Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 11)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 9 races from 10:15 to 17:55. A reminder that this will be the only meeting taking place at Busan last week with Sunday’s “Yeongnam” card set to take place at the new racecourse in Yeongcheon. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Small field of imported maidens with three of the seven racing for the first time. All of the others raced against one another on their respective debuts back on July 24th over this distance. (7) TOHAMSAN BOSS came from off the pace to run 2nd and the best of them on that day, albeit a full nine-lengths behind the eye-catching winner Supex World. He can have come on for that run and it’s hard to go against him here. (4) UNCLE PARK was 3rd in that race, a length and a quarter in arrears, having raced handy throughout and he shapes as the main danger today. (5) ALL CLEAR went through two trials, winning the second of them (which may not appear in all racecards, but was an all the way score in a time of 62.2 seconds on July 9th) and he looks the best of the debut-makers. Returning to the July 24th race, (1) PERFECT LINE and (3) LUNA CROWN were 4th and 6th and there is no reason to change that order today.

Selections(7) Tohamsan Boss (4) Uncle Park (5) All Clear (1) Perfect Line
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5,

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

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (7) SUNNY WILD debuted over 1200M on August 7th, showing on pace and ultimately finishing in 3rd place. He should have come on for the run, and he can win here. (5) BRAVO YOUNG was a fair 5th on debut in a quick race over 1000M on August 14th. She too should have derived benefit from that, and she can be closer today. Among the debut-makers, (1) POWERFUL INDIE was the best. He went through two trials, improving in the second of them when 3rd from the widest gate in a time of 62.8 seconds on August 13th. If he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive. (10) OASIS YEONGCHEON and first-timer (8) RUN FOR ME are other place chances.

Selections(7) Sunny Wild (5) Bravo Young (1) Powerful Indie (10) Oasis Yeongcheon
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Filly maidens. (2) HEAR WE GO won a July trial and was then 3rd on debut over 1300M on August 9th, racing handy throughout. She should have come on for that run and from a good draw, she is the one to beat here. (11) MISS COCO is the most experienced in the field, with four starts behind her. The best of those was her latest when she was 4th behind Hear We Go in that August 9th race, having settled back and run on well. She previously posted a fast time over this trip, and she can be a danger late here. (4) ACE LOVE and (10) HERO HIT came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced one another over 1000M on August 9th and both can be in the mix to go better here. (1) GEUMBIT SPRING another who can improve.  

Selections(2) Hear We Go (11) Miss Coco (4) Ace Love (10) Hero Hit
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

(2) GAME MAKER was 3rd on debut in July over 1000M coming from off the pace and followed up with a 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 7th when ridden much closer to the pace. Third-up he can be peaking and he has every chance of going one better here. (5) LOST KINGDOM debuted over 1300M on August 23rd, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough for 4th. Seo Seung-un climbs on and plenty will be backing him to go better. (8) SIERRA GOLD didn’t do much on debut back in May but looked well when running 2nd in a quick trial on August 20th and can be given another chance here. (10) CHAMPAGNE WINNER and (1) TIGER BLUE among others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Game Maker (5) Lost Kingdom (8) Sierra Gold (10) Champagne Winner
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

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Korea International Races 2026: Full Preview

The 9th editions of both the Korea Cup (1800M) and Korea Sprint (1200M) are set for Sunday at Seoul Racecourse. Japan and Hong Kong are both represented while there is a strong local challenge as well. Both races are local Group 1 contests, with the Korea Sprint holding international Group 3 status while for the first time this year, the Korea Cup will be run at international Group 2 level. SEE HERE FOR FORM COMMENTS FOR KOREA CUP AND KOREA SPRINT AND HERE FOR ALL 16 SUNDAY RACES.

Korea Cup

The Korea Cup has attracted a relatively small field of nine. Hong Kong’s Romantic Thor had to pull out so it leaves seven local-trained horses taking on two visitors from Japan, including the defending champion. DIKTAEAN closed late last year for victory and the NAR superstar is back with solid claims to repeat.

