The Grade 2 Minister’s Cup will conclude the Korean Triple Crown on June 7 at Seoul racecourse. The 2,000-meter race carries a purse of 700 million won (about S$581,000) and will feature a competitive field of 16 runners [1, 2].
Funny Wild, a Bayern colt trained by Choi Ki-hong, is the likely favorite. He has four wins this season, including the KRA Cup Mile, and finished third in the Korean Derby, starting from gate 14. For the Minister’s Cup, Funny Wild has drawn barrier 6, which could offer a tactical advantage for early positioning and race control [1, 2].
Hwang Geum Eo Jang, who won May’s Classic race, was withdrawn from the Minister’s Cup after a workout problem on June 3, removing a potential contender from the field [1, 2].
Other notable contenders include Fantastic Force, trained by Lim Keum-man and ridden by Francisco da Silva. Fantastic Force placed second in the Korean Derby and fifth in the KRA Cup Mile but has only one career win. He may show improvement over the longer 10-furlong distance of the Minister’s Cup [1, 2].
King Master, trained by Lee Dong-kook, did not run in the KRA Cup Mile but finished fourth in the Derby. He has prior wins over 1,800 and 1,900 meters and looks to be a strong challenger [1, 2].
Mr. Taeyang, drawn in barrier 3 and trained by Moon Byeong-ki, is coming into good form. He previously won at 1,800 meters and recently ran second to King Master, signaling readiness for a bigger race [1, 2].
Clutch Magic, trained by Luigi Riccardi, won a Class 4 race over 1,700 meters on May 2. Although absent from the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby, Clutch Magic remains in contention for a top finish [1, 2].
The Minister’s Cup race will take place on June 7, where these 16 runners will vie for victory over the 2,000-meter distance at Seoul racecourse [1, 2].