The Princess will have to wait a little longer as the Queen has no intention of relinquishing her throne. Crown Hamseong led the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), but defending champion Jeulgeounyeojeong, racing for the first time since last November, was too strong, grinding her foe down in the closing stages, and taking victory in the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Jeulgeounyeojeong edges out Crown Hamseong (Pic: KRA)
Gladius, winner of the first leg of the series, the Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed) a month ago was sent off as the 2.2 favourite among a crowded field of sixteen ahead of Donga runner-up Crown Hamseong with Jeulgeounyeojeong, who was making her seasonal debut, third in the market.
The favourite was never in it, Gladius taking up a handy position but not at any point looking like threatening. However, Moon Se-young on Crown Hamseong, took the initiative and went straight to the lead while Seo Seung-un and Jeulgeonyeojeong stalked.
They came together in the home straight and Jeulgeounyeojeong ultimately ground down her younger rival, beating Crown Hamseong by a length on the line. Wonderful Slew, Jeulgeounyeojeong’s biggest rival over the last two years, emerged from the pack to claim 3rd. Raon Forest was 4th and favourite Gladius a meek 5th.
Jeulgeounyeojeong was racing for the first time since last November’s Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M KOR-Listed) when she suffered the worst result of her career and was found to have bled. That resulted in an automatic suspension and the need to complete two trials prior to being able to compete again.
“She is the Queen, right? And that means there is pressure.” Seo Seung-un told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “She bled last time and had five months off. We gave up on the idea of running in the Donga Ilbo last month and as a stable worked to prepare her for 1400M. The gate was wider than we wanted (gate 14) so we had to adjust our plan, but (the plan) came off. She should be in even better shape for (Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer 3rd leg) the KNN Cup.”
Winning trainer Kim Young-kwan – whose very presence on track in Seoul should have been a clue – said he had been confident. “It’s true that I expected to win” he confirmed to KRBC “but there was the layoff, and I was aware that there are some good horses among the newcomers (to the filly and mare ranks). The draw wasn’t good and Seo Seung-un was worried about that.”
Pic: KRA
“The spell at the farm did her good, not just recovering from the bleeding but a chance to fully rest and recover her health and I want to thank the farm (Nasca Farm, belonging to her owners) because she was looked after very well there. My stable staff put in a lot of work too and Seo Seung-un, as always, was very good.”
Moon Se-young, partner of runner-up Crown Hamseong, felt that fatigue and the draw had taken its toll. “I’m disappointed” he told KRBC. “Obviously she had some hard races and then with the draw, it’s the kind of thing you can’t replicate in training, the effort to get across to lead. She got there and she ran well, but ultimately, we just came up short.”
Ruan Maia rode Luigi Riccardi’s Wonderful Slew for the first time and after finishing well back behind the boys in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) on her only previous start this year, she ran a smart 3rd.
“I was worried about the distance because it is too short for (Wonderful Slew) but I trusted in her ability, so I did my best to keep her as close as possible to the pace and she finished very well” Maia explained to KRBC. “Hopefully the next race (KNN Cup) it will be the right distance, and she will have a good chance to win.”
Jeulgeounyeojeong [Colors Flying – Says Ms Elizabeth (by Giacomo)] moves on to thirteen wins from twenty-five starts. The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer Series concludes at Busan on June 1st with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3). Meanwhile the younger generation of fillies will have their chance to shine next weekend with the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan next Sunday.
Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed) winner GLADIUS returns, and she is likely to be a warm favourite, but she will have to account for the speedy Segye Ilbo winner Crown Hamseong as well as last year’s big rivals JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG and WONDERFUL SLEW.
The Ttukseom Cup is race 8 on an 11-race Sunday program at Seoul. Here is a rundown of the field in full:
1. GLOBAL TAEYANG – 2nd in last year’s Korean Oaks but hasn’t really kicked on. Solid at class 2 but has been found wanting in this company in the Breeders’ Cup Queen and most recently the Donga Ilbo. Has won at the distance.
2. GLADIUS – Winner of her latest three, two at class 2 level and then the Donga Ilbo when handy throughout. Two-time winner at this distance, beautifully drawn to sit handy and is a big chance. She will start as favourite.
3. SAENAE QUEEN – More renowned at 1200M though she did struggle in the Segye Ilbo at that distance behind Crown Hamseong. She does have a class 1 3rd place at 1400M, and she will be on pace.
4. QUEEN TOP – 4th at big odds in the Breeders’ Cup Queen and 3rd at big odds in the Donga Ilbo, both times from well off the pace. She has won at this distance and while not a top-line favourite, she warrants respect here.
5. WONDERFUL SLEW – Twice a Group winner in similar company last season rounding it off with 3rd place in the Breeders’ Cup Queen. Only appearance this year was when well back behind the boys in the Herald Business last month. Prefers further but big chance in this company.
6. PERFECT ACTION – An also-ran in the first two legs of last year’s Tiara, she gets her chance with a smart class 2 win over this distance on April 4th, racing on pace. Could challenge for a place.
Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer when sixteen fillies and mares will line up for the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul. The big race is number eight on the 11-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Juelgeounyeojeong returns to the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After two ordinary outings, (10) NURI JILJU led at start number three on March 22nd, ultimately finishing 2nd. Despite the wide draw, she will almost certainly lead again here, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this limited set of opponents and her odds will reflect that. (3) HYEWONYONGMA is the only other one to have placed. She mixes her form but the 2nd and 3rd on her record, combined with a draw that should see her on the early speed, will be enough to make her the clear second pick. (8) SAINT WINNER may be on the right trajectory with a 4th place at start number three on March 29th and she should be aiming to better that here. Debut-maker (1) SLING STAR along with (9) SSAK DANAEUN, who has been back to trial since a poor debut, are others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(10) Nuri Jilju (3) Hyewonyongma (8) Saint Winner (1) Sling Star
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) GIANT BOSS enters looking to complete a hat-trick of wins having scored twice at 1300M, most recently at this class on March 23rd when racing handy throughout. He comes up 3kg in weight but got his maiden win carrying just 1kg less and he can score again here. (8) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win in seven attempts but has never finished outside the top five. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two tries at this distance, the latter at this class last time out, and he should be there or thereabouts again, coming from off the pace. (11) NURI CHEONWANG was a winner at this class over 1300M at big odds two starts back before running 4th on his latest. He does his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) TURBO CHARGE and (2) CANVASEN GO others to consider.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) GEUMSEONG BOSS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 30th and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place, coming from off the pace. He can have come on for that experience and has every chance of winning here. (6) HEEMANGBAND enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She has never finished any better than that, but she steps up to two turns for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggest that the increased trip can suit. (10) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL has similarly finished no better than 4th. He enters having been 5th behind Geumseong Boss on March 30th and while he doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, he does get Moon Se-young and he can be a danger. (4) X FACTOR and (9) BEST SHARK the other chances.
