The year’s top juveniles are set to face each other in the Breeders’ Cup (KOR G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. Seoul’s champion Roller Blade takes on Busan’s Save The World along with twelve others over 1400M, with the winner to be crowned the nation’s Champion two-year-old of 2019. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 while at Seoul there are 11 from 10:45 to 18:00.

Here is the horse by horse guide to the Breeders’ Cup with Seoul’s race by race and selections for the remainder of the Busan card below:

1. ROLLER BLADE – A winner of four from five so far including both of Seoul’s first two juvenile series legs, making all both times. He’s drawn well on the inside again and while he, like all the others here, is in unchartered territory at seven furlongs, he’ll surely stay on without issue. A big chance.
2. K N ROAD – Just the one win from five but he ran 3^rd in both Munhwa and Nonghyup Trophies, getting much closer in the latter. He seems to be improving and he is one who is set to benefit for the increase in distance today. A top jockey travels with him and he can go close.
3. MARK ONE – No concerns about staying the distance with this one. If anything, it could be too short as he broke his maiden over a mile last month. He led all the way and has a big race jockey on board. Outsider but not without a chance of some money.
4. MAN OF THE FIELD – He ran 3^rd behind Save The World in the Breeders’ Cup Trial last month but was some way in arrears so has plenty to make up. He runs on well though so should appreciate the step up in trip and can run into some money again.
5. YEONGCHEON JILJU – Half-brother to 2015 Korean Derby winner Yeongcheon Ace as well as a couple of other talented runners. His two wins have come at 1400M and he’ll handle the distance well. Deeper waters today and others are faster but he can come from off the pace and finish well.
6. DETERMINATION – Looks a potential star in the making. After running 3^rd on debut, he’s since won three in facile fashion including up at 1700M. Currently rated ten points below Roller Blade and Save The World, if those two end up going too fast, he’ll have plenty left late on to make his move.
7. MENI HERO – Gets to take his chance after a spectacular success over 1300M at the end of October. It was only at class 5 but he absolutely blitzed them to register his maiden win. Obviously this is much harder but he’s drawn well to get on speed again and could cause problems.
8. AFLEET YOUNG – Comes in off two nice wins over a mile, the most recent at class 5, coming from just behind the speed on both occasions. He’s shown a decent turn of foot as well but back at 1400M, others are favoured.
9. TOP DAY – The only horse in the race from top trainer Kim Young-kwan. After winning his first two races very tidily, he’s struggled in three attempts since. Two of those were behind Save The World and he only managed 7^th in the Breeders’ Cup trial. He will attract some support due to the stable and his dam is a Korean Derby winner but this looks a stretch. We’ll likely see him in contention in the Spring Classics.
10. CHOIN GANGJA – Ran on very nicely from well back to end up 4^th in the Nonghyup Trophy last month, He’s consistently posted competitive times and looks to be a progressive type who will only