (9) SEUNGNI BAROWS had a hard time from an even wider gate last time out but going on his runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back, warrants another chance here. (6) STUNNING STEP and the down in class (2) HERO JEONSA others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Superday (10) Tour Felix (9) Seungni Barows (6) Stunning Step
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(3) BABEL FOLGORE has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M, both times racing on pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and drawing much better today, she can get an easier run to the front. (6) AEGIS CHEONMA ran a good 3rd on debut over this distance on April 10th, racing just behind the speed and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a good time. He should have come on for that run, and he will be disputing favourite status here. (10) GREAT LUCKY raced three times last year and was a much-improved 2nd in the last of those, all the way back in August. She ran well in an April trial and has every chance of a bold-showing first-up in this company. Among the three debut-makers, (1) KANGCHEOL YEONGMA was the best in trials and can be a minor money chance first up. (11) RANI, 6th on debut, can improve.

Selections(3) Babel Folgore (6) Aegis Cheonma (10) Great Lucky (1) Kangcheol Yeongma
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

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CLEARLY WINNER LANDS KIM HYE-SUN FIRST STAKES WIN AS TRAINER – WITH HUSBAND PARK JAE-I ABOARD

Trainer Kim Hye-sun and jockey Park Jae-i became the first wife and husband to win a Korean Stakes race together as CLEARLY WINNER produced a comfortable victory in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guineas” – the first leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Clearly Winner with Park Jae-i and Kim Hye-sun (Pic: KRA)

After a fair start, CLEARLY WINNER travelled easily behind a pace set by CHIEF STAR, who jumped the favourite despite her previous troubles with the barrier. Clearly Winner easily went past a tiring Chief Star and the game SHACKLE SUN in the final furlong to ease away to win by three-lengths. Long-shots FAPPI BABE and CATCH RACE arrived from well off the pace to run 2nd and 3rd.

Clearly Winner won her first two races in fine style at the end of last summer but then suffered a setback and didn’t race again until this February. By that time, her original trainer Kim Hyo-seok had handed back his license and Kim Hye-sun, who had been waiting for boxes since passing the trainer’s exam, had an unexpectedly fast promotion from the riding to the training ranks.

Now under Kim Hye-sun’s care, Clearly Winner returned to action in style, winning at class 4 before finishing 3rd behind Clutch Winner and Hey Brother in the Gyeongnam Shinmun (1400M Listed) at the start of March.

For jockey Park Jae-i, it was a fourth Stakes race win having a G3 and G2 along with another Listed race already to his name. For his trainer – and his wife – Kim Hye-sun, it was a first Stakes race win since getting her training license at the end of last year.

“I think it’s harder to watch than to ride, so from a viewer’s perspective I was very nervous” Kim Hye-sun told KRBC.

“I saw (Clearly Winner) move back a bit on the corner, so for a moment I wondered if she had got tired or maybe there was something we hadn’t thought about, but at the same time, it didn’t look as though the two in front would keep going at that speed.”

“I’m married to the jockey, so we were able to have plenty of opportunities for a somewhat detailed conversation as to the race but today I didn’t say much, and we got a good result.”

As for jockey Park, he admitted to having some pre-race concerns: “She had only raced up to 1400M, and I had a feeling the pace would be strong early so there was a chance of kickback” but, he added “it went well.”

Clearly Winner is by Hansen and out of Pokpung Hero (by Henny Hughes). She was bred by Jang Yong-seok of Yujeong Farm and races in the colours of owner Shin Woo-cheol.

The second leg of the Triple Tiara is the big one, the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) back at Busan on Sunday May 10th. Next week the Sprint Series resumes with Vincero Cavallo set to head the field as he defends his title in the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul.

Luna Stakes 2026: Triple Tiara 1st Leg Preview & Form Comments

A week ago, Funny Wild snared the first jewel in the Triple Crown, the three-year-old fillies start their own bid for glory with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed) – the “Korean 1000 Guineas” – the first leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara, at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL.

Chief Star (KRA)

The Tiara is a relatively new series, with the Luna – named after the mare who ran at Busan shortly after the track’s opening – only becoming part of the calendar in 2020. However, in that short time two fillies, Golden Power and Jeulgeounyeojeong, have won the race and then gone on to also capture both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup.

Who can join them this year? A full field of sixteen will line up, with six traveling down from Seoul and unlike the KRA Cup Mile, where Seoul wins are a rarity, precisely half of the Luna Stakes to date have been won by fillies trained in the capital.

Among the visitors is CHIEF STAR. She’s the highest rated in the race after four wins including at juvenile Listed level but her previous trip to Busan did not go well as she went over in the gate prior to the start of the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie and had to be scratched. She draws concerningly wide here and while her ability is not in doubt, her temperament issues are a concern.

Kim Hye-sun has made a fair start to her training career with six winners from sixty-five starters heading into the weekend and she saddles CLEARLY WINNER in the Luna. The Hansen filly comes out the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun over 1400M where she finished a solid 3rd and she is set to be a main player here. With Park Jae-I riding, it would be the first case in Korea of a wife and husband trainer/jockey combination winning a Stakes race.

