Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

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 4^th, a 2^nd and a 3^rd 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 3^rd 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.

Selections	(2) Spinning Boom (6) Geumak Myeongjang (3) Yeongwon Poten (5) Amazing Star
Next Best	1, 4
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 9

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 4^th over this distance on March 23^rd, he won his subsequent morning heat by leading all the way. He draws nicely here and can win. (6) CHEONMA BULPAE has two 3^rd 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.

Selections	(1) Tonerre (6) Cheonma Bulpae (4) Amazing Rock (10) Knight Charm
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	1, 4, 10, 11

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 31^st over 1200M and beating three of today’s rivals on her way to 2^nd place having raced handy. She won’t need to improve very much to win this. (10) RUN TO QUEEN similarly improved to 2^nd at start number two, in her case over 1200M on March 22^nd. 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 31^st race and ran a fair 5^th 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 2^nd place, again back at 1200M on March 2^nd 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 3^rd place at this distance on March 23^rd when she almost led the entire way around and she should be a big player here. (8) SMART BYEOL has two 3^rd places and a 4^th from her latest three and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) SINUI YEOIN and (10) WONDERFUL SHADOW may provide some each-way value.

Selections	(3) Beolgyowisu (6) Shackle Point (8) Smart Byeol (4) Sinui Yeoin
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 10

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 4^th in each of his last four starts, including when beaten into a close 3^rd as favourite over this distance on March 31^st. 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 28^th, 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 31^st. 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.

Selections	(2) Seobu Vision (4) Dragon Fire (10) Kohinoor (5) Gukdae Hero
Next Best	1, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 7, 10

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 24^th 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 13^th 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 17^th. 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

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a daytime meeting featuring 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens to begin with and (9) BIG BRIDGE will be the favourite having improved to 2^nd place at start number three on March 23^rd when racing handy throughout over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but it was still quicker than any of the others here have achieved over the 1200M, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (2) HAENGBOK YEOJEONSA will be the second favourite. She also showed improvement in that same March 24^th race, coming home in 4^th place, having been similarly on pace throughout. From a nice draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way again. (10) SARYEONI NIKE has shown slow but noticeable progress across her three appearances to date and can continue to get closer here. There are five debut-makers, and of them (7) USEUNG DOLJIN and (5) KHAS look the most likely to make an immediate impact. 

Selections	(9) Big Bridge (2) Haengbok Yeojeonsa (10) Saryeoni Nike (7) Useung Doljin
Next Best	5, 11
Fast Start	4, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden with more than one looking ready to win. We’ll side with (4) BAZOOKA BOY. His best among three starts so far is a second place and while he hasn’t been the most fluent of runners so far, he does seem to have ability. He was sent back to trial following his last start 4^th and he came through his heat well. He draws nicely and the two turns can suit. The main danger is (7) BEAT YEONGUNG. He was a beaten favourite behind Bazooka Boy on March 16^th but previously recorded a 2^nd and a 4^th and with Moon Se-young climbing on, plenty will be backing him to bounce back here. (6) P N S CAR comes in off a 2^nd place at 1300M on March 30^th. That was just his third start, and his running style suggests the step up in trip can be to his liking. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) YONGBICHEON others in the minor money hunt. 

Selections	(4) Bazooka Boy (7) Beat Yeongung (6) P N S Car (8) Craze Chang
Next Best	3, 2
Fast Start	4, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) MR. TROT was a good winner over this distance at start number two over this distance in February when leading for most of the way, before putting in a somewhat ordinary showing when favourite for his first try at this class over 1400M on March 16^th when he was scarcely involved. He comes back in trip and into a better gate, and he can be given another chance. (9) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win having been promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes in his opening two starts. He enters off a solid 3^rd place at this class and distance on March 31^st when handy throughout and while he comes up 2.5kg in the weights, he should figure strongly here. (2) RAON THE CLIPPER is another maiden up in class in his case following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two. He draws nicely to be on pace, comes down in the weights, and he can measure up and more here. (8) FIJI BLADE and (6) MORNING BOLD others in the frame.

