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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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 31)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden to begin. (7) BONBON TIARA has two 4th places and a 5th from three starts so far, most recently stepping up to this trip for the first time on September 20th. She’ll race handy, the in-form Asano stays on, and she can win. (3) SEOBU KING was an improved 2nd over 1300M at start five on September 19th. He was beaten seven-lengths by a good winner but doesn’t face anything like that here and won’t have to improve much to go very close. (11) LOVING PURPLE led for much of is latest on October 10th over this distance, ultimately only going down by a length and a quarter. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be in the mix again. (5) LEGEND MONSTER and (3) WALLSTREET other minor money chances.

Selections(7) Bonbon Tiara (3) Seobu King (11) Loving Purple (5) Legend Monster
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

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

Imported maidens for northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern hemisphere three-year-olds with five of the eight racing for the first time. (4) CLUTCH CHAMP went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (2nd from gate twelve in 62.7 seconds on September 17th). He draws well here and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (2) CASTELLA debuted in July with a solid 4th place over 1000M. He had a setback afterwards but has been back in full work since the start of this month and he is the main danger. (8) HERO MITOLE was a close 2nd in his trial just last week when leading close to home. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can be competitive first up. Another first timer (1) NAREUSYA GLORY, along with (5) EAST WINNER, who has raced twice for a 3rd and an 8th, are the others to consider.

Selections(4) Clutch Champ (2) Castella (8) Hero Mitole (1) Nareusya Glory
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. After a couple of good trials, (9) LUMINOUS finished in 3rd place on debut over 1000M on October 3rd, coming from off the pace and only beaten just over a length. He should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (8) GHOST THUNDER ran 6th on debut before improving to 4th at start two over this distance on October 5th. Both times he has come from well off the pace and as the only one in the race with two outings behind him, e may have a fitness edge here. (6) WONPYEONG CAT came from a long way back to run 6th of eleven behind Luminous on October 3rd and is another wo should benefit from a bit further. Of the first-time starters, (5) PLOTTER and (7) MANY BLITZ were the best in trials, the former having won his. One thing to be aware of is that there is no obvious early speed in the field.

Selections(9) Luminous (8) Ghost Thunder (6) Wonpyeong Cat (5) Plotter
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the nine racing for the first time. (5) DAON HUNTER showed on pace over this distance on debut on September 6th, ultimately coming home in 2nd place, beaten four-lengths. He should have come on for that run, he can lead again here, and he can go one better. (7) CRAZY BLUE was similarly only about four-lengths behind the winner, albeit back in 4th place, on his debut on September 13th over 1000M. he too can be on pace again and in this a long way. (4) YEONGWONHAN BOSS won his trial from the front and from a central draw, can put in a bold effort first up. (3) MR. BULLS and (9) POINT WIND also hinted at ability in their respective heats.

Selections(5) Daon Hunter (7) Crazy Blue (4) Yeongwonhan Boss (3) Mr. Bulls
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6, 7

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

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ROSHE RETURNS: KOOKJE SHINMUN PREVIEW AND FORM COMMENTS

Friday sees the Korea Premier Series return and with it the more eagerly awaited reappearance of the unbeaten Roshe, who heads a full field of sixteen in the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Busan. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 9 FRIDAY RACES AT BUSAN.

Roshe (Pic: KRA)

ROSHE is a perfect six from six and the three-year-old American import is yet to be troubled in any of his outings to date, including when he stepped up to Group company for the first time in the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) in June when he recorded a facile ten-length win.

He hasn’t raced since, and while the Seong Sang-hyun trained Roshe did miss a scheduled trial a week ago, he had already come through one earlier in October and under regular jockey Jang Chu-youl, he should have too much for this field.

Several come out of creditable efforts in the international Korea Sprint over 1200M last month. They include MUNHAK BOY, who won this race last year before losing form completely. That slide may well have been arrested by a big 4th place in the international race, and he has Seoul Premiership leader Kozzi Asano aboard.

WINNER CLEAR, SILVER RAIN and HAKSAN SPEED also come out of the Korea Sprint while SUPER FINISH was 3rd in the international race last year and was a strong class 1 winner over this trip at the end of August. All will be backed on a place line.

GANGSEO GIANT and BIWOL are set to be the next bests. Here is a full run down of the field:

1. SUPER FINISH – Four-time winner over the distance most recently at the end of August at class 1 level. Beaten late on a very wet track when seemingly about to win but somehow finishing 4th two weeks ago. Good draw to lead and to be in this a long way. Place chance.

2. SINUI EREUM – Four-time winner whose recent form has been cold and whose rating as just dropped back to class 2. Big outsider here.

