MYSTIC GUIDE’S SERAPH TAKES BUSAN LISTED JUVENILE HONORS WHILE THE ROAD RAMPS UP IN SEOUL

Imported juveniles got their chance to run for Listed prizes at the weekend and at Busan on Friday, Mystic Guide filly Seraph led from gate to wire to win the Gyeongnam Do-Min Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed) while at Seoul on Sunday, The Road was an eye-catching winner of the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

The Road and Lim Gi-won salute at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

Seraph had been a seven-length winner over 1000M on debut, but question marks had been raised over her ability to stay any further when she led and weakened when sent off as the favourite in both the YeongNam Rookie Stakes and Gnagseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy. Winning at Yeongcheon in October evidently didn’t do much to dispel those concerns as Seraph was sent off only 5th favourite in the market on Friday.

Lee Sung-jae partnered Seraph for the first time in Yeongcheon and he stayed aboard as Seraph bounded out of the gate and into the lead as expected. Only this time, she was never headed. Uncle Park got the closest, half-a-length back while pre-race favourite Mr. Beyond was four-lengths further in arrears in 3rd.

“Since she won by such a big margin on debut, there were a lot of expectations placed on this filly but then (it didn’t go well). I think the trip to Yeongcheon last time was good in terms of teaching her about pace” trainer Lim Sung-sil explained to KRBC. “There was no question of trying anything else with her this time than being on the speed and today she finished off that final 100 meters well.”

Seraph and Lee Sung-jae salute at Busan (Pic: KRA)

By 2021 Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide, Seraph’s dam Closing deals (by Central Banker) was imported to Korea in December 2023 while in foal and is based at Challenger Farm where Seraph was born in April 2024. Seraph was purchased for 40 Million Korean Won at the October 2025 Jeju Yearling sale by owners Dae Gil.

At Seoul on Sunday, it was always going to take something special to beat Hope K. The Mitole colt has won his last three in fine fashion, with emphatic wins in the Seoul Rookie Stakes and the France Galop Trophy leading him to be sent off as the 1.7 favourite.

Bounding out into the lead under Jang Chu-youl, Hope K looked set to emulate Seraph and lead all the way. But The Road, a comprehensive winner on debut, emerged from a handy position to loom up in the final furlong and blow by Hope K to win by three-lengths and pulling away in the kind of time that would be competitive in an average year’s Korea Sprint.

For winning jockey Lim Gi-won, the victory was the culmination of a difficult three year which included recovery from a serious injury sustained in a race fall. “I think this is my first big race win since Raon The Fighter (in the 2023 SBS Sports Sprint)” Lim told KRBC. “The accident was big, but I have shaken it off now.”

“You always want to get on good horses like The Road, and it is great to ride for such a prestigious stable like Song Moon-gil’s. I’ve known this horse since he arrived as a yearling, so I feel a big connection with him and I’m grateful to the owner and trainer for trusting me with him.”

“(The Road) is a bit of a sponge, he learns very fast…There aren’t really many races for a two-year-old like him so today wasn’t the final target, he will be one to look for next year.”

The Road is by Roadster and is out of Commentary (by The Factor). He was a $24,000 purchase by KOID from the October 2025 OBS Yearling Sale.

KOREA RACING REPORT (NOVEMBER 13-15): NANO MASIN DENIES THREE-YEAR-OLDS IN BIG HANDICAP / JO JAE-RO REACHES 300 CAREER WINNERS / THE SUN STORY WIN STREAK ENDS AT FIVE

THE MUNHWA ILBO TROPHY FOR THE FOREIGN-BRED JUVENILES WAS THE FEATURE EVENT IN SEOUL ON SUNDAY BUT AN EXCELLENT 1600M CLASS 2 WAS THE MAIN HANDICAP AND NANO MASIN and Andre da Silva ran their rivals off their feet to hold on by a nose over the fast-finishing Concord Blue (writes Luke Humphreys).

