Big 15-race card at Seoul on Saturday. Race 1 is at 14:00 and Race 15 at 21:00. Full preview below:
Playtime’s over. Moon Se Young is back in town 9Pic: Ross Holburt)
Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
| 1. MINDEULRE CHUKJE – Best of 5th from six outings. |
| 2. YAHO WORLD STAR – 8th on both tries so far. Showed prominently last start but weakened. |
| 3. HWANGGEUM YEONMOT – Improved 4th ahead of Kaiser Queen on latest start at odds of 120/1. May be shorter today but still others favoured. |
| 4. KAISER QUEEN – Beaten by Hwanggeum Yeonmeot in early July but recovered two weeks ago to run 3rd of 11 in wet conditions. Chance today. |
| 5. NOBLE QUEEN – Well backed on debut following winning trial but came last after stumbling out of the gate. Three months off since and fresh start today. |
| 6. CUPID DATE – Took a while to qualify and then only beat two on debut a month ago. |
| 7. BEST DOLPUNG – Average trial followed by average debut last month. |
| 8. SHARK KING – Just second start for this 5-year-old. Raced once last autumn – came last. Trialed up ok but a total wildcard here. |
| 9. HONEY BAROWS – About time this one won. Has had a couple of hard luck stories and also just run badly a couple of times but can put things right here. |
| 10. DUAL CHOEGANG – Has been steadily improving. 4th last time over 1000M and can continue to progress today.
Verdict: Pretty competitive opener with (4) KAISER QUEEN and (9) HONEY BAROWS the top picks. Both have been close but inconsistent and we’ll go with the latter to step up here. (3) HWANGGEUM YEONMOT defied lengthy odds last time to improve and could maintain that here while (10) DUAL CHOEGANG looks best of the rest. |
| Selections | (9) Honey Barows (4) Kaiser Queen (3) Hwanggeum Yeonmot (10) Dual Choegang |
| Next Best | 5, 1 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 4, 9 |
Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
| 1. NANGMAN STAR – Not beaten many across five starts so far. |
| 2. POWER KOREA – Did put in one decent performance in April but has so far been sent back to trial three times for being slow. Handle with care. |
| 3. ROYAL ACE – Looked average in three outings last summer. Returned in July and looked average once more but crucially did beat a couple of these. |
| 4. BICHEON OGONG – 10th in both starts so far. Wasn’t quite as slow on the second occasion. |
| 5. HIGH STAR – 7th behind Pyewol Suhwa last start. 3rd and 4th before that which could be matched in this company. |
| 6. PYEWOL SUHWA – Comes in following consecutive 3rd place finishes. Looks the one to beat here. |
| 7. ACE TROPHY – Raced twice last autumn and showed a bit of promise. Not seen since but trialed up ok. |
| 8. BULSA BULPAE – The sole debut-maker in the field. Nothing special in trials and watching brief first-up. |
| 9. DUSON EYE – 5th of 11 on debut but hasn’t really pushed on since. 8th behind Royal Ace and ahead of Bicheon Ogong last time out. |
| 10. MACHO ON CIRCLE – Last both times so far.
Verdict: Hard to look past (6) PYEWOL SUHWA who comes in after back to back 3rd place finishes in reasonable company and should have too much. (5) HIGH STAR didn’t go especially well last time but can recover here while (7) ACE TROPHY and (9) DUSON EYE are others who could potentially step up. |
| Selections | (6) Pyewol Suhwa (5) High Star (7) Ace Trophy (9) Duson Eye |
| Next Best | 3 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 9 |
Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
| 1. PALDO DAERO – Beat a couple of these in trials. |
| 2. ARGO GALLOPER – Trialed up behind Royal Boksuni. Not favoured first-up. |
| 3. GOODCHOICE – Went through a couple of trials but despite the jockey booking, won’t be hugely fancied. |
| 4. LUCKY FACTORY – Average in trials. Not favoured here. |
| 5. P.K. TIME – Won a trial by 12-lengths and will be backed today. |
| 6. GOLDEN RUNNER – 3rd in her trial but it wasn’t quick. |
| 7. GEUMEUN JUOK – Has raced before beating a few each time. Can improve here. |
| 8. SEOURI BYEOL – 2nd in her trial but others favoured. |
| 9. ROYAL BOKSUNI – Quickest time in trials, winning her heat comfortably |
| 10. OKAY QUEEN – 2nd on debut in reasonably quick race on July 1st. Strong chance here. |
| 11. GEOBOOGI MANSE – Anonymous in trials. Stable in good form though.
