The second leg of the Sprint Series takes place at Busan on Sunday and it’s set to be a big one as New Legend, five-for-five in Korea, takes on Doraonpgyeongseon and a host of top sprinters in the Busan Ilbo Cup (KOR G3) over 1200M. It’s the first leg of the 2019 Sprint Series which concludes with the Korea Sprint International race in September. There are 6 races at Busan on Sunday from 12:40 to 17:10 as well as a full program at Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Race-by-race is below along with horse-by-horse for the big race:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off and nice and competitive it is too. The pick is (9) ROYAL GHOST, 3^rd in both her starts so far and only narrowly defeated in a tight three-way finish last time out. (2) GEUMSUNI STAR has a 3^rd and a pair of 4ths from his latest three and while all three times he’s been quite far back, his times at this distance have been decent and he has potential for more. (10) MANSEOK JIGI ran a couple of times at the end of last year and hinted at ability. He looked very solid when trialling up two weeks ago and can be considered first-up. As can the solitary debut-maker (11) CHUNGDAM HORANGI. He impressed in his heat and should do well here.

Selections	(9) Royal Ghost (11) Chungdam Horangi (2) Geumsuni Star (10) Manseok Jigi
Next Best	4, 7
Fast Start	4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) CHEONNYEONUI BI ran on well for an improved 3^rd place over 1300M four weeks ago and steps up in trip to two-turns for the first time with solid claims to get her maiden win. She’ll go back at the start and the extra trip should suit. (1) LUCKY FACTORY, (11) INDIAN BOSS and (5) BINNANEUN RUBY filled out 3^rd to 5^th when they raced each other at this distance on March 23^rd and all three will have placing designs here. (12) CHOEGANG PARTY looked good when trialling last week and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip.

Selections	(9) Cheonnyeonui Bi (1) Lucky Factory (11) Indian Boss (12) Choegang Party
Next Best	5, 8
Fast Start	1, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Four of these raced each other at class and distance on March 23^rd and they filled out the top four places. (8) CHANGE MAKER was the one who came out on top that day, finishing well to score by half a length and he must accordingly be respected here. (5) HWANSANG STAR was 2^nd, registering his third consecutive runner-up finish and he too should be in the hunt again. Favourite that day though was (1) MIGHTY M. It was his first try at the distance and he should have come on for having run well in 3^rd. He is given another chance as top pick here. (2) PALA STAY was 4^th in that race and can aim to match or better that here while among the ones who didn’t go that day, (7) DAEGUNUI GIL looks best

Selections	(1) Mighty M (5) Hwansang Star (8) Change Maker (2) Pala Stay
Next Best	7, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 5

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Having scored his maiden win over 1000M in February, (3) BUCKETFUL GOLD ran a good 2^nd on his first try at class and distance on March 24^th. He should have come on for that and can go one better today. It won’t be easy though. (8) DIXIE AGAIN was an eye-catching winner on debut last month, scoring by six-lengths over this distance. He’s up in class today but looks very competitive. (2) EX BLADE also steps up after a gutsy win, again at this trip on March 31^st and should be in the hunt as well. (9) VICAR BRACING was a mildly disappointing 4^th when favourite two weeks ago but gets another chance here with Moon Se Young keeping faith, while (11) MAPAEBONG comes in with his most recent form reading well and can go close too.

Selections	(3) Bucketful Gold (8) Dixie Again (9) Vicar Bracing (2) Ex Blade
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 1 Selections: 1, 9, 2, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(8) HORSE QUEEN led for much of the way around at class and distance on March 24^th only to be denied by a nose on the line. The Testa Matta filly will be on pace again today and this time can get home in front. Joining her on the early pace is principal danger (5) SLING STONE. He too narrowly missed out last time but has won well at this distance before and should go close. (1) CHEON GOE SEONG remains a maiden but is up in class after a close 2^nd place last start and should be competitive. (6) YEOKDAE CHOEGO, 4^th behind Horse Queen last start, and (10) STRIDE UP, are others who should be in the frame.

Selections	(8) Horse Queen (5) Sling Stone (1) Cheon Goe Seong (6) Yeokdae Choego
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) SUCCESS PARTY won on debut at this distance the tail-end of last year but was disqualified when passing the line 1^st on his second start in January. He ran 4^th in Busan’s Classic trial in March and dropped back slightly in trip today, he’s going to be a strong favourite. (6) ROSA remains winless in six attempts but has plenty of near misses and should be aiming for at least a fourth runner-up finish today while (7) JUNGKKOT is an up and comer who should have progressed from a 4^th place on her first try at this distance a month ago. (8) FOREVER NINE and (10) HAPPY KOREA are the others with serious placing claims.

Selections	(5) Success Party (6) Rosa (8) Forever Nine (10) Happy Korea
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	5, 6

 Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Really competitive race with lots coming off last start maiden wins. (5) YEONGHWAS FLYING was perhaps the most impressive of them, although both (7) DIA STORM and (9) WINNER CROWN also have solid cases in that regard. All three should be firmly in the frame today. Winner Crown will aim to lead from the gate as will (1) ROYAL BRONZE, who already has experience at this level and ran a good 3^rd second-up on April 7^th. On the subject of experience, (6) PARTY POWER races for the fiftieth time today and while a win looks unlikely, the mare is more than capable of finding the money in this company.

Selections	(7) Dia Storm (5) Yeonghwas Flying (9) Winner Crown (1) Royal Bronze
Next Best	6, 3
Fast Start	1, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) TOHAM ACE has finished no worse than 4^th in six outings so far and is up in class having been on target over this distance last month. He made all that day and can do the same again here. (2) SANGSEUNG DAEHAN was a winner at this class and distance on March 24^th. It was his maiden win on his twelfth start, and he is carrying an additional 3kg today, but he warrants respect. As does (11) EAST WIND, who was 2^nd in that race, continuing a run of placing finishes. (6) VEGA KHAN and (9) MYEONGSIN POWER are others who can be expected to be close.

Selections	(1) Toham Ace (2) Sangseung Daehan (11) East Wind (9) Myeongsin Power
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 11

 Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) GONG SAN comes in off the back of two consecutive runner-up finishes, both at class and distance. She’s not a fast starter so she may need a little bit of luck in running, but she’s the class filly of the race and can win this time. (5) ACE SOLONGO beat a couple of these on her way to 2^nd place at class and distance on March 30^th and looks to be the main danger today although the up in class (8) MUNG CHI, (more…)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Jockey Lee Hyeon-jong returns from national service. Here are the previews.

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not the strongest of maidens to kick things off with and that could give (1) CARROT SEEKER the chance to finally make his breakthrough. He’s run well enough for 4^th in his latest two outings, both at this distance, and has as good a chance as any here. (2) DALLINEUN UNGJI comes in following a 2^nd place finish in his most recent start and steps back up in distance today looking the main danger. He’s likely to be on the lead early alongside (10) I’M HAPPY and (6) CHEONHA YEOJE who came home 3^rd and 5^th respectively when they raced each other over 1000M on March 10^th and should be in the hunt as well. (8) IL MARE looks best of the rest.

