It’s cold. The temperature is yet to rise above zero in Seoul in 2010 and it’s getting tiresome. The snow from a fortnight ago is still on the ground and riding out these past few mornings must have been horrific. Nevertheless, there’s a full set of race-cards to look forward to this weekend.

While hopes have been dashed that last year’s champion three-year old Nice Choice would make his season debut, we have an even more intriguing entry at Seoul Race Park this weekend. Seonbongbulpae, Champion Juvenile in 2009 steps up to nine furlongs in race 7 on Sunday afternoon as he launches his three-year old campaign.

The colt is unbeaten in four races but laboured in winning the Herald Business Cup back in December. He’ll face an array of older horses in the class 3 test.

The big race of the weekend at Seoul is on Saturday. As mentioned above, there’s no Nice Choice but Gi Ra Seong will be there and the six-year old will be fancied to overcome a field that includes the likes of Symphony Sonata and Hwangnyongsaji.

Busan Race Park

Friday January 15: 10 races, first post 12:00, last 18:00
Sunday January 17: 6 races, first post 12:30, last 16:15

Seoul Race Park

Saturday January 16: 12 races, first post 11:10, last 17:45
Sunday January 17: 11 races, first post 11:10, last 17:45

Jeju Race Park (Pony Racing)

Friday January 15: 9 races, first post 13:30, last 17:30
Saturday Janaury 16: 9 races, first post 12:30, last 17:10