Big day at Busan tomorrow. Not only are there 15 races from 11:45 to 19:00, the first 11 of those will be distributed through Sky Racing World for wagering in the USA for the very first time. English racecards can be found here and notes on all races for simulcast are below:
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million
| 1. MAY STAR – half brother has won four of eleven so far. Adequate in trials but others favoured first up. |
| 2. QUEEN’S ROYAL – Came through a good trial with experienced racehorses last month. Placing chances. |
| 3. EURO GONGJU – 6th in both starts today and hasn’t shown much in the way of speed. Won’t be favoured. |
| 4. KING’S POWER – Half brother to a lot of very average horses. Trial was average too. Top jockey booking. |
| 5. YEONGHUI SIDAE – Odds-on favourite on debut but just fell short. This Hansen colt should get it right this time. |
| 6. BEOLMA HAMSEONG – Top trainer/jockey combination, especially with 2-year-olds. Nothing special in trials but looked competent enough. |
| 7. ACE DOLPUNG – Cowboy Cal colt who was 5th of 8 on debut on June 30th. Just weakened a bit late on and should improve on that today. |
| 8. YEONGCHEON STAR – 4th on debut on June 30th, ahead of Ace Dolpung. Has to be in the placing frame here. |
Verdict: Hansen’s first Korean crop looks very promising and (5) YEONGHUI SIDAE should be the latest of them to make the breakthrough and get his maiden win here. He fell short when a prohibitive favourite on debut in June but a month on and Thomas Gillespie should have him just right for this. He’s hard to bet against but if we do take him on, it will be with other experienced ones. (8) YEONGCHEON STAR and (7) ACE DOLPUNG ran 4th and 5th on what was a debut for both of them on June 30th and should both be even more competitive here. As for the debut-makers, (6) BEOLMA HAMSEONG looks the most promising at this stage.
| Selections | (5) Yeonghui Sidae (7) Ace Dolpung (8) Yeongcheon Star (6) Beolma Hamseong |
| Next Best | 2, 1 |
| Fast Start | 5 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
| 1. JIRANJIGYO – A promising 4th on debut in May, he struggled at 1300M on reappearance three weeks ago. Can go better dropped back to 1000M today. |
| 2. RUNNING GIRL – Comes in off back to back 3rd places beating a couple of these last time. Strongly in the frame today. Likely pace-setter. |
| 3. FIRST SHINHWA – Debut-maker, he won a trial in July so clearly knows what he’s supposed to do. |
| 4. YES RED – 2nd on debut remains her best finish from six outings. Shouldn’t be too far away but others are likely to be quicker. |
| 5. UICHEONGEOM – Sent back to trial after woeful effort on debut in June. Much improved 5th of 12 on return last month and can match or better that here. |
| 6. SAEROUN STAR – Drops back to the minimum for the first time since debut last November. Could sneak a place but not usually a fast starter. |
| 7. SKY ROCKET – Top trainer and jockey but has seemed to get progressively worse in three outings so far. Consequently, he’s hard to back. |
| 8. YUYUJAJEOK – Only beat one home on debut over 1300M on July 7th. Top stable and could well improve but no convincing case for an investment. |
| 9. HAEDONG YEOGEOL – She’s scraped together the odd bit of prize money here and there, including last start. Can’t see her winning but could get some money again. |
| 10. CHOEGOREULHYANGHAE – Stop-start career to date but looked much improved when running 2nd last start having led for much of the race. Could get close again. |
| 11. YEONGUNG JEWANG – No worse than 5th in five outings to date. No better than 4th for that matter but could get closer here. Usually near to pace although gate 11 isn’t ideal. |
| 12. CHAM HAENGBOKAN – 5th of 9 on latest is her best so far. Has same apprentice on carrying the same light weight and 5th looks a decent aim again.