3. SILVER RAIN – More a 1200M horse, he was a fair 8th of sixteen in the Korea Sprint in September, prior to which he was 2nd in very quick race at class 2 level. Well-drawn to sit handy and while not favoured, he can beat plenty.

4. MAENGNYONG – A bit of a wildcard. He jumped up from class 3 to class 1 in May and won at this distance before finishing a decent 6th behind Roshe in the Owners’ Cup. Hasn’t raced since but won a trial in fine fashion on October 15th and 1400M is his go. Each-way chance.

5. SUNNY ROAD – Has been racing in Listed or equivalent company recently and has been well down the field. As won over this distance but on current form it is hard to see him making an impact in this company.

6. WINNER CLEAR – Second in two legs of the Sprint Series before running 6th in the Korea Sprint itself, each time settling well back and running on. He hasn’t ad much joy at 1400M but the way he has finished off recently suggests he is ready for another go. Second favourite.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 30)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday and it’s a bug one with the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3) the feature with the unbeaten Roshe seeking to go seven-from-seven. That’s race 6 on the 9-race card which runs from 11:10 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Munhak Boy won last year’s Kookje Shinmun (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) OASIS CELEB came from off the pace on debut over 1000M at the end of August. Nine weeks down the line, she can strip fitter, and the step up in trip can suit. Of the debut-makers, (1) POWERFUL BRIDGE was the best in trials. She went through two of them, first in September and then on October 8th when she improved to 3rd in a quick time having led. With a good start today, she should be in this a long way. (8) SECRET FOG was 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 18th when settling midfield and running on. Like Oasis Celeb, she too should appreciate the step up in distance and can match or better that today. (2) GOSOK QUEEN and (6) QUEEN CLEAVER are the other first-timers who will be supported.

Selections(4) Oasis Celeb (1) Powerful Bridge (8) Secret Fog (2) Gosok Queen
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. There are three standouts and they all finished 4th on their respective debuts. (4) TO WIN came out of gate ten on debut over 1000M before settling handy and running on for a solid 4th place. She finished off very well, the big step up in trip can suit, and she has as good a chance as any. (9) FLEX TEUKGEUP beat To Win in their trial and then came from off the pace to run 4th on debut on October 2nd. He too should have come on for that run and is a danger here. (7) SUPEX MAGIC debuted over 1200M on September 18th, beating two of today’s rivals on his way to 4th. He was doing his best work late and he is another who can benefit from the additional distance. By virtue of the jockey booking, (1) MILLION TREE will be the best backed of the debut-makers. (3) BULPAEJILJU was a fair 5th on debut and can improve.

Selections(4) To Win (9) Flex Teukgeup (7) Supex Magic (1) Million Tree
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 11

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

A regular maiden but there are four debut-makers. (6) MAX LEVEL will be a strong favourite. He didn’t do much on debut in July, but subsequently went back to trial, which he won, and he was a very close 2nd on his return to racing on September 4th when he led for much of the way, ultimately only going down by a nose. He can lead again here and this time he shouldn’t be denied. (11) GOING TO WIN probably isn’t, at least not just yet, but he was the best of the newcomers in trials and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, if he can bring that form to the races, he can be close. (2) OASIS WANGJA has been through several trials and while none were especially quick, he did lead his latest and that’s enough to give him a chance of going well first-up against this very modest opposition. (1) FOR THE VICTORY and (3) BRAVO QUEEN look the most likely of the experienced ones to improve.

Selections(6) Max Level (11) Going To Win (2) Oasis Wangja (1) For The Victory
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(8) BLUE TREE was 2nd on debut over 1300M at the end of August before running 3rd at start number two on October 9th, both times racing close to the speed. He should be on pace again here, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (3) SKY WON was a fair 5th of eleven on debut over 1200M on September 6th, coming from off the pace. She should have come on for that run, she comes into a better gate, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (4) GREY WIND was 5th behind Blue Tree in that October 9th race. She also has a 2nd place to her name over 1000M, and she can be in the mix again here. (11) SIERRA GOLD and (5) OASIS SHACKLE among plenty of others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Blue Tree (3) Sky Won (4) Grey Wind (11) Sierra Gold
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

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RAON FOREST SEES OFF PRETENDERS IN GYEONGNAM GLORY

Raon Forest put the youngsters firmly in their place as the only six-year-old in the race trounced fourteen younger rivals to emphatically win the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Friday afternoon, in the process taking over at the top of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter leaderboard.

Raon Forest and Choi Bum-hyun (Pic: KRA)

Under Choi Bum-hyun, Raon Forest, sent off as the 6.5 third-favourite, was one of the last out of the gate but quickly settled in midfield on the heels of odds-on market-elect Fantastic Value. Second-favourite Boryeonglightqueen took up her customary position right at the rear as outsiders Excellent Matta and Wonderful Kaylan, along with the more fancied Yeosu Super Star, set the early pace.

