Holiday Monday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 5)

There has just been a string of public holidays in Korea and Monday is another. A Monday holiday means there is a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(10) LUNA SOCKS ran second in her one and only trial prior to her debut where she was a beaten odds-on favourite but was not disgraced finishing a two-and-a-half length third. (11) SENNA k was also relegated to third as the odds-on chance on her respective debut, but both fillies can be given another chance despite drawing the widest gates. The Tony Castanheira trained (3) B WORK has made up some ground from the rear in both his solitary trial and race and rates next over (8) HAENGUN STAR which was fourth on debut with (9) BAEKSAN RACE, who was not far away in his first start, an each-way chance with (1) SMART BIGBANG, which has trialled twice for a fifth and a fourth,

Selections(10) Luna Socks (11) Senna K (3) B Work (8) Haengun Star
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10, 11

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

(3) ROAD TO PERFECT has only finished outside of the top five once in eight starts and the closest she has come to breaking through was her most recent run when finishing third, so she rates as a solid each-way chance. (10) GEOSEN HAMSEONG has the best performance out of all of these with a last start second so naturally he must be given a strong chance. (4) FLYING CHIEF was well turned over on debut when pulling up lame but if he has come on for the experience he can do better with (2) HONEY SKY, a last start third, next best over (6) GEUMSEONG SHINY and (5) BULPAEUI YEOWANG.

Selections(3) Road To Perfect (10) Geosen Hamseong (4) Flying Chief (2) Honey Sky
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

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

(4) SURPRISE was an outstanding winner of his second career start at the beginning of the year but subsequently suffered a fracture in the near hind sesamoid and has been off the scene since. He resumed with a trial on September 17 where he was only beaten a nose by the Listed Segye Ilbo runner-up from February in Yeonggwangui World which is outstanding form and he should pick up where he left off and hopefully the sky is his limit. (5) RAON KINGSMAN has two fifth places as his best efforts so far from three runs at this grade and rates as one of the key place chances with (7) STEPPING STONE, who was a debut winner before finishing ninth and fourth in two runs at this level, next best over (11) GLOBAL CARD, (8) BIBA CHARM and (6) BLACK SPECTER with (3) YONGBI SHINHWA, (9) MUHAN ARGO and (2) EODIDEUNJI all solid place chances as well.

Selections(4) Surprise (5) Raon Kingsman (7) Stepping Stone (11) Global Card
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 11

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

(5) SAEROUN BISUL ran a placing to this year’s Minister’s Cup runner-up Mr. Taeyang at the end of his juvenile campaign before beginning this preparation with a victory in July. He was then second when having his first Class 5 run at his most run and can go one better. The main danger is the Tony Castanheira prepared (10) BLUE HAWAII which caught the eye on debut coming from well back for second, one place ahead of a subsequent winner, before confirming that promise when again coming from well back to win his second race start by three-lengths. That pair clearly have the best form with (11) COWBOY QUEEN perhaps not a bad place chance with a featherweight on her back thanks to a two-kilogram claim from Kwon Jung-seok whilst (3) JOY CHEONHA, (8) SEUNGNI BAROWS and (7) JIJON BULPAE are next best.

Selections(5) Saeroun Bisul (10) Blue Hawaii (11) Cowboy Queen (3) Joy Cheonha
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 11

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

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Ilgan Sports Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 4)

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). The feayure is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy which is race 8 at Seoul. Here are the previews:

A past edition of the Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)

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

(9) G B QUEEN led throughout to win her trial impressively by five-lengths on September 3 and looks a good chance of stepping out on debut to land the spoils for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (1) WILD CAVIAR also won her trial on the same day by a lesser margin and in a slower time but should be respected from the Tony Castanheira stable. (2) CLOVER SOCKS trialled once for a narrow second to (7) MEMENTO but with a weight swing from that trial could reverse the form. (8) RAON THE SKY and (10) ADI SOCKS rate next.

