Racing
Luna winner Fantastic Value faces unbeaten Oneuldo Smile in Korean Oaks
Two out of the past three years have seen a single filly sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara and on Sunday Fantastic Value can go one step closer to emulating Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 by winning the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan.
That the three-year-old Korean bred filly division isn't a very deep one is reflected in only ten going to face the starter, one of which is a maiden with a rating of just twenty-six. FANTASTIC VALUE had little trouble seeing off her rivals in the opening jewel of the Tiara, the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at the end of March, when she pulled away in the home straight to win by five-lengths.
With that Luna triumph, the Lim Keum-man trained Fantastic Value moved onto four wins from nine starts and has experience of the 1800M Oaks distance having run 4th over it at class 4 level prior to her Tiara 1st leg score.
All first four home in the Luna return for another go in the Oaks, but the most fascinating runner is a newcomer to the Tiara trail. ONEULDO SMILE debuted as a juvenile last August and won but then got injured and didn't reappear until this January. She has since won three on the spin, most recently a fourteen-length romp at Class 4 level on March 23rd.
CC Wong rides Oneuldo Smile for the first time and while she has never been further than 1200M, the daughter of Federalist looks an enticing prospect.
1. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – Ran 3rd in the Luna from a wide draw. A winner and runner-up in two tries at 1800M both at class 5 level puts her ahead of most of these. In the frame.
2. TEAM SURPRISE – Yet to win in eleven and that probably won't change here but does have nine top five finishes. First try at further than 1400M can suit, but minor money chance only.
3. ONEULDO SMILE – Four for four most recently a fourteen-length cruise at class 4 level, leading all the way. The only question is the trip as she has never been further than 1200M, but breeding suggests that shouldn't be an issue, if she is ready.
4. CATCH THE DREAM – Won at class 5 level and most recently was 2nd over 1400M at class 4 but has struggled at a mile. Regular rider Seo Seung-un, unsurprisingly, gets on Fantastic Value. Minor money chance.
5. FLYING MENACE – Came from off the pace for a narrow win over a mile at class 5 level on March 21st. Well back behind Lime Tree in January. Additional trip can suit but plenty to find.
6. RISING MO – Came from a long way back to run 2nd in the Luna Stakes. Has mixed her form but ridden patiently, she can be a danger late on and run into some money again.
7. FANTASTIC VALUE – Dominant five-length winner of the Luna, striking the front with just over a furling to run and pulling away. Previously 4th at this distance at class 3 level, her proven body of work is superior to the rest, and she must go on top.
8. TOHAMSAN TAEYANG – Still a maiden though does have experience of the distance with a 4th at class 5 level being the best from two tries. Outsider, although jockey booking means she will have supporters.
9. LIME TREE – A winner at a mile at class 4 level and then 4th in the Luna, coming from off the pace. Additional trip may suit, and she is at least a place chance. Stablemate of Fantastic Value.
10. FLASH RUN – Sole win was in a maiden over 1300M and was most recently 2nd at the same distance at class 5. Big step up in trip and opposition so an outsider but may lead and top jockey.
| Selections | (7) Fantastic Value (3) Oneuldo Smile (6) Rising Mo (1) Boryeonglightqueen |
| Next Best | 4, 9 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 7, 10 |
Check out our FREE full form, ratings for meetings in nine countries each and every day.