Verdict: (2) RUNNING GIRL was 6th on debut but has been 3rd on both outings since. True, neither have been quick but she’s not exactly up against an intimidating lot here and beat ac couple of them last time. She’s the one they’ll need to beat today. (10) CHOEGOREULHYANGHAE, much improved last time and (11) YEONGUNG JEWANG look best placed to challenge although both will need to swing across from outside gates to get in a good position. If they can successfully manage that then both have excellent chances. (9) HAEDONG YEOGEOL knows where the minor money is while (5) UICHEONGEOM seems to be figuring things out too and both have placing claims. |
| Selections | (2) Running Girl (11) Yeongung Jewang (10) Choegoreulhyanghae (9) Haedong Yeogeol |
| Next Best | 5, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 10 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
| 1. STAR LINE – Eleven months between his debut and his second start. He did ok too on return, finishing 4th of 10 at this distance. Two months off since and can match that 4th. |
| 2. BUSAN BOLT – Landed a couple of 5th place finishes back in the Spring and appeared to be figuring things out. That appearance has subsequently proved incorrect. |
| 3. SUPER WINGS – 4th of 11 last time having made the early running over 1300M. Always seems to weaken and despite the step back to 1000M will be an outsider. |
| 4. OKDAN YEOGEOL – Got her second 4th from five starts last time and could match here. |
| 5. HOMERUN BALL – Offered little in three outings spread across six months so far. |
| 6. CONTADOR – Debut-maker from the Peter Wolsley stable. Looked good in two trials and could well be favourite first up here even though stable’s first choice jockey isn’t on. |
| 7. CONFIDENTIAL – Sports the famous Yoshida colours. He’s raced twice so far and has run in a 6th and a 5th. Improvement is possible although neither were especially impressive. |
| 8. JJANGSUNI – Last of 12 on debut a month ago, the only way is up. Though not up to the betting window for this one just yet. |
| 9. GYEONGYEONHANJILJU – Has shown a bit of speed across her four efforts to date. Not impossible. |
| 10. PINK BLUE – Debut-maker who was less than impressive in trials and doesn’t make for an attractive proposition first up. |
| 11. ATOMIJI – Beaten a few of these in recent starts. Top trainer and jockey combination and should get close. |
| 12. MOST POPULAR – Offered little on debut but was clearly not ready and upon return in June was much better. 3rd and 2nd since and a win is surely not too far away. Gate an issue.
Verdict: (6) CONTADOR is named after a Tour de France winner and he could well be wearing the figurative yellow jersey at the end of his debut-outing here. He looked good in trials and while the usual first choice for his stable, Jo Sung Gon, rides another, he is the pick. That other one is (11) ATOMIJI who along with (12) MOST POPULAR, can overcome outside gates to come close here. Plenty of others are in the frame in what is a competitive maiden with (9) GYEONGYEONHANJILJU and (1) STAR LINE also worthy of consideration. |
| Selections | (6) Contador (11) Atomiji (12) Most Popular (9) Gyeongyeonhanjilju |
| Next Best | 1, 7 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 9 |
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
| 1. HAESEONG SPEED – Beaten by Huimagnui Norae in each of her two latest underwhelming efforts, she’s an outsider here. |
| 2. DAL GEURIDA – 3rd of 11 at this distance on debut. The only question mark is that it was all the way back in April. She seems in fine condition though and will be favourite. |
| 3. NEUTRON – Distinctly average in three outings so far. No reason why that should change here. |
| 4. NEW HAPPY DAY – No worse than 6th in any of her last eight tries. That record should continue here but so should the one where she hasn’t finished any better than 3rd. |
| 5. MACH KAISERIN – Got a career best 2nd in June but has struggled in two tries since. Top jockey in the saddle today and she will have backers. |
| 6. K O BARAM – Latest five have all been at a mile with a 2nd among them. Today may well suit.. |
| 7. MANNAMUI SIJAK – Two races, two 6th place finishes. Should beat a few again but others likely to be quicker. |
| 8. JIBONG YEONGUNG – Yet to score after 21 attempts and that most likely won’t change here. Occasionally sneaks some minor money. |
| 9. BEONKWAE JANGGUN – Best from five goes so far is a 2nd. Latest two have been less than impressive but could go well here in weak contest. |
| 10. WILD COP – Well back in latest outings, both time beaten by ones who also go here. |
| 11. HUIMANGUI NORAE – Only beat one home in tougher company than this last time. Can look for minor money. |
| 12. CHOEGANG VICAR – 7th, ahead of Wild Cop last time. Should beat a few.