Nano Masin (Goldencents) was having his fourth run at the grade and recorded his first win in nine-and-a-half months at odds of 15.3. The 3.5 second favourite Concord Blue was returning to better form after finishing well down the field at his previous start and under Franco da Silva, who was riding the three-year-old colt for the first time, just failed. Maru Janggun ran a fine race for 3rd after being wide throughout from the outside barrier whilst the 2.1 favourite Clutch Magic, who had won at Listed grade at his previous start, for Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi could not make it four successive wins but was not disgraced in 4th under the topweight of 58kg.

The winning trainer of Nano Masin was Kang Hwan-min and thanks to SAMJEONG SPIDER (Save The World) winning the concluding Race 11 (1200M Class 4) he had a race-to-race double at the end of the card. Samjeong Spider had won his four starts before suffering an odds-on defeat in February and had been off the scene since with an injury. He had won a trial on October 22 but regardless of that punters sent him off at juicy each-way odds of 6.6 for the win and 2.0 for the place and despite getting tired late he held on narrowly from the late closing Choegang Belt who was having just his second start and is one to follow from the Riccardi yard.

Jang Chu-youl was the winning hoop on Samjeong Spider and was also completing a double as he and POINT I (Musket Man) landed Race 7 (1700M Class 4). Point I was the 3.6 favourite to make it three wins from her last four starts and duly did so by one-length.

The consistent SEOBU CHAMP (Gyeongbudaero) recorded her first win in eleven months in Race 9 (1800M Class 3) when diving through late to score by a half-length. Seobu Champ was kept safe by punters as the 7.5 third pick and defeated another consistent type in Mujeok Hamdae into 2nd with the 2.3 favourite The Sun Story, having her first attempt at the grade following five straight victories, given every chance in front but the three-year-old filly was run down late and finished 3rd. The admirable Stunning Flatter was 4th whilst the 4.5 second favourite Daehan Power was a never nearer 5th.

Jo Jae-ro and Baek Jong-su combined for a double with 3.6 second choice HOT SUGAR MAGIC (Yeonseung Daero) leading throughout to win Race 3 (1200M Class 6) by three-lengths whilst 1.9 odds-on chance SAEROUN BISUL (Colors Flying) made it third time lucky in a one-win race when landing Race 6 (1400M Class 5) by the same margin. Hot Sugar Magic brought up Jo Jae-ro’s 300th winner as a jockey with Saeroun Bisul providing number 301.

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Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (November 15)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and at Yeongcheon (6 races from 12:45 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports winner Clutch Magic returns on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. There were some eye-catching trial performances among the debut-makers. (4) TEDDY BLAZE led all the way in her trial, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good. If she brings that form to the races, she has an excellent chance. (7) SHINE ROAD was similarly impressive in her head, settling midfield but quickly taking things up and finishing with six-lengths in hand on the rest. (8) STORM WIND was also a trial winner, settling handy and running on. Among the experienced ones, (6) VERY LUCKY was 4th on debut over 1000M on October 11th. He should have come on for that run. (10) RISING KILLER has raced twice with a 6th and a 3rd and should have a fitness edge on plenty.

Selections(4) Teddy Blaze (7) Shine Road (8) Storm Wind (6) Very Lucky
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Small field of imported juvenile maidens with four of the seven racing for the first time. (6) TORRENS has raced twice before, finishing 4th on debut in September and then 2nd on October 2nd over this distance, beating two of today’s rivals in the process. Third-up she can be peaking and won’t need to improve much to win this. That will be reflected in prohibitive odds. (1) STORM PETREL has raced twice, both times beaten by Torrens. The first time there was just a nose between them and while that had extended to five-lengths the second time around on October 10th, he shapes as the main danger. (2) BOLT K looks the best of the debut-makers having shown handy and run 4th in his heat in a fair time. (7) GEUMEUNDONG and (5) PINK BOY also hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(6) Torrens (1) Storm Petrel (2) Bolt K (7) Geumeundong
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) BOLSTER has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place at his latest on October 17th over this distance. He was beaten eight-lengths by a good winner, but he seems on the right trajectory and Maia climbing on for the first time can see him home on top. (6) HOT SUGAR MAGIC was 7th on debut in September and then ran 4th at start number two over 1200M on October 11th. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and she can get closer today. (11) JS LOVE has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M and she can be around the mark again. (3) HWANSANGUI LUNA and (10) ONLY YOU Are other place chances.