Selections
(8) Geumseong Boss (6) Heemangband (10) Gwanaksan Global (4) X Factor
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts here and they have drawn the inside two gates. (1) STARTMAN has a 3rd and a 4th from his two starts so far, showing close to the pace both times. From the inside he will be on pace and can go all the way. The danger is (2) TIP TAP. After an inauspicious debut last summer, he didn’t appear again until March 23rd, but he ran well, settling midfield and finishing off in 4th place over this distance. He can strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) SKY BOY too should be fitter for his debut on March 7th when he was a fair 4th over 1200M. He was doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) HIGH LEVEL and (10) WONDERFUL TEAM, the latter racing for the first time since last August but who looked well enough in a trial, are other placing hopes.
Selections
(1) Startman (2) Tip Tap (8) Sky Boy (9) High Level
Next Best
10, 12
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) CHOEGANG GOLD was a very rare debut maker over 1700M on March 30th, but the plan came together when he led all the way to win. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and down in weight and well-drawn, he can lead all the way again. (8) FASHION STAR is up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd at class 6 level. She hasn’t tackled further than 1300M, but she has been finishing off her races very well so the step up in trip can be exactly what she needs and under a light weight she can be competitive. (5) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, most recently beating three of these on March 29th. He comes in under the same weight and can beat plenty again. (1) TAEPYEONGMU and (6) PLAN B others in the frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) B.K DANCING GIRL got her maiden win at this distance in January and then, following a challenging introduction to this class in February when weakening over 1400M, she returned to this trip on March 23rd and finished a close 4th having led for much of the way. Franco climbs on for the first time, she should lead again, and she can go all the way. (8) ROAD TO ACE led all the way at start two to get his maiden win and then ran a decent 4th when coming from midfield at this class over 1300M) on February 7th. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and back at 1200M, he can be a danger. (11) GRAND DREAM enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on April 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but a similar effort should see him close. (1) DONGBANG JEONSA and the up in class (4) GREAT MARU are others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(9) B.K Dancing Girl (8) Road To Ace (11) Grand Dream (1) Dongbang Jeonsa
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (11) PURGE STEP got her maiden win on debut over 1300M in January and has since run 4th and 2nd in two efforts at this class and distance, most recently on March 29th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter as she can settle behind the pace and run on and she looks the one to beat. (9) RED DRAGON had an abysmal performance all around when favourite at class and distance on March 16th, parting company with her jockey in the parade ring and then being restive at the start before proceeding to run very badly. She had looked very good in her two prior efforts though with a win and a 2nd so she gets another chance here. (8) KARA K is yet to win but is up in class following a few near misses and she can be competitive under a light weight. Up in class last start winners (7) SUHYANG MIIN and (4) ALL NUT others to consider.
Selections
(11) Purge Step (9) Red Dragon (8) Kara K (7) Suhyang Miin
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Jeulgeounyeojeong will start an odds-on favourite to confirm her position as the nation’s top filly or mare in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES AT SEOUL & BUSAN.
Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)
Having swept all three legs of the Triple Tiara Series last year, Jeulgeounyeojeong went on to make inroads into the big filly and mare late season races too, culminating in victory in the brand-new Breeders’ Cup Queen race at Busan in December. She then had a welcome three-months of rest before tackling the first leg of the Queens’s Tour S/S, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M in March.
Sent off as the 1.5 favourite, Jeulgeounyeojeong came through that test although she was pushed hard by Wonderful Slew, who beat her in the Gyeongnam Governors’ Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan last October and got within a length of her in the Donga. However, with the distance dropping to one-turn, Wonderful Slew doesn’t take part this time, instead being sent out against the boys in last week’s YTN Cup over her favoured 2000M when she finished a creditable 5th behind Global Hit.