Selections	(1) Carrot Seeker (2) Dallineun Ungji (10) I’m Happy (6) Cheonha Yeoje
Next Best	8, 4
Fast Start	2, 6, 9, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies only here. (2) SEOUL CITY improved on what was her second career start over this distance on March 24^th, running 3^rd and she won’t need to get much better in order to win what is a weak affair. The same is true for (7) HWANGGEUM DOYAJI, who ran 5^th on debut in a different race on the same day, having started poorly, and (12) CHODONG BOBAE, who returns for the first time since last autumn when she registered back to back 4^th place finishes. She was slow in a trial last month but couldn’t ask for a softer race to return in. It’s also a nice race to debut in and Simon Foster’s (10) KOOKA CAT won a trial at the end of March and could go well first-up today.

Selections	(7) Hwanggeum Doyaji (10) Kooka Cat (2) Seoul City (12) Chodong Bobae
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More maiden fillies but this heat looks a little stronger. (1) RUNNUNG BOX ran 2^nd on debut over 1300M behind a colt who went on to win again last week. From the inside gate he should be on pace from the start and is favoured to go one better today. (4) SEONGPAJANG too finished runner-up on debut a month ago and while she has a little more to find, she’ll be on pace as well and could go close. (12) GEOM HYANG improved significantly on her second start three weeks ago, running a close 3^rd and can build on that momentum today while (2) GOLDEN JAY and first-time starter (6) COLORS WING are others who can be considered.

Selections	(1) Runnung Box (12) Geom Hyang (4) Seongpajang (6) Colors Wing
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

More fillies all this time it’s not a maiden. (2) UDAERYUNG was a winner on debut in January and has since run 5^th and 3^rd in two starts at this level, the latest of which was over this distance on March 23^rd. She’ll aim to lead here and is the one to beat. (10) INDY LADY has also proven herself effective at this level with a 2^nd and a 3^rd place from her two most recent. She’s run best when making all so if she can overcome the wide draw, has solid claims to go close. (3) GENERAL ROSE is up in class having registered her maiden win with a five-length score at this distance last month She’ll need more improvement in this company but has potential. (4) MASYA and (7) SILVER LION, the latter and improved 2^nd behind a very good winner last time, look best of the rest.

Selections	(2) Udaeryung (10) Indy Lady (3) General Rose (7) Silver Lion
Next Best	4, 5
Fast Start	2, 7, 8, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) ACTIMON ran 2^nd in a decent race at class and distance on March 24^th, coming form off the pace to finish strongly. There will likely be similar tactics today and he can go one better. (7) EONEU MEOTJIN NAL ran 4^th in that race, a couple of lengths in arrears. Jockey Moon Se Young gets on Actimon this time but there’s a more than adequate replacement in Alan Munro and he can get closer today. (2) GEUMA ANNUITY comes in having run 2^nd in both his latest two outings. He’ll be on the early speed here but may (more…)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) USEUNG STORY has been close in each of his latest three, running on well for 3^rd last time out in a slightly stronger race than this. He can set up camp behind the early speed here and come through strongly late on. (4) GRAND JILJU will be on pace from the start. He was an improved 2^nd at this distance last time out a month ago and should be dangerous today. (3) FUNKY steps up in trip following some near-misses at 1000M while (8) GIDAEHAE and (9) HAPPY GATE are others who have shown some competency and can be in the hunt for money here.

Selections	(2) Useung Story (4) Grand Jilju (8) Gidaehae (3) Funky
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(7) NUMBER ONE STAR ran 2^nd on debut at this distance on March 22^nd. He’s from the track’s top stable, should have come on for the run, and is the one to beat here. (9) MATCH WINNER has a 3^rd and a 2^nd from two outings so far, both at this distance and both times in reasonably company. He’ll be on speed from the gate and can go close again. (12) NAEGA SAEGANGJA has finished no worse than 4^th in four starts to date. He ran 4^th behind Number One Star last time out and while he has a bit to find if he is to win, he can maintain his record today. (8) TWO TWO SIMON and (10) TURBO SPEED are others in the placing hunt.

Selections	(7) Number One Star (9) Match Winner (12) Naega Saegangja (8) Two Two Simon
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	8, 9, 11, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here with five first-time starters among the field. (4) MAJOR PUNCH has raced just the once, all the way back last September. She ran well too, finishing 3^rd and did enough to be entered for a big juvenile race later in the month. She didn’t make it there but returns today having won a trial in good order at the end of March and could well be the one to beat. (2) TOHAM IMPACT ran well at this distance in February and while she had a hard time at 1300M on her return last month, should be better today. (10) RAINBOW PARK has run 4^th in both outings so far and can aim to match or better that here. Of the first-timers, (7) FAMILY SONG and (8) TOHAM STAR look the best at this stage.

Selections	(4) Major Punch (2) Toham Impact (8) Toham Star (7) Family Song
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(8) RAON TOWN ran 2^nd on debut over 1300M on March 29^th, running on nicely. The extended trip today should suit and he’s the one to beat. (2) DANDI QUEEN was 3^rd in that same race. She was a full five-lengths adrift but came from well back and is another who may well appreciate the opportunity to stretch out in distance. (6) ROYAL TICKET has only narrowly missed out in his latest two, both at the distance and he should be close again while (9) SINHEUNG BULPAE was a much improved 2^nd when stepped up to this distance last start and while this is tougher, can run well once more. (4) HAENGBOK KOREA looks best of the rest.

Selections	(8) Raon Town (2) Dandi Queen (6) Royal Ticket (9) Sinheung Bulpae
Next Best	4, 10
Fast Start	5, 6

Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) MUJEOK VETERAN is two starts into a comeback and showed enough when 5^th in stiff company last time out to suggest his form is improving and he’s not far away from (more…)

On the day his rival Dolkong landed back in Korea, Cheongdam Dokki put down a marker by returning to the winner’s circle in emphatic style as he successfully retained the Herald Business Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Dolkong, winner of the Curlin Handicap and 3^rd in the Al Maktoum Challenge R3 at the Dubai World Cup Carnival before being well-beaten in the World Cup itself, has somewhat usurped Cheongdam Dokki, who has both beaten and been beaten by since in several meetings since they started racing each other as juveniles in 2016. The returning hero touched down at Incheon Airport early Sunday morning and was safely ensconced in his quarantine stall by the time the Herald Business came under orders on a sunny Spring afternoon.