“Winning overseas is difficult, coming form Japan to Korea, then the training process and then winning” reflected Naoki Nishida to KRA broadcaster KRBC. Nishida traveled with Diktaean a year ago and is back in Seoul with the horse again. “He’s turned eight now and at that age sometimes you can see a decline, but trainer (Katsunori) Arayama strongly believes he is as good as ever.”

“Last year there was a big gap from Chancheng Glory and Ramjet, but you saw how he finished. This year, even if there is a bigger gap for him to cross, I am confident he can do it again.”

Takayuki Yano, who dashed back from rising work on Diktaean in Seoul to ride a winner in a Stakes race at Oi on Wednesday evening, will again be in the saddle.

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Korea Cup 2026 – Form Comments

Korea Cup (1800M)

Form Comments

1. FUNNY WILD (KOR) – The top locally bred three-year-old takes his chance here. He won the first and final legs of the Triple Crown; the KRA Cup Mile over 1600M and Minister’s Cup at 2000M, with a 3rd place in the Derby between them. In total he has five wins from nine starts and while regular jockey Seo Seung-un understandably opts for Clean One, there is no reason why he can’t sit behind the early speed and run into some minor money.

2. UNJU GUY (KOR) – Runner-up in the 2025 Korean Derby, he has won up to 2000M and class 2 level. With a 5th, 2nd and 4th in three starts as class 1 he is establishing himself as a regular prize money winner if not quite at an elite level. He likes to race on or close to the pace although that will be testing here. Not the worst.

3. WONPYEONG STORM (USA) – Began his career with five straight wins up to class 2 level before struggling when tested in Group company. He showed signs of a recovery with a win and a 2nd in the last three starts of his three-year-old campaign, but it has been a hugely disappointing 2026 for him, finishing down the field in all three starts, two of them at Group level. He will probably be sent to challenge for the lead here and to hang on as long as he can.

4. DAEJI CHOICE (KOR) – Since getting a win and a 2nd in the first three months of last year, he has been in absolutely no form at all. Regularly participates in big races but always finishes well back. This is his first start since April so he may have benefited from a proper break and he looked well enough in an August trial, but he is hard to have here.

5. BIG MUSICAL STAR (KOR) – Enters in very good form having won his latest two in May and June at Busan’s longest two distances of 2200M and 2000M but both times leading all the way. That brings his rating comfortably into class 1 territory and while this is his first time in Group company, on the evidence of those past two efforts, he should be aiming for at least a top five finish here.

6. AMAZING KHAN (KOR) – Takes his chance following a smart seven-length win at class 2 level in June when close to the pace throughout. That was just his third win, but he has nine further placings to his name. He has only raced once over 1800M finishing in 2nd place, and while this is his first time in this kind of company, he is another who can have top five aspirations.

7. CLEAN ONE (USA) – The big local hope, he capped his three-year-old campaign with a nine-length demolition in the Grand Prix last November, having his rivals, including Japan’s Yumeno Honoo, off the bridle almost four furlongs from home. He has raced just twice in 2026, registering easy wins in the G3 Herald Business over 2000M and G2 Busan Mayor’s Cup at 1800M. Rivals he beat in those races including Global Hit, Speed Young and Success Baekpa are swerving this race. A real talent, he can take a few strides to get going but has a tempo about him that few locals can match. A chance.

8. DIKTAEAN (JPN) – The defending champion went on to win the Tokyo Daishoten last December and while he has a 5th and a 3rd in just two starts this year his effort in the latter, the Teio Sho in June was arguably better than his one in the 2025 edition of the same race. With this clearly being the big target of his season, then it is possible he will have come on again for that run. Likes to settle behind the speed and run on and there will certainly be pace to run at.

9. SUNDAY FUNDAY (JPN) – Enters off a Listed win in the Mercury Cup over 2000M at Morioka in July when making all the running, he also won at G3 level on the Nakayama dirt in March. A serious JRA horse, he likes to be on pace and while he has the challenge of starting on the outside of Diktaean and Clean One, there is every chance that if he gets off to a good start and gets to the lead, that he won’t be caught.