Verdict: This one is restricted to two-year-olds, hence the enhanced prize money. Eight of the eleven line up for the very first time but we’ll go with experience and (10) OKAY QUEEN’s performance on debut when she ran 2nd at this distance is enough to put her on top. (5) P.K. TIME and (9) ROYAL BOKSUNI both won their trials by emphatic margins and will have plenty of supporters first-up while (1) PALDO DAERO is the other first-timer who looks to have potential. |
| Selections | (10) Okay Queen (9) Royal Boksuni (5) P.K. Time (1) Paldo Daero |
| Next Best | 7, 11 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 5, 9 |
Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
| 1. LOVELY DAY – Yet to win in fourteen but a decent 3rd last time which could be repeated. Drops back to the minimum distance for the first time for a long time. |
| 2. SHARP DREAM – Managed back to back 3rd places at 1300M in May and June. Struggled last time out, weakening. Drops back in trip today. |
| 3. MAGGIEUI CHUEOG – 3rd on debut all the way back last September but never built on that. 6th of 11 last time on only previous start at more than 1000M |
| 4. IDAERO – Just too slow. Never better than 7th and there were only 9 runners that day. |
| 5. SHAR NAO – Got ordered back to trial after dreadful debut in March. Has done better in two starts since returning, finishing 6th both times. |
| 6. NINER TIME – Best in six starts so far is a 5th place back in May. 8th of 10 at this distance last time. |
| 7. HARD PRINCESS – Debut-maker. She was 2nd in her trial and this is a nice race to debut in. |
| 8. ILDEUNG YEOGEOL – Best is a 2nd at this distance in May. Struggled in latest two in slightly tougher company. Jockey booking will tempt plenty – Moon Se Young is back in Korea. |
| 9. GOLD SEUTAK – 4th of 11 on latest start a month ago is her best to date. Didn’t go great on previous try at this distance but perhaps worth another chance here. |
| 10. WIND POWER – Solid 3rd place on sloppy track at this distance last start. Has to be considered today.
Verdict: Fillies only here and it is really not a strong race. Because of that, almost any of these could take it. On form, (1) LOVELY DAY and (5) SHAR NAO look to be the improvers and we’ll put them on top along with (10) WIND POWER, who also showed some development last time. (2) SHARP DREAM and (8) ILDEUNG YEOGEOL have also proven not entirely hapless in the past and could figure. |
| Selections | (10) Wind Power (5) Shar Nao (1) Lovely Day (2) Sharp Dream |
| Next Best | 8, 9 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 5 |
Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. SSEN CHAMPION – Debuted on 2014 but has only raced six times. Maiden win was in June. Jumped awkwardly on first try at this level on July 9th. Worth another chance today. |
| 2. GEUMTUSA – Yet to win in six but has finished runner-up on no fewer than three occasions beating a couple of these last time. Should be close again. |
| 3. PERFECT LOVER – Beat both K Mountain and Ssen Champion, the latter having excuses, when 6th last time out. Could sneak some money. |
| 4. GOLDEN VASCAR – Katsumi Yoshida’s colt was a winner at this class over 1200M in May. Struggled on re-appearance at this distance last month but not impossible here. |
| 5. GONSEOL – Did manage a surprise 4th at this distance in April but reverted to type on return last month. |
| 6. SAEROUNSIN – She makes her 69th career start today. She’s not lost a yard of pace because she never really had any but she’ll pass a few late on as always. |
| 7. HWANHUIUISUNGAN – Recent form doesn’t inspire. 6th of 9 over 1000M latest. |
| 8. YEONGAM ARIRANG – Improved 4th over 1200M on July 16th. Slow starter but usually runs on well. |
| 9. GOSHEN – Yet to win in nine but comes in off back to back 2nd place finishes. Odds-on favourite last time, will Moon Se Young in the saddle get him over the line this time? |
| 10. HAPPIEST – He may be the happiest but he’s not the fastest. Nevertheless, after a run of poor results he showed a glimmer of improvement last start. |
| 11. K MOUNTAIN – 9th behind Perfect Lover last time. 4th the time before. Could match that. |
| 12. KING AHEAD – Got dropped back to this class a few starts ago. Can sneak minor money but unlikely to place.