Making his second start for trainer Luigi Riccardi and piloted by Antonio Da Silva, the five-year-old Cheongdam Dokki was sent off a prohibitive favourite for the 2000M Listed event. He duly obliged, putting his rivals to the sword in the back straight before cruising home for an easy five-length victory.

After finishing 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes in December, Cheongdam Dokki had three months off and moved barns in the process. He wasn’t at his best on his return in the Owners’ Association Trophy over 1200M a month ago but looked on fine form here, registering a fast time for the distance under 59kg. The up and comer Moonhak Chief ran 2nd, just pipping Shamrocker.

It was a thirteenth win for Cheongdam Dokki on his twenty-second career start. He had only once run faster at the distance, when winning the KRA Cup Classic in 2017, but that was when carrying just 55kg.  It was faster than any of Triple Nine’s four President’s Cup wins and in big races, only Dongnanui Gangja, in the Owner’s Cup in 2009 (when that race was at 2000M), has actually gone quicker and that mark is still the track record – but the track was wet and fast that day.

Cheongdam Dokki is back in serious business.

 

A year ago, Cheongdam Dokki added the Herald Business Trophy to the list of races he had usurped Clean Up Joy as holder of on his way to becoming the highest rated horse at Seoul. On Sunday, it’s his turn to defend as he faces seven rivals in this year’s renewal of the Listed 2000M race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 (Busan Selections at bottom):

If he fails, it will be a surprise. Cheongdam Dokki rounded out 2018 with a game but ultimately failed attempt to take the big domestic race that still eludes him, when he was 2^nd in the Grand Prix Stakes. He was then moved to the stable of Italian trainer Luigi Riccardi and had three months off before returning to action in the Owners’ Cup in March. Dropped back to 1200M, he only managed 5^th place as Silver Wolf took the honours but he should make no mistake this time.

The main danger is Moonhak Chief. 6^th in last year’s Grand Prix, he has begun his four-year-old campaign in fine style with back-to-back class 1 victories over 2000M, both times beating Shamrocker, who returns for another crack here. He has the potential to be one of the year’s break-out stars but may not be ready to beat Cheongdam Dokki just yet.

As for Shamrocker, now six-years-old, he’s spent his career chasing first Clean Up Joy and then Cheongdam Dokki on his way to racking up nine runner-up finishes. A good solid horse in his own right, he will surely be there or thereabouts in terms of the places on Sunday, although a win is a longshot.

As for the rest, Road Winner is a winner of seven from eleven but while he won back to back class 1 races around the turn of the year, he was well back in the Grand Prix Stakes and is yet to prove himself in true elite company. The nine-year-old Wonder Bolt, Asia Challenge Cup winner back in 2015 also goes around one more time. Though he has lost a yard of pace, he is still capable of running into the minor money.

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-year-olds to kick things off. (4) CHOEGANG MAGIC debuted with a solid 4^th place over this distance on March 23^rd and Luigi Riccardi’s colt looks to have solid claims to break through today. (11) GABO PULL QUEEN ran on well for 3^rd over 1000M on debut and steps up in trip today with it likely to suit. Moon Se Young taking over on board won’t do any harm either. (3) SPADE MASHIE ran nicely on debut in February and looked decent in a trial two weeks ago. He’ll likely be on the early pace and it’s not impossible he could go all the way while (10) BLUE BAND was a useful 5^th on debut and can build on it today. Of the three debut-makers, (2) SMART GUNHWANG looked the best in trials.

Selections	(4) Choegang Magic (3) Spade Mashie (11) Gabo Pull Queen (10) Blue Band
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	3, 5, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and (2) BLACK WINGWING looks ready to win. She has two 3^rd places among four starts so far, both at this distance and from gate 2, should be leading from the start. She’ll be joined on pace by principal danger, (1) BORN ANGEL, who already has a 2^nd place to his name and comes in following a solid 3^rd last time. (7) LA VIE EST BELLE struggled over 1300M in both his latest outings but should be much more comfortable today dropped back in trip. (4) CHEONSE MANSE and (5) GOLD PERILLA are others in the hunt.

Selections	(2) Black Wingwing (1) Born Angel (7) La Vie Est Belle (5) Gold Perilla
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	1, 2, 5

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ACHIEVE made all to score by a full seven-lengths on debut back in January. He has a couple of injury setbacks since then and returns up in class, but he has enough ability to win again. It won’t be easy though. (1) BLUE FIRE remains a maiden after nine attempts but has proven competitive at this level and comes in after a good 3^rd in a similar race to this last start. He’ll be on pace early and could make his breakthrough today. (2) SUPER YEOWANG got her maiden win last June and then wasn’t seen for eight months. She’s registered a 4^th and a 5^th in two starts back and should be in the frame for more improvement today. (10) CHOWON MARU and (11) P.K.JEONSA, up in class after finishing 1^st and 2^nd over this distance at class 6 a month ago, should both be competitive too.

Selections	(3) Achieve (1) Blue Fire (2) Super Yeowang (10) Chowon Maru
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 11

Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) MYEONGJIN MAN just missed out by a neck when 2^nd at class and distance on March 23^rd. It was his first try around two-turns; it seemed to suit, and he can go one better today. Plenty of others enter off the back of good results. (4) DAE BYEONHWA and (7) STAR LIST came home 3^rd and 4^th when they raced each other over 1300M on March 30^th. The latter steps up to this trip for the first time but both look capable here. (3) LUCKY BONGHWA remains a maiden but ran a strong class and distance 3^rd a month ago and is perhaps the biggest threat to the top pick, likely trying to lead early. (12) SZERENCSE another in the hunt.

Selections	(5) Myeongjin Man (3) Lucky Bonghwa (4) Dae Byeonhwa (7) Star List
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 7

Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) HAMBAK MISO finished 2^nd, beaten a head, in a very tight finish at class and distance on March 23^rd. It was a good performance and he is favoured to come from off the pace to win here. (1) STORMY and (7) MIGHTY MAMBO came home 4^th and 5^th respectively in that same race, just over a length behind Hambak Miso and both have claims to go well today. Mighty Mambo actually beat Hambak Miso at the distance in February. The main danger though could be (3) TAP LUCK. It took him a couple of goes to figure things out but he’s up in class and in distance today following a commanding four-length win over 1300M in February and looks to have potential for more.

Selections	(8) Hambak Miso (3) Tap Luck (1) Stormy (7) Mighty Mambo
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	1, 3, 4

Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) MONSTER QUEEN and (1) JEJUI HEUKSEON finished 4^th and 5^th respectively with just a neck between them when they raced each other at class and distance on March 17^th. (more…)

Racing returns to Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(10) HOPE KINGDOM has a best of 2^nd which came at this distance in February. He comes in having run 5^th in a much stiffer contest than this last time and will take some beating here. (6) FLOWER ROAD has improved across three starts so far and has scope for more development while (9) CHEONGDAM JEPAE has been knocking on the door for some time now and shouldn’t be far away. (2) CHOEGANG DIA and (4) HAWK ARIRANG are others who can improve.