Korea Sprint 2026 – Form Comments

Korea Sprint (1200M)

Form Comments

1. BEOLGYOUI KKUM (KOR) – It was all the way back in July 2024 that Beolgyoui Kkum last won a race, but he has established himself as a regular minor money winner at class 1 level, generally finishing in the top five in big handicaps. He was an on-pace 4th at odds of 90/1 in the G3 SBS Sports Sprint, but was 7th in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint and then well back in the G3 Owners’ Cup in June. Goes best on pace but doesn’t look a winning threat in this company.

2. VINCERO CAVALLO (KOR) – Swept last year’s Sprint Series and won the first two legs of this year’s but came unstuck in the final one when 3rd to Born Dia and was then well-beaten in a class 1 tune-up in July. Whether that’s a blip, rather than a more significant loss of form is key. 6th in this race two years ago, he missed a prep for last year’s edition and came in undercooked. At his best, he is a winning contender, but plenty of question marks and the draw may not be ideal for him if he gets stuck in traffic.

3. AMERICAN STAGE (USA) – Well traveled four-year-old who finished 4th behind Bentornarto in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar last October and in the same position in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in February. Most recent effort a 5th in the G3 Ibis Summer Dash at Niigata over 1000M. Differs from most Japanese contenders for this race in that he is a true sprinter rather and a horse who gets at least 1400M. He draws beautifully, he has loads of speed and if he gets to the lead, he may be hard to catch. No questioning the international campaigning credentials of his stable.

4. FINAL K (USA) – Won five of his first seven starts before suffering and injury that kept him off the track from June of last year to April of this. He picked up right from where he left off, winning at class 1 level over 1200M before finishing a creditable 6th in the G2 SROA Chairman’s Sprint in May. He then took a narrow class 1 win, coming from midfield in June. He will need to go up another level here but shapes as the potential wildcard among the local challengers.

5. MUNHAK BOY (KOR) – Looked a potential star a year ago and took big race glory when winning the G3 Kookje Shinmun over 1400M at Busan last October. He hasn’t kicked on since though and has been well back in all four starts of 2026, including two trips to Busan for the G2 Busan Mayor’s Cup at 1800M and G3 Owners’ Cup at a mile. Dropped back to sprinting but hard to see him making an impact on recent form.

6. SILVER RAIN (KOR) – Broke through at Listed level as a juvenile and has steadily worked his way through the grades as a sprinter. He scored a breakthrough 5th place in the G2 SROA Chairman’s Sprint in May before running 3rd behind Final K at class 1 level in June. 2nd last time out when giving away a lot of weight at class 2 level. He hasn’t won since October 2025 and doesn’t shape as a winning chance here.

7. DRAGON WELDS (USA) – Up and coming sprinter from Japan, who is three for three in 2026, racing on pace each time, most recently winning the Listed Tokyo Sprint over 1200M at Oi in April. He comes in fresh having not raced since but Japanese visitors have successfully pulled that off before in this race and while he is yet to be tested among the elite at home, he could well be ready. Big chance.

8. WINNER CLEAR (KOR) – Known for having beaten Clean One in a Listed Juvenile event two years ago, he has stayed at sprint distances. He kicked off this year with a win at class 1 level and then took part in all three legs of the Sprint Series, finishing 2nd, 5th and 2nd. He likes to come from off the pace so he will be challenging late and should beat plenty, but the winner may have already gone. One of the best local hopes.

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Korea Cup & Korea Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 6)

Sunday is International Day with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 15:45. Here are the previews:

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

Juveniles with all eleven racing for the very first time. (2) MYEONGSEONG PARTY was the best in trials, running 2nd in her heat ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and stopping the clock in a good time. She draws nicely here, she should be close to the pace, and she will be the favourite. (1) INFERNO has been through a load of trials since May, failing to qualify in the first three of them but then looking significantly better at the fourth time of asking on August 20th when racing midfield throughout. He should certainly be fit and Franco being booked is a plus. (3) GETTYSBURG was 4th to Myeongseong Party’s 2nd in their trial. He showed on pace and probably will again here with claims to be in this a long way. (11) GEOSEN GIPPEUM clocked the fastest time in a trial and that’s enough to have him in the numbers even though he was halfway down the field. (6) B WORK another who hinted at ability.