Selections(9) Bolster (6) Hot Sugar Magic (11) JS Love (3) Hwansangui Luna
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) MASK GIRL has seemingly started to figure things out in her latest two, registering a 4th and a 3rd over 1300M, showing close to the pace both times. She draws very nicely here. and she has every chance of breaking through. So too does (4) YEONGWONHAN LUCEA. She too has picked up considerably in her latest two with a 2nd place and a 3rd at 1300M and 1400M. In those two races she showed she can settle back and come from off the pace, and she can be a danger late on today. (8) GOD SPEED continues the theme of fillies improving in their most recent two outings and while she has been a touch less impressive than the aforementioned two, she can maintain her momentum today. Solitary debut-maker (10) TIGHT PLAY looked decent in trials with (2) SEMYEONG FAKER ran well last time.

Selections(3) Mask Girl (4) Yeongwonhan Lucea (8) God Speed (10) Tight Play
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) POWERFUL WARRIOR was 4th on debut before winning at start two over 1000M and then had a spin around in Listed juvenile company on October 16th, only beating one home. Yeongcheon can suit and back in shallower waters, he is the one to beat here. (1) BLUE HUNTER returned from ten months out on November 1st at this course, distance and class and while she did weaken having shown on pace, she can strip fitter for that run, and she can start to show the ability she had before the layoff. (4) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was a close 4th at class and distance here in the same race as Blue Hunter on November 1st and making a quick return can match or better that today. (6) TWOTWO FLYING and (7) CALM FAST other placing chances.

Selections(8) Powerful Warrior (1) Blue Hunter (4) Taeyang Eutteum (6) Twotwo Flying
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 14)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(4) MEMENTO was a winner of her one and only trial on August 27 prior to a one-and-a-quarter length second place to the smart looking G B Queen when making her race debut on October 4 and this Moon Byeong-ki prepared Nasca owned Medici Glory filly is the one to beat clearly. (5) CUPID CHEONGUNG outran odds of 107/1 on her debut when finishing midfield and was once again not far away at his second start when finishing third and Ruan Maia rides. (9) CUPID LUCKY finished worse than midfield on debut but his solitary trial prior yielded a second beaten less than a length so he can be given another chance with (3) BEAT PLAY next best over (6) GEOLJAK YUNSEUL, which finished last on debut but was much better at her second run finishing second, and (8) STAR A.I.

Selections(4) Memento (5) Cupid Cheongung (9) Cupid Lucky (3) Beat Play
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(9) BREEDO EPIC was out the back on debut but has been a lot closer at his next three runs with the best of those being last start when only beaten a half-length and he can go one better this time. (1) BLUE ROSE brings the best figure form with a second on debut followed by a third and a fourth at her next two and is a key player. (10) FULL STRIKE has been just behind the placegetters in four runs whilst similar comments apply to (7) HONEY SKY and (8) CHEONGGANG BOM with (11) ECLIPSE SODA perhaps the best of the roughies.

Selections(9) Breedo Epic (1) Blue Rose (10) Full Strike (7) Honey Sky
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) ECO BOLT was best of the rest on debut behind the smart Clutch Derby, a subsequent Listed winner, before starting as the popular pick in his second race where he made a mess of the start before doing too much work to find a forward role prior to subsequently dropping out to run last. He began much better last start and duly led and won by twelve-lengths so if he finds himself in front the youngest horse in the field will be hard to run down. (3) PARKA RACER came from well back on his debut to run third before going two places better in his second run and rates as a chance if not giving them too bigger start. (4) STEPPING STONE was a winner of his debut at the end of April and has since recorded a ninth and two fourth places in three runs all over this distance and naturally at this grade and is an each-way chance along with (11) BINNALEEDS whilst (7) MY WAY BOSS ran a much improved race behind a good winner last start and in that event was two-lengths ahead of the reopposing (6) AMOS CHOEGANG.