Selections(9) G B Queen (1) Wild Caviar (2) Clover Socks (7) Memento
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GOLDEN DIVA comes up to Class 4 for the first time following a second beaten a half-length over this distance a month ago. It is a race of many chances, but she can acquit herself well. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO has been disappointing this preparation, but his best form would probably win this. (5) STORM TROOPER was a Class 5 winner over this distance three runs ago whilst (7) UNJU TIME is knocking on the door for a win with (3) MY SUPERMAN and (4) PICTURE other each-way chances along with (10) BREEDO PHOENIX.

Selections(1) Golden Diva (9) Eclipse Tango (5) Storm Trooper (7) Unju Time
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9

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

(2) SINCHEON HEART comes off a last start second on Korean Cup Day in a race over this distance and at this grade and looks to be getting closer to breaking through for a victory but will be well under the odds. (7) KATARINARA finished in the second half of the field in her first two runs when well fancied but was better last start when making up ground for third. It will be interesting to see how she goes rising in trip by 400M. (4) RISING WIND has been sixth in each of her last two starts but was second three runs ago so that form would give her a chance. (6) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE outran odds of 22.0 on debut before only finishing midfield as a 2.2 favourite at his second run. The only juvenile in the field is (8) FLYING DREAM and whilst he has finished in the second half of the field in both of his runs, he should be kept safe whilst (5) GANGHAN PRINCESS rates next.

Selections(2) Sincheon Heart (7) Katarinara (4) Rising Wind (6) Beolgyo Signature
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

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

(11) MIGHTY CHAMP has the widest draw to overcome but can be given a good chance on his debut third on August 8 although he was not quite as good last start when finishing midfield as favourite on September 13. Two-year-old (4) RAON THE RIPON was behind Mighty Champ in that September race and only managed midfield at his other prior run but they both strike a winnable race here. (5) CUPID DREAMER is another juvenile, and she is by Race Day on debut and has trialled twice with the best of those being a third place on September 3 where she made up ground. (7) THUNDER RUN is hard to catch but gets a four-kilogram apprentice claim which keeps him in contention with other juveniles (10) ECLIPSE EAGLE, who will be well fancied, and (9) NEWBAL SOCKS the other chances.

Selections(11) Mighty Champ (4) Raon The Ripon (5) Cupid Dreamer (7) Thunder Run
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10                                                                     

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

(2) OASIS GIJEOK could never get into the thick of things at his last run three months ago when running at Class 5 for the first time but his two second places prior to Brown Choco and Lightning Force are the best piece of form on offer in this race so he can break his maiden here if running to that form. (8) TOHAMSAN DRAGON has up and down form but his third two runs ago behind a subsequent winner rates as good enough to win this if he runs to a similar level. (4) TRICK SHOT won a trial at the end of August before finishing fifth over class and distance at Busan at the beginning of September and he will start as the favourite. (7) CHAMP GIRL has had three runs finishing out the back in two of them, but she did win her other run. (5) WONDERFUL LARK has had her issues but from the Thomas Gillespie stable should be respected with (1) GOLDEN POINT next best in a tricky race to assess.

Selections(2) Oasis Gijeok (8) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Trick Shot (7) Champ Girl
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. It’s also the first day of the Autumn Festival which continues after racing with obligatory drone show. Here are the preview:

Malma beer is back for the autumn Festival

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

(2) RUN CROWN has trialled three times and the best of those was his most recent when running third on August 6 beaten two-and-a-half lengths behind a subsequent debut winner. Andre da Silva rides and the Hansen colt can close at value. (8) SLING SMILE is one of only three in the field that has had a race and based on that third place on July 12 can go close under Seo Seung-un. (10) CUPID LUCKY and (9) WONPYEONG CAT, the mounts of Luiz Quiroz and Ruan Maia respectively, came home third and fourth separated by three-lengths in a trial on September 3 and can run well whilst (5) CENTI FORCE is next best over (11) LUMINOUS which has had plenty of trials but has improved markedly along the way.