Selections(2) Myeongseong Party (1) Inferno (3) Gettysburg (11) Geosen Gippeum
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) G B ACE has raced twice before, finishing 4th on debut over 1000M in July and then improving to 2nd at start number two at this distance on August 16th when leading for much of the way. Third-up he can have an edge on these fitness-wise, and he can go all the way. The danger is in the adjoining gate. (10) POWERFUL MR. was 5th on debut over 1000M in June and then improved to 3rd at start two on August 8th, showing handy early before dropping back and then running on again. He too should be fitter than most here and can be close. Among the debut-makers, (1) YEONGUNG BAROWS was 2nd in his trial, showing close to the pace, and he can be given a chance here. (5) SAVE QUEEN was an on pace 3rd in her heat and she too can make an immediate impression. (11) FULL STRIKE was 4th on debut and can aim to match or better that here.

Selections(9) G B Ace (10) Powerful Mr. (1) Yeongung Barows (5) Save Queen
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) BORYEONGUI BYEOL was 3rd on debut and then took her chance in the Rookie Stakes for juveniles over 1200M on August 16th where she was a very fair 4th of eight behind Dubai Heart. She won’t need to improve much on that to win in this company. (8) ACE CROW was a close 2nd on debut over August 14th, having led for most o the way around over 1000M. She comes up in trip here, but she should have come on for the run, and she has as good a chance as any here.  (9) HOESAEK JILJU was 4th on debut behind Ace Crow, settling right back and running on. She too should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) SKY WON looked the best of the debut makers in trials and along with (6) BLACK WINNER, who was 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 9th, should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Boryeongui Byeol (8) Ace Crow (9) Hoesaek Jilju (10) Sky Won
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

Very ordinary maiden. (7) LEADERS PARTNER stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 9th and recorded his best result to date when coming from off the pace for 2nd. Johan gets on for the first time here and he can go one better. (2) SAMJEONG BLUE was a bit ordinary on his latest outing but has looked like he needs a bit further, and he gets a chance to prove it as he tackles two turns for the first time here. Furkan has ridden him to his best results so far and he returns to the mount today. (9) SINCHEON HEART enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently behind Leaders Partner on August 9th when he led early. He should be on pace again and can be close. (5) PNS GUNS and (4) GWANAKSAN WISH ME are other place chances.

Selections(7) Leaders Partner (2) Samjeong Blue (9) Sincheon Heart (5) PNS Guns
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) SEOBULINA didn’t do much on debut but was a significantly improved 2nd at start number two on August 23rd when getting a long way back but running on strongly at big odds. The step up in trip can further suit, and he has every chance today. (11) STRONG WINNER beat several of these on his way to finishing 2nd on his first try at this distance on August 7th. That day’s winner ran 4th at class 5 level on Friday, and he will probably start as the favourite here. (2) FANTASTIC BEACH was 3rd in that August 7th race, coming from a long way off the pace for a significantly improved performance. That was her first try at a mile and she can match or better it today. (3) GEUMBIT and (8) FANTASTIC ONE among plenty of others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Seobulina (11) Strong Winner (2) Fantastic Beach (3) Geumbit
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Trophy Race Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 5)

It’s the eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint and arguably this Saturday is the best day of racing of the entire year, with no fewere than seven international Trophy races attracting very competitive fields. Those seven are the first on a 10-race card which runs from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / France Galop Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(3) SINGSING MORNING is a colt by Munnings who won his sole trial on July 23 by five-lengths and the second placed horse from that heat subsequently came out and won last week. On that basis, as well as the fact that trainer Bae Hou-jun and owner Jeon Seok-ho have already produced arguably the most impressive juvenile winner of the year so far in the shape of Singsing Nashe, this horse is worth following. (7) HOPE K continues to get better with each run and was a dashing five-length winner of the Rookie Stakes three weeks ago so he could easily score again. Hope K was three-and-a-half lengths behind (6) SOUTH CARNIVAL back at the end of May before vastly turning the tables in the Rookie Stakes. South Carnival is a definitely a chance of bouncing back to winning ways as is (5) KKUMUI YEONSOK who was behind both of those horses in the Rookie Stakes after missing the start and subsequently never getting any closer than second last but this Luigi Riccardi prepared Tale Of Silence colt was incredibly impressive in his debut victory where he scored by seven-lengths. (8) MAHO was behind Kkumui Yeonsok in that race before winning his second start over (2) MIGHTY HUNKY, who is one of two runners for Seo Hong-soo with the other being (4) MIGHTY HIGHT which was a three-length winner of his second race.