It was all change on the home turn though as two of the three leaders faded and while Fantastic Value couldn’t take her opportunity, Raon Forest came quickly to the lead and put the race to bed early in the home straight. Three-year-old Clearly Winner emerged for 2nd place, a full ten-lengths in arrears, while Yeosu Superstar registered her third Queens’ Tour 3rd place of the year.

Boryeonglightqueen as usual ran on too late and ended in 5th while Fantastic Value offered little in the home straight and ended a disappointing 7th.

“It got smoother as the race went on and we were able to quickly move up into contention on the outside. I think that was the key moment” winning jockey Choi told KRBC. “To win, lots of things have to come together, good training, the ability or otherwise of the opposition and then good fortune” said Choi, before adding “I always say that in these interviews; I guess I’m a lucky guy.”

Winning trainer Lee Kang-seo is only three months into being licensed but he is operating at a win rate of 18% with more than half of his seventy-odd runners to date finishing in the top three. Having a significant number of the Raon owned horses come to him after the retirement of Park Jong-kon has undoubtedly helped his cause.

“I’m very grateful to all the owners who are trusting in me, as well as the senior trainers who have helped me” Lee told KRBC. “I’ve prepared – or perhaps endured is a better word – for a long time to be a trainer and now it’s working out, I am so glad.”

Raon Forest’s win takes her to the top of the Queens’ Tour Fall-Winter standings with 680 points. With Fantastic Value unplaced, she is joined on 400 points in joint-2nd place by Yeosu Superstar.

Lee Kang-seo and Raon Forest (Pic: KRA)

Raon Forest [Hansen – Raon Nari (by Ecton Park)] was only winning for the eighth time on what was her thirty-fifth start but she has spent her entire career facing elite company, coming up in the same 2023 Triple Tiara group as Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew, fillies she would then face in the Queens’ Tour races. Her previous big race wins came in the G3 KNN Cup in 2025 and the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy, earlier this year.

There is some cause for optimism among the younger cohort though as in addition to Clearly Winner running 2nd, Sunrise, who won the final leg of the Triple Tiara, was 4th, just a neck behind Yeosu Super Star. The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter is the Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M KOR-Listed) at Busan on Friday November 27. Next week it’s another Graded Stakes Friday at Busan with the Kookje Shinmun (1400M KOR-G3). While he skipped a planned trial on Thursday, the unbeaten Roshe is working and expected to travel from Seoul to Busan for a race in which he will be an odds-on favourite.

KOREA RACING REPORT: OCTOBER 23-25: BREEDO SOL BESTS DOCTOR CHRIS AGAIN / 100-UP AS KOZZI ASANO PULLS CLEAR AT SEOUL

THE WEEKEND’S FEATURES CAME EARLY AS BUSAN PLAYED HOST ON FRIDAY NOT ONLY TO RAON FOREST’S DOMINANT G3 GYEONGNAM GOVERNOR’S CUP VICTORY, BUT ALSO HELD ITS CLASS 1 TRIAL FOR DECEMBER’S GRAND PRIX.

That Grand Prix trial came over the track’s longest used distance in race 8 (2200M Class 1). BREEDO SOL (Hansen) saw off fellow three-year-old Doctor Chris by a nose with the odds-on favourite Prime Secret a length away in 3rd. It’s the third time that Breedo Sol has got the better of Doctor Chris, although this was by the narrowest margin yet. Seoul will hold its trial for the Grand Prix next Sunday with the big race itself, the final G1 of the year, to take place in the capital on December 6th.

Breedo Sol is trained by Moon Hyun-cheol and it was his second of three on the day. Having earlier sent out CHAMPUI SIDAE (Champ Line) to win race 5 (1600M Class 5), Moon saddled the progressive looking juvenile SUPEXNIKKE (To Honor And Serve) to lead all the way and score by four-lengths over ten older horses in the concluding race 9 (1600M Class 5) under Jung Do-yun. It was Supexnikke’s second win in three starts.

Race 1 (1200M Class 4) saw debut-making US-bred MISTER BEYOND (Idol) record an easy win over nine fellow imported maidens. The two-year-old skipped away for a nine-length score under Jin Kyum and looks to have plenty of potential for the longer distances. His sire won the Santa Anita Handicap in 2021. Jockey Jin would complete a double with a front-running effort on TWOTWO SPACE (Gemologist) in race 4 (1600M Class 6)

At 1.2, OASIS SONG (Hansen) was short enough in race 2 (1200M Class 6) and he took some time to see off a game Green Storm. See him off he did though for a maiden win at start number four under Seo Seung-un.

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