Selections	(10) Hope Kingdom (6) Flower Road (9) Cheongdam Jepae (2) Choegang Dia
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	2, 6, 9, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After a strong of 4^th place finishes, (2) NEW PARADIGM improved to 2^nd last start in an all-filly race at this distance. She’s nicely drawn to get on pace here and could well lead all the way. She’ll be joined at the front by (1) SEMYEONG STORM, who ran a close at hand 4^th on what was just his second outing three weeks ago and he looks primed for more improvement here, as does (9) CHEONJI POKPUNG, who has come close in each of his three latest efforts. (3) PRIVATE MAN and (6) BEST SINHWA are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(2) New Paradigm (1) Semyeong Storm (9) Cheonji Pokpung (3) Private Man
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	1, 2, 6

Race 3: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After two 3^rd place finishes, (4) SIMJANGUI GODONG got his maiden win at the third time of asking, scoring by a length over 1300M on March 24^th. He’s up in class and distance today but neither should be a problem and he can make it two in a row. It took (2) NANGMAN STAR twenty-six attempts to get his first win, which he final did last start. It was at this class and distance and while he carries an extra couple if kilos today, a repeat is not impossible. (10) FLYING JOY comes in with recent form reading well and should go close while (1) GALAXY PEACE, another up in class and distance after a maiden win, and (11) BULHUUI MYOENGGOG, are others in the hunt.

Selections	(4) Simjangui Godong (2) Nangman Star (10) Flying Joy (1) Galaxy Peace
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	4, 10

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) BLACK PARTY registered her maiden win at the fourth attempt with a front-running performance over 1300M a month ago. She’s up in class here but the stable is in form and a repeat looks on the cards here. (3) LUMINESCE was just beaten out by a nose at this distance in February before running 5^th on his latest effort. He can come from just off the pace here and should be a threat. (2) TRI THUNDER usually runs into one or two too quick but can hold her own at this level while (1) CHOM NIA and (4) BOLD NINER are placing chances too.

Selections	(8) Black Party (3) Luminesce (4) Bold Niner (2) Tri Thunder
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	6, 7, 8

Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Fillies and mares only. Four of these raced each other at class and distance on March 17^th and it was (2) YORI JORI who finished the best of the in 2^nd place, albeit twelve-lengths behind a strong winner. She was almost 40/1 that day but will warrant more respect today. That said, (6) EMORY SOCKS has a decent shout at overturning that form. He should be looking to get to the front early here and if he can do that, he can win. (1) SOULY MAJESTIC was an also-ran that day but has potential to improve. Among those that didn’t go in that race, (8) JOUNIGA and (9) SEOUL QUEEN look to be the best.

Selections	(6) Emory Socks (8) Jouniga (2) Yori Jori (1) Souly Majestic
Next Best	9, 4
Fast Start	5, 6, 11, 12

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) NIMUI HYANGGI has won two of his latest three to be rapidly promoted to this level. He made all both times and while this is a stiffer task, he could well be equal to it. It’s a (more…)

It’s Good Friday at Busan and there are 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here is the race-by-race, horse-by-horse guide:

RACE 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance – 3yo KOR-bred Fillies / KRW 40 Million

1. PARTY LION – 2^nd favourite on debut over 1300M after promising trials but was one-paced and only managed 8^th of 11. Drops back in trip for return and can improve.
2. DAEGYO – Debut-maker. First foal out of a dam who is half-sister to Tough Win, who won many big races here. Few clues from trials – finished behind Mach Queen and ahead of Jeongseong Beach. Watching brief first-up.
3. PERFECT ANGEL – Only beat one home on debut last month behind Chodong Jinju. That was in line with expectations and they won’t be much higher today.
4. TIZBE – Debut-maker. Half-sister to three winners at this class. Went through two trials finishing in front of Boryeong Hwanho in the latest of them. Foreign owner, trainer & jockey.
5. RAPTOR CORE – Favourite on debut on March 22^nd having won a trial and performed well enough in 2^nd place. Should be on pace here and make no mistake today. Hot favourite.
6. CHODONG JINJU – Raced twice and improved to 4^th on latest at this distance on March 15^th. Took an age to get going but ran on nicely and with a better start could be in the hunt.
7. YESULUI GYEUNGJI – Debut-maker. 2^nd foal from a mare who won 10 of 40 starts here. Older brother 1 win from 6 starts. Trailed adequately. Watch the market.
8. JEONGSEONG BEACH – Debut-maker. Half sister to a couple of good colts who both had careers cut short through injury. Trialled behind Mach Queen and Daegyo but top trainer and jockey and good run possible.
9. BORYEONG HWANHO – Debut-maker. Only foal from the dam. Trialled up behind Tizbe and better to watch first-up.
10. JOYPEL – Last on debut behind Party Lion. Sent back to trial. If she can get to the front from the start, she may go better, but others favoured.
11. MACH QUEEN – Debut-maker. Put in a very promising trial last month in a decent time and ahead of two other first-timers here. A chance.
12. GWANGMOK CHEONWANG – Six months between her first two starts and didn’t impress on either. Top trainer and jockey combination though and improvement not impossible.

VERDICT: A maiden for three-year-old fillies kicks things off and all roads lead to (5) RAPTOR CORE, who it’s hard to see getting beaten here. She was a competent 2^nd on debut and looks far ahead of the rest in terms of development. (1) PARTY LION didn’t really do herself justice on debut at 1300M but can be backed for improvement dropped down to the minimum distance today, while (6) CHODONG JINJU’s improvement last time, despite the bad start, gives some cause for optimism. Of the debut-makers, (11) MACH QUEEN is best placed to go well first up with (7) YESULUI GYEUNGJI another who should be competitive.

Selections	(5) Raptor Core (11) Mach Queen (1) Party Lion (7) Yesului Gyeungji
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	2, 5, 11, 12

RACE 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance – KOR-bred 3yo / KRW 40 Million

1. WILD GERANIUM – Well back on debut behind Final Wind before running 6^th over a mile on return a month ago. Began well that day but weakened and can continue to make progress here.
2. YEONGGWANGUI CHEER – 7^th and 5^th in two starts so far, both at 1000M. Top trainer and jockey and ay appreciate the additional trip.
3. CHANGE BACK – Improved 3^rd on second start at this distance on March 22^nd but was still six-lengths behind Ultra Power. Can improve again but will struggle to overturn that form.
4. ACE GIRL – Has been sent off at three-figure odds for all three outings to date and while there has been some progress, she’ll be a big long-shot again.
5. ULTRA POWER – 6^th behind Tamna List before running a good 2^nd behind Doctor Week at this distance on March 22^nd having led for much of the race. Should be on pace again and has solid claims.
6. FINAL WIND – Much improved 2^nd, albeit well beaten by a good winner, on first try at this distance on March 8^th. Will need to improve again but top jockey booked.
7. CHEONNYEONUIHEUIMANG – Debut-maker. Half-sister to a couple of worthy but unspectacular plodders. Trialled twice and was better in the most recent. Tough ask first-up.
8. TAMNA LIST – Overcame some bumping at the start to run 2^nd on March 15^th having previously beaten three of these, including Ultra Punch, on debut a month earlier. Real chance.
9. TIZ HERO – Debut-maker. Third foal from dam who won 6 of 41 starts here. Very slow in trials. Stablemate of Wild Geranium and despite top jockey booking, not recommended first-up.
10. SATURDAY QUEEN – Offered little in three starts so far and big improvement will be required here.
11. KOSAT – Best of 7^th from three outings so far. Back up in trip today and lots to find.
12. LOGIN KOREA – Offered little in two starts to date, both at 1000M. Top jockey on today but still looks up against it.