Selections(2) Run Crown (8) Sling Smile (10) Cupid Lucky (9) Wonpyeong Cat
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

(6) MACHEON MAMA was second favoured in the market on debut and was far from disgraced finishing in that place chasing home a decent winner. Ruan Maia retains the ride on the juvenile filly, which had led throughout to win a trial by seven-lengths prior, and she is the one to beat. (3) POWERFUL MR. has been close in each of his three starts behind some decent winners and whilst that may be the case again in this it is possible that he could break through at the fourth attempt. Seo Seung-un rides (5) OPUS ONE which has been just worse and just better than midfield in two runs whilst a similar enough comment can be made for (7) FULL STRIKE. (11) INTO THE GALAXY is a roughie chance if not getting too far out of his ground with (2) TOO BIRD HIT next best.

Selections(6) Macheon Mama (3) Powerful Mr. (5) Opus One (7) Full Strike
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) LEGEND MONSTER is a two-year-old colt that is taking on the older horses for the first time following three starts for two minor placings behind smart winners and a fifth when favourite. This is a winnable race for him, and he is the one to beat under Furkan Yüksel. (9) MYEONG POWERFUL has finished in front and behind Legend Monster in each of his two runs making up good ground on each occasion and if not getting too far out of his ground will go close. The two juveniles look clearly the pair to beat with (2) PNS GUNS next best over (8) ILGEUP BISUL, (10) PERFECT GAME and (7) GLOBAL HANAM.

Selections(6) Legend Monster (9) Myeong Powerful (2) PNS Guns (8) Ilgeup Bisul
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) STEEL MORE has been placed in each of her three runs and that brings her up to one-win company for the first time. She was first-up for eight months last start when attempting to lead throughout and was only beaten a narrow margin and can go one better. There are plenty of dangers though and amongst them is (6) NAOL AURORA who led throughout to win her maiden very easily at the end of April but has been a beaten favourite in three of her next four runs, all at this class. Seo Seung-un rides for the first time which is interesting. (10) ECLIPSE MARVEL won her maiden last November and at her only run since in August was fourth in perhaps a stronger race than this. (11) HAKSAN SAMMY will do her best work late whilst (2) BINNALEEDS and (5) HAKSAN WINNER, who will perhaps be favourite, are the other main chances.

Selections(3) Steel More (6) Naol Aurora (10) Eclipse Marvel (11) Haksan Sammy
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

Racing returns from its one-week Chuseok hiatus on Friday with a 9-race card at Busan from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(1) WINNING WILD has trialled once for a fourth on August 13 when on pace throughout. Seo Seung-un rides for trainer Choi Ki-hong and owner Choi Sang-il so it is a powerful trio that combine with this Bayern filly and she will go close. She was ridden by Franco da Silva in her heat who rides (11) RED DEVILS which has trialled once for a victory on August 27 when leading for most of the way to score by a narrow margin. The highest draw does not do him any favours, but he is still a top chance of coming out and following up his trial victory with a win on his race debut. (5) FLEX TEUKGEUP has trialled once for a third a month ago, when similarly on speed throughout, whilst (8) PRESS QUEEN made up some ground to run third in her hit out at the end of August, she was however beaten eighteen-and-a-half lengths by the winner. (6) SKY BOLT was eighth of ten beaten twenty-lengths in his only heat but from the Thomas Gillespie stable should not be totally disregarded with (3) CUPID GOLD next best following an on pace fourth in her trial three weeks ago.

Selections(1) Winning Wild (11) Red Devils (5) Flex Teukgeup (8) Press Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

(5) UNCLE PARK has raced twice for a third to the impressive Supex World on debut followed by a narrow second three weeks ago when attempting to lead throughout. Considering he raced without shoes on both forelegs in that race, after casting a plate on the near fore on the way to the post the decision was made to remove his off fore shoe, it was quite a big run and in the colours of Roshe the Uncle Chuck colt can go close for Seo Seung-un and Baik Kwang-yeol and will likely be very short. (4) DAEHAN KING has trialled once for a one-and-a-half length win on September 10 and under David Breux this Aloha West debutante can be expected to give this a real shake. (3) HONOUR SPECIAL was the one that was that one-and-a-half length in arrears of Daehan King in that trial three weeks ago and should not be too far away again whilst his stablemate (6) WISDOM PICK is the mount of Franco da Silva and the best of his three trials was his most recent when finishing fourth to some experienced customers. The others need to improve with (7) PERFECT LINE the most likely to do that and he rates ahead of (2) TOHAMSAN HONOR.