Selections(3) Singsing Morning (7) Hope K (6) South Carnival (5) Kkumui Yeonsok
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / Singapore Pools Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(7) EVERY TIME was second in all three runs as a juvenile last season but has more than made amends for those runner-up finishes with two starts for two wins as a three-year-old. Those two wins this year have both been over this distance by margins of seven and three-lengths and he will prove hard to catch under Ruan Maia. (10) LIVE STAR was the boom three-year-old heading into the Triple Crown but came unstuck in the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas), following a deplorable beginning, and in The Derby. He bounced back to winning ways in an 1800M Class 3 in June before getting rolled last start. His beginnings have not been as fluent since going down to Busan for the Guineas and it will be very interesting to see how he handles the 1200M. (2) BREEDO AQUA was always on the back foot last start but had been impressive from the front in her previous two wins and has ability. (13) FLUTTER has a horror draw to contend with but should not be discounted whilst (3) RAON THE AFFIRMED and impressive last start winner (12) BEST PITCH are definite chances and (11) JAZZ PURPLE and (4) BEST SECRET should not be discounted either in one of the best races of this year’s international meeting.

Selections(7) Every Time (10) Live Star (2) Breedo Aqua (13) Flutter
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B / RACE COAST KZN Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(2) SLING STAR has won six races from nine starts and they include each of his last five with the most recent being by six-lengths. This is his toughest test to date but there is every chance he will pass it in flying colours. (9) GLOBAL CHAMP is another smart one who has won five times from eight attempts. He has won three of his last four, two of those wins being by eight and four-lengths respectively, with the other run being a second beaten a head. Seo Seung-un rides for the first time and he will go close. (1) CHRYSOL STONE is a smart filly on her day and whilst she was a beaten odds-on favourite last start, she could bounce back. They are clearly the three key runners with (7) SEGWANG FIGHTER, (6) ECLAIR POWER, (3) JISAN FORCE, (4) YEONHUI HERO and (10) ECLIPSE THE KING best of the rest.

Selections(2) Sling Star (9) Global Champ (1) Chrysol Stone (7) Segwang Fighter
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / Selangor Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(8) HWANG GEUM EO JANG ran a game second to Funny Wild in the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas) before turning the tables on him when producing a tough performance to take out The Derby in excellent fashion. He finished third as an evens favourite when resuming at the end of July, but he was only beaten a nose and was not disgraced after copping pressure in front from the eventual winner. That victor was Keidragon who was subsequently second last week to the talented G B Vault whilst Mustang Power, who split Keidragon and Hwang Geum Eo Jang in that three-way photo finish, finished third. The decrease in distance should not pose too many worries and this year’s winner of Korea’s second biggest 1800M race can bounce back to winning ways. However, (2) RAON FLORENCE should more than make his presence felt as he has continued to get better this year. He was only two-thirds of a length behind Hansen Bracing, who competes in this weekend’s Korean Sprint, two runs ago and either side of that effort are multiple victories so he must be respected. (7) REMEMBER AGAIN was a front-running winner in March before working too hard from the front in April. He then raced in June where he came from off the pace to win by five-lengths over two subsequent winners, of which one of those reopposes in this, and is an interesting runner. (6) MORE THAN JOKE, (4) ELDORADO NOLBU and (3) MARU JANGGUN should all be around the mark in another excellent contest.

Selections(8) Hwang Geum Eo Jang (2) Raon Florence (7) Remember Again (6) More Than Joke
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight B / Japan Racing Association Trophy / KRW 150 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 4)

It’s Korea Cup weekend! The action though gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday! It’s Busan!