The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is Sunday’s feature and is race 7 on the 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:
Raon The Spurt is the defending Ttukseom Cup Champion but will have to hold out Jeulgeounyeojeong is she is to repeat (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SPINNING BOOM will be a warm favourite for the opener. After a middling debut when he was slowly away, he has recorded, a 4th, a 2nd and a 3rd in three subsequent starts, all at 1200M. In this company and from a good draw, he will be racing on pace and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today should be the day. (6) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG has hinted at ability across three starts so far, running better times than most of those over 1200M. He can be further forward today and the very slight step up in trip can suit. (3) YEONGWON POTEN enters off an improved 3rd place over 1200M in a filly only maiden a month ago. She draws nicely and should be close. (5) AMAZING STAR and (1) BREEDO MAGICIAN are others to consider.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) TONNERRE has shown signs of figuring things out and while he did get sent back to trial having continuously lain out in his latest outing when 4th over this distance on March 23rd, he won his subsequent morning heat by leading all the way. He draws nicely here and can win. (6) CHEONMA BULPAE has two 3rd place finishes among his latest three starts, both at this distance. He can sit behind the speed here and can run into some money again. (4) AMAZING ROCK ran fairly on debut with a midfield finish over this distance. He should have come on for that run and can get closer second-up. (10) KNIGHT CHARM and (7) SOFT POWER among others with at least placing chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (5) SWEET BEOMHAN debuted inauspiciously last November but having been put away for four months, looked much better when returning on March 31st over 1200M and beating three of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place having raced handy. She won’t need to improve very much to win this. (10) RUN TO QUEEN similarly improved to 2nd at start number two, in her case over 1200M on March 22nd. Her times haven’t been quick, and she has the challenge of a wide draw, but she still shapes as the testing material here. (1) SIMON STAR debuted in that March 31st race and ran a fair 5th behind Sweet Beomhan. With some natural improvement as a result of that experience, she can get closer today. (3) WORLD MAID CAT and (4) MY HIT are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Sweet Beomhan (10) Run To Queen (1) Simon Star (3) World Maid Cat
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
2, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only. (3) BEOLGYOWISU will be the one to beat. After getting her maiden win over 1200M in December, he had an off day when tried at this class for the first time in January, sent off as favourite and showing close to the pace, but weakening badly. She came back into form with a 2nd place, again back at 1200M on March 2nd and coming in fresh from eight weeks off, she can win. The danger is (6) SHACKLE POINT. She too got her maiden win three starts back before running midfield on her first try at this class in February. That was followed by a good 3rd place at this distance on March 23rd when she almost led the entire way around and she should be a big player here. (8) SMART BYEOL has two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) SINUI YEOIN and (10) WONDERFUL SHADOW may provide some each-way value.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in six outings but has been no worse than 4th in each of his last four starts, including when beaten into a close 3rd as favourite over this distance on March 31st. He comes up slightly in weight today but is in a good gate and this time can get the win. (4) DRAGON FIRE broke though at start two over 1300M on January 28th, settling right back and finishing very well. He comes up in class here and has had thirteen weeks off, but the step up in trip should suit and he can be competitive. (10) KOHINOOR has been consistent across nine starts to date and enters having beaten a few of these, including Seobu Vision, at class and distance on March 31st. He comes up 2kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wider gate but should be close again. (5) GUKDAE HERO and (1) BARADEON BADA among plenty of others with placing hopes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) GIANT M got his maiden win at 1400M two starts back before running nowhere on his first try at this class over the same trip on March 24th when drawn wide and using up plenty to get a forward position. He comes up to two turns for the first time, but it can suit and from the inside gate, Jeong Jeong-hee can pick his spot. (2) DONGHAENG FIRST is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has been getting closer, culminating in a runner-up finish at class and distance on April 13th when on pace all the way. One of only three here with prior experience of two-turns, he has every chance of breaking through. (7) EUNPA JOY come sup in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1300M and 1400M. The step up in trip can suit and he is down in the weights. (11) NARAOLA and (8) PLAN B are the other logical placing chances.
Selections
(1) Giant M (2) Donghaeng First (7) Eunpa Joy (11) Naraola
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) EUNSEONG CHAMPION got his maiden win at start number seven with a front-running score over a mile on March 17th. He comes up in class here but us down in the weights, Franco remains aboard, and he can win again. (3) MAX THE CAT shapes as the main danger. He too comes up in class and down in the weights following a maiden win over a mile last time out, in his case in February. In contrast to Eunseong Champion, he came from well off the pace so just who starts as favourite may depend on how the track has been playing in the first couple of races. (5) LEMON DRAGON completes a trio of up in class last start winners over this distance. His winning time was slow, but he has plenty more scope for progress and can be competitive. (12) WONDERFUL KAYLAN and (2) UNJU WINNER, who has been through a quick trial with Beolmaui Star since his last race, are others to consider.
Selections
(8) Eunseong Champion (3) Max The Cat (5) Lemon Dragon (12) Wonderful Kaylan
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
It’s Ttukseom Cup and SBS Sports Sprint day at Seoul on Sunday. See here for full preview of the two races. There are also six reciprocal Trophy Exchange races. Busan hosts Trophies for OSAF (South America), the Jockey Club of Turkey and the Selangor Turf Club. At Seoul there are Trophies in honour of the Royal Western India Turf Club, the China Horse Industry Association and Tokyo City Keiba. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the Previews:
Raon First and Choi Bum-hyun will aim to defend the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden to open with. (10) DAEHEUNG CLASS enters in off his two best performances so far, a 2nd and a 3rd both over this distance when settling back and running on. His style is such that he doesn’t need to lead so the wide draw isn’t a problem and he should be finishing off well. (2) ARGO MUJEOK also comes in following his best performance to date, when 2nd at 1200M on April 16th when handy throughout. He steps up to this distance for the first time and from a good draw, it may well suit. (1) MIGHTY ANN returned from almost six months out to run 3rd over 1200M on April 8th. She should strip fitter for that run and can match or better it here. (9) WONPYEONG SKY and (11) LAST PITCH are among plenty of others with minor money hopes.
Selections
(10) Daeheung Class (2) Argo Mujeok (1) Mighty Ann (9) Wonpyeong Sky
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and not an especially strong race. Despite the wide draw, we’ll side with (11) HAENGUN BARAM, who after a return to trial after an inauspicious February debut, was much better on April 8h when running 2nd at this distance and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She settled midfield and finished well and while the time wasn’t quick, it was faster than any of the others here have managed. (3) NAOL DAEWANG likewise wasn’t exactly a speedster when 3rd on debut over this distance on April 9th. He was slowly away but finished well and with some natural improvement, can be in this. (10) DAMJAENGI ARGO was 4th behind Haeungun Baram on April 8th, her second 4th place in a row. She draws wide but with a bit of luck can get a forward or handy position which will put her in the hunt. (5) MILLION PARTY and (2) HEART K are others to consider.
Selections
(11) Haengun Baram (3) Naol Daewang (10) Damjaengi Argo (5) Million Party
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Another maiden and (7) LEGEND SOCKS will be favourite. Since returning from eleven months off, he has two 3rd places and a 2nd from three starts back, all at this class and distance and each time racing handy. He’ll be close to the speed again and this time should be going one better. (5) GRAND POWER remains a maiden after fifteen attempts but has four runner-up finishes, including at this class over 1400M two starts back. The drop back in trip may suit here and he should be on pace and in this a long way. (8) MAGLE DAY got his maiden win three starts back at 1300M and has since finished 5th in two tries at this class. He too comes back slightly in trip and should be a factor. (11) FINAL JILJU comes up in class after a maiden win at this distance on April 15th. The time was good, and he can measure up in this company. (3) LEGEND K was never a factor in his latest but has won at the distance and can be given another chance.