Selections	(1) Mr. Trot (9) Geumak Dia (2) Raon The Clipper (8) Fiji Blade
Next Best	6, 5
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 11

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

(7) HWASANGHWIHWAN remains a maiden after nine attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, most recently last time out over this class and distance on March 3^rd when racing midfield and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights but with CC climbing on, today can be his day. If he does manage to find one too quick again, it could be (8) TRISTAN WANGJA. He has been finding his feet at this level and looks to be working towards a second win with a 3^rd and a 2^nd from his latest two. (1) THUNDER A ONE comes up in class after registering his maiden win at start number five on March 16^th when le led every step of the way. He draws nicely to lead again, and a repeat isn’t impossible. Those three will be in the majority of trifectas, with nothing else entering in good form. (4) EXPECT and (10) SUNGANUI CHANCE are perhaps the best of the supporting case.

Selections	(7) Hwasangwihwan (8) Tristan Wangja (1) Thunder A One (4) Expect
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	1, 7, 8, 10

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

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

Racing returns to the daytime schedule this week and kicks off with an 8-race program at Busan on Friday running 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) SUPREME QUEEN has finished between has been getting closer in her latest starts, culminating in a 3^rd place over 1300M on March 29^th when leading for much of the way and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should be on pace again here and this time can have too much. (5) GONJOHARI ran once in the middle of last year, finishing a fair 6^th. He hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up in March and in this company can go well first up. (7) POMPEII has finished 5^th on both starts so far. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and should get closer. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST and (4) PURE DANCE among others in the hunt.

Selections	(2) Supreme Queen (5) Gonjohari (7) Pompeii (11) Yeongwanguifirst
Next Best	4, 1
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) POWER BANK enters off a to-date best of 2^nd over 1300M on March 24^th when on pace throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace again here and this time looks like the one to beat. (2) AWESOME SUNRISE is the probable second favourite. She has plenty of experience over this trip and she won’t need to improve much on how she ran when 4^th last time out in order to get closer here. (1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE enters odd a fair 3^rd place over 1200M on March 31^st, when he led for much of the way. He can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) BRUG KINGMAN and (11) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others to consider.

Selections	(9) Power Bank (2) Awesome Sunrise (1) Beolgyo Franch (3) Brug Kingman
Next Best	11, 12
Fast Start	1, 3, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) FUERTE has a 2^nd and a 4^th from her latest two, both over a mile and both times settling midfield and running on. Tanaka climbs on today and she can settle back once more, and this time prove too strong late on. That will mean overturning the form on (7) STAR PARK who comes in having run 3^rd to Fuerte’s 4^th when they raced each other at this distance on April 5^th. He also has a 2^nd place to his name and is another who likes to settle back and be doing his best work late. (12) BABEL DREAMY has shown progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2^nd place at this distance on March 24^th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be a factor. (2) STORMY DAY and (8) TRICKSTER other placing chances.

Selections	(4) Fuerte (7) Star Park (12) Babel Dreamy (2) Stormy Day
Next Best	8, 10
Fast Start	5, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) RUBY STONE got her maiden win in a quick time over 1200M two starts back before running 2^nd on her first try at this class on March 29^th, leading almost the entire way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. Her win came from the same wide draw she has today and this time she should go one better. (4) SEKWANG CHEOGANG was 3^rd on that March 29^th race. She has mixed her form over her six appearances, but she has a good finish on her and can be a danger. (9) SEUNGNI PARTY has been consistent over her own six starts, with her win coming at this distance. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can go close.  The up in class last start winner (10) BUSAN TODAY along with (5) BRAVE CAPTAIN are others to look out for. 