Verdict: (2) GEUMTUSA is in danger of coming down with “second-itis” having finished runner-up on three of his six starts so far. In his defence, he was beaten by decent horses on at least two of those occasions and there is nothing else here that leaps out as superior. It should be his day. (1) SSEN CHAMPION blew his race coming out of the gate last time and should go better today while (4) GOLDEN VASCAR and (9) GOSHEN are also likely to be close. |
| Selections | (2) Geumtusa (9) Goshen (1) Ssen Champion (4) Golden Vascar |
| Next Best | 8, 3 |
| Fast Start | 2, 9, 10, 11 |
Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. JUGEUKSEONG – Looks up against it here. |
| 2. RAON KINGDOM – 4th in a fast race over 1000M a month ago. Fast starter but has tended to weaken late on. Chance here. |
| 3. DURGA – Never better than 3rd but not far away in recent outings. Comes in off back to back 4ths and should be in the frame here. |
| 4. WELLBEING JOY – Got his maiden win at 1300M in May. Wasn’t fancied for first try at this level last time but did ok, finishing 6th behind Sangbigun. Could improve here. |
| 5. JEONGSANG DAEGIL – 4th behind Sangbigun on July 2nd and repeated three weeks ago. Looks in the placing frame here too. |
| 6. PEARL QUEEN – Winner at this class over 1000M in June, beating a couple of her rivals here. 3rd of 11 on July 2nd and can get close again. |
| 7. MISUJAE – 8th behind Pearl Queen in June and 6th of 10 last time. Plenty to find. |
| 8. OPEN GATE – Struggled a little in three starts at this level. |
| 9. SANGBIGUN – Just the one win from sixteen so far but looks primed for another. Strong 2nd last start ahead of three who go here and looks to have a strong chance. |
| 10. MIDAS WAY – Promoted to this level despite not winning. Found it tough on first attempt, running 8th behind Sangbigun. |
| 11. SHINE QUEEN – Improved 2nd last start. Proven competitive at this level and in the hunt. Managed to get on early speed from the same gate last time and needs to do similar. |
| 12 NAMWON QUEEN – No worse than 4th in five efforts so far. Disappointed a little when favourite last time but has to be given another chance here. Has led all races so wide gate a potential issue.
Verdict: (9) SANGBIGUN beat three of these on his way to 2nd place last start and is the pick to go one better today. (11) SHINE QUEEN and (12) NAMWON QUEEN are dangers although they both have wide gates to overcome with (2) RAON KINGDOM and (6) PEARL QUEEN also capable of being involved. |
| Selections | (9) Sangbigun (12) Namwon Queen (2) Raon Kingdom (11) Shine Queen |
| Next Best | 6, 3 |
| Fast Start | 2, 5, 12 |
Race 7: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
| 1. YEONGWONHAN SUNGAN – Had a hard time on first try at this level a month ago. Was also first try at further than the minimum. Back in trip today may benefit. |
| 2. SO ARA CHEONWANG – Only beat one home last time but has won at this level as recently as March and can match her 5ths on her last two tries at this distance. |
| 3. LEAD UP – Looked set to push on from maiden win in April but just lost her way a little in her most recent two. |
| 4. GWANAK HAMSEONG – 5th of 10 last time and rating has slid just enough to make him eligible for class 5. Improvement possible and jockey booking is certainly eye-catching. |
| 5. BAIKAL JEONSA – Maiden win last time under this apprentice jockey. Up in class today. Hasn’t been especially quick so perhaps has a bit to find. |
| 6. DREAM YEONGCHEON – A winner on debut in March 2016, he didn’t run again for sixteen months. 2nd on return on July 9th and strong chance here. |
| 7. RAON MAKER – Class and distance winner on muddy track last time, beating Dream Yeongcheon. Claims for an instant repeat. |
| 8. YAHO GIANT – Showed slight improvement when stepped back to this trip in latest two. Still plenty to find though. |
| 9. EXCELLENT QUEEN – Yet to win in five but has already proven competitive at this level. Should be a front-runner and step back to 1000M may suit. |
| 10. DESERT EAGLE – Races for the first time since January. Trialed up well.