Selections
(7) Legend Socks (5) Grand Power (8) Magle Day (11) Final Jilju
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(7) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT shapes as a warm favourite here. That’s based on her latest outing which was also her best when 3rd over 1200M on April 23rd. She has raced at this distance before too, posting a time quicker than any of the others have achieved and she won’t need to improve very much to win here. (1) DIA SPIRIT has left himself far too much to do in his races so far but rattled home well for 3rd over 1200M on April 7th. He gets his best draw since his debut; an apprentice keeps the weight down and the extra half furlong can work in his favour. (10) ECTON POWER is yet to finish in the top two in twenty-eight starts. He has though picked up plenty of minor checks including a 4th place last time out when finishing well at 1200M. He should be matching or bettering that here. (6) KELLY QUEEN and (3) RUNNING FASHION others to keep safe.
Selections
(7) Gijeogui Geumbit (1) Dia Spirit (10) Ecton Power (6) Kelly Queen
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight A / Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million
The first of a lot of trophy races today, this one equivalent to class 3. It’s a tricky puzzle. (7) WOLF PLAY has won two of his latest three with defeat sandwiched between those wins being in the Sports Seoul Classic Trial. His latest was at this distance at class 4 level in a quick time on April 15th and while this is undoubtedly harder, he comes down in the weights and can measure up. (5) YELLOW CAT has eight top-three finishes from ten starts. Most recently she was 2nd over 1400M at class 3 level coming from off the pace but she has won at this distance and from a good draw should be very dangerous. (1) TAP QUALITY carries his fair share of weight here but he is a front runner who is coming back in trip and into a very good gate. Ultra-consistent, he won’t be far away. (8) FARCIARZ and (3) SAENAE QUEEN among plenty of others who enter in good form and who can have a say.
Selections
(7) Wolf Play (5) Yellow Cat (1) Tap Quality (8) Farciarz
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million
(8) TOP FRIEND beat four of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on April 7th when overcoming the widest gate to settle back in the field and then finish strongly. He carries the same weight today but comes into a slightly better barrier, and after three runner-up finishes, he can make the breakthrough at start number eight. (9) HWANGWOO MONEY was 3rd in that race, a length-and-a-half behind Top Friend having led for much of the way. His draw isn’t as good today, but he still looks to be the main danger. (4) ETTEUMI was 5th that day having been slowly away from a wide draw and finding it hard to get a good position. His draw is better today, and he should get closer. (10) WONDERFUL BOBCAT and (2) NOBLE COWBOY are other possibles.
Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1600M) Special Weight A / China Horse Industry Association Trophy / KRW 150 Million
This Trophy race is at class 2 level and has attracted the maximum safe field size of ten for the mile start. (6) SPOT FLATTER ran out a very good winner over this distance at class 2 on March 19th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. That was his first start back following an eight-month absence and he was at a big price. He will be much shorter today but can win again. (2) BEST LUCKY was 3rd in that race having settled midfield and run on. Like Spot Flatter, the set weight scale does him no favours, but he won under 56kg at class 3 level over this distance two starts back and from a nice draw can go close. (4) RAON BEAT came home 4th in that March 19th race having been slow away and settling right back. He has the fastest time in the field for the distance. The ultra consistent (9) YONGAM BOSS, as well as (7) ACE HAMSEONG are among those who didn’t go in the March 19th race who can enter the calculations.
Raon First asserted her authority atop the filly and mare ranks at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday with a dismissively easy win in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) and in doing so, moved closer to what seems an inevitable victory in the Queens’ Tour. A potential new foe has appeared, however, as a day earlier on the same track Golden Power completed a clean sweep of the filly Triple Crown with a similarly comprehensive triumph in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3).
Golden Power and Choi Si-dae return to scale (Pic: KRA)
Returned to its early spot on the calendar, the filly Triple Crown – or “Triple Tiara” as it is known locally – was a three-way affair throughout the series between the only fillies who really looked up to the task at this stage; Golden Power, who secured narrow wins in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) and the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G3), and rivals Raon The Spurt and Chamjoeun Chingu, who filled out the placings in both those races.
Mindful of the extended trip, punters couldn’t split Golden Power and Raon The Spurt, the latter having finished off very well in the Oaks and sent them off as practically co-favourites in Saturday afternoon’s Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup.
Outsider Lunar Silver bounded out of the gate and led for most of the way around but as they got down to business in what was unchartered territory distance-wise for the entire field in the home straight, the usual suspects amassed at the front.
Then Golden Power took control. She struck the front just inside the final furlong and eased clear to score by four-lengths on the line from Raon The Spurt in 2nd with the fast finishing Eunseong Winner edging out Chamjoeun Chingu for 3rd.
Golden Power is by Afleet Express and is out of Cherokee Sheikh (by Cherokee Run). Owned and bred by Song Boing-chul, she is trained by Kwon Sung-ju at Busan and was ridden in all three legs of the filly Triple Crown, by Choi Si-dae. She now has five wins from ten starts.
A likely target next year for Golden Power is the Queens’ Tour and potential meeting, with Raon First, who on Sunday all but wrapped up victory in this year’s series with two races to spare by winning the Ttukseom Cup as easy as her triumph in the Segye Ilbo.
Raon First was an easy winner of the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)
Sent off as an almost un-bettable favourite in the local market, Raon First settled in 2nd place early with jockey Choi Si-dae content to allow second-favourite Wish Me, who was drawn much better, to set the pace. That’s how it remained until the home straight and once Choi asked for an effort, Raon First’s superior acceleration took her to the lead and away from the field.
Wish Me held on for a battling 2nd place four-lengths behind the winner, while Lady Kelly also stayed on well for 3rd.
Raon First is by Musket Man and is out of Pink Candy (by Southern Image). She was bred by her owner Son Chun-soo and is trained by Park Jong-kon at Seoul, who trains the majority of the “Raon” horses. The Ttukseom Cup was Raon First’s eleventh win from eighteen starts.
The third leg of the Queens’ Tour is the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) which will be run at Busan on Sunday July 17th. The series then goes on hiatus for four months before the concluding race, the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on Sunday November 27th, also at Busan. Next weekend the focus returns to the three-year-old colts and the final leg of their Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). The winners of the first two-legs, Captain Yankee (KRA Cup Mile) and Winner Star (Korean Derby) are both expected to be in the starting gate at Seoul Racecourse this coming Sunday.