Verdict: This is not a strong race so despite there being three months since his debut 3rd place, (2) DAL GEURIDA is a strong favourite to score. The rest are all going to need to show a significant uptick in form as none of them can boast a finish better than 6th in their most recent outings. (4) NEW HAPPY DAY and (6) K O BARAM know how to place though and should be involved likewise (5) MACH KAISERIN and (9) BEONKWAE JANGGUN have also gone close in the past. |
| Selections | (2) Dal Geurida (5) Mach Kaiserin (9) Beonkwae Janggun (4) New Happy Day |
| Next Best | 6, 11 |
| Fast Start | 5, 9 |
Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / 40 Million
| 1. GOLDEN KINGS – 4th last time behind Swag. That was an improvement on recent efforts so something to build on here. |
| 2. ISIDAE YEONGGWANG – Only runs at this distance, but is yet to win in 22 starts and probably won’t here either. |
| 3. QUEEN MEDIA – She was promoted to this level despite not winning. Had a hard time on first attempt at it on June 30th and is an outsider here too. |
| 4. MERLIN NEWS – Filly has very much found her level. Should beat a few and may even sneak into 5th, but that’s about it. |
| 5. PERFECT DIVA – Despite not winning, she’s come too close too many times at class 6 and finds herself up here. Won’t be easy. |
| 6. KOREA HUNTER – 2nd at class of distance at odds approaching 65.1 on July 7th and 5th on reappearance two weeks ago. Not among favourites but could go close. |
| 7. GEUMBIT GONGJU – Got promoted following consecutive 2nd place finishes. 4th on first try at this level a month ago and in the frame today. Should be on pace early. |
| 8. BUYEONG TOWER – Yet to win in 22 but stepped back to this distance last time and was a much improved 2nd. Can place again. |
| 9. WOLHADOKJAK – His one win came at 1300M but this seems his best distance. Close in all recent efforts, this could be his day. |
| 10. DANCER – Improved 5th last time but still plenty to find. |
| 11. MAKING SEUNGNI – Comfortable winner on debut in May. First start since then and up in class. Bit of a wildcard. |
| 12. SWAG – Struggled on first start at this level but close in two since then and not without claims today.
Verdict: Really competitive race this with a number in the frame. We’ll go with (9) WOLHADOKJAK, consistently close in recent efforts to seal the deal this time. (7) GEUMBIT GONGJU was surprisingly beaten by (6) KOREA HUNTER last time but can overturn that form today while (12) SWAG and (8) BUYEONG TOWER look to be the other main contenders. |
| Selections | (9) Wolhadokjak (12) Swag (8) Buyeong Tower (7) Geumbit Gongju |
| Next Best | 11, 1 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 7, 12 |
Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. GOLD RUSH – 7th on both tries at this level since maiden win in April. |
| 2. U S MAN – Six goes at this class since becoming one of the first imported horses to be relegated from class 4. Not looking any closer to a win. |
| 3. SUN LAZER – Bit of a case of second-it is with four runner-up finishes from eight starts so far including both tries at this level. Can get close again. |
| 4. RISING AGAIN – Still seeking that first win but up in class following second runner-up finish last time. Should be competitive. |
| 5. BIJANGUI MUGI – Win on debut in June but could only manage 7th of 11 on first try at this class last month. Won’t be among the top fancies today. |
| 6. YEONGCHEON HERO – Winner on debut over 1000M on July 7th. Up in class and in distance here . Should be on speed early and can go well. |
| 7. DORAON GUNHAM – 3rd in latest two at this class and distance, close both times. Could be his day. |
| 8. JEOKDOUI HWASIN – Not far away in her latest few. Always find one or two too quick and likely will again. |
| 9. YEOKJEONUI GIHOE – 2nd on first try at class and distance on July 9th. With a good start, he has an excellent chance here. |
| 10. NEW TREND – Up in class following maiden win in weak race at this distance in June. Probably wants further eventually and will need to find plenty here. |
| 11. MAKGANG JILJU – Comes in off back to back 5ths and that would be a good result today. |
| 12. ECTON BLADE – Made all to win on debut on June 23rd. Up in class and distance today but is from the top stable and despite the draw, he will be backed. |
Verdict: (7) DORAON GUNHAM gets the nod here. He’ll set up camp just behind any early lead and could well be too strong in the closing stages. That early speed is likely to be set by (3) SUN LAZER and (9) YEOKJEONUI GIHOE, both of whom have claims too while the up in class (12) ECTON BALDE, a winner on debut, also looks promising.