Selections	(11) Ruby Stone (4) Sekwang Choegang (9) Seungni Party (10) Busan Today
Next Best	5, 8
Fast Start	2, 9, 10, 11

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

GLOBAL HIT DOWNS TUHONUI BANSEOK IN LAST GASP YTN SUCCESS

Tuhonui Banseok put up a valiant defence of his title, but Global Hit ultimately wrested it away from him with a last gasp drive to win the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Stayer Series, in the very final stride at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit pursues Tuhonui Banseok in sight of the line (Pic: KRA)

Global Hit had been on the wrong side of a photo-finish when going down to Winner’s Man in last December’s Grand Prix, but with Winner’s Man out of the picture, and Global Hit having won the first leg of the series, the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) in March, the four-year-old was sent off a warm favourite to once again defy a wide draw and  take out the Stayer second leg.

Tuhonui Banseok set off meaning business. Under Chae Sang-hyun the now five-year-old, who won the race by a remarkable eleven-lengths a year ago, went straight to the lead alongside 100/1 outsider Bolt Man. Kim Hye-sun aboard Global Hit meanwhile used the same tactics she did in the Herald Business and rode patiently, setting up camp in midfield and gradually improving as the field made their way down the back.

Pic: KRA

It was a brave effort from Tuhonui Banseok and while Global Hit inexorably raised the pressure in the sprint, he would not go down without a fight and continued to hold the younger horse at bay. They crossed the line together, but momentum saw Global Hit strike the front just when it mattered, the margin a nose. Speed Young, a stablemate of Global Hit, was a length back in 3^rd.

Pre-race the market consensus was that the biggest danger was Nut Play, who got within a length of Global Hit in the Herald Business and drew a better gate this time around. Just like the Herald Business, jockey Jo Jae-ro opted to follow favourite. They would not get on terms and ultimately finished 4^th. Wonderful Slew, the only filly or mare in the race, was a game 5^th.

The diminutive Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] may not look like a racehorse, but he is fast and gutsy and he moves on to seven wins from twelve starts. For jockey Kim Hye-sun, as well as trainer Bang Dong-suk, he is proving to be a career-defining horse. He is owned by Kim Joon-hyun, who also had Minister’s Cup winner Hit Yegam in Winner’s Man’s year.

Jockey Kim will have plenty of time to reflect on the win as she picked up a four-meeting ban for the way she came off the fence to the detriment of Wonderful Slew on the 3^rd corner.

The final leg of the Stayer Series is the slightly shorter Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) on the south coast on Sunday May 26. Tuhonui Banseok is the defending champion there too having lifted himself up off the canvas to go past Winner’s Man. He will need all that and more if he is to prevent Global Hit from carrying off a clean sweep.

Next week, the focus moves to the filly and mare division and the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Jeulgeounyeojeong heads the field with Raon The Spurt looking the main danger.

Can Nut Play Overturn Form on Global Hit in YTN Cup?

The Stayers’ Series reaches its second stage on Sunday when a field of fifteen line up for the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Global Hit remains the one to beat in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

After running 2^nd to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes, last year’s Korean Derby winner Global Hit asserted his claim to be the new King of Korean racing with victory in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul last month.

Despite Winner’s Man being out of the picture for the foreseeable future – and possibly to be retired – the margin of victory was less than a length as another four-year-old, Nut Play was bearing down on Global Hit. The pair head the line up for the YTN and a reversal in form shouldn’t be ruled out.

At his best though, (14) GLOBAL HIT may prove hard to beat. He draws the same wide gate as he did in the Herald Business and Kim Hye-sun on board will be very aware of the threat that Nut Play – and others – can pose. Expect tactics to be adjusted accordingly.

(3) NUT PLAY also featured on the Triple Crown trail last year, running 4^th in the KRA Cup Mile, before 3^rd place finishes in both the Korean Derby and the Minister’s Cup. He picked up a Listed win last September over 1800M and began this year with a victory at class 1 level before his Herald Business runner-up. He comes into a much better gate this time.