VERDICT: (5) ULTRA POWER has improved across three starts so far and led for much of the way over this distance last time out before ultimately being beaten by a good winner. He’s well drawn to get to the lead early here and he may be tough to catch. (8) TAMNA LIST has already beaten Ultra Power and can continue the positive start to his career by being a danger here. (6) FINAL WIND was much-improved on her latest outing last month and can maintain her momentum today. (2) YEONGGWANGUI CHEER and (3) CHANGE BACK look best of the rest.

Selections	(5) Ultra Power (8) Tamna List (6) Final Wind (2) Yeonggwangui Cheer
Next Best	3, 12
Fast Start	1, 5, 6

 

RACE 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance – KOR-bred 3yo / KRW 40 Million 

1. DAGYEONG HUIMANG – Last of 12 on debut last month and sent back to trial. Slow in trial too and not recommended here.
2. B.K. JOHN – 10^th of 11 on debut last month, beaten by Star Boy. Lots to find.
3. BAMBI SKY – Debut-maker. First foal from his dam. Offered few clues in his trial and a watching brief first-up is advisable.
4. STAR BOY – 8^th and 11^th in two starts so far, well back behind Baramgwa Gureum on latest. Outsider.
5. BUNDANUIBYEOKNEOME – Debut-maker. Dam has produced four-winners and this one trialled up encouragingly. Top jockey on and a chance first-up.
6. AUTO SONIC – Debut-maker. From the track’s top stable, he trialled up behind Baramgwa Gureum but didn’t do much wrong. Could be anything – watch the market.
7. B.K. MARVEL – Last in both starts so far and although she was a touch less slow in the latest of those, she can’t be recommended here.
8. TIME WINNER – Debut-maker. A couple of half-siblings have had some ability, but he only scraped though his trial in a slow time.
9. TIME TOGETHER – Six months between his first two outings last September and this March and neither were impressive. Lots of improvement required.
10. BARAMGWA GUREUM – Improved 2^nd on her second start on March 29^th having led throughout the early part of the race. She’s the one to beat here.
11. PERDIDO ROCKET – Debut-maker. She trailed competently alongside experienced racehorses and is in with a shout of a money finish first-up.
12. KKEUTPAN CLOSER – Debuted without distinction in December, after which he was sent back to trial. Performed adequately in fast March trial and can be better today.

VERDICT: It’s hard to look past (10) BARAMGWA GUREUM in this relatively weak maiden. The Peter Wolsley filly led for much of the way around on her second start three weeks ago only to weaken late on for 2^nd but should have come on for that and can lead all the way here. None of the others with experience are easy to recommend, so we’ll look to the first-time starters to find the main dangers. (5) BUNDANUIBYEOKNEOME didn’t look out of place when trialling alongside experienced horses last month and should go well first-up while (6) AUTO SONIC did nothing wrong in his heat either and the stable will tempt plenty. (11) PERDIDO ROCKET also looked competent enough in a trial three weeks ago and can aim for some prize money.

Selections	(10) Baramgwa Gureum (6) Auto Sonic (5) Bundanuibyeokneome (11) Perdido Rocket
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	2, 10

 

RACE 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance – KOR-bred / KRW 24 Million

1. FINAL FRONT – Sent off at odds of 80/1 last time on March 22^nd but beat three of these on his way to 3^rd place. Warrants significantly more respect today.
2. DAEROUI KKUM – Held his own over four starts so far despite finishing no better than 5^th. Can sit off the early pace and possibly run into a place.
3. OPEN SESAME – Sent off at odds approaching 350/1 on debut three weeks ago and ran like it. Big Outsider again.
4. FUSION PARK – Getting closer with a 3^rd place last time at 1300M and steps up to a mile for the first time. Likely to be on pace early and has claims.
5. GOLDUI INYEON – No better than 3^rd from ten attempts and well back behind Fusion Park last time. Others better.
6. YEONGBONGSAN – 5^th behind Final Front and Dynamic Bolt at a mile last time out but was 2^nd at this distance on March 1^st. Should be close.
7. BUSAN MAGIC – Best finish of 5^th and hasn’t shown much in the way of speed. Needs to improve to challenge here.
8. KING OF JOY – 7^th on debut at a mile last month behind Powerful Pit. Too early to recommend but may have come on for that run.
9. JANGGUNEUI JILJU – A stablemate of Fusion Park, he debuted inauspiciously last November but was much better on return three weeks ago and can continue to progress here. Interesting outsider.
10. DYNAMIC BOLT – Looks to be figuring things out with a 3^rd and two 4^th place finishes from her latest three. A neck behind Final Front last start, a top jockey is booked today, and she could win.
11. NEPTUNE – The most experienced in the race although not much of that experience is good and plenty of these have beaten him already.
12. POWERFUL PIT – 2^nd in weak maiden at a mile on March 8^th before running 5^th at the same distance three weeks ago. Placing chances.

VERDICT: Tricky race but we’ll go with (4) FUSION PARK, who has beaten a few of these already, to continue to progress and from gate 4 to get on the lead early and go all the way. (10) DYNAMIC BOLT’s recent efforts have been promising and she looks set for more development here. She’ll also challenge for the early lead and has claims. (1) FINAL FRONT beat three of these at this distance last start and should beat plenty again. (2) DAEROUI KKUM and (6) YEONGBONGSAN are others with at least placing chances.