| Selections | (7) Doraon Gunham (9) Yeokjeonui Gihoe (3) Sun Lazer (12) Ecton Blade |
| Next Best | 6, 4 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 9, 12 |
Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. LADY CHARTERED – Never one to completely rule out of finding some minor money but she looks up against it here. |
| 2. TWO TWO KINGDOM – 4th, a half length behind Taegwon Champ in tight finish at class and distance last time. Tougher ask today. |
| 3. VEGA KHAN – Should really have won last time over a mile but another crept up unnoticed on the inside to snatch it. Chances again. |
| 4. TAEGWON CHAMP – Beat Two Two Kingdom by half a length last time when running 3rd at the distance. Tougher race today. |
| 5. FIRST KING – Strong 2nd place last time at this distance having led most of the way. Just beaten a head on the line. Could win this. |
| 6. MISS HERO – 5th behind First King last start and that would be a decent result today. |
| 7. CHOEGANG DRIVER – Hasn’t run since an improved 4th place ahead of First King in June. Can match that here. |
| 8. ZEKI FILA – First start since March. Trialed up impressively a couple of weeks ago and looks in the frame first-up here. |
| 9. UJU JEONGBEOL – Hasn’t found things easy at this class. |
| 10. MYEONGSIN POWER – Up in class following maiden win over this distance on June 30th. Plenty to find but not impossible. |
| 11. MUNHWA DAERO – Creditable enough 5th of 10 on first attempt at this class last month. That would be a good result again today. |
| 12. JOYFUL STORY – 4th behind First King a month ago was a big improvement. Could surprise.
Verdict: A couple of standouts in a decent contest. Bart Rice’s (5) FIRST KING comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd within the last month, just beaten a head on the line last time and has every chance of getting it done today. He’s the top choice but the returning (8) ZEKI FILA also looks in with a shout. He impressed in three starts early in the year and trialed up very well a couple of weeks ago. The rest are competitive too with (3) VEGA KHAN, who should have won last time, (7) CHOEGANG DRIVER and (10) MYEONGSIN POWER looking the most likely |
| Selections | (5) First King (8) Zeki Fila (3) Vega Khan (10) Myeongsin Power |
| Next Best | 7, 12 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 8 |
Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 55 Million
| 1. KKEOJIJI ANNEUN – Offered little in two starts. Not backable yet. |
| 2. SEUNGJEONPILSA – Last of seven on latest and doesn’t look a contender here. |
| 3. YEONGGWANGUI PARK – Second win came over 1200M at the beginning of July. Didn’t quicken when 6th of 10 last start but can improve today. |
| 4. SUPER JJANGJJANGI – Keeps threatening another win and rarely misses the money. Should find that money again today. |
| 5. CHODONG SKY – The one to beat. 2nd over this distance on first class 5 outing on June 25th, he should be on speed early and can make all. |
| 6. RETURN OF THE KING – Yet to score in six, he has two 3rd places at this distance and can match those today. |
| 7. TOKYO BLUE – Well backed in all five outings so far but yet to make the breakthrough. Last time was his best with a 2nd place. Will be backed again but may have to settle for 2nd again. |
| 8. CINNADAR – Returned from eleven months out on July 2nd to run 5th of 12. Wasn’t backed that day and probably won’t be this time either but could compete. |
| 9. YEONGWON CHUKJE – Top jockey booking but recent form is cold\ and is accordingly, down in class today. |
| 10. YEONGGWANGUICHUBOK – Capable of finding the money at class and distance. |
| 11. DAEHOYEOJANGGUN – Dropped back to 1000M last time and finished a solid 3rd ahead of Yeonseung Jilju. Could sneak minor money here. |
| 12. YEONSEUNG JILJU – 5th behind Daehoyeojanggun over 1000M last time. Could match that here.
