Saturday racing at Seoul: 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Not exactly thrilling fare to begin with today but that means it’s very open and we’re looking for something to improve. (7) DIA RUNNER did ok in a couple of starts in Spring and while her latest effort was nothing special, she drops back to 1000M today and looks in the frame. Likewise (1) MORAN DONGBEAK improved on what was just his second start last time out and could develop today. (2) ARGO UNIQUE, (8) DORAON PACHYAI and (10) CHEON NOK are the only ones in the field to have previously recorded 3^rd place finishes with the former of those perhaps most likely to repeat or go better. It’s a great race to debut in and as such (12) SEONGUNG, a very late-starter who looked ok in a trial just last week, has to be given a chance.

Selections	(1) Moran Dongbeak (2) Argo Unique (12) Seongung (7) Dia Runner
Next Best	8, 10, 3
Fast Start	3, 4, 6, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Katsumi Yoshida-owned (2) BRANDON showed a bit of promise in three outings in late spring and early summer culminating in a 2^nd place at this distance. He’s been off since then but returns here as favourite. (7) WIND POWER beat (6) HONEY RUSH as the pair ran 3^rd and 4^th over the distance on September 2^nd and Wind Power looks to be the primary danger here. Honey Rush was six-lengths back that day when sent off as favourite following a good effort the time before and could get back into form. (1) NAEGA JAL NAGA was 4^th, his best finish so far, three weeks ago at this distance and can match that here while (5) SUPER COBRA, making just his third start today, steps up in trip for the first time and could benefit.

Selections	(2) Brandon (7) Wind Power (6) Honey Rush (5) Super Cobra
Next Best	1, 4
Fast Start	6, 7, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another race that’s not exactly loaded with talent and therefore, (3) K.N. BLUE, an encouraging 4^th on debut at the end of August in a race that was arguably tougher than this, has to be favourite to score under champion jockey Moon Se Young. (2) GASOK SHINHWA showed a bit of talent when 3^rd of 7 at this distance on September 2^nd on what was just her second outing. She can get on the early speed today from a good draw and can go all the way to get close. Also needing to get on that speed early is (8) BLACK MUSIC, He did that on September 3^rd and recorded a 2^nd place at this distance, his best finish to date. (1) GIDONG DAEJANG and (10) KWAEDO YEOWANG are others in with a shout of improvement.

Selections	(3) K.N. Blue (2) Gasok Shinhwa (8) Black Music (1) Gidong Daejang
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	2, 6, 8, 9

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Restricted to two-year-olds and therefore with enhanced prize money but just nine runners. Five of them go for the very first time and it’s to one of those we turn for the pick. It’s generally wise to treat trial times with caution but the manner in which (7) NIKE STREET won her trial two weeks ago suggests she needs to be taken seriously. It was a performance that would have seen her win many actual races and if she brings that to the track today, she’ll win this gate-to-wire. Of the other debut-makers, (6) TAMNA YEOSIN was the one that caught the eye, winning her trial handily. As for the ones who have raced before, (4) BISUL GONGJU finished off well for 4^th on debut at the beginning of the month and has to be considered. We’ll expect her to be ridden forward earlier today. (1) JIGONG JEIL was also 4^th on her debut a week later although was a bit further back and a little less impressive.

Selections	(7) Nike Street (4) Bisul Gongju (1) Jigong Jeil (6) Tanma Yeosin
Next Best	8, 3
Fast Start	4, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) MENI TURBO is in danger of contracting a severe case of “second-it is” A pair of runner-up finishes in her first two races saw her up in class and she was then 2^nd once more on her first attempt at this level on September 2^nd. In fairness, all three who have beaten her so far look decent types and she was only a half-length back last time. She has a good draw today to get away well and we shall give her another chance. Should she end up beaten again, (1) DALLYEORA PACHYAI, who is putting together a fine run of near misses himself and is accordingly up in class today, could be one to take advantage. (8) JILPUNG DOKJU has proven capable of winning money at this class already and should be close again as should (5) HWANSANGUI DOYAK who was 4^th behind Meni (more…)