Jeulgeounyeojeong set for Triple Tiara sweep
Just as Golden Power did in 2022, Jeulgeounyeojeong has been getting progressively stronger. She only narrowly held off a fast-finishing Raon Forest to win the Luna Stakes over a mile but was a comprehensive winner of the Korean Oaks at 1 1⁄8 m, finishing a full four-lengths in front of the same filly. Franco Da Silva, who only picked up the ride on the morning of the Luna after intended jockey Seo Seung-un suffered a trackwork injury, remains aboard the Colors Flying filly as she steps up to 1 1⁄4 m and the pair will be short-priced favourites to complete the sweep.
Having run 2nd in both Luna and Oaks, Raon Forest is the probable second-favourite and can emulate stablemate Raon The Spurt, who placed in all three legs of last year's Tiara without winning one (although she has gone on to have a significantly more productive career than Golden Power). Lim Gi-won partners the grey and a reversal of form is not impossible but there are other contenders too.
The breakout performance in the Oaks came from Wonderful Slew . The Luigi Riccardi-trained Purge filly closed brilliantly for an eye-catching 3rd place and the step up to 1 1⁄4 m is an intriguing prospect. Anotnio Da Silva, who piloted her in Busan, will ride once more.
Raon Giant ran 4th in the Luna Stakes but missed the Oaks in order to tackle the Korean Derby a week later. Things didn't go to plan as having used up plenty of energy to get to a forward position from a wide gate, she weakened badly in the home straight. She has undoubted ability, but the draw has done her no favours again.
Jeomsuni GO and Doctor Oscar who ran 4th and 5th respectively in the Oaks having both made up plenty of ground late may also come into the equation. Both draw better gates this time and with the final furlong an unknown for every filly in the race, are not to be dismissed.
Like the Minister's Cup, next week's final leg of the Triple Crown, the Gyeonggi Governor's Cup is being run on a Saturday with a 7.30pm post time.
Selections: Jeulgeounyeojeong (12) Wonderful Slew (10) Raon Forest Taurus Queen