Verdict: Nice little race this and we’ll go with the promising (6) DREAM YEONGCHEON, 2nd on return from a very lengthy absence last month, to continue his development and get what would be a first career win for his apprentice jockey. The horse that beat him last time, (7) RAON MAKER goes again here and a repeat isn’t impossible while (9) EXCELLENT QUEEN should be in the placing frame as well. The up in class (5) BAILKAL JEONSA perhaps has a bit more to find but can’t be completely ruled out. |
| Selections | (6) Dream Yeongcheon (7) Raon Maker (9) Excellent Queen (5) Baikal Jeonsa |
| Next Best | 4, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 5, 7 |
Race 8: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
| 1. EAST BERNARDI – Offered little in two starts so far. As we’re saying a lot today though, the jockey booking will grab attention. |
| 2. SAMJEONG MAGNUM – Close in latest three and with a good start will surely be close again. |
| 3. ETERNAL KOREA – $15K purchase debuts today. Won his trial so warrants some consideration. |
| 4. MUHANDOMA – Has won a lot of prize money over his career and added to it last time with a solid 3rd over 1200M. Unlikely to win but could get some more money. |
| 5. FACT HEAVENS – Did ok in a couple of starts last year. Reappeared in June and ran very good 2nd at class and distance, almost making all. A chance. |
| 6. SAMJUNG TAPIT – Maiden win at the sixth time of asking on July 1st. Apprentice jockey keeps the weight down and a repeat is not impossible. |
| 7. CLEAN UP POWER – First start since May. Trialed ok – much better than he’s raced so far – but not much to recommend. |
| 8. KAIZEN FORCE – Not much in recent form inspires confidence. Only angle is step back in trip. |
| 9. TAEGEUK MANSE – Sole start so far was in January. Not bettable at this stage. |
| 10. GAL PYOBEOM – Aussie import only beat one home on debut in May. First start since, we’ll forgive that but we’ll not be betting. |
| 11. MOONHAK ARCH – Last of seven on debut a month ago. He was well backed too after a solid trial. The only way is up. |
| 12. AEMA BISANG – 2nd in a really quick race over the distance last time and big chance. Fast starter but first time in such a wide gate.
Verdict: Another competitive contest. This race is open to imported horses but it’s always worth taking a look at any Korean breds who are entered. That’s because the Korean bred began at class 6 and have won their way up whereas the imports have to begin at this level. One fits the bill here and that’s (6) SAMJUNG TAPIT, a good winner last time who can repeat today. Under the same ownership and also locally bred, (2) SAMJEONG MAGNUM could well be the main danger. (5) FACT HEAVENS and (12) AEMA BISANG are others to watch. |
| Selections | (6) Samjung Tapit (2) Samjeong Magnum (5) Fact Heavens (12) Aema Bisang |
| Next Best | 4, 3 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 5, 12 |
Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:40 (SIN)
| 1. YEONGUNG BULPAE – Not impressed in latest two, both at class and distance. |
| 2. DOSI NONGBU – Maiden win came last time at 1300M. Has run well at this distance also. First start for a couple of months and strongly in the frame. |
| 3. MIGHTY JOHN – Surprise class and distance winner in May, he was 5th of 12 on re-apperance in June. Not raced since but can’t be ruled out. Stable is improving. |
| 4. HOBA LEE – Showing signs of figuring out what to do with a 4th and a 3rd from latest two. First try at two turns today. |
| 5. JINGYOGUI YEONGUNG – 3rd place last time was his best in seven outings so far. 5th of 12 on previous try at the distance. |
| 6. PRIVATE PARK – Korean bred who is up in class after pretty much making all under visiting Busan jockey Lee Hyo Sik at this distance a month ago. That was at class 5 but he looks in with solid claims again here. |
| 7. SEOCHANG BIHO – Capable of sneaking into the minor money on his day. Slow starter but could overtake a couple.