Selections(2) Eco Bolt (3) Parka Racer (4) Stepping Stone (11) Binnaleeds
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) SONGDANG FIRST is a two-year-old taking on her elders that beat a pair of subsequent winners when winning her debut on September 19 before taking a chance against the better juveniles at Listed level last month where she dropped out. This is easier and she can bounce back to winning ways. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA is hard to catch but should not be denied an each-way chance. (2) SILK SPECTER has not been far away with minor placings four, three, and two runs back behind some decent winners and can run well. (7) NINE SPEAR is having her first run for three months but followed up her maiden win with a third when attempting this class for the first time and rates next over (6) STUNNING BOLT and (11) ROAD TO STAR.

Selections(5) Songdang First (9) Hwansangui Nara (2) Silk Specter (7) Nine Spear
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 13)

Listed Juvenile action in the shape of the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy (1200M) headlines Friday’s 10-race card at Busan which runs from 10:45 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) WORLD CROWN CAT led for much of the way around on debut over this distance on September 18th, ultimately finishing 2nd, beaten a length-and-a-half. She’s had eight weeks off since but should be on pace and firmly in this. (10) WINNING WILD trailed well and then ran a solid 3rd on debut on October 2nd, showing on pace throughout. Seo Seung-un stays on and she will have plenty of backers to go better. (9) TAEYANG RICH showed on pace in her trial and looks the best of the first-timer starters. (6) DUBAI TIME and (4) BODY AND SOUL others among the experienced ones who can improve.

Selections(8) World Crown Cat (10) Winning Wild (9) Taeyang Rich (6) Dubai Time
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) PERFECT SEOGWI wasn’t fancied at all on debut but stayed on well for a close 2nd place, showing on pace throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but it would be no surprise were he to be close here. (2) ROCK MUSIC was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on September 11th, beaten seven-lengths by Sunny Wild. He’s had nine weeks off, but he should have come on for the run and can be close here. (9) NARINATO and (8) PRESS WIN both ran 2nd on their respective debuts over 1000M on October and both can have derived benefit and be in the mix again here. (3) YOUNG BRILLIANT is potentially the best of the first time starters.

Selections(11) Perfect Seogwi (2) Rock Music (9) Narinato (8) Press Win
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) INDIAN CATCHER was a distance eleven-length 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 9th but she finished off very well. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she has solid claims here. (11) DOCTOR PRINCE was an improved 2nd at start number five over 1400M on October 16th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and a similar effort will see him in the finish again. (2) BUHWARUI SEOMAK has a 3rd and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M. From a good draw he will be on pace and in this company, he should be in this a very long way. (3) WONDERFUL PAS and (5) GOAT MAN are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(4) Indian Catcher (11) Doctor Prince (2) Buhwarui Seomak (3) Wonderful Pas
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) GREEN STORM has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on October 23rd when close to the pace throughout. The draw is a touch wider than ideal but with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, he can make his breakthrough. (8) FAST ROAD took several goes to qualify but ran a solid 2nd on debut over 1200M on October 9th at big odds. He was beaten ten-lengths by a good winner, but in this company, has every chance of at least matching today. (4) ICE BARBELL has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two at 1300M and 1400M and with a 4kg apprentice claim, should be firmly in the mix today. (7) RUBY GONGJU and (6) DANALDA others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Green Storm (8) Fast Road (4) Ice Barbell (7) Ruby Gongju
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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KOREA RACING REPORT – NOVEMBER 6-8: CHA WOO-HO TRAINERS 1st WINNER / YOO SEUNG-WAN NOTCHES 600 / KOZZI ASANO 10-CLEAR IN SEOUL PREMIERSHIP / LUIGI RICCARDI 6-CLEAR

AFTER HAN MAN-DAL MADE HIS BREAKTHROUGH A WEEK AGO, IT WAS THE TURN OF FELLOW TRAINING NEWCOMER CHA WOO-HO, TO CELEBRATE HIS STABLE’S 1ST WINNER. Cha saddled COMPLETE TURBO (by Gemologist) to score by three-lengths in Sunday’s race 3 at Seoul (1300M Class 6) under Lim Gi-won. It had been a long wait for Cha who had sent out forty runners before getting one home on top but has already scored plenty of placings.