Although they will be at the top of the market, this is no two-horse race. (7) TUHONUI BANSEOK is the defending champion, having demolished a field including Winner’s Man by an astonishing eleven-lengths. He made his season re-appearance in the Herald Business, running a creditable 3^rd. A big run is possible here.

The wildcard is a stablemate of Tuhonui Banseok’s. In fact, it isn’t initially obvious which is the second string from the Bart Rice barn as (2) JEONGMUN COBIT enters in sensational form, having won his latest four at distances between 1400M and 2000M, posting some very quick times and for the most part, giving away weight. This is a step into the unknown competition wise, but he may well step up.

(10) SPEED YOUNG was champion juvenile in 2022 and has consistently threatened to break through at the very top level, including a strong 2^nd behind Global Hit in the Minister’s Cup and a 3^rd in the President’s Cup. He can mix his form, but he was a fair 5^th in the Herald Business and shouldn’t be dismissed today.

Others who may find some interest at longer prices include (11) CHIEF INDY and the only filly in the race, Luigi Riccardi’s (4) WONDERFUL SLEW.

The YTN Cup is race 7 on the 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05.

Selections	(14) Global Hit (3) Nut Play (2) Jeongmun Cobit (7) Tuhonui Banseok
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	5, 6, 7, 10, 14

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 21)

After the sprinters last week, this week it’s the second leg of the Stayer Series and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) headlines the daytime card on Sunday at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Global Hit headlines Sunday’s YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(9) USEUNG CONCORD raced twice in late summer last year, recording a 3^rd and a 2^nd over 1000M and 1200M. He hasn’t raced since but trialled up fairly in March and Moon Se-young’s engagement makes it likely they intend to pick up from where they left off and win first-up against this very limited set of opponents. (5) ARCH ROCKET has hinted at ability and should at least be on pace here. An apprentice keeps his weight very light, and he should be in the mix. (10) POWER TRY is the solitary debut maker. It took hm two goes to qualify but he looked competent enough at the second time of asking and he can be considered against this lot. (7) JEONGSEONG VICE and (6) HERO NARA others in the placing frame.

Selections	(9) Useung Concord (5) Arch Rocket (10) Power Try (7) Jeongseong Vice
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 9

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

(9) BREEDO KING STAR enters off a 3^rd and a 4^th, both at this distance and both times settling behind the lead before finishing well. Despite the wide draw, he can be expected to be on pace here and he us the one to bear. Clear second-pick is (1) GEUMSEONG REVERE. Having returned from almost nine months out to run a 4^th place over 1300M on March 14^th, she should strip fitter here and can be a danger. The form falls off significantly after those, but (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has hinted at ability across his three starts so far. He has got a bit far back in his races but should be running on strong here.  (7) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG and (3) HIGH END are potential improvers.

Selections	(9) Breedo King Star (1) Geumseong Revere (5) Éclair Power (7) Changjoui Gidung
Next Best	3, 6
Fast Start	1, 6, 8, 9

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

(9) BLAZING MAN will be the favourite here. He has shown steady improvement across his three starts so far, most recently when 4^th over 1400M on March 22^nd when racing on pace. He has finished ahead of a few of these already and he should be finishing ahead of all of them today. (3) THUNDER GUY comes in having finished a fair 4^th on debut over 1200M on March 31^st. The time wasn’t the quickest, but he should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. (4) HANEUL SINHWA dead-heated for 5^th place behind Blazing Man last time out and can there or thereabouts again. (2) BEST BOY and (7) GOAT KING IJI among others to consider for the minors.

Selections	(9) Blazing Man (3) Thunder Guy (4) Haneul Sinhwa (2) Best Boy
Next Best	7, 6
Fast Start	3, 4, 9, 12

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

Fillies only and (2) JERAQUEEN will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across her five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1300M in a similar all-filly race on March 17^th when leading almost all the way. She draws nicely to lead again and will be expected to go one better. (10) BEATRIZ enters having run an improved 3^rd over this distance in February when racing on the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light, and despite the wide draw, she can be on pace and in this again. (7) PINK WIND was one of those behind Jeraqueen on March 17^th, but she has a 2^nd place to her name and can be a factor here. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE and (5) MONEY TOUCH others in the placing frame.