Selections(5) Uncle Park (4) Daehan King (3) Honour Special (6) Wisdom Pick
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(11) JEONGMUNKEUNDAEBAG has trialled once for a front-running victory on September 17, and he looked mightily impressive in that score so despite the widest gate he should very much make his presence felt for Franco da Silva and Bart Rice. (1) WILD JUMP ran her race before it began back on debut in February when getting upset in the stalls and subsequently dropping out after leading. She again attempted to lead throughout at her second start back in July and did better finishing third and for the Seo Seung-un, Choi Ki-hong, Choi Sang-il combination should not be dismissed. (2) CLUTCH TIME did not do much in his solitary trial on August 27, but he comes from the Thomas Gillespie yard so he should be kept safe under Masa Tanaka. (8) OASIS SONG is a first career ride for Hong Hwan-woong and going on his second run is not hopeless with (7) NUMBER ONE PLAY, which has trialled once for a fourth, next best over the Moon Hyeon-cheol trained (9) BREEDO GREEN which failed on debut as a 2.5 favourite only beating one home but should not be completely forgotten.

Selections(11) Jeongmunkeundaebag (1) Wild Jump (2) Clutch Time (8) Oasis Song
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11

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

(5) GLOBAL TOP TIER has not been far away in two of his three starts to date finishing behind some decent types of his own two-year-old age group and rates as a strong chance to go a few places better. (1) DOCTOR ATE is another juvenile who finishes off his races well and will be doing his best work late. The draw may necessarily not be to his advantage but if he sees daylight expect him to be running home hard going on what we have seen from him in three runs so far. (6) VIRAL HIT has David Breux aboard and has finished in the top four in three of his past four runs whilst (2) GEUMBIT has improved with experience and is not the worst. (9) DYNAMIC LEMON was much better last start and Franco da Silva rides with (8) DREAM BLUE best of the rest.

Selections(5) Global Top Tier (1) Doctor Ate (6) Viral Hit (2) Geumbit
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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“Lamborghini” Fantastic Value Drives To Easy Jeju Governor’s Win

“The horse is a Lamborghini!” jockey Seo Seung-un remarked as he was led back to scale after Fantastic Value crushed fifteen rivals to emphatically win the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3), the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Nobody had told Fantastic Value that this race had been billed as one of the deepest and most competitive of the season. Sent off fourth best in the market behind Gladius, defending champion Boryeonglightqueen, and this year’s Luna Stakes winner Clearly Winner, Fantastic Value broke from gate eight of sixteen and quickly went to the lead and from then on, it was a procession.

Under Seo Seung-un, the 2025 Korean Oaks winner continually extended her lead and had the race wrapped up a furlong from home, Seo having the luxury to ease down as Fantastic Value comfortably secured a first Group win for trainer Son Byeong-chul, who only set up in his own right this summer.

“I’m really happy to win this for the new trainer” Seo Seung-un went on to tell KRBC, following his Lambourghini comment to the assembled crowd. “There was no specific decision made that I should aim to lead to or sit back or anything, just to do what felt best on the day and (Fantastic Value’s) condition was excellent so I thought it is ok to go to the lead.”

“She was champion filly at three, since then there have been some ups and downs, but she felt very good in a trial, so I had a really good feeling about this.”

Fantastic Value won the Luna Stakes and the Korean Oaks in 2025 before coming up short as Boryeonglightqueen – who is now in the care of Fantastic Value’s original trainer Lim Keum-man – won the final leg of the Triple Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, last June. Fantastic Value somewhat lost her way after that, before roaring back in to form by winning the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer in April.