Yoo Seung-wan also reached a milestone in the capital on Sunday with the jockey riding his 600th career winner as CHRYSOL STEP (Chrysolite) obliged in race 6 (1700M Class 5). Winner number 601 duly arrived in race 9 (1400M Class 3) as IMRO (Federalist) got the best of Queen Dia and East Gangjeok to record a fifth win at start thirteen. Jockey Yoo debuted in 2007 and is best known for his association with champion mare Silver Wolf – of whom more later.

Johan Victoire registered a Sunday double. After four near-misses, the Luigi Riccardi-trained UNICORN ACE (Race Day) made no mistake in race 7 (1200M Class 5) leading all the way around for a facile five-length victory. Victoire followed up in the last of the day when GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) added to his burgeoning reputation.

Gwanaksan Sky was 9th in the Korean Derby but that’s one of only two defeats so far. His Sunday win was his sixth from eight starts and his second at class 3.

Franco Da Silva was also among the winners at Seoul on Sunday. The Brazilian jockey navigated 13.2 INSPIRE (Uncaptured) to the lead from the widest gate and then comfortably held off his rivals in race 5 (1300M Class 5).

Earlier SAMJEONG RACE (Race Day) was a dominant ten-length winner of race 1 (1000M Class 6), breaking through at start two having run 2nd on debut. Kim Yong-geun was aboard. Race 2 (1300M Class 6) saw RAON THE RIPON (Musket Man) get his first victory at start four under Choi Bum-hyun, similarly racing on the speed throughout.

Jockey Choi would later complete a double as POWER JILJU (Afleet Express) took race 8 (1700M Class 4), getting the better of favourite Beolgyo Aladdin by a length-and-a-quarter.

Other winners on the card were EXCALIBUR (Peace Rules), who pulled out a narrow win in race 4 (1400M Class 5) under Jo Jae-ro, while BYEOKSONG (Revolutionary) was the longest priced winner on the card, returning 21.6 to those who backed her to win the all0filly race 10 (1200M Class 4) with Kim Seong-hyun aboard.

ON SUNDAY AT YEONGCHEON, RACE 3 (2000M Class 4) saw the first use of the 2000M distance at the new track, and it proved an exciting finish as HONORED KHAN (Take Charge Indy) overturned the form on Geuma Gutty to win by half a length. Eowadungdung and Doctor Captain completed a top four comprised of those who finished 2nd to 5th at Yeongcheon over 1800M on October 4th with just the top two reversed. Lee Sung-jae was aboard the winner.

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Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (November 8)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and at Yeongcheon (6 races from 12:45 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. After a good trial, (5) SAMJEONG RACE was a fair 2nd on debut, striking the front briefly close to home before going down by half a length. He can come on for that run on here and go one better. (3) FIRE TIGER was less impressive in his trial but did nothing wrong on his first trip to the race, also finishing 2nd over this distance, in his case on October 3rd and just beaten a neck. The time wasn’t quick, but he draws well to be on pace here and he has every chance. (10) WILD PITCH came from a long way back to run 5th on debut on October 11th and can get closer today. (2) GWANAKSAN JUMP and (8) SLING SMILE others who should be in the mix.

Selections(5) Samjeong Race (3) Fire Tiger (10) Wild Pitch (2) Gwanaksan Jump
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) RAON THE RIPON has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on October 4th when handy throughout and beaten just half a length. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can win this. (1) SMART GRAND has been getting closer recently with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two at 1400M and 1700M. Andre rode him last time and stays on today and he can sit behind the leaders and finish well. (9) PASA ACE has placed twice over this distance already and Franco climbing on for the first time catches the eye. He can be in the finish. (2) TOO BIRD HIT and (3) GRAND POKPUNG are the other main contenders.