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

Juveniles with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) POWERFUL WARRIOR debuted with a solid 4th place over 1000M on July 3rd, settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that, and he can win here. (3) MAX LEVEL didn’t do much on debut on July 24th, to the extent that he was sent back to trial. He won that heat in fine style, leading all the way, and stopping the clock in a quick time, and from a good gate, he can be on pace, and he will probably start as the favourite. (7) OASIS SONG finished in 6th place on debut in the same race as July 24th. He should have come on for that run and can go closer today. Among the debut makers, (5) HEUIMANG GYEOUL and (6) SEONGSIL JILJU looked the best in trials.

Selections(9) Powerful Warrior (3) Max Level (7) Oasis Song (5) Heuimang Gyeoul
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (2) OASIS ANGEL here. He was 3rd behind Seraph on debut over 1000M in June and then ran 4th having been ridden up to be handy from the widest gate at start number two over 1200M on August 7th. He comes into a better gate today, and third-up he can be peaking. (7) LOGIST QUEEN was a very close 2nd at start number two on July 5th when she led for most of the way. She could only manage 6th at 1300M on her reappearance, but she should be able to lead again here and back to 1200M, she can be in this a long way. (4) TWOTWO SPACE was an encouraging 4th on debut over 1000M on August 9th. She finished off very well and the step up in trip can suit. (1) GLORYS DAY and (6) COWBOY LOOK, the latter returning for the first time since last November, but who looked very well in a July trial, are others to consider.

Selections(2) Oasis Angel (7) Logist Queen (4) Twotwo Space (1) Glorys Day
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

(7) ART TREE debuted last October with a quick 3rd place over 1000M but then didn’t reappear until this July 17th when he came from well off the pace to run 5th over 1200M. He was then handy from a wide gate and a close 2nd at 1300M on August 7th. Third-up he can be peaking and is the one to beat. He will be a very short price though. For anyone seeking an alternative, (3) GEORGE PRINCE has finished 5th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. Both times he has been doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can see him get closer today. (4) OASIS TIME was 4th on debut and 6th at start number two, both of them over a mile. He drops back in trip for the first time and in this company, he should see off plenty. (10) FOR THE VICTORY and first-time starter (9) UNION FLASH others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Art Tree (3) George Prince (4) Oasis Time (10) For The Victory
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (2) NORTHERN QUEEN is yet to win in ten attempts, but she has seven top five finishes, including her latest on August 14th when she was 3rd in a very similar class and distance race to this, having raced handy throughout. She beat a couple of today’s rivals that day and can beat plenty today. (3) RUSH WILD won on debut over 1300M before good efforts at a mile and 1800M gave her a spin around in the Korean Oaks. She finished well back in that and again when sent off as favourite on June 19th at this class and distance when she was fractious in the barrier and appeared to give up in the home straight. She as passed a starting test since then and with Seo Seung-un giving her another chance, so can we. (5) ONLY FOR ME was a winner on debut over 1000M on July 24th and while up in class and in trip, she can measure up. (8) BULBIT YEONGMA and (9) NICE MYEONGGA others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Northern Queen (3) Rush Wild (5) Only For Me (8) Bulbit Yeongma
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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KOREA RACING REPORT (Aug 28-30): SUPER FINISH MAKES WINNING RETURN / CLEARLY WINNER, GB VAULT / DA SILVA FOUR-TIMER

ON SUNDAY AT SEOUL A 1400M CLASS 1 WAS THE MAIN RACE OF THE WEEKEND AND SUPER FINISH produced his best effort since finishing 3rd in the Korea Sprint last year with a dashing front-running display in his first race for almost six months (writes Luke Humphreys).

Super Finish (Federalist), which was being ridden for the first time by Ruan Maia, proved too good at odds of 4.9 over the topweight Vics Go which ran a very admirable race in 2nd beaten a half-length. The very consistent Ziggurat, 1.8 favourite, was a never nearer 3rd.

Johan Victoire and Lee Joon-chel combined for a race-to-race double on the card and that began when the very consistent FLYING HONOR (To Honor And Serve) bounced back to winning ways in Race 7 (1700M Class 4) scoring by one-and-three-quarter lengths as the 3.0 favourite. The locally bred three-year-old gelding has never missed the top four in seven starts and has now recorded three career wins. He was reversing form on the 3rd placed Hyeukmusang, 5.9, from their encounter on July 25 whilst another decent three-year-old JD Gangja, 3.4, split them in 2nd. The consistent but non-winning Geuma Foremost, 7.5, was 4th whilst the leader in the race Saenae Hunter, 8.6, who was up in trip was 5th.