Dia Road firmly established herself at the top of the filly and mare division by taking out the Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and in doing so, beat perennial champion Silver Wolf for the second consecutive time. One race later, British jockey Alan Munro recorded his first Korean Stakes race victory when guiding East Jet to a smart victory in the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association (KOR G3).
Dia Road is the new Queen of Korean racing! The four-year-old has beaten Korea's best fillies and mares at set weights in the Ttukseom Cup (Korea Group 2). Re-watch the race here. @korearacing@SkyRacingWorldpic.twitter.com/URHBTyLjvU
Coming into the Ttukseom Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, Dia Road [Captain Coltish – Gieongnal Geunal (Menifee)] had won seven of her eight prior races, including that meeting with stablemate Silver Wolf in the Donga Ilbo Cup prior to the shutdown earlier this year when she had a 5kg weight advantage.
At level weights this time, Dia Road was slowly out of the gates but by the end of the back straight, jockey Kim Yong-geun had threaded a way through the field and was up just behind the leaders. She struck the front at the top of the home straight and powered away from the rest to record a six-length win from early pacesetter Raon First and closer Ice Marine. Silver Wolf, who took a long time to find space for a run, came home 5th.
If all goes to plan – and that is a big “if” with Korean racing in an uncertain position due to the recent COVID-19 resurgence, the four-year-old Dia Road and the eight-year-old Silver Wolf will most likely meet again in the final two legs of the Queens’ Tour – of which Silver Wolf is already a two-time winner – in the autumn.
The SROA Trophy (KOR G3) brought back together some of the nation’s top sprinters including the first five home in last month’s SBS Sports Sprint. Most pre-race attention focused on the young up and comer Eoma Eoma who after three straight wins, had suffered her first career defeat when a gutsy 3rd in the SBS Sports Sprint a month ago.
The 3YO's quinella the Owner's Cup! East Jet (Strike Again – Lend) proved too strong for Eoma Eoma (Algorithms – Lignite) who had every chance. Morfhis finished off strong to run into third. East Jet ridden by Alan Munro and trained by Seo In-seok pic.twitter.com/XUWF3lmYkR
Despite a much better draw, this time Eoma Eoma had to settle for 2nd place as East Jet [Strike Again – Lend (Coronado’s Quest)], the only other three-year-old in the race, made short work of a wide draw to get right on pace with the leaders and then proved too strong in the straight, holding off Eoma Eoma by just under a length. SBS Sports Sprint winner Morfhis produced his customary late charge but had to settle for 3rd.
First Korean Stakes winner for Alan Munro (Pic:KRA)
East Jet was ridden by Alan Munro, who was recording his first Koream Stakes race victory. Munro, who only returned earlier this month from a broken wrist suffered prior to the KRA Cup Mile has now ridden 67 winners from 570 rides in the country since debuting in February 2019.
It’s Double Graded Stakes Sunday at Seoul with the Ttukseom Cup and Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association Trophy set to be r0un in the capital. There are 12 races in Seoul from 10:25 to 18:00.
Morfhis, Do Kki Blade and Eoma Eoma are to renew hostilities in the SROA Trophy (Pic: KRA)
In The Ttukseom Cup, Silver Wolf will get the opportunity to avenge defeat earlier this year at the hands of Dia Road while the SROA Trophy brings SBS Sprint winner Morfhis back together with Do Kki Blade and exciting newcomer Eoma Eoma. See below for previews of all Seoul races plus horse by horse for the two Stakes.
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
The two-year-old gallopers will kick off proceedings on a twelve event card from Seoul. (10) VICTORICA is the on top selection after powering to the line last start to finish fourth behind Hwanggeum Power. The Colonel John filly can position in the second half of the field before reeling of a quick sectional. (2) KKANGDORI looks as if she is one of the debutants ready to fire early in her career. The grey won her trial in good style clocking a reasonable time for the juveniles. (4) DAESAN TEUKGEUP is another trial winner who looks capable of performing at his debut run. He overcame a wide gate and covered the ground nicely to win his heat when clocking 62.7 seconds on a muddy track. (3) ACE PRINCE comes out of the race that Victorica lined up in where he finished fifth. With some improvement he can be considered an each way chance.
Selections
(10) Victorica (2) Kkangdori (4) Daesan Teukgeup (3) Ace Prince
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 6
Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(11) NINE EYE was a significantly improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 2nd recording in the process the fastest time of any of these so far over the 1300M. He’ll have to overcome the outside gate to work forward but should be capable and can in. (2) GEUMSEONG ACE looks to be steadily improving and is another who has demonstrated that she can run a time. She remains nicely weighted and should go close here. (4) GO GO GO debuted in that race, coming from off the pace to run 5th. She He should have come on for that and get closer this time. (7) LOVING DANCER tackles the distance for the first time following a useful enough 3rd over 1200M. She hasn’t shown much in the way of speed so far but that was a big improvement and she can build on it today.
Selections
(11) Nine Eye (2) Geumseong Ace (7) Loving Dancer (4) Go Go GO
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 11
Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The third will see the Class Five gallopers go over the 1300m where there are numerous chances. (3) GLOBAL GOLD is the on top selection coming off a third behind Jeonjeongsaguem where the Thunder Mocassin gelding powered to the line in the final stages. With a better draw Lee Hyeok should be able to settle the three-year-old closer before unleashing him as they balance up for the run home. (2) LAO JIN is second up after finishing third behind Tiz City in similar company last time out. The filly will get the services of Moon Se-young for the first time. (5) TANK SOCKS is another that is second-up coming off a good performance. The filly finished second when resuming over this distance after sitting in the leading division. If Park Eul-woon can cross the filly early on she looks a big chance. (1) GOLD FIELD looks a place chance from an inside draw. The filly broke maiden status two starts ago before finishing midfield behind Yeolrin Mun last time out.
Selections
(3) Global Gold (2) Lao Jin (5) Tank Socks (1) Gold Field
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
5, 9
Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) COIN BLADE came from way back to get his maiden win over 1200M on June 28th. Having previously run 3rd on debut at 1300M all the way back in early 2019. He looks set to be a two-turn horse but 1400M should give him enough opportunity to stretch out and he can win again today. This is a really good race for the level though. (3) TOP SEED got his maiden win at this distance in June, making all, but was touch slow away on his first crack at this level last month, ending up in 3rd. With a better start he can be right back in the mix today. (1) CHEONJI YEOGEOL and (6) UNOECHANCHEON are both up in class following maiden wins last month at 1300M and 1200M respectively. Both ran through the line strong and should adapt to the increased trip with few difficulties. (5) CHEOGANG MAGIC comes in following a class and distance 3rd a month ago and can aim to follow up here while (7) CHOEGANG PARTY drops back in trip following a useful 3rd place around 1700M last start and is one of a number of others who can also come into consideration.