Selections	(2) Jeraqueen (10) Beatriz (7) Pink Wind (6) Chogangbulpae
Next Best	5, 11
Fast Start	1, 2, 8, 10

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

(5) MORPHEUS is up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking when stepped up to a mile and leading all the way on March 24^th. He has performed well at this distance as well and while he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight break, he can be on pace again and can go back-to-back. (4) MOVIE MORE is yet to win in ten attempts, nine of hem at this distance but she comes in with a 4^th and a 3^rd from his latest two. She carries a light weight, draws well to challenge Morpheus for the early lead, and it could well be her day. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. It may have been her first win on her twentieth start, but she has loads of experience at this level and this is the kind of company she can place among. The rest need to improve on recent form with (11) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (6) SINHAE MANGCHI perhaps the most likely.

Selections	(5) Morpheus (4) Movie More (2) Velociraptor (11) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best	6, 12
Fast Start	4, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) YONGAM MARENGO finished down the field when sent off as favourite at class and distance on March 23^rd. The margins weren’t huge though and we can give him another chance after two near-misses leading up to it. He can sit behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (6) RAON THE TAP has two placings at this class and enters off a fair 5^th, ahead of Yongam Marengo in that March 23^rd race. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he will have plenty of backers here. (5) MEOTJIN GIROK has been working his way back into form and enters off a smart 2^nd place at class and distance on March 17^th. He is another with a strong finish who should be doing his best work late. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (7) NAOL DAEWANG others to consider.

Selections	(9) Yongam Marengo (6) Raon The Tap (5) Meotjin Girok (4) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	3, 4, 6, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (11) JAZZ STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M in an all-filly maiden on March 22^nd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and, under a light weight, she can maintain her 100% start. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE is the main danger. She was a winner at this class and distance in February – the only one in the field to have prevailed at 1400M – before running midfield in stiffer company than this and under 56kg last time out. She comes down in the weights here with an apprentice engaged, is drawn well, and she can return to form. (10) ARION QUEEN will need a line drawn through her latest over a mile but should be happier back in trip here. (7) NONSTOP DUTY and (1) CHIMING RUN others in the hunt.

Selections	(11) Jazz Star (2) Wonderful Cutie (10) Arion Queen (7) Nonstop Duty
Next Best	1, 3
Fast Start	5, 7, 10, 11

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

(3) ROYAL BEST got his maiden win over 1300M in January, making all, and has since been 4^th on both tries at this class, both times having led. He draws nicely here, CC climbs aboard, and he can win. (2) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish any worse than 4^th after five starts last year. He hasn’t raced since last October but he looked very well when leading all the way in a trial at the start of this month, and from a good gate, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) HAEJE YEOGEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 2^nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on January 14^th having led. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks out and she can be in the hunt. (4) GOLDEN LINE and (6) TAMNA CHOEGANGJA others to consider.

Selections	(3) Royal Best (2) Jechuk Iho (9) Haeje Yeogeol (4) Golden Line
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 8

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

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 20)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Bring an umbrella, rain is forecast! Here are the previews:

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

Just eight in the first division of this maiden and (1) CUPID MIR will be the clear favourite. He has finished 3^rd once and 4^th three times across his five starts so far, posting decent times along the way. From the inside gate he will surely be on the pace, and he should lead all the way. (7) SEOUL DOLPUNG is the clear second pick. He overcame a wide draw to run 4^th at 1300M on March 16^th and in this smaller field should be closer to the front from the start. He has six finishes between 3^rd and 5^th and should be aiming for at least 2^nd here. (5) BOLLIN ran 3^rd over 1200M two starts back in a good time and that’s enough to have him in placing contention here. (8) CAMP DAVID and (3) EUNSEONG SARANG other possibles for the minors.