Victoire and Lee followed up with 1.8 favourite GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) in Race 8 (1800M Class 4) which bounced back to winning ways after winning his first three starts before finishing 9th in The Derby and 7th at his latest appearance. Gwanaksan Sky received a lot of pressure in front when beaten nine-lengths at his last start and was expected to lead once again and did so through the first quarter-mile however Kozzi Asano on Shining Road, which eventually finished 3rd, was keen to make the odds-on chance earn it and they eventually found the lead as Victoire was very keen to surrender the front-running on the popular pick once pressure came. Gwanaksan Sky then raced in 2nd, out of kickback, before leading in the home straight and proving too strong by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16:55). Here are the previews:

Just a week until the Korea Cup 2026 (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens and it is hard to go past (1) ECO BOLT. He was sent off as the longest but one shot on the board on debut over 1200M on July 19th but made a mockery of that with an on-pace 2nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He will be much shorter today. (3) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA didn’t do much on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over 1000M on August 8th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be nice and match-fit, and the step up in trip can suit. (6) MYEONG POWERFUL also beat a couple of these on his debut at 1000M on July 26th, ultimately running 4th. He should have come on for the run and can get closer today. (5) LEGEND MONSTER and (8) GOLD X, the latter a good 4th behind the excellent looking Clutch Derby on debut, are others in the frame.

Selections(1) Eco Bolt (3) Tongkwaehanseungja (6) Myeong Powerful (5) Legend Monster
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

It took (1) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE a few trials to make it to the races, but when he finally did, he ran a fair 4th of eleven over this distance on July 19th, settling midfield and running on decently enough. He should have come on for that run and has every chance in this company. (10) JEJU PRINCESS picked up significantly when 4th over 1400M on July 11th. Luis has ridden her to her best results and he stays aboard today. (5) DYNAMIC FORCE got sent back to trial after his latest and came through it without offering too many clues. He does have a 2nd place on his resume and that is enough to have him going close here. (11) GOLDEN WARRIOR hasn’t quite managed to kick on since a 3rd place four starts back but hasn’t been far away and can be given another chance today. (7) CHRYSOL POSH another who is better than her latest couple suggest.

Selections(1) Beolgyo Signature (10) Jeju Princess (5) Dynamic Force (11) Golden Warrior
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) GLOBAL PRINCE was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May and was then a beaten favourite on his return to shallower waters on June 14th when he got himself a warning for laying out. Before the Derby he was a winner at this class and distance, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) DUDUNG was a smart winner at this class over a mile on July 17th. He comes up 3.5kg in weight as well as up to two-turns for the first time, but neither should be a problem, and he can be a big danger. The vastly experienced (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG comes in off back-to-back 3rd places at this class and distance, and this is the kind of race where he can be there or thereabouts again. (2) OASIS ADELE is up in class following a maiden score over 1400M on July 26th. He carries a light weight and has already placed over this trip. (8) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG is the other main place chance.

Selections(5) Global Prince (3) Dudung (4) Eunseong Yeongung (2) Oasis Adele
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) LUCKY JOY is probably the one to beat here. His win came over 1700M and he ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance, which was also his first go at this level in April. He has been a front running 5th and 4th in two starts since then, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he won’t need to find much more to see off this field. (2) CLUB MAN comes up in class following a maiden win over 1700M on August 9th when handy throughout. That’s the distance his best results have come at so there is no reason why he can’t handle an additional half furlong, and down in weight and nicely draw, he can more than measure up. (1) KARA K is yet to score in fourteen attempts but has found the minor money on plenty of occasions and enters having run 5th to Lucky Joy’s 4th on July 26th. She’ll be close again. (7) CHOEGO BELT and (10) CHRYSOL STEP other place chances.