Verdict: (5) CHODONG SKY has shown plenty of promise over his five outings to date and was second on his first try at class and distance last time. He can get an early lead here and go all the way. (7) TOKYO BLUE will surely get a maiden win eventually but keeps on running into one or two too quick and that could well happen again here. (3) YEONGGWANGUI PARK and (4) SUPER JJANGJJANGI are more than capable of finding the money. |
| Selections | (5) Chodong Sky (7) Tokyo Blue (3) Yeonggwangui Park (4) Super Jjangjjangi |
| Next Best | 6, 12 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 7, 9 |
Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 55 Million
| 1. MACHO MYEONGUN – 5th behind Geumte last time. Should find at least minor money again. |
| 2. HAPPY SOUND – Not impressed in latest few. Plenty to find. |
| 3. YUSEONG VICTORY – Struggled in three starts at this level since class 5 win in May. |
| 4. FOUR STAR – Just the solitary win from 24 attempts but landed a solid 2nd having led for much of the way last time over this distance a month ago. Placing chances again. |
| 5. SECRET ROSE– Ran ok a couple of times at the end of last year but has offered very little this term. |
| 6. VICTORY BROWN – Disappointing 6th when favourite last time. If she can get on the early speed, she can win. |
| 7. SUPER EAGLE – Generally beats a few and top jockey booking but you’d have to have him down as an outsider here. |
| 8. BUGYEONG DOLPUNG – Latest three have been at 1000M although there’s little to suggest the slight step up will benefit. |
| 9. FIVEFOLD – Three runs, three wins. Latest was at this class. More weight today but he should return with his 100% record intact. |
| 10. GEUMTE – Three-length win over this distance in June saw him promoted to this level. 2nd, well back behind a good winner on first try at the level last time. A chance. |
Verdict: (9) FIVEFOLD is three for three and Bart Rice’s colt has every chance of returning home four for four after this. He may not lead right from the gate but should be on pace reasonably quickly and should go on to have too much. The in-form (10) GEUMTE looks the main danger and will also look to get off to a fast start while (4) FOUR STAR and (6) VICTORY BROWN can also mount challenges.
| Selections | (9) Fivefold (10) Geumte (4) Four Star (6) Victory Brown |
| Next Best | 1, 2 |
| Fast Start | 6, 8, 10 |
Race 10: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 55 Million
| 1. HIDDEN CHOICE – 2nd ahead of Jijang on latest start and has placing chances once more. |
| 2. DEVIL KING – Has struggled in recent starts and won’t be backed today. |
| 3. LUCKY BLESSING – Yet to win in eleven but keeps coming close. 3rd to Lucky Nova last time and while he’s unlikely to beat that one today, he could well get closest. |
| 4. LUCKY NOVA – He’s won his last three and looks too good for this lot. First try at the distance but he’ll be on pace early and really should win. Odds-on favourite. |
| 5. JUNGANG SINHWA – Put in a couple of god runs over a mile in May. Beaten by Jijang latest but comes in following 8 weeks off to make an interesting outsider. |
| 6. TARIAT MACHO – Yet to score in 12. Opened his year with back to back 3rds in April and May but struggled last start. |
| 7. BAROGA – Never too far away. Unlikely to win in this company but could sneak some minor money. |
| 8. LUCKY HANMA – Has only raced twice this year but recorded a win to get promoted to this level in May and then a good 2nd place in June. One of the dangers. |
| 9. JIJANG – 5th behind Hidden Choice last start and a bit to find today. |
| 10. B.K. PARK – Solid 3rd place finish last time coming from well off the pace to finish strongly. Could match here. |
| 11. GANGHO IRON – Recent form doesn’t inspire. |
| 12. GANGJA DAERO – Not much solace to take from recent outings.