Verdict: Up in class following a seven-length romp at the distance last time (6) PRIVATE PARK is the one to beat again today. He’ll be on pace early and could lead from gate to wire. (2) DOSI NONGBU and (3) MIGHTY JOHN look to be the main threats while (5) JINGYOGUI YEONGUNG also seems to be improving. |
| Selections | (6) Private Park (3) Mighty John (2) Dosi Nongbu (5) Jingyogui Yeongung |
| Next Best | 4 |
| Fast Start | 4, 6 |
Race 10: Class 3 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:10 (SIN)
| 1. BUNGMA DREAM – Two 3rds and a 2nd from his latest three at shorter distances. He beat three of his rivals here last time and has to be considered. |
| 2. TOGETHER HUG – Up in class following a good win at this distance on July 8th. Prominent throughout that day, he is nicely in here and can be competitive again. |
| 3. HWAGANG – Decent one who was 2nd on his only previous try at the distance. 6th behind Bungma Dream on latest start but can get closer today. |
| 4. PENACOVA – Has been going close in decent company of late. Always well backed and will be again. First try at two turns. |
| 5. LUCKY MUSIC – Struggled in four starts since returning from a lengthy absence in April despite being dropped in class. |
| 6. KRYPTO KID – Comes in following a good 2nd place at class and distance, running on strongly. Not impossible. |
| 7. GOOD TO YOU – Yet to win in 27, she has a real case of second-it is having been runner-up seven times. That includes last start at class and distance. She gets close again. |
| 8. NIGHTOUTONTHETOWN – Picks up a lot of minor money and while he has perhaps found his level, he can sneak into the prizes again today. |
| 9. MOLLYDOOKER – Well back 6th behind Sojunghan Mannam on last start, he has plenty to find today. |
| 10. SOJUNGHAN MANNAM – Class and distance winner on July 16th, he remains reasonably nicely in here. He can settle just behind the early lead and will be dangerous late on. |
| 11. DORAON NALRI – Previous try at two turns didn’t go well but looks ready for another attempt. Picked up minor money in last four outings. |
| 12. SPECIAL RUNNER – First start since February. Has won at this distance at class 4. Trialed well and champion jockey on board. Lots to like.
Verdict: (1) BUNGMA DREAM is yet to win in seventeen but keeps on coming close. He may not get a better opportunity than this to make the breakthrough. (4) PENACOVA has been sent off as favourite in each of his latest three only to let punters down each time. He may well be favourite again today and can’t be ignored on his first try around two turns. (2) TOGETHER HUG and (3) HWAGANG are others in the frame. |
| Selections | (1) Bungma Dream (4) Penacova (2) Together Hug (3) Hwagang |
| Next Best | 10, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 8 |
Race 11: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:50 (SIN)
| 1. WAWA YEOJANGBU – Yet to win but comes in following 2nd place finishes in his latest two and is in the hunt today. |
| 2. CHAMJOA – Improved 5th last start but hasn’t found it easy at this level. |
| 3. PARTY POWER – 3rd behind Choenji Gongsa last time. Will need to improve again but placing chances once more. |
| 4. CHEONJI GONGSA – Has already won at this level and was a close 2nd last time ahead of a couple who go here. Big chance. |
| 5. DREAM ROCKET – Up in class having been 2nd on both outings to date. Will need to find a bit more but can be competitive. |
| 6. DAESEONG RUBY – Maiden win in April and was then off for a couple of months before running 4th ahead of a couple of these on June 25th. First start since and is in contention. |
| 7. STAR PERFECT – Has possibly found her level finishing in midfield on each of her last four. Could be a front-runner. |
| 8. WHITE CUPID – Improved 5th behind Cheonji Gongsa last start but plenty of form to overturn. |
| 9. JINGYEOGUI RACE – Managed a 2nd place over 1300M in June. Struggled on first try at this level. |
| 10. TITANIA – Good winner of soft race in June and did ok on first try at this class last time. Solid claims. |
| 11. COMPLETE HIGH – 3rd in first try at this class on July 1st. Still yet to win but looks to have one in her. Could be here. |
| 12. SSEN POWER – Surprise winner at the distance a month ago but had a hard time adjusting to this level three weeks ago.