Selections	(1) Cupid Mir (7) Seoul Dolpung (5) Bollin (8) Camp David
Next Best	3, 4
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 8

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

(9) BREEDO GIRL will be heavy favourite in the second division of this maiden. After running 4^th on debut over 1200M in December, she returned in February to finish 2^nd at 1400M, coming from off the pace. She has had eleven weeks off since, but she really should be able to score in this company. (8) CROQUIS is second pick. She has two 3^rd places from her last three including last time out at this distance on March 30^th. She was beaten by a couple of these in between, but a repeat of her latest effort will see her close. Given the strength (or lack thereof) in this race, we should at least consider the solitary first time starter. That’s (7) SAEROUN GUY who while a long way behind the winner of his trial, looked competent enough, and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. (4) THUNDER SPEED and (3) ELITE PEACE potential improvers.

Selections	(9) Breedo Girl (8) Croquis (7) Saeroun Guy (4) Thunder Speed
Next Best	3, 1
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. (5) DIANA got her maiden win two starts back, leading all the way over this distance, before running 2^nd on her first try at this class on March 31^st over 1300M when on pace again. She comes up slightly in the weights, but back at 1200M, she can win again. (4) MUJANG enters off back-to-back 4^th place finishes over 1400M at this class.  She comes in der a very light weight here and from a good draw, she shapes as the main danger. (6) SMART SOCKS ran 3^rd over 1200M on April 7^th, coming from off the pace. That was a big uptick in recent form and while still a maiden after nineteen attempts, she can be close again. (11) DREAM SKY and (3) ELITE ROYAL are others to consider.

Selections	(5) Diana (4) Mujang (6) Smart Socks (11) Dream Sky
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	2, 3, 10, 11

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

(9) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN got his one win in February at this class and distance when coming from well off the pace. He then had a poor day at the office at his latest start at class and distance on March 23^rd, when settling back after a slow start and this time not running on, but we’ll draw a line through that and with CC climbing on, he can return to winning ways. (4) JEONGMUN PAPAGO enters having got his maiden win at the eighteenth time of asking at this class and distance in that same race on March 23^rd that Naegilui Captain disappointed in. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result, but he warrants respect. (2) BAEKRYONG remains winless in nine but comes up in class after a few too many near-misses. He is down in the weights, draws nicely, and can measure up in this company. (8) GLORY K and (7) MIGHTY BOM others in the hunt.

Selections	(9) Naegilui Captain (4) Jeongmun Papago (2) Baekryong (8) Glory K
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 6

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

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

The short spring evening race season comes to an end this week with the action kicking off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those. (1) QUEEN OF DRAGON went through two trials in March and April, settling midfield in both and running on well to cross the line 4^th in both in good times. She draws nicely, the 1200M can suit first-up, and if she brings her trial form to the races, she’ll be close. Among the experience, (12) KING DRAGON. He ran an on-pace 5^th on debut over this distance on March 15^th and while he was a fair bit behind the first-three, he should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (9) SHINING MORNING enters off a 3^rd place over 1300M last time out, her bets in six attempts so far. That’s enough to put her in the frame here. (2) GOLDEN NICE and (3) THE GREY MAN other potential improvers.

Selections	(1) Queen Of Dragon (12) King Dragon (9) Shining Morning (2) Golden Nice
Next Best	3, 6
Fast Start	5, 6, 9, 12

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) SKY ARCH has shown improvement across eight starts so far, and she comes in off her best when 2^nd over this distance on April 5^th when settling midfield and running on. She is third-up this preparation and from a good draw, she can go one better here. (5) HYPER FORCE improved to 3^rd at start number two over this distance on March 1^st when racing handy. She looks to have scope for more development and has posted the fastest time of any of these for the 1400M. (7) UNJU LEGEND enters off back-to-back 3^rd place finishes at a mile. An apprentice keeps her weight low, and she should be in the mix again. (9) DIA GRIT and (4) HAERANG JINJU others in the hunt.