Verdict: (4) LUCKY NOVA was 2nd on debut in May but has gone on to win three in a row since and he should have far too much for this otherwise ordinary looking class 4 field. There are three “luckys” in this race and another one of them (3) LUCKY BLESSING was 3rd behind Lucky Nova last time and looks to have the strongest claims on 2nd this time although he will have competition from the other one, (8) LUCKY HANMA and also from (10) B.K. PARK. |
| Selections | (4) Lucky Nova (3) Lucky Blessing (8) Lucky Hanma (10) B.K. Park |
| Next Best | 1, 5 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 8, 9 |
Race 11: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 55 Million
| 1. KWAEDO SINHWA – Bit disappointing when favourite last time but should be in the placing frame here. |
| 2. ONLY BLUE – Began the year with consecutive 3rd place finishes which got her up to this level. Not been easy since. |
| 3. BOUND QUEENS – Surprise 2nd place in decent race ahead of Winning Gili in May proved she is capable at this level but she struggled on reappearance last month. |
| 4. CHALLAUI JUIN – Decent filly who should be competitive in this company. 6th of 12 in tough race last start. |
| 5. YEONGGWANGUISINHWA – Offered little in recent efforts. |
| 6. BLUE TIME – She’s raced in some decent contests and comes in following an encouraging 5th of 12 on good race at 1400M last time. Can match or better that here. |
| 7. INDIAN PARK – Gone very cold lately. Big outsider. |
| 8. VALKYRIE – Comes in off back to back 4ths. Repeat not impossible but anything better a tough ask. |
| 9. WINNING GIL – Usually not too far away. Should look to match or better the 4th she scored three weeks ago. |
| 10. UJU STAR – Hot favourite. She was 4th in the Korean Oaks and then went to Seoul for the final leg of the Triple Crown three weeks ago. She was overmatched there but today she is the one who looks too good. Should win easily. |
Verdict: Just fillies and mares here and (10) UJU STAR, 4th in the Korean Oaks in June looks way ahead of these and should be way ahead at the finish too. (1) KWAEDO SINHWA and (4) CHALLAUI JUIN can make a race of it while (9) WINNING GILI goes well on her day too but it’s hard to see anything stopping the favourite.
| Selections | (10) Uju Star (1) Kwaedo Sinhwa (4) Challaui Juin (9) Winning Gili |
| Next Best | 6, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 6, 10 |
Race 12: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
| 1. KING THE GRAY – 4th in the June 30th race behind Great King and Seongsan Paecheong when totally unfancied and can match that here. |
| 2. MORNING KOREA – 5th on June 30th when 3rd in the betting. 4th the time before that and can get close again. |
| 3. GREAT KING – The best of those who raced on June 30th, finishing 2nd, almost a length ahead of the overachieving Seongsan Paecheong. Solid claims today. |
| 4. DASEOT ME – Didn’t go well on June 30th but has performed at class and distance before and could surprise a few. |
| 5. SEONGSAN PAECHONG – Outperformed expectations to run 3rd on June 30th. He’s run once since then and returned to business as usual. |
| 6. FIELD SCAMPER – Last on June 30th and only beat one home in a subsequent outing two weeks ago. |
| 7. SAMJEONG AGAIN – The only one of these who didn’t run on June 30th. That’s because he is up in class today following three straight wins. First try at the distance too, he could well win. |
Verdict: Six of the seven faced each other at class and distance on June 30th and (3) GREAT KING ran to form finishing 2nd to the very good Open The Sky. It’s form that he can confirm here by beating the other five once more. Those five aren’t necessarily the biggest danger though. Instead, that’s the one who didn’t race that day, (7) SAMJEONG AGAIN. He’s won four of five so far and while he is up in both class and distance today, he has won at a mile in the past. It should be a good contest. (2) MORNING KOREA and (1) KING THE GRAY best of the rest.
| Selections | (3) Great King (7) Samjeong Again (2) Morning Korea (1) King The Gray |
| Next Best | 5, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3 |
Horse Racing in Korea 