A field of eleven will line up over the seven furlongs in the fifth. (2) HAENGBOK WANGJA looks extremely hard to beat notching two runner-up performances in a row since resuming. The Daredevil colt comes off a last start second behind Mighty New which reads extremely well for this event. (4) SOUL MERIT will be sure to attract attention in betting markets. The American Pharoah colt trialed up in good fashion and was a Class Four winner before the racing hiatus. The three-year-old will have to carry 57.5kg, a substantial increase on the 52.5kg he carried to victory last start. (5) GOOD SENSE produced a solid performance when resuming last start. The Street Sense four-year-old is up in class on the strength of a second last start and as a result will carry just the 52kg. (7) BULGULUI RUNNER looks next best after finishing third behind Jangsan Forever last time out. The King Cugat gelding has been settling rearwards this time in before hitting the line strong in the final stages.
Selections
(2) Haengbok Wangja (4) Soul Merit (5) Good Sense (7) Bulgului Runner
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
4, 5
Race 6: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Entertaining little race this. (1) RUNNING BOX has looked in good form since the restart. She ran 3rd behind East Jet, who has very quickly gone on to better things, in June before running a narrow 2nd to My Hawk last month when having a hard time getting a good position from a wide draw. She has the inside gate today and could well be peaking with a real winning chance. (8) RAON TAP MAN has only finished outside the top three once in seven starts and comes in having scored at class 4 over this distance in June and then run 2nd on his first try at this class a month ago. She carries significantly less weight this time and has a real chance. (9) NEUL PUREUN CAT was well back behind Running Box last start but that was his first-up run and he has previously proven himself more than competitive at class and distance. (3) CHOIN BOLT hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise but has a class and distance 3rd place to his name since the restart and should be in at least the placing hunt again.
Selections
(1) Running Box (8) Raon Tap Man (3) Choin Bolt (9) Neul Pureun Cat
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 8
Race 7: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
The Class Four gallopers will go over the two turns in the seventh event where four of the engagements come off last start wins. (8) JEONGSANG YEOSIN is the on top selection after a very consistent career to date. The Colors Flying filly has notched four wins from ten starts with two minor placings. She resumed in good style when finishing second behind Best Lucky over the 1700m. (9) JANGSAN BADA is another progressive type who has notched two wins and a minor from three career starts. The Old Fashioned colt sits handy in his runs and has clocked some good times in his short career to date. (5) GAROSUGIL was a surprise winner last time out when leading throughout. The win was over the two turns, he is up in class but will carry just 54kg. (6) JEONJEONGSAGEUM is another progressive type notching two wins from the four starts as well. Lim Gi-won has been aboard the filly at all four starts to date. She normally has plenty of early speed so expect her to shoot across from barrier six. Good race.
Selections
(8) Jeongsang Yeosin (9) Jangsan Bada (5) Garosugil (6) Jeonjoengsageum
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Race 8: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
This is a super race for the level and is suitably tricky to solve. (1) GEUMA WHOLESOME has not only recorded the fastest time of those who have raced at the level before but also beat a number of these on his was to 3rd place behind Brigadier General on July 26th. He carries even more weight today but has plenty of quality and should go close. No fewer than three last-start winners are up in class here. (5) ECHO BILL won well at this distance on July 6th in a useful time. He was beaten by (6) SHU LEUB first-up in June, also at today’s distance, but can overturn that form today. (8) MOONHAK EMPIRE was a good winner over 1400M on July 19th and steps up to two-turns for the first time. His running style to date would suggest that won’t be a problem and he should be competitive here. (2) SHARK JJANG and (4) MUDO are others in the hunt.
Race 9: Class Open (1400M) Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) Allowance / KRW 400 Million
The time-honoured Ttukseom Cup is the ninth event on the card where the fillies and mares will line up over the 1400m at Korean Group Two level. A field of fourteen will face the starter where last year’s winner Silver Wolf will rematch Dia Road, who turned the tables on the eight-year-old back in January winning the Donga Ilbo Cup. Here’s a look at each of the runners:
DAEBAK HAENGJIN – Good performance last start to finish third behind Wang Beotkkot when second-up. Somewhat of a non-winner notching just one victory from fifteen starts. Looks to be up against it at set weights.
SKY BAY – Light raced five-year-old who needs to be considered an each way chance after a very good win at Class 1 level when first up over the 1400m. Never been able to match Silver Wolf previously but has resumed in great order.
SILVER WOLF – Last year’s champion mare clean sweeping the Queen’s Tour. Found the Grand Prix not suitable and then finished second to Dia Road in the Donga Ilbo before the enforced hiatus. Will be interesting to see her run after a lengthy break.
RAON FIRST – Seems the logical choice to line up in after struggling to run a strong 1600m out in the Luna Stakes and subsequentially bypassing the Oaks. A winner of four from six she is an on-pace runner that must be respected.
SEOURI BYEOL – Has performed admirably at the highest level behind the likes of Dia Road and Silver Wolf. Whilst she is unlikely to match their efforts, she is normally a live place chance. Query lies with the 1400m.
ICE MARINE – Winner of eight from twenty-six including a last start victory when defeating last year’s Oaks winner Deep Mind. The seven furlongs not her ideal distance as she normally takes time to find her feet before hitting the line strong.
HWA GI – Hard to suggest on her two performances since resuming in June.
SEONNYANG CHEOLLI – Class 3 winner last start over 1200m. Yet to be stretched beyond the six furlongs and she looks outclassed against this field.
DIA ROAD – A winner of seven from eight starts including the Donga Ilbo back in January when beating Silver Wolf. She is all class and looks the one to beat. Resumed with a win when made to work for it over 1800m. The one to beat.
DAMYANG HWANHO – A long time between drinks and looks safely held.