Selections(7) Raon The Ripon (1) Smart Grand (9) Pasa Ace (2) Too Bird Hit
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) FOREVER HIT debuted around this time last year and recorded a 3rd and 4th but then didn’t reappear until this September 5th when she finished 4th over 1300M. She improved to 2nd in a filly only maiden on October 11th, showing close to the pace throughout and third-up here she should be nice and fit and will be favourite to make her breakthrough. It’s not a strong set of opponents. (8) COMPLETE TURBO returns for the first time since finishing 5th on debut all the way back in January. He looked well enough when 3rd in an October trial and has every chance of going well first up again. (4) STAR PLAY has a 2nd on his record and overcame a slow start to run 5th last time out. That’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (5) ROAD TO PERFECT and (7) MIGHTY POINT others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Forever Hit (8) Complete Turbo (4) Star Play (5) Road To Perfect
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start5, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s hard to go past (3) G B ACE. He got his maiden win at start three over 1200M on September 6th when on pace throughout and then finished 4th on his first try at this class on October 3rd, beaten less than four-lengths when much further back than usual. Expect him to be back on the speed today, and he should win. (5) HAKSAN SWORD needs a line through his latest when luckless and beaten early. Instead, we’ll go on his close 2nd at this class over 1300M on September 13th on which form puts him in with claims here. (2) EXCALIBUR is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in contrasting styles. Both were at this distance, and the weight drop should allow him to be competitive in this company. (6) POWER BEST and (8) KARA K are the other main chances.

Selections(3) G B Ace (5) Haksan Sword (2) Excalibur (6) Power Best
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Weak opener at Yeongcheon. (3) TRIPLE J did nothing on his first visit here in early October but returned two weeks later to run 4th at 1300M. It wasn’t a great effort as he was beaten almost five-lengths, but he has won over this trip, and the paucity of opposition means it is enough to make him a strong favourite. Nothing else can be recommended with much confidence. (4) ROAD TO FIGHTER got a long way back from a wide draw on his first visit here on October 11th and with a better draw should go better. (2) UNIJOA similarly found himself stuck in traffic a long way back in the same race and better drawn and in this smaller field, can be more comfortable. (7) WORLD GOAT and (6) REMENT perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Triple J (4) Road To Fighter (2) Unijoa (7) World Goat
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 7)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener. (5) WILD CAVIAR won her trial and then ran 3rd on debut over this distance on October 4th, settling handy and running on. Kozzi gets on this time and she has every chance. (7) SILVER WAVE led her debut on September 19th, ultimately finishing 2nd, beaten a length and a quarter. She should be on pace again and will probably start as the favourite. (4) HAENGUN STAR has raced twice, running 4th on debut in August over this trip and then 2nd, five-lengths behind the winner, over 1200M at start two on October 5th. Third-up she can have a fitness edge here, and she can be in the finish. Solitary debut-maker (6) DANAEUN QUEEN was fast when 2nd in her trial. It was back in July so match-fitness must be taken on trust but on that evidence, she has a chance first-up. (8) RAON THE SKY, 4th behind Wild Caviar on debut, is another in the frame.

Selections(5) Wild Caviar (7) Silver Wave (4) Haengun Star (6) Danaeun Queen
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BLITZ CARA was 4th of nine in Listed juvenile company two starts back and then ran 2nd when favourite over 1300M on October 10th, beaten twelve-lengths by Eco Bolt. He has a fine finish on him so the slight step up in trip can be in his favour and assuming there are no bolts from the blue this time, he is the one to beat. (4) WONDERFUL CATHY is yet to finish in the top two after sixteen attempts, but she comes in off her joint best to fate finish in 3rd over this distance on October 10th. Both her 3rd places have come over this distance and with Luis staying on she can match or even better it here. (8) BLUE HORIZON was a much-improved 2nd last time out on October 18th. It was a slow race, but she is a placing chance again. (2) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (1) GOLDEN WARRIOR are others to consider.