Verdict: Fillies only here and it’s really competitive. (5) DREAM ROCKET is up in class having been 2nd on both her first two outings and could well get her breakthrough here. Also up in class is (1) WAWA YEOJANGBU, who has also proven she can go well at this distance and is in the frame too. As for those who have raced at this level before, (10) TITANIA and (11) COMPLETE HIGH look the best. |
| Selections | (5) Dream Rocket (10) Titania (11) Complete High (1) Wawa Yeojangbu |
| Next Best | 6, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 5, 10, 11 |
Race 12: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
| 1. SO ARA CHEONJI – Up in class following narrow win on July 8th. Nothing to fear here. |
| 2. WELLBEING STORY – 3rd in weak race at class and distance last start. Inconsistent but could sneak a place again. |
| 3. SENTA POBA – Four-length win over 1000M last month sees him up in class today. Not impossible. |
| 4. JOGYESAN – All recent outings have been at 1700M including maiden win on 33rd start. In best form of lengthy career but this looks tough. |
| 5. CHOWON BOLT – Won’t be favoured but can beat a few. |
| 6. SPERO – Plenty of potential still. 2nd behind a track-record breaking effort at 1300M last time and strong claims here. |
| 7. SEOUL QUEEN – 3rd and 4th in two efforts at this level so far. Can match. |
| 8. SAEBYEOCK BULKKOT – Recent form a little cold.
Verdict: Small but competitive field with (6) SPERO the slight top choice. The trip is perhaps a touch on the short side but he comes in here in good form and can win. (1) SO ARA CHEONJI and (3) SENTA POBA are both up in class following victories and should be competing for top honours again while (7) SEOUL QUEEN looks best of the rest. |
| Selections | (6) Spero (1) So Ara Cheonji (3) Senta Poba (7) Seoul Queen |
| Next Best | 5 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3 |
Race 13: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
| 1. KKUMUI SILHYEON – Up in class. She’s used to stiff competition though and can be competitive. |
| 2. ON THE STAGE – Has a couple of wins at this level but arrives in dreadful form. |
| 3. ANYANG CHEETAH – Close in all recent efforts and has never been worse than 5th. Should keep that run going today. |
| 4. GOLD FASHION – Winner at this class over 1200M in June. Previous tries at the distance haven’t gone well but looks ready to try again. |
| 5. KKACHILHAN GONGJU – 6th of 9 on return from five months off in July. A bit to find. |
| 6. GEUMGANG CHEONHA – Improved 4th last time. Bit of a wildcard. |
| 7. SEVEN CROWN – 2nd of 11 at class and distance last start. Repeat not impossible. |
| 8. GOLDSTAR HILLS – Drops back in trip after a couple of goes around two turns, including the Oaks. Those didn’t go well. |
| 9. AMAZONAS – Well backed but slightly disappointing in recent outings. Worth another chance here. |
| 10. SMART DREAM – 6th last time was her worst finish to date. Can return to the money today.
Verdict: Another all-filly race and (9) AMAZONAS looks poised to take the win. She can sit behind the early speed and come through late on. Plenty of competition though. (3) ANYANG CHEETAH and (4) GOLD FASHION are consistent while (7) SEVEN CROWN was much improved last time and can continue in that way today. |
| Selections | (9) Amazonas (3) Anyang Cheetah (7) Seven Crown (4) Gold Fashion |
| Next Best | 10, 6 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 10 |
Horse Racing in Korea 