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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Winner Clear Wins Kookje Shinmun As Roshe Falls Short

Winner Clear made his Group level breakthrough at Busan on Friday afternoon as Roshe came unstuck and saw his unbeaten record end in the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M G3).

Winner Clear sees off Silver Rain (Pic: KRA)

Having won his first six races by a combined margin of forty-six-lengths and racing for the first time since his ten-length romp in June’s G3 Owners’ Cup, Roshe was sent off as the 1.1 favourite for what was forecast by most observers to be a simple Friday afternoon stroll.

It turned into anything but, as drawn wide, Roshe was uncharacteristically hustled up early by jockey Jang Chu-yeol to sit four-wide of the early leaders. The three-year-old US-import briefly saw the front at the top of the straight, but instead of pulling away, he did quite the opposite and ended a flat-footed 4th, a length and a half behind the winner.

That left 140/1 chance Silver Rain and 50/1 shot Maengnyong out in front and seemingly about to contest an unlikely quinella, only for Seo Seung-un to thread Winner Clear through the middle of them to take victory by a neck on the line.

A three-time winner at Listed level, twice as a Juvenile and once in the KRA Yeongnam Sprint as a three-year-old, Winner Clear (by Klimt) was scoring for the first time at Group level. Earlier this year he ran 2nd in both the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint and G2 SROA Chairman’s Sprint, both over 1200M.

“(Winner Clear) can get a long way back and when that happens you need a bit of luck not to be stuck behind horses” winning jockey Seo Seung-un told KRBC. “Today he started very well, and I checked right away where 15 (Roshe) was and watched him all the way. Today everything lined up perfectly.”

Trainer Baik Kwang-yeol was quizzed on Winner Clear’s future plans after his charge won the only age and sex open Group race on the calendar over 1400M: “I see him as being capable at middle distance, even up to a mile so we will try and find some big races for him next year. First tough, we’ve entered him in the KRA Cup Sprint and will probably race there – he’s finished 2nd to Vincero Cavallo a couple of times so it would be nice to beat him.”

A new race on the Group calendar, the KRA Cup Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) will be run at Busan on Friday November 27th. There are currently thirty-four entries including Winner Clear and the aforementioned Vincero Cavallo. Roshe does not hold an entry but one at a later stage would perhaps make sense.

As for Roshe, jockey Jang Chu-youl put the defeat down as one of those things:

“I had high expectations because he is such a good horse” Jang Chu-youl told KRBC. “I had intended to settle back a bit but there were so few openings I had no choice but to go up the outside, then at the end, maybe as it had been a while since (he last ran), he was just a bit dull in the straight” Jang added. “The beaten margin wasn’t big, and I know he can do better in future.”

Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (November 1)

November gets underway with Sunday cards 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:

Yeongcheon (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (10) AWESOME MORNING was the quickest in trials although he did have the advantage of having a certain Roshe to aim at. He was eight-lengths behind him but seven lengths in front of anything else and that’s enough to have him on top here. (9) NURI CHAMP won his trial, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a fair time. He can get to the front here and can be a danger. (5) WINNER RISING posted a decent time when leading in her trial, ultimately running 3rd behind an experienced racehorse. Clutch Champ, who debuts on Saturday, was 2nd, half a length in front of Winner Rising, so it may be worth seeing how he goes. (11) WAWA SOCKS won her trial and must be considered, with (4) NOW DAYS another who hinted at ability.

Selections(10) Awesome Morning (9) Nuri Champ (5) Winner Rising (11) Wawa Socks
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start5, 9, 10, 11

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

Juvenile maidens although all have raced before and there are two standouts. (6) MYEONG BEAUTIFUL debuted over 1200M on September 12th, settling in midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. She should have come on for that run and the way she worked home suggests that the increased trip can be in her favour. (2) POWER RACER debuted back in July over 1000M and ran 3rd, eleven-lengths behind Samjeong Chef, who hasn’t quite kicked on. He was spelled for six weeks from mid-August but as been back in work since the beginning of this month and while he hasn’t trialed, he can go well first up. (7) OVER AND OVER was 5th on debut over 1000M on September 13th, running through the line well and he can improve here. (3) CANDLES STAR and (4) BAEKSAN RACE others to consider on a place line.

Selections(6) Myeong Beautiful (2) Power Racer (7) Over And Over (3) Candles Star
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

(10) MIGHTY CHAMP has two 3rd places from three starts so far, most recently when leading over this distance on October 4th. He won’t need to improve much on that effort to win here. (3) TOUCH THE SKY beat Mighty Champ as the pair came home in 3rd and 6th when they raced each other over this distance on September. She debuted all the way back in March 2025 and has only raced three times so while she comes in again after seven weeks off, she still has scope for improvement. (4) MY DOLPUNG put in a poor effort in that September 13th race but prior to that registered a 3rd and a 4th and wit Andre on for the first time, can be given another chance. (1) FULL STRIKE and solitary debut-maker (11) HANWHARYUNG others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Mighty Champ (3) Touch The Sky (4) My Dolpung (1) Full Strike
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

(6) SURPRISE recorded a 2nd and a 1st in his two first appearances over the turn of the year but then didn’t appear again until October 5th when he almost managed to lead from gate to wire but ultimately fell to a half-length defeat. He should strip fitter for that run, and he will be a short price to go one better today. (1) STUNNING SERVE enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1400M. Luis knows him very well and he can be there or thereabouts again today. (4) CHOWOLMA has been very consistent at this class and enters after a narrow defeat at the hands of the longest shot on the board at this class and distance on September 12th. He can settle behind the speed and run on here. (9) RAIN STAR and (7) JEJU BLUE, the latter up in class following a maiden win, are others to consider.

Selections(6) Surprise (1) Stunning Serve (4) Chowolma (9) Rain Star
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) ACE CROW has raced three times and has finished as runner-up three times, most recently leading on her first try at this class and distance on October 2nd and being passed late. She comes to Yeongcheon for the first time, she can lead again, and it may suit. (2) YEOUN is another who seems to enjoy finishing 2nd. She has a win to her name but also has four 2nd places, including her latest two at this class over 1300M and 1200M. She can sit just behind the speed and be in the finish again. (1) CHOEGANG LOUIS came to Yeongcheon on October 11th at this class and distance and proceeded to lead from gate to wire to score his maiden win at start twenty-one. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but a repeat shouldn’t be ruled out. (5) OASIS KINGDOM and (10) WORLD BOLD MAN are the other main chances.

Selections(7) Ace Crow (2) Yeoun (1) Choegang Louis (5) Oasis Kingdom
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

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

(9) EAN FIRST returned from ten months off on October 4th and while he only managed to finish 7th of eleven, the margins weren’t big, he had shown plenty of promise before the layoff, and he can improve enough to win today. (1) BEOLGYO EMPEROR had a hard time over 1700M last time out. He drops back in trip today and based on his form prior to his latest he should be in the mix. (8) WONDERFUL CHIEF remains a maiden but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1300M. He has been back to trial since his latest run, winning it, and down in weight, he can be competitive in this company. (4) BREEDO GALAXY and up in class (6) ILGEUP BISEUL among others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(9) Ean First (1) Beolgyo Emperor (8) Wonderful Chief (4) Breedo Galaxy
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

Yeongcheon Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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