Selections(3) Blitz Cara (4) Wonderful Cathy (8) Blue Horizon (2) Cheonmaui Hanseong
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) MYEONG POWERFUL has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1400M on October 3rd when coming form off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. His running style suggests the two-turns should suit, and he can go one better today. (10) SINCHEON HEART has taken well to this distance finishing between 2nd and 4th on all four tries at it to date. She likes to be on pace so she is drawn a touch wider than ideal, but she should be there or thereabouts again. (2) GEUMSEONG BULPAE was 4th behind Myeong Powerful on October 3rd. He already has a 3rd place to his name over this distance and can be in the finish again. (6) JISAN FOREVER and (4) BROWN SUGAR other place chances.

Selections(9) Myeong Powerful (10) Sincheon Heart (2) Geumseong Bulpae (6) Jisan Forever
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) SENNA K has finished 3rd in both her starts so far, at 1000M and 1200M, the latter on October 5th when close to the pace throughout. She comes up in trip again and in this company, she should be making her breakthrough. (5) UNICORN PRINCE trialed a couple of times as two-year-old but never made it to the track. He finally debuted over 1200M on October 24th, settling midfield and running for 4th, finishing off pleasingly. He should have derived benefit from that run and can get closer today at a furlong further. (6) INTO THE GALAXY was an improved 3rd at start three over 1200M on October 3rd. He too has been doing his best work late and appreciate the trip increase. (3) ROAD TO SPEAR and (4) WONDERFUL TUNE UP are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(9) Senna K (5) Unicorn Prince (6) Into The Galaxy (3) Road To Spear
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 6)

There is a 10-race card at Busan this Friday between 10.45 and 17.55 and it is arguably the most competitive of the weekend. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) FLY SKY took four tries to qualify but looked competent in his latest two. Running 2nd in a heat in August and then winning one on September 17th when leading all the way and stopping the clock in a good time. From a good draw, if he can bring that form to the races, he is a big chance first-up. After a good trial, (4) TOHAMSAN STAR didn’t show much on debut when drawn in the widest gate over 1200M. He gets a much better draw this time and can have come on for that run. (11) TRIPLE GANGJA was a fair 5th on debut all the way back in July and he can be a factor today. (8) CUPID GOLD and (10) B.K AXLE can potentially improve.

Selections(2) Fly Sky (4) Tohamsan Star (11) Triple Gangja (8) Cupid Gold
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

This race has divided and both divisions are pretty good. (3) YONGBI SHARK stepped up to this class on October 2nd and ran 2nd over this distance, coming from well off the pace. He has won over this trip as recently as August, and while he is up 2kg in weight, he has an excellent chance today, probably widen forward a bit earlier, like he was when he won. (7) BEST TIGER has won his latest three, all over 1400M when racing handy, most recently at class 5 level on October 4th. There are caveats. Two starts back he was second across the line but awarded the race in the stewards’ room and last time out, he prevailed by just a nose. He is up in class without a weight drop and up in trip as well, but he can be competitive again. (6) KING BLACK gets a 2kg weight swing from when he was 4th to Yongbi Shark’s 2nd in that October 2nd race and with less than a length to make up, should be firmly in this. (1) TTANBONG QUEEN and the up in class (2) DOCTOR PUNCH are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Yongbi Shark (7) Best Tiger (6) King Black (1) Ttanbong Queen
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The second division on the class 4 handicap over a mile. (8) P.D SPECIAL ran 2nd in the first race to ever be run at Yeongcheon over 1800M in September before returning to Busan and winning in a filly only race at this class and distance on October 9th. She is up 1.5kg here but shouldn’t need to improve much to win this. (1) WIDAEHAN HEART is up in class having won over 1300M on October 2nd. She goes best on pace, but she was slow away on her only previous try over a mile in July. Down in weight and drawn on the inside, she can be close today and can measure up. (3) BAMTORI BAMBAM is yet to win but has six top three finishes and has finished 2nd in each of his last three outings. That brings him up in class today, as well as in distance, but he is down 4.5kg in weight, which should make him competitive. (7) YONGBI JJANG and (5) SOMANGUIGIL other place chances.