Selections(9) Lucky Joy (2) Club Man (1) Kara K (7) Choego Belt
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 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. One of those newcomers is (2) VICTORY CHAMP, and he will be the favourite. The Old Fashioned colt led for much of the way in his trial, ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd in a quick time. Drawn well, if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. (8) DAESEONG SKY was also 2nd in his trial. The time wasn’t as quick, but it was very solid having raced handy throughout, and Seo Seung-un aboard means he will have plenty of first-up supporters. Of the experienced ones, (6) DANALDA was a close 3rd on debut (close to the 2nd placegetter, anyway) over 1200M on July 17th. (3) HIT THE RUNNING and (10) MR. SUNSHINE were 4th and 5th in the same race and both also showed enough to suggest they can improve.

Selections(2) Victory Champ (8) Daeseong Sky (6) Danalda (3) Hit The Running
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 29)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(1) MACHEON MAMA is a filly by Tout with Seo Bum-seok that has trialled once on August 6 for a seven-length win from the front under Ruan Maia and based on that she should be extremely hard to catch. However (8) POWERFUL STANCE did effectively the exact same thing in her one and only trial seven days later and in her case, she won by eight-lengths. Fellow South American Luis Quiroz has the steer, and this daughter of New Legend trained by Ham Wan-sik is equally as good a chance. (2) A.K SUN attempted to lead throughout on debut and was only caught in the closing stages. The horse she was beaten by subsequently ran second beaten a nose against older horses last week and she will start as favourite. (7) GEOLJAK RUBY looks the other main player with Lee Hyeok riding for the first time, who he and trainer Jung Ha-back have a 50% winning strike rate when combining, although may just find a few too good again with (3) MIGHTY MULAN and (4) ARION QUEENS best of the roughies.

Selections(1) Macheon Mama (8) Powerful Stance (2) A.K Sun (7) Geoljak Ruby
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) TEUKGEUP GISANG trialled once on July 23 and was a five-length second behind what looked a decent winner so this filly from the Lee Dong-kook stable by Yeonseung Daero can go close on debut. (5) AMOS JEONSA only beat two home at his first start but prior to that had led throughout to win a trial by four-lengths and if able to stay out of kickback can improve immensely on his debut performance. (1) FLYING CHIEF has trialled three times with the best of those being her most recent which yielded a third behind a subsequent impressive winner. (9) BEST FRIEND and (11) RAON THE KAL did not do much in their trials but come from powerful connections and rate over (6) BLUE ROSE.

Selections(3) Teukgeup Gisang (5) Amos Jeonsa (1) Flying Chief (9) Best Friend
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11

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

(5) BIBA CHARM has chased home decent enough winners in the majority of her seven runs to date and comes off her best run yet when a two-length second a fortnight ago when coming from midfield. Expect her to be doing her best work late and going close. (1) WONDERFUL CHIEF also comes off the best run of his career when coming from last to run second a month ago and if running to that performance can go close however the draw may not help his chances. (4) SPICE BAND has not been too far away and jockey Furkan Yüksel and trainer Lee Shin-woo have had some success recently and have an 11% winning strike rate when combining and 30% for the place. (9) HERO DRAGON is another that comes off the best run of her career when second last start and looks the other key runner with (11) NIGHT CAPTAIN and (7) GRAND COURAGE next best.

Selections(5) Biba Charm (1) Wonderful Chief (4) Spice Band (9) Hero Dragon
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) MUNHAK BELL will need to be on his best behaviour at the start from potentially a tricky barrier but was a course, distance, and grade winner three runs ago prior to a third two back and is worth an each-way investment. (2) SAVERS is the most enthralling runner in the race as he came from midfield to win on debut prior to a fourth, when again coming from midfield, in arguably a stronger Class 5 than this. He comes up 400M in distance however so it will be interesting to see how he goes. (5) BLACK MAMA was an easy course and distance winner of her maiden two back before running second when attempting this grade for the first time most recently. (8) BLACK RUSSIAN is a good each-way chance again under Seo Seung-un with (9) RAON KINGSMAN not hopeless and (10) SHARKTEN best of the rest in a race of multiple chances.

Selections(1) Munhak Bell (2) Savers (5) Black Mama (8) Black Russian
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8, 9

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

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