After Chief Star, TWIN RAINBOW is the highest rated in the race as jockey Seung-un looks to complete a KRA Cup Mile/Luna Stakes double, while WORLD DANCER CAT enters off a close 2nd place over 1800M at class 4 level and will be among the favourites in the market.

The Luna Stakes is race 6 on Sunday’s seven-race card at Busan. There are also ten Sunday races at Seoul:

1. QUEEN MAKER – Two 2nd places and before getting her maiden win at start three over 1300M in a quick time at class 5 over 1300M on February 27th. Front runner, she could be on pace and Tanaka is a plus.

2. SHACKLE TOWN – All the way winner at class 5 and 1400M in February, she missed the kick and then resented the kickback on her latest outing and finished well back. If she gets a better start and can get to the lead, she can be in the finish. Chance.

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Luna Stakes Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 5)

The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed). That’s part of the 7-race program at Busan which runs from 11.25 to 16.55. At Seoul there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55 as the capital track’s cherry blossom festival continues:

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 newcomers will be the favourite. That’s (5) WHIZ POINT, who led from much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (2) CRUSH GIRL also impressed in her trial. He showed handy and crossed the line 2nd in a fair time, and she too can be considered first-up. Among the experience, (6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM ran 6th on eleven on debut over this distance on March 7th but wasn’t far away from 4th. She should have come on for the run, and she can be closer here. (8) FLYING MACH and the more experienced (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can be in this.

Selections(5) Whiz Point (2) Crush Girl (6) Cheonggang Yeoreum (8) Flying Mach
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

It’s hard to go past (1) QUERENCIA here. He comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M at 1400M, coming from off the pace both times and while he has plenty of weight to carry, today should really be his day. (3) MANGEUM CROWN is the only other one in the field who has placed, something he has done twice. He comes back to racing at one turn for the first time since finishing well back in Listed Juvenile company last October and he can be close today. (11) BEAT CODE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and while she had to trial after her lates, she can continue to make progress. (4) B.K. VIVACE and (2) DELTA DAECHEON are others who can at least challenge for the places.

Selections(1) Querencia (3) Mangeum Crown (11) Beat Code (4) B.K. Vivace
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old filly maidens and it is competitive. (7) NEWWORLD TIARA ran 4th on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 6th, settling close to the speed and not having enough late on. She should have derived benefit from that run and can get it right today. She will need to overturn the form on (5) POWERFUL DEVIL, who ran 2nd in that March 6th race, coming from off the pace. She has shown steady progress across three starts so far and can continue that here. (8) GOLDEN TIARA was an improved 2nd at start three over 1200M on March 1st and while well beaten by a good winner, can aim at least for the places again. (10) BABEL FOLGORE and (12) HUIMANG LOGI are among plenty of others who can step up.

Selections(7) Newworld Tiara (5) Powerful Devil (8) Golden Tiara (10) Babel Folgore
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies only here. (9) FLYING SMART won a January trial and then came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1300M in a similar filly maiden to this on March 1st. She should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, she can win this. (7) BLACK SUN is yet to get inside the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th including her latest on March 8th when she beat a couple of these on her way to 4th at this distance. She can get a bit far back in her races, but she should be a danger late here. (1) CHEONJI LADY had hinted at ability prior to an almost eleven-month layoff. She should have come on for her run in February and from the inside gate can be on pace today. (4) QUEENS FLYING and (6) ROAD TO SPEAR are others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Flying Smart (7) Black Sun (1) Cheonji Lady (4) Queens Flying
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

After an ordinary debut, (8) KING BLACK has gone on to run 4th in four consecutive races, most recently stepping up to the mile for the first time on March 8th and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests today can be the day. (2) DIA X is a fifteen-start maiden but has been knocking on the door with no fewer than ten finishes between 2nd and 5th. He steps up to the mile for the first time and at this stage, it can suit. (9) NICE POWER comes in off her best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on March 20th and she can aim for the places again. (11) WORLD TREE and (12) FANTASTIC CAPTAIN others with place chances.

Selections(8) King Black (2) Dia X (9) Nice Power (11) World Tree
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

After three consecutive 3rd place finishes, (7) RAON BLAIDE broke through on his first try at this class and distance on February 28th when on pace throughout. An apprentice claim means his carried weight only goes up by 1kg and he can win again. (2) MIGHTY BEAT only managed 6th of eleven last time out when well supported but prior to that he had a win and two placings over this trip and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is worth another chance. (11) SEUNGNI BAROWS was 2nd behind Raon Blaide in that February 28th race and while he has almost two-lengths to make up, he can be in the finish again. (4) DANAEUN STAR and (9) GIDAEHARA can also be considered on at least a place line.

Selections(7) Raon Blaide (2) Mighty Beat (11) Seungni Barows (4) Danaeun Star
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

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Boryeonglightqueen Denies Fantastic Value Triple Tiara Sweep

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.

FANTASTIC VALUE SET FOR TRIPLE TIARA SWEEP

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
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9