The ever-dependable Raon Forest got the closest in 2nd place with 80/1 chance Yeosu Super Star finishing in 3rd, the same as she had in the KNN Cup at the end of May, at similarly big odds.  Among the pre-race favourites, Gladius was 10th, while Boryeonglightqueen ran on late but only managed to get up to 8th. Clearly Winner was a fair 4th while Jeulgeounyeojeong, who won this race in both 2023 and 2024, was a decent 5th on her second start back following a nine-month layoff.

A four-year-old by Afleet Express and out of Union Belle (by Dixie Union), Fantastic Value moves on to seven wins from eighteen starts. The Queens’ Tour resumes in a month’s time with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on October 23rd.

There is no racing in Korea next weekend due to the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holiday. Racing will return on Friday October 2.

KOREA RACING REPORT: SEPTEMBER 18-20

ON SUNDAY AT SEOUL FANTASTIC VALUE TURNED WHAT LOOKED A COMPETITIVE JEJU GOVERNOR’S CUP INTO ONE OF THE MORE UNCOMPETITIVE BLACK TYPE RACES WITH A FULL FIELD YOU WOULD EVER SEE BUT THE MAIN HANDICAP WAS DEFINITELY COMPETITIVE AND TRAUM KING OBLIGED BY A NARROW MARGIN (writes Luke Humphreys).

TRAUM KING (by To Honor And Serve) was one of four in the market for the nine-runner race 10 (2000M Class 2) and they duly filled out the top four-places with Traum King, who had opened up a sizeable lead in the home straight under Jang Chu-youl, and enough left to hold off Mustang Power by a substantial nose. The other single-digit chances, Super Bluemoon and Storm Breaker, came home in 3rd and 4th.

Jang would complete a late race-to-race double as he partnered PHANTOM PRINCE (Cairo Prince) to an eye-catching success in the eleventh and final race on the card (1200M Class 4), the US-bred three-year-old breaking through at start number four. Coming from midfield and lengthening away to score by four-lengths as the 2.5 favourite. Ikkeulim and Mucho Macho Rapido filled out the placings.

JD GANGJA (Power Blade) was the easiest of winners in Race 9 (1800M Class 3) by twelve-lengths justifying punters confidence in making him the 3.0 favourite. It was a fast run race and whilst JD Gangja was not directly involved in the speed battle it was still a strong performance by the three-year-old colt, and much improved compared to his last couple. He was good enough to go around in some of the main juveniles races last year running 4th and 5th so the ability is clearly there. Daehan Power, 7.0, who is a renowned come from behind horse naturally performed well with so much speed in the race and he came home 2nd. Maeum Hana, 4.4, who was coming into the race following a last stride 1200M success at this grade in August suffered the third defeat of his career at start eight and under top weight of 57.5kg come home 5th whilst last start impressive victor Yongbigyo, 4.9, was 9th of the ten runners after paying the price to try and get her favourite position as the pacesetter.

Luis Quiroz and QUERENCIA (Concord Point) followed up their narrow August 23 victory with another in Race 7 (1300M Class 5) by a comfortable two-lengths over the 2.9 favourite Clover One. Querencia was the topweight with 57kg and will now be up to Class 4 grade.

Ruan Maia rode two impressive juveniles to success. The first was ECLIPSE GOLDEN (Gemologist) who was the 2.5 favourite in Race 2 (1400M Class 6) and after finishing third in each of his two previous starts got up right on the line to deny the Johan Victoire ridden Luigi Riccardi trained longtime leader Unicorn Ace who as the 3.8 third favourite looked to have an unassailable lead but stopped to a walk over the concluding stages and was caught very late.

Maia followed up on TAEPYEONG SG (South Beach) in Race 6 (1200M Class 5) who made it two wins from as many starts with a four-length front-running score in smart style. The 1.5 favourite was Gwanaksan Bigstep, following an impressive thirteen-length trial victory and five-length debut success, but he fell asleep in the gates, subsequently missed the start and had to use too much petrol to find a position and weakened for 5th.

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Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter: Jeju Governor’s Cup Preview & Form Comments

The Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter series for fillies and mares kicks off on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse and the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) is shaping up as one of the most intriguing – and trickiest – puzzles of the year so far. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & YEONGCHEON ON SUNDAY.