CHEONGSU YEOGEOL – Lacks to class to match it with a field of this caliber. Unlikely.
LEAD MONEY – Resumed in good fashion to finish third behind Dia Road over the 1800m. Always thereabouts in Class 1 level. Place chance at best.
CHOCO CANDY – Last start Class 2 winner when carrying only 53.5kg. Another filly who is capable of finishing in the minor money.
UJU DAEWANG – Career best performances to date include a win in Class 3 company. Looks outclassed.
VERDICT: (9) DIA ROAD showed us in January that she has more than enough ability to stamp herself as the best filly or mare in Korea. Now we get to see this rematch between her and (3) SILVER WOLF for the first time since the Donga Ilbo. There is so much intrigue watching these two superstars face each other at equal weights. In January’s Donga Ilbo Silver Wolf had to carry 5kg more than Dia Road only going down three lengths. At set weights with fresh legs she is more than capable of regaining the upper hand. (2) SKY BAY showed us that she has resumed in brilliant style when winning over this distance last time out. She has placed behind the likes of Silver Wolf previously and we know she can carry weight. (4) RAON FIRST knows one way only and that is to jump and run. The Musket Man filly looks perfectly suited over the 1400m with a good draw.
Selections
(3) Silver Wolf (9) Dia Road (2) Sky Bay (4) Raon First
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 14
Race 10: Class Open (1200M) SROA Trophy (KOR G3) Weight for Age / KRW 400 Million
1. WONDER BOLT – The 10-year-old never disgraces himself and will likely finish in midfield again but he simply doesn’t have the kind of speed anymore to be a serious contender in races such as this.
2. SPRING BACK – Good class 1 sprinter but perhaps not quite of the elite level at equal weights. Finished 7th in the SBS and while he could better that, he has a little too much to make up.
3. ULTRA PUNCH – Establishing himself as a competent class 1 campaigner although he is yet to win at the top level. Ran 2nd to Complete Sweep last start. Great draw so expect him to challenge for the early lead but others should end up too quick.
4. COMPLETE SWEEP – Good all the way win at this distance in July before running 3rd in a fast race on a very wet track earlier this month sandwiched between Jjang Kong and Mask in 3rd place. He’ll be aiming to get on speed from the start but isn’t among the favourites.
5. M J POWER – A very good 4th behind Do Kki Blade in the Busan Ilbo, he skipped the SBS and instead ran 2nd to Sky Bay over 1400M. Likes to come from just off the pace with a strong finish, he is unlikely to win but shouldn’t be far away.
6. EOMA EOMA – The up and comer put in a huge run to finish a desperately close 3rd in the SBS, his first serious race after three easy wins. He had to come from gate 10 that day but has fared much better with the draw this time. Moon Se-young being available means Song Jae-chul misses out despite doing everything right last time. Expect a fast start and this time he can win.
7. JJANG KONG – Put in a massive effort to run 2nd at this distance on a very wet track, beating Complete Sweep and Mask, on August 1st. That earns him his shot here but while he will grind away, aiming to close from a midfield position, surely this is too hard
8. CHEUNGDAM GENIE – Well back behind Morfhis in June, he takes his chance here having pulled off a good win over the distance on July 12th. Still potential to improve but may not have the speed to compete for the money here.
9. MASK – Returned from a lengthy absence to run 4th behind Jjang Kong and Complete Sweep on August 1st. That was a good first-up run and he has consistently posted solid times at this distance. In this company though, a few others may just be a bit quicker.
10. GLOBAL CAPTAIN – Loads of talent but he is unreliable in terms of manners. From an unpromising gate, he managed to run 6th in the SBS, coming from well back late on. At his best he is capable of winning but there are too many questions over him.
11. MEDICI GLORY – Made his way rapidly up the levels and ran a very solid 5th in the SBS. Runs best on the early speed but both draw and quality of opposition will make it difficult for him to get there. Matching that SBS performance would be a good result.
12. DO KKI BLADE – Brilliant winner of the Busan Ilbo and he can desperately close in the SBS before Morfhis snatched it away. A front-runner, his draw is worse today then in both the Busan Ilbo and SBS and he has a lot of speed inside him. Nevertheless, his quality should see him close.
13. EAST JET – A winner of five from his first six he was then a revelation in the SBS when he ran a close at hand 4th. One of just two three-year-olds in the race, along with Eoma Eoma, he gets weight allowance, but the draw isn’t kind. Will be hard to better that 4th but not impossible.
14. MORFHIS – That rarest of things in Korea; a closer who wins Group level Sprints. As in the SBS, the wide draw is arguably in his favour as he can keep out of both trouble and kickback and run his own race until the business end. If he is to repeat though he will need a lot to go right for him. A real chance once more.
15. SEONGPA – Struggled in the Busan Ilbo and skipped the SBS in order to run in the Jjang Kong race in which he finished 8th. He has posted a fast time when winning at this distance but it’s hard to make a case for him on most recent form.
VERDICT: (14) MORFHIS will aim to repeat his SBS Sports Sprint win with his customary late charge and it’s not impossible he could be successful. However, the up and comer (6) EOMA EOMA impressed that day and has drawn a much better gate. It may be that by the time Morfhis arrives on the scene, it’s too late. This time the draw does no favours to (12) DO KKI BLADE but he has plenty of quality and should be present at the business end of the race. Likewise (13) EAST JET will have to come from wide, but the wily Munro isn’t one to throw the kitchen sink early and he’ll surely be around to challenge late on. (9) MASK and (10) GLOBAL CAPTAIN are among others in the hunt for the minors in what should be a tremendous race.
Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
There looks an abundance of speed engaged in the eleventh where a field of eleven will line up over the 1400m. (4) DAEGUN CHEONHA has been a model of consistency in his thirteen start career. The Verrazano colt has won just the two races but has never finished worse than fifth including eight minor placings. From barrier four he should get every chance to figure, expect him to be hitting peak fitness at his third start back from the racing hiatus. (7) FLYING FORD put his brilliant turn of foot on display last start when gobbling up a good bunch of gallopers. The Shackleford four-year-old goes up a considerable 4.5kg which will make his task tougher, but his last win was very good. (3) KILIUI JEWANG is second-up after a midfield performance behind Munhak Tiger in this company last start. Expect improvement from the five-year-old second-up. (2) INCHEON CHIEF will drop back to the 1400m after finishing midfield at his first start back. He will take improvement out of that first up run, expect him to be on speed from gate two over the 1400m.
