Eclipse Berry, Baekduui Kkum head big field in Triple Tiara opener Sunday

The 2024 Triple Tiara series gets underway at Busan on Sunday as a full field of sixteen three-year-old fillies prepare to face the starter in the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-Listed).

Both of the last two years have seen fillies sweep all three jewels in the Tiara, with Golden Power’s 2022 exploits being matched by Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023. The latter confirmed her status as the top filly or mare in the nation with her win in the opening leg of the Queens’ Tour, the Donga Ilbo Trophy. After Sunday’s Luna, a race named after Busan’s first champion filly, the second leg of the series is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on May 5^th, before moving to Seoul for the finale, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) on June 9^th.

The home track and the capital have equal representation in the Luna with right Seoul-trained fillies traveling down to contend with eight based at Busan. Among the raiders, GEOLJAK ONE and ECLIPSE BERRY look the best, having come home 1^st and 2^nd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) in early December. The latter went on to win very easily over 1800M at class 3 level last month and under Moon Se-young, is set to start favourite.

Busan’s champion juvenile filly last term was BAEKDUUI KKUM, who comfortably scored in the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo (1200M KOR-Listed). Her only appearance of 2024 so far was a somewhat underwhelming 6^th of eleven over this distance at class 3 level but it was a strong and quick race, and she can be better today. Franco Da Silva, who enjoyed a golden 2023 and on Friday reached the milestone of 400 winners in Korea, rides.

Others expected to feature prominently in the market are GLOBAL TAEYANG  and PERFECT ACTION from Busan, along with another Seoul raider, WONPYEONG LIST.

The Luna Stakes is race 5 on the 6-race Sunday card at Busan. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul on Sunday:

1. SEONGSIL DAERO – Made all to win over 1300M at class 5 level on February 18^th. Draws well so expect to be on pace but this is much tougher.
2. HUIMANG CANDY – One of just four to have won at this distance which she did at class 5 level on February 18^th.
3. PERFECT ACTION – Two-time winner at class 4 including at this distance and runner-up to Baekduui Kkum in in the DoMin Ilbo. Not impossible.
4. FLYING STAR – Midfield finishes in Seoul’s juvenile Listed races last autumn, but she enters having won at a mile at class 4 level on February 17^th. Minor money chance.
5. POCKET MILLION – Has won up to class 5 level and 1300M and placed at class 4 over 1200M. Draws well and will be on pace and top trainer/jockey combination but others favoured.
6. WONPYEONG LIST – 3^rd in Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy and has since won twice up to class 3 level and 1400M. Tactically versatile and solid place chance.
7. SEIRENE – Yet to win in seven attempts although has placed five times up to 1700M and class 5. Tough ask here.
8. BAEKDUUI KKUM – 3^rd behind the boys in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy before dispatching her fellow fillies with ease in the DoMin Ilbo. Only 6^th of eleven when stepped up to a mile at class 3 level in January but the time was quick and today is the target. Big chance.
9. STARTER – Winner of three from four with her only defeat being when well back in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy. Last start winner at class 4 over 1400M. Should be on pace and still getting better. Minor money chance.
10. GLADIUS – Also ran in the Gwancheon Mayor’s buy a class 5 winner over 1400M, making all, in January. Plenty to find here.
11. ECLIPSE BERRY – Runner-up in the Munhwa Ilbo and the Gwacheon Mayor’s before winning twice to start this year, most recently and eye-catching romp over 1800M at class 3 level, leading all the way. On that form she is a winning chance here.
12. FLYING RACER – Winner on debut and yet to finish outside the top-four in four starts. 3^rd behind Huimang Candy last time out so has form to overturn.
13. DOCTOR RICH – Got her win making all over 1300M at class 5 level but was well back in the DoMin Ilbo and last start was 3^rd at 1400M. This is tough.
14. GEOLJAK ONE – Beat most of Seoul’s contingent here when winning the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy and started this year 3^rd behind Nice Time in the capital’s Classic Trial. Likes to settle midfield and come from off the pace and is a live contender.
15. BANG BANG BANG – Won her first two to move rapidly up to class 4 and while well back at that level over a mile on February 25^th, she can improve. Many others favoured here though.
16. GLOBAL TAEYANG – Midfield in the G2 Breeders’ Cup against the boys in December was followed by a good win at this distance at class 4 level on January 28^th. Has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and can be a real danger, despite the wide gate. Chance.

Author: Melissa