Selections	(2) Sky Arch (5) Hyper Force (7) Unju Legend (9) Dia Grit
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	3, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BLUE POINT has quite the name to live up to, but he looks to be figuring things out following a much-improved 2^nd place when stepped up to this distance at start number three on March 17^th. There isn’t much speed in this race so he should get a nice run to the front, and he can win here. The danger is (6) GREAT BOY. He made his first four starts last year recording a best of 4^th but was then off from October until re-appearing on March 15^th. The break seemed to do him some good as he was an improved 2^nd on return at 1300M and can be expected to strip fitter here. (3) MY WAY leaves himself too much to do but may appreciate the step up to the mile for the first time, while (5) NANGMAN DAERO has finished 4^th on each of his last four starts and could well do so again. (9) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG another to consider for the minors.

Selections	(7) Blue Point (6) Great Boy (3) My Way (5) Nangman Daero
Next Best	9, 8
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) HUNTER DRAGON remains a maiden but comes up to this class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two, both over a mile and both times racing on pace. He comes down in the weights, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance of getting off the mark here at what is only his fourth career start.  (6) NALA beat three of these on her way to a close 2^nd at big odds over a mile on March 22^nd when overcoming the widest gate and flying home late. She’ll be at least an each-way price again and could provide some interest. (3) TOP FRIEND ran 5^th in that March 22^nd race having raced on pace. He is a twenty-start maiden but has five 2^nd place finishes and should be in the mix here. (9) STREET ROCK and (5) QUEEN OF JOY others in the placing frame.

Selections	(8) Hunter Dragon (6) Nala (3) Top Friend (9) Street Rock
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 8, 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Pic: KRA)

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

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

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

SBS Sports Sprint – Sprint Series 2nd Leg: Preview & Form Comments

When the four-year-old pair of Raon The Point and Something Lost flashed to the front in the final furlong of the Busan Ilbo Sprint a month ago, it seemed to show a generational change was finally taking place among the one turn elite. At Seoul on Sunday, they have to opportunity to confirm it as a full field of sixteen line up for the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Sprint Series. SEE HERE FOR PREVIEWS OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

At this point it is fair to acknowledge that part of the reason for the generational change is because of the absence of the biggest older star. Raon The Fighter won this race last year before suffering an injury that was confirmed this past to week, to have ended his racing career. But the new set are exciting, nonetheless.

Raon The Point and Something Lost have raced just nine times apiece. The former has won seven and the latter five, but they won’t necessarily come home in the same order as in the Busan Ilbo, when Raon The Point got the better of their late duel by a neck. Something Lost comes into a much better gate this time around, and he will probably start as the market leader.

Don’t rule out the old order striking back. Chief among those of course, is Eoma Eoma, who won this race in 2021 and then went on to claim the big one, the international Korea Sprint in 2022. He had an ordinary 2023 for the most part but came back into form when winning the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M at Busan last November and that provides some hope that he can bounce back from his 5^th place in the Busan Ilbo last month.

The wildcard is Beolmaui Star. He temporarily shot to the top of the sprinting ranks by leading the 2023 Korea Sprint, only being passed by eventual winner, the world class Remake. It’s all gone a bit wrong since though. He missed the start in the Kookje Shinmun and then travelled to the Dubai Carnival where he scarcely featured in two disappointing efforts. He won a trial in fine fashion in March and if the Beolmaui Star of last year’s S   print shows up, he can win.

1. PREEMAX – Has long since lost his form. 9^th over 1400M on season reappearance in February and is a big outsider here.

2. DOCTOR CAESAR – An excellent 3^rd place in the Busan Ilbo having led from gate 1. Draws well again to be on pace and can be in this a long way, although others favoured.

3. SSONSAL – Won the G3 SROA Chairman’s Trophy at this distance here last June but has shown patchy form in three starts since. 6^th in the Busan Ilbo and that would be par here. Regular jockey Da Silva staying in Busan may be a clue.