Race 12: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) STRETTO came back into form with a strong 2nd place over class and distance on August 1st. He gets in again under a very light weight and going one better isn’t impossible. (10) LUMINESCE and (11) HIGH BEAT came home 1st and 2nd at class and distance with not much between them on July 18th. Winner Luminesce was giving away 3kg that day but it’s up to 5kg today and that, coupled with the former being drawn much wider this time, may be enough to allow the consistent High Beat to overturn the form. (5) JEONGSANG ETTEUM almost made all but ultimately finished 2nd over 1400M on July 11th. From a good draw, he’ll be on pace again and has every chance. (1) PSYCHIC BOSS and (6) GLOBAL CHEONHA came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other on July 25th at class and distance and both can aim to go close again.
Selections
(3) Stretto (11) High Beat (10) Luminesce (5) Jeongsang Etteum
It’s a massive day of double Graded Stakes action at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday. The second leg of the Sprint Series sees Busan Ilbo Cup winner facing off against Ace Korea and two-time winner Doraonpogyeongseon. Meanwhile, the great Aussie mare Silver Wolf will be hot favourite to win the Ttukseom Cup. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.
Gaon Champ won the 1st leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
(3) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM is the most experienced galloper of the field and has started to show some consistency in his racing. He finished second last start behind Geumbit Yeoljeong in a time that was good considering a dry track. (8) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK has placed at his last two starts over the 1000m. With four weeks between runs he should be freshened up for another good performance over the 1000m. (10) O PI M J has ran some handy races over the 1000m prior to this event. Expect the three-year-old to drop back as he normally does suggesting the wide draw will not be a problem. (9) HYEONGMA PUBU is first up since July last year but had a trial coming into this event. The four-year-old showed some promise in this type of race last year.
Selections
(3) Cheonnyeonui Baram (8) Neoseong Byokryok (10) O Pi M J (9) Hyeongma Pubu
Next Best
6, 11
Fast Start
3, 11, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million
The second on the card has twelve engaged all looking for their first win. (2) UTGE HAEJULGE gets his best chance to notch his maiden win. The three-year-old has drawn ideally for his style of racing. He should sit right behind the speed and Lim Gi-Won can produce him at the top of the straight. (6) SEOUL MAGIC has shown some form over the 1000m of late. The chestnut has early speed so expect him to be in the first couple in running. (3) ANYANG LEOPARD finished runner up behind Independence last start which a few of these are coming out of that particular race. (8) MOONHAKCHEETAH notched his first place finish last start and can improve today.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The third has a field of twelve engaged where we can make a case for almost half the field. (3) CAMP BADA saluted in good fashion last time out when dropping back to the 1000m. With the similar draw to that of last time she will be in this for a long way down the Seoul straight. (2) MISS GELLA doesn’t like winning but she continues to keep the stakes rolling over for connections. She can jump quickly and sit in the leading division. (5) BAEKSANG showed a clean set of heels last time out when leading from gate to line. Moon Sung-Hyeok retains the ride and gets small weight relief with the rise in class. (4) GABO PULL QUEEN saluted at an each-way price last time out over the 1300m when overcoming barrier eleven. This is tougher but keep her safe.
Selections
(3) Camp Bada (2) Miss Gella (5) Baeksang (4) Gabo Pull Queen
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A field of eight maidens take to the track in the fourth where there only appears to be a few chances. The Kim Soon-Keun trained (3) ROYAL GHOST looks hard to beat at her fourth career start. Kim Yong Geun will partner the three-year-old who had a trial earlier this month. Expect her to sit closer in the small field. (7) MIGHTY LUCK was promising on debut last time out when she finished fourth over the 1000m. Expect improvement from the athletic looking chestnut today. (6) COILRO looked green in the run home last time out. She was beaten a big margin, but she did still have fuel in the tank at the post unlike the majority who finished behind her. (4) MACH THUNDER appears the best of the rest in a maiden that lacks form.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
The engagement of Kim Yong-Geun gives confidence when looking at the chances of (5) CHODONG BOBAE. The filly hit overdrive in the last furlong when winning last time out, but she did look like she would benefit from a senior rider. (11) PRIME QUEEN broke maiden status last time out in good style. She wasn’t given the most economic run by Moon Se-Young but her brute strength won her the race. She is a winning chance and will be ridden by Johan Victoire with Moon Se-Young on forced vacation. Look for improvement from (4)BIG PRO after and encouraging second last start when running through the line strong. (8) MAPAEBONG has finished in the top five on eight occasions from eleven starts and should be considered in your novelties.
Selections
(5) Chodong Bobae (11) Prime Queen (4) Big Pro (8) Mapaebong
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
2, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A small field of eight will line up over the 1300m in the second at Busan. It appears that there will be a short-priced favourite in the form of (3) ULTRA POWER. The three-year-old broke maiden status two starts back in Class 6 company and then backed it up with a respectable fourth last time out when beaten 2.5L by Dodohan who has a significant weight advantage. This looks a weaker task and the colt gets the services of the in-form Seo Seung-Un. (4) CHOEGANG STEALTH starts a new preparation and has the benefit of a trial coming into this assignment. The five-year-old has shown glimpses of ability including a last start second before going to the paddock. Four-year-old (7) WANBONG looks the best of the rest. He failed to muster last time out and was hemmed away on the fence in traffic. His runs prior were respectable and he can be considered a place chance. (8) ROYAL CLUB has been out of form recently but has placed in this company.
Selections
(3) Ultra Power (4) Choegang Stealth (7) Wanbong (8) Royal Club
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
3
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Three-year-old daughter of Menifee (3) TAP LINE looks hard to beat after a dominant win over 1300m last start. She jumped out of the gates and went straight to the lead only to accelerate in good fashion at the top of the straight. Johan Victoire takes over from the suspended Alan Munro. (5) MALAKAS won in similar company last time out in a blanket finish. She rises 2kg in the weight scale is considered an each-way chance. There are some speedy ones engaged in this event so it won’t surprise if she gets a fair way back. (more…)
Horse Racing in Korea 