Boryeonglightqueen is the defending champion (Pic: KRA)

All the big hitters of the division are there, including the defending champion BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN, as well as the 2023 and 2024 winner JEULGEOUNYEOLJEONG. Others who have won Queens’ Tour races in the past and take their chance include GLADIUS, who was such an impressive class 1 winner last month, as well as the evergreen RAON FOREST and Ttukseom Cup winner FANTASTIC VALUE.

Then there is the three-year-old generation, who take on their elders for the first time. All three winners on the Triple Tiara series line up. CLEARLY WINNER won the Luna Stakes before running 2nd to CATCH RACE in the Korean Oaks. Both face off again and they are joined by Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner SUN RISE.

Here is a full run-down of the full field of sixteen who will go to post for race 8 at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 15:40:

1. SUNRISE – 4th in the Oaks, she won the final leg of the Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, over 2000M in June. 2nd at class 3 level over a mile in her latest when closer to the pace than usual, she may not be a top line favourite here but can be a minor money chance.

2. CLUB Q – A winner of five from ten, all of them coming over this distance and at up to class 3 level. First time in elite filly and mare company today, this has been jockey Kim A-hyun’s career defining horse so far and she returns from injury to partner her. A very strong finisher, she could run into some money.

3. ONEULDO SMILE – A winner of six from twelve, two at this distance, but she struggled in the Spring/Summer series and hasn’t raced since May. She came back into work on August 20th but didn’t offer too many clues in a trial at the start of this month. Others favoured but should be on the early pace.

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Queens’ Tour Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (September 20)

It’s the final weekend of racing before the short Chuseok break and the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter kicks off with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) the main event. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Yeongcheon from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Gladius will be favourite for the feature (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time and a couple of them look interesting. (6) THE ROAD led in his second trial, crossing the line alongside top sprinter Super Finish in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. (3) ULTRA CROWN went through two trials, winning both of them, most recently last week when settling back and running on strong in a quick time. The 1200M should suit and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can win first-up. (8) BULTAOREUNE was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over 1000M on August 9th when he beat three of today’s rivals. Third-up he should have a fitness edge here, and the way he has finished off these races, suggests the step up in trip is in his favour too. (5) FLASH BOLT and (2) NAREUSYA GOAT finished 4th and 5th respectively on debut behind Singsing Nashe and both can improve here

Selections(6) The Road (3) Ultra Crown (8) Bultaoreune (5) Flash Bolt
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens, although all of them have raced at least once before. After running 4t on debut, (9) UNICORN ACE was a close 2nd at start number two on August 22nd in a quick time over 1000M. He is up significantly in trip, but he has been doing his best work late, and he has every chance here. (8) GOLD X stepped up to this distance at start number two on August 30th and came from off the pace to run a solid 3rd place. Luis climbs on for the first time, and he can be dangerous here. (4) ECLIPSE GOLDEN has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M. He as been back to trial since his lates, which he came trough well, and he can at least place again. (11) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (6) CHEONSANGGEOMNYONG among plenty of others who can step up.

Selections(9) Unicorn Ace (8) Gold X (4) Eclipse Golden (11) Cheonmaui Hanseong
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 25 Million

A “second chance” race for those yet to win any prize money from at least five starts. And none of them started their respective last race at odds shorter than 26/1, so it’s a case of good luck solving this one. (3) SEMYEONG HEIDI has done the least wrong in that she has only raced five times and does at least have a 6th place. She also hasn’t raced since May and crucially went through a trial in August that she won in a quick time, making all. If she brings that trial form to the races, she will win this. (1) PNS RUNNER does usually show on the early speed and if from the onside gate he gets off to a good start, most of these rivals might not be good enough to get past him. (6) VICTORY SECRET is another who can be on pace and in this a long way. Without any level of confidence, (7) DUKE SOCKS and (4) HAEMARU CHAT are others who could run into some money.