Selections(8) P.D Special (1) Widaehan Heart (3) Bamtori Bambam (7) Yongbi Jjang
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) MODERN BOY has raced twice, running 5th on debut over 1000M in August and then an improved 3rd at the same trip on October 9th coming from off the pace both times. Third up he can be peaking and the step up in trip can suit. (2) BREEDO SAMSON went through plenty of trials and debuted on October 9th with a solid 3rd place over this distance, albeit eleven-lengths behind a good winner. He should have come on for that run and shapes as the danger here. Of the debut-makers. (6) SHINING WORLD was the standout in trials, showing on pace and finishing in 3rd in a decent time in his second attempt. If he brings that form to the races, he can be in the finish first-up. (4) OASIS HANSEN has been back to trial since his inauspicious debut and could be much better today. So too (3) LEGACY MARINE.

Selections(5) Modern Boy (2) Breedo Samson (6) Shining World (4) Oasis Hansen
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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KOREA RACING REPORT: OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 1: MUSKET DAY LANDS GRAND PRIX TRIAL / SONG KYEONG-YUN RIDES SIX WINNERS / EUNSEONG YEONGUNG SCORES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR YEARS

THE GRAND PRIX STAKES IS JUST OVER A MONTH AWAY AND AFTER BUSAN HELD ITS FINAL LEAD-UP RACE A WEEK AGO, IT WAS SEOUL’S TURN THIS SUNDAY and MUSKET DAY (Musket Man) franked his distance credentials by winning race 7 (2300M Class 1) in fine style under Ruan Maia.

Sent off as the 2.7 favourite in a field of ten seeking to get their rating up in order to gain entrance to the final Group 1 of the season, Musket Day was always close to the pace and took things up on the home turn before stretching away to win by seven-lengths over G Motion and East West. It should be just about enough to get him into the big race on December 6th.

Ruan Maia would go on to ride a double as he guided US-bred juvenile MIGHTY HUNKY (Happy Saver) to a seven-length maiden victory in race 7 (1400M Class 4). The colt had been beaten by the likes of Samjeong Chef and Hope K in previous starts and looks like a prospect going forward.

Kozzi Asano leads the Seoul Jockey Premiership, and he steered 47.9 outsider GUNJU MINSU (Peace Rules) to an unlikely victory in race 3 (1200M Class 6). The three-year-old had only beaten one horse home in his two previous outings, beaten by a combined margin of thirty-lengths but made a mockery of that to score by six-lengths from the front. Odds-on favourite Mighty Champ could only manage 3rd.

Asano would later complete a double as DIANA (Power Blade) returned from over five-months out to win race 10 (1200M Class 3). The Tony Castanheira-trained five-year-old shook off odds-on favourite Every Time to record a four-length win. The Sun Bulsajo, seeking a fourth consecutive victory, was one of the first beaten.

Sunday’s opening two races were for juvenile maidens. Debut-maker WINNER RISING (Mr. Crow) led from gate to wire to take out race 1 (1000M Class 6) while 15.6 chance BAEKSAN RACE (Race Day) got his maiden win at the third time of asking in race 2 (1400M Class 6). Song Jae-chul and Lim Da-bin were the winning jockeys.

Trainer Luigi Riccardi and jockey Jeong Jeong-hee teamed up successfully on Saturday and they did so again on Sunday in race 4 (1300M Class 5) as odds-on favourite SURPRISE (Colors Flying) obliged in facile fashion. He now has two wins in four starts in a career which had a ten-month interruption up until his return this October.

Jockey Jeong promptly completed a race-to-race double as BLAZING ENGINE (Triple Nine) got the best of a wide-open race 5 (1400M Class 5), scoring by a neck over Glory Joy in what was yet another huge price trifecta on a very challenging weekend for punters.

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