Selections	(4) Fusion Park (10) Dynamic Bolt (1) Final Front (6) Yeongbongsan
Next Best	2, 9
Fast Start	4, 10

 

RACE 5: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

1. KING STORM – A long time since her solitary win and recent form has been cold. Up against it here.
2. URANUS J – Returned to form with 2^nd place in a stiffer race at 1300M a month ago. A previous try at this trip didn’t go well but he looks ready for another crack here.
3. BULMYEORUIMARIPGAN – One-paced but stays running at that one pace all day and plenty usually come back to him. Not sure if it is even possible for him to win a race but if it is, today’s his best chance.
4. TWO TWO TURBO – Maiden win came at 1300M in March before running 5^th on first try at class and distance two weeks ago. Likely to get an easy lead here and can stay on for at least a place.
5. MANY DESCENDANT – Well back behind Two Two Turbo last time and will struggle to overturn that form here.
6. UJU JEONGBEOL – Slightly disappointing 7^th behind Two Two Turbo two weeks ago but was a class and distance 3^rd the time before. Jockey booking is a plus.
7. HWANHAN SESANG – Longest shot on the board when running 3^rd at class and distance three weeks ago in a better-looking race than this. A repeat is possible.
8. WANBONG – Offered little in his first twelve outings but has suddenly found form and a maiden win last time out. Up in class today but could keep his momentum going.

VERDICT: (2) URANUS J lost his way slightly after getting his maiden win last September but looks to have figured out this class finally with a 2^nd place at 1300M last month, albeit seven-lengths back behind a good winner. If he can get the trip this time, he can win. If he doesn’t then it leads us to one who we know will and that’s (3) BULMYEORUIMARIPGAN. He has no speed at all but plods on and picks off lots late on. Today could be the day he finally picks them all off. (4) TWO TWO TURBO can get an unchallenged early lead and has claims to stay on while (7) HWANHAN SESANG, a useful 3^rd last time, should be in at least the placing hunt again.

Selections	(2) Uranus J (3) Bulmyeoruimaripgan (4) Two Two Turbo (7) Hwanhan Sesang
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	4

 

RACE 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

1. FIGHT MAGIC – Maiden winner over this trip at the fifth time of asking a month ago. Up in class today but should be on pace early and should be competitive.
2. NORMAL CLASSIC – Made all for a maiden win at this distance in February but struggled for position from a wide draw on first time at this level three weeks ago. Should be better today.
3. NEW JACK SWING – Good 3^rd at class and distance on February but well back on latest outing. Inconsistent.
4. LOVE LETTER – Struggled in four starts at this level since maiden win last November. Hard to recommend here.
5. BRITE ACOUNT – Still a maiden after twenty-seven attempts and recent form offers little cause for optimism over that changing any time soon.
6. JOYFUL MEMORY – An eighteen-race maiden but enters in good form. 2^nd behind the useful Tongil Hanguk in February then 6^th to the very useful Seobu Cat last month. A chance here.
7. CHEONSANG OREUM – Bad day at the office last start but she’d been going well prior to that and is worth another chance here. Top jockey on today.
8. JAESAENGMYEONGNI – Drops back in trip after an unsuccessful spin around 1800M. Has some decent class and distance results and shouldn’t be too far away.
9. GIRL CRUSH – Got promoted to this level by virtue of three 3^rd place finishes and hasn’t found it easy. Back in trip today but an outsider.
10. MIR KAN – Well off the pace in recent outings and little reason to think that will change today. Big Outsider.
11. MONEY BLACK HOLE – Shown ability and while disappointing last time, he was found to have bled. Trialled up well at the end of March and could be a factor.
12. TRIPLE BOSS – A 4^th and a pair of 5^th place finishes in his latest three. Capable of at least matching those here.

(more…)

There were four valuable exchange races in Korea on Sunday, two of them restricted to locally-bred three-year-old fillies and two for three-year-old imports. Here’s what happened:

Tokyo City Keiba Trophy

9/1 chance Smile Girl (Federalist), trained by Lee Shin Young and ridden by Lee Hyeok came through late to snatch victory after pre-race favourite Match Queen weakened badly in the home straight. Daddy Glory was 2nd while Luigi Riccardi’s Mamma Roma closed late for a worthy 3rd.

Jockey Club of Turkey (TJK) Trophy

Medici Glory (Gemologist) put in the performance of the day to crush what had looked to be a very strong field. Trained by Song Moon Gil and ridden by Yoo Seung-wan, the US import defeated Havana Charlie and the previously unbeaten Global Captain, by ten-lengths in a fast time.

Selangor Turf Club Trophy

Peter Wolsley’s filly Top Of World (Federalist) put herself firmly into the Oaks picture registering her fourth win on her seventh start and her first since last September. Thomas Gillespie’s Yeonggwangui Sidae came home 2nd to make it a foreign-trainer quinella.

China Horse Industry Association Trophy

Peter Wolsley completed a double, saddling Pro Consul (Freedom Child) to victory. The US import, who was ridden by Seo Seung-un moves on to three wins from five and is unbeaten in two this year.

Sunday sees International Exchange races at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05) and this year, an intriguing program has been put together for three-year-old fillies and imported horses of the same age. Just over a month out from the Oaks, it’s a chance to see some of the leading fancies for the fillies’ Classic and in the other races, to see some of the hottest young imported talent racing against each other. Here are the previews with horse-by-horse comments for the Exchange races (Busan below): 

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for fillies only to kick things off and with a 5^th and a 3^rd from her two starts so far, (2) MENI GRAND is set to be hot favourite to make her breakthrough here. (8) SOLID was much-improved 2^nd on her second career start over 1000M last month. She’s out of a Korean Group winner and while she is back up in trip can continue to make progress here. (5) JIOBANA similarly improved on her latest outing and tries this distance for the first time. She may benefit from Alan Munro in the saddle today. (3) COLORS DE LAGO and first-time starter (7) CHOEGANG GONGJU are others to take note of.

Selections	(2) Meni Grand (8) Solid (5) Jiobana (7) Choegang Gongju
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	3, 5, 8

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) RICH RULES was a winner on debut and then ran 3^rd on her first try at this class on March 2^nd. She’ll be on pace here and has every chance of coming out on top. The other standout is (4) GAL IP. She got her maiden win on her fifth start last time and while up in class today, there looks to be more to come from her. She’ll be challenging for the lead early too. (8) SEMYEONG GISANG was a good 2^nd on his first try at this level last month and is another who can go close. (9) GEUP HAENG MA drops back in trip after winning at the level over 1300M on March 10^th and must be taken seriously too.

Selections	(3) Rich Rules (4) Gal Ip (8) Semyeong Gisang (9) Geup Haeng Ma
Next Best	6, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 8

Race 3: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Could it be (4) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON’s time at last? She remains a maiden following sixteen attempts but is by no means a bad racehorse with four 2nds and four 3rds to her name. The latest 2^nd was last time, in a decent race at this distance and it could finally be her day. Should she find one or two too quick again then (1) WILD FIGHT and (8) GO GO BI look leading contenders. Both have a best of 3^rd place from three starts apiece and have improvement in them. (12) CHAPEL ACE has three wins to his name and showed signs of a return to form with a good 2^nd last time. There is one debut-maker and (6) FLORIDA POWER gone well in two trials and arrives with decent claims to go well first-up.