Selections(3) Semyeong Heidi (1) PNS Runner (6) Victory Secret (7) Duke Socks
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been knocking on the door in recent starts wit a 2nd place tree back and then a 3rd on his latest on August 9th. Both those were at this distance coming from off the pace and against this modest opposition, he won’t need to improve by much to win this. (10) SONGDANG JILJU has picked up in her latest two, both at 1400M, passing plenty late for back-to-back 4th places. Previous tries at 1700M were not successful, but she may be ready for another crack. (1) NURI EUTTEUM has never been better than 4th but managed to finish in that position last time out on September 6th and making a quick return here and drawn in a much better gate, she can match or better it. (8) GANGHAN PRINCESS and (7) GRAND COURAGE other place chances.

Selections(5) Powerful Arctic (10) Songdang Jilju (1) Nuri Eutteum (8) Ganghan Princess
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) WIND MIREU is a winner of three from four and enters having run a close 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on August 16th when coming from off the pace. He has his fair share of weight to carry again, but he can go one better. (9) SEOBU DANCING returns to racing for the first time since winning at class 5 level under an apprentice claim over a mile in May. He is up in class and bereft of a claim today, but he has Franco on and he looked well when winning a trial two weeks ago. (11) KEUTPAN YEOGEOL enters having finished in 3rd place over this class and distance on July 24th. She races best on pace so she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can be competitive. (6) STRAWBERRY QUEEN and (7) SHACKLE LAUD among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wind Mireu (9) Seobu Dancing (11) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (6) Strawberry Queen
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

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

(7) NIGHT THUNDER and (1) SONGDANG FIRST both come from the Lee Kang-seo stable, and they are the only two horses in the field that have a won a trial. They both came from well back to score by narrow margins, Night Thunder on August 27 and Songdang First on August 6, and can both go close with the preference being for the former under Seo Seung-un however the latter will start favourite. (6) EVER WINNING comes from the Moon Se-young yard and attempted to lead throughout in her trial on August 20 when only beaten a narrow margin. (5) BEST LOVE has trialled once for a fourth whilst (11) SILVER WAVE, who is out Silver Wolf, and (8) HAKSAN SMARTY rate next whilst the Kozzi Asano ridden Tony Castanheira trained (2) SISILI was only seventh of nine in her trial but the jockey-trainer combination can never be denied.

Selections(7) Night Thunder (1) Songdang First (6) Ever Winning (5) Best Love
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 11

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

(5) NURI YEOWANG came from last to run second on debut to a smart juvenile in Road To Champion, a subsequent winner last Sunday, at the end of June. If not getting too far out of her ground, she can go close to going one better. (6) BLUE ROSE is another that ran second on their debut with her run occurring only three weeks ago and this Lee Shin-woo trained filly has a good chance. Seo Seung-un is riding (7) RAON CHARIS GIRL who in another millimetre would have broken her maiden status on her debut on August 23, she was still five-lengths from the lead with 100M to go, and the extra furlong will help her cause very much. (4) SHARP GUY attempted to go with a smart one on debut and did not run badly and rates next over (9) WHITE STORM, a stablemate of Raon Charis Girl that made up a lot of ground in her trial back in June, and (11) SEVEN FORCE.

Selections(5) Nuri Yeowang (6) Blue Rose (7) Raon Charis Girl (4) Sharp Guy
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 11

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

(6) GRAND POKPUNG is a two-year-old filly that has been close in each of her four runs including behind some of the better juveniles of the year so far in her earlier runs. She gets another chance to break her maiden in this and will be hard to beat. (7) THUNDER RUN is a Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old gelding that was stood down for two months after finishing a forty-two-and-a-quarter length last on April 19. He did however win a trial on August 6 so can be given a chance in this field. (11) LOVING PURPLE was going to be right in the finish before ducking in and out violently and subsequently parting company with her rider early in the home straight last start. She was stood down to trial twice and those two heats yielded fourth and second place finishes. (2) DONGBAEK has not been too far away and rates next over (9) SEOBU KING, which ran well last start behind a subsequent winner, (3) TWOTWO MAGIC and debutante (1) PARKA RACER.

Selections(6) Grand Pokpung (7) Thunder Run (11) Loving Purple (2) Dongbaek
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11

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

(4) CLUTCH WORLD ran a decent third on debut over this distance on August 23, only one-and-three-quarter lengths behind a subsequent winner and can be expected to go close to going a few places better for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (3) LOOM CHUKJE is a juvenile filly but gets into a maiden where she should be able to at least finish closer than what she has in three previous starts where her best effort has been a fifth, which was her last run. (8) BREEDO EPIC was a beaten odds-on favourite last start when stepping up to 1700M. Kozzi Asano once again rides and she is an interesting runner. (11) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN will do his best work late and is an each-way chance along with (1) DELTA CHOEGANG and (2) SPICE BAND with (10) GOLD STEP next best.

Selections(4) Clutch World (3) Loom Chukje (8) Breedo Epic (11) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 18)

The final weekend of racing before the short Chuseok break gets under at Busan on Friday where there are 9 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all eleven racing for the first time. (10) TO WIN was held together very nicely in her trial, crossing the line 4th in a fair time but withing four-lengths of the experienced winner and getting stronger as the heat went on. Franco stays on and she could win on debut. (8) MIRACLE PACE was a fair 4th in her trial coming from off the pace. She was a touch slow away which is a concern at 1000M, but she looks to have ability. (9) FANTASTIC QUEENS finished off well in her trial, beating a couple of today’s fellow debut-makers in the process. Those three were the clear standouts from trials with (7) ROMANTIC TIARA and (11) GLOBAL LUNA others who hinted at ability.

Selections(10) To Win (8) Miracle Pace (9) Fantastic Queens (7) Romantic Tiara
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

Juvenile maiden colts here with all eleven racing for the first time. (4) ROYAL PRIDE was on pace in his trial, running a close 2nd to an experienced horse who came out and won at class 5 level a week later. He draws well to be on pace and looks a big chance here. (6) B.K RICH was the other standout in trials, similarly leading before crossing the line in 2nd, a length behind the very experienced Sincheon Freedom and that form should be good enough to challenge here. (11) TOHAMSAN STAR went trough two trials and was quick in both. He has the challenge of the widest gate but with Seo Seung-un engaged, he will have plenty of backers. (2) BUHWARUI SEOMAK and (10) SUPEX MAGIC others in the hunt. 

Selections(4) Royal Pride (6) B.K Rich (11) Tohamsan Star (2) Buhwarui Seomak
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) RIVER RUN has been getting closer across his six starts to date with a 4th, a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest three, most recently when stepped up to a mile for the first time on August 16th. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw should be no problem, and he could go one better today. (5) FANTASTIC ROYAL didn’t do much in his first two starts but stepped up to 1300M on August 21st and was an improved 2nd, coming from midfield. The further step up in trip can suit and he can be close. (9) SHINY KOREA looks to be figuring things out at last with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, the latter his first try over the mile behind River Run on August 16th and he should be a danger again here. (6) RESPECTING GIRL and (1) SEOGWI FOREST others in the hunt.

Selections(11) River Run (5) Fantastic Royal (9) Shiny Korea (6) Respecting Girl
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) CHAMPUI HYANGGI enters off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently over this distance on August 28th when she beat three of today’s rivals, settling midfield and running on. She comes into a slightly better gate today and can potentially come out on top. (2) YEONGGWANGUICROWN has made steady progress across three starts today with her best being her latest when 4th in that August 28th race. She has four-lengths to make up on Champui Hyanggi, but she has a light weight, she draws well, and she looks to have plenty of scope for more improvement. (3) NAGAN CHUEOK comes in after a 2nd place over 1200M on July 17th when coming from well off the pace. She comes up significantly in trip, but it may well suit. (10) DOCTOR MUJEOK and (9) FLYING SKY others who can be in this.

Selections(8) Champui Hyanggi (2) Yeonggwanguicrown (3) Nagan Chueok (10) Doctor Mujeok
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

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