Selections	(4) Kkeuleojuneun Son (8) Go Go Bi (1) Wild Fight (12) Chapel Ace
Next Best	6, 9
Fast Start	3, 5, 9

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) FULL MOON OCEAN has shown steady progress across four starts so far, all at this distance, culminating in 2^nd place last time. He’s a front-runner so will need to overcome the wide-draw but he’s the one they need to beat here. (5) JANGSAN EX similarly improved on his second outing, running a good 4^th and can maintain his momentum here while (6) O PI M J was disappointing when well-backed over 1300M last start and should be better eased back in trip today. (1) BAEKSANG had a hard time on debut in February but can be given another chance today, two months on and under a much lighter weight. There are two first-time starters and (11) CAPTAIN BEST caught the eye in trials and could go well first-up.

Selections	(10) Full Moon Ocean (5) Jangsan Ex (6) O Pi M J (11) Captain Best
Next Best	1, 3
Fast Start	3, 5, 10

Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Really competitive little race. (5) SOMETHING NOBODYNO has a win and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far. He ran 2^nd behind a very good winner last start, and while he is up in distance for the first time today, he has every chance of returning to the winner’s circle. (10) VICAR BRACING could start as favourite though. He’s up in class following an eye-catching nine-length win over this distance on March 2^nd and while he has drawn the widest gate, he can run on strongly and can win. (3) BARAMEUL GEURIDA is up in class too after a similarly easy on the eye seven-length score back in February. He made all that day and is nicely drawn to get the front. (2) HANIL MAGIC and (8) MONEY ZIF are others who can go close.

Selections	(10) Vicar Bracing (5) Something Nobodyno (3) Barameul Geurida (8) Money Zif
Next Best	2, 9
Fast Start	1, 3, 5

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) WELLNESS K has had a stop/start career so far but now he’s finally getting a strong of runs together, he’s looked good, improving to a maiden win last time at this distance. He’s carrying more weight today but looks to have a fair shout of a repeat. Primary danger is (8) WINNING BLADE, who bounced back from a disappointing run in Seoul’s top juvenile race last October to win over this distance in November. He’s only raced once this term, finishing 5^th at 1200M in January but coming back from a spell and back down at what seems his best distance, he can win. (7) BIG GARLAND remains a maiden but was 4^th first-up after three months off last start and can go close again. (5) RICHARDOFNEWSTEAD and (10) SANTOS are others in the hunt.

Selections	(9) Wellness K (8) Winning Blade (7) Big Garland (10) Santos
Next Best	5, 1
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 8

Race 7: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) DELTA BROTHER got his maiden win over 1300M in February and then ran a strong 2^nd on his first try at this class and distance a month ago, beating a few of these along the way. He’ll go to the front early and could well go all the way. (10) BARAM KING beat (3) DOUBLE GOLD and (1) BLACK GINGA on his way to victory at class and distance on March 10^th. The draw has not been kind today, but he warrants respect based on that run and can go close again. Double Gold was 3^rd in that race and can be competitive again while we will expect improvement from Black Ginga, who came home 4^th as favourite – the second time in a row Double Gold has beaten him – and should be better today. (2) RAON MIRACLE is another for who recent form reads well and who should be in the mix at the business end.

Selections	(7) Delta Brother (1) Black Ginga (2) Raon Miracle (10) Baram King
Next Best	3, 6
Fast Start	4, 7

Race 8: Class Open (1400M) Allowance (3yo KOR bred Fillies) / KRW 150 Million – TOKYO CITY KEIBA TROPHY

1. SMILE GIRL – 4^th behind Daddy Glory in January before beating Mamma Roma on her way to a three-length win at 1300M in February. Stepped up to 1700M last time to run 2^nd at class 4. Settles just behind early pace and top-four finish expected.
2. BEST HILL – Won her first two over 1000M but has had a harder time at class 4 and at longer distances. Not a fast starter but can run on. Still scope for improvement but others favoured here.
3. DADDY GLORY – Beat Smarty Adele and Smile Girl on way to victory over 1300M in January before finishing 3^rd behind Match Queen on latest start. She hung out around the turn last time for which a warning was issued and if she fixes that, she has a big chance of overturning the form.
4. MAMMA ROMA – Comes in off a run of three consecutive runner-up finishes but was well-beaten by Smile Girl in February. Another for whom the extra distance may be a plus, but improvement will be needed.
5. GREEN DARC – Both wins came at 1000M last autumn, she was last seen running way down the track over 1700M in February. One of the outsiders today.
6. MATCH QUEEN – She’s won three in a row and four from five in total. Her latest saw her make all over 1300M at class 4 to win by twelve-lengths and while she goes the extra half furlong for the first time, she’s got solid claims to lead all the way again.
7. BAKCHAOREUM – Registered three wins in a row over the turn of the year at 1000M and 1300M. Blew the start after being fractious in the barriers last time which explains her poor result. She needs a quick start and if she gets it, she can go close.
8. WONDERFUL TRUTH – Won her first two and while she has found it tougher since, she has been racing in good company. The only one of these to run in the Sports Seoul Classic Trial last month, she led that race early only to finish 6^th. She will try to lead again, and experience of the distance may help her here.
9. SMARTY ADELE – Beaten four-lengths by Daddy Glory in January, she bounced back to score by eight-lengths over 1300M at class 5 n March 3^rd. More improvement needed here as it won’t be easy to lead but she could be an interesting outsider.

(more…)

Blossom season is in full flow and we’d best make the most of it as it’s predicted to rain on Sunday. The Cherry Blossom Festival at Seoul Racecourse continues over the weekend and there is plenty of racing too. Saturday sees 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) HANYANG NURI ran on very well to win on debut over 1000M back in December. She returns here having had four months off up in class and distance but with solid claims. (3) JEMA TEUKGEUP is up in class and distance following a 2^nd place and a comfortable win over 1000M from her first two outings. She’ll be on pace here and could repeat. (4) TAEPUNG EYES is experienced at this level and was a solid 4^th last time out in similar company, which he can build on today. (1) MISSILE CANDY steps up in trip for the first time and can improve while (10) KAILLUM YEOJE will try to challenge Jema Teukgeup for the early lead and can at least be in the placing frame.

Selections	(5) Hanyang Nuri (3) Jema Teukgeup (4) Taepung Eyes (1) Missile Candy
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	3, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW40 Million

Three-year-old maidens only here. (3) TIZ ROSE and (4) VICTORY MAY both finished 4^th on their respective debuts and both return after quite lengthy spells out (16 and 12 weeks). Both should go close but for the pick well go with (10) SPEED BELLE. He’s raced three times so far and drops back in trip following a 5^th place over 1300M a month ago and can push on here. He’ll have to come around from the outside to get to the front but is capable. We’re scraping around with the rest a bit but (9) MOONHAKCHEETAH offered a few hints of improvement last start and could build on it here.

Selections	(10) Speed Belle (3) Tiz Rose (4) Victory May (9) Moonhakcheetah
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	3, 7, 9, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve having raced before. (4) PRIME QUEEN was a much-improved 2^nd on what was her second career outing on March 2^nd. She can settle just behind the early speed and finish strongly. (11) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM has a 3^rd and no fewer than four 4^th place finishes among six starts so far. He drops back in trip today and should be looking for a career-best result. (8) WONDERFUL PANGPANG also drops back in distance having weakened in her latest two, both at 1300M and can get closer. There are four first-time starters and of them, (2) HAWK HAENGJINGOK and (5) GOLDEN ANGLE both have trial wins to their name and can go well first-up.

Selections	(4) Prime Queen (11) Cheonnyeonui Baram (2) Hawk Haengjingok (5) Golden Angle
Next Best	8, 10
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A few standouts here. (5) BINNANEUN RUBY ran a close 5^th at this distance on March 23^rd in very similar company to this. She is a seventeen-race maiden but has a decent shot of changing that here. The two main challengers both try this distance for the first time. (4) MASON has improved across three starts so far and ran 3^rd at 1300M last start. The trip should suit, and he can match or better that finish today. (11) BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE took a couple of goes to figure things out but has been 3^rd and 2^nd in his latest two and he too should appreciate a bit more distance today (1) PUNGMUNEURO has been inconsistent but is not completely devoid of ability and she too attempts two turns for the first time. (8) REIGN looks best of the rest.

Selections	(5) Binnaneun Ruby (4) Mason (11) Baeksaek Gwangchae (1) Pungmuneuro
Next Best	8, 5
Fast Start	1, 6, 10, 11

Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Since returning from six months off, (9) ICHEON SSAL has shown some signs of returning to form. He ran 2^nd at this distance in early March and may have finished better than 5^th last time had he not had a poor start. Today could be his day although this is a desperately open race. (5) ECHO GOLD remains winless after fourteen attempts but has been knocking on the door of late and could go through it today while both (3) RISING SOCKS and (4) CHEONGDAM TIGER are better than their respective latest outings suggest, and both should be involved here. (8) SUN START is another maiden and steps back up in trip with recent form reasonably encouraging.

Selections	(9) Icheon Ssal (3) Rising Socks (5) Echo Gold (4) Cheongdam Tiger
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	4, 12

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) FIRENZE HILL is set to be a warm favourite here. He’s run 3^rd and 2^nd in two starts at this level since getting his maiden win back in December, being beaten both times by better than what he faces here. He can lead all the way. (6) QUEEN FORCE ONE enters having won somewhat unexpectedly at class and distance on March 16^th and she obviously warrants respect today. (12) ACE TRIPLE came home 4^th in that same race, his first try at this class, and he has claims to get closer this time. (1) FINAL STORM and (10) FULL MOON SKY look best of the rest.

Selections	(4) Firenze Hill (6) Queen Force One (12) Ace Triple (10) Full Moon Sky
Next Best	1, 9
Fast Start	1, 2, 12

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Eight imported maidens go here. (5) DAEGUN CHEONHA will be a pretty strong favourite coming in as he does with two 3^rd places followed by a very close 2^nd, just losing out by a head last time at this distance. From gate 5 he will be on pace early and should make no mistake today. (2) THE SPIKER has finished no worse than 4^th in four attempts so far and should be looking to match the 2^nd place he scored on debut – he’ll aim to go with the favourite early. (3) MUNHAK WINNER and (4) FIGHT TODAY both showed promise on their respective debuts while (8) LIL’ PATRON too ran well on debut back in February and though he disappointed on his return three weeks ago, can be given another chance here.

Selections	(5) Daegun Cheonha (2) The Spiker (4) Fight Today (3) Munhak Winner
Next Best	8
Fast Start	2, 5

Race 8: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A winner of four from five so far, (9) RAPIDOCUS is up in class today off the back of a six-length score over 1700M on March 2^nd. He steps back in trip and has every chance of making all once more. Another up in class pair, (2) GOLDEN DIAL and (7) CHEUNGDAM GENIE both look to have more improvement in them and look best equipped to challenge the favourite. Both are up to this distance for the first time. (5) JANGSAN BEARS drops back in trip and can aim for the places while (12) DORAON NALRI raced a touch ungenerously last start but still managed 5^th and can aim to at least repeat today.

Selections	(9) Rapidocus (7) Cheungdam Genie (2) Golden Dial (5) Jangsan Bears
Next Best	12, 6
Fast Start	7, 9

Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) BEST LINE has two wins and two runner-up finishes from four outings so far, the latest of which was his first try at this distance. He steps up in class today but looks in good stead to win again. (9) DO KKI BLADE put in a very promising juvenile campaign, finishing 2^nd to Dae Wan Ma in the Gwacheon Governor’s Cup. After running 7^th in the Breeders’ Cup he had a wind operation and returns for the first time since, having trialled up encouragingly twice, most recently last Friday. He has a chance. (7) DUMANGANG and (6) STRONG RUNNER came home 2^nd and 3^rd when they raced each other at class and distance a month ago. Strong Runner can overturn that form today. (2) UP LIGHT is another in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(1) Best Line (9) Do Kki Blade (6) Strong Runner (2) Up Light
Next Best	3, 7
Fast Start	3, 5, 11

Race 10: Class 2 (1900M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

(4) GEUMBIRANG toughed out victory by a neck at this class over 1800M on March 3^rd. He is giving weight away to every other horse here, but he has the ability to overcome it and can win again. Should the impost prove too much, (7) MEGALIOS is the one to take advantage. A winner of three of his last five, he’s up in class today having scored over 1700M last time. It’s his first time at 1900M today but with a nice light weight to carry, he can win. (1) SMART PARK and (2) YESANGBAEK SEUNG both come in with recent form reading well while (6) O.K. YEONDAB is another in the hunt.

Selections	(7) Megalios (4) Geimbirang (2) Yesangbaek Seung (1) Smart Park
Next Best	6, 9
Fast Start	7, 9

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Six of these raced each other at class and distance on March 16^th. (7) YAHO SMART CAT finished the best of them that day in 3^rd place and he is favoured to prevail over them once more, coming home on top this time. Of the ones he beat that day, (10) MAGIC TEN probably has the most realistic chance of overturning the form but he’ll face stiffer challenges from the likes of (1) STORM RYKER and (11) GRAY SOCKS, both of whom went well last start. (2) K KING is up in class after a good win over 1000M last time and is another who can challenge for at least a place.

Selections	(7) Yaho Smart Cat (1) Storm Ryker (10) Magic Ten (11) Gray Socks
Next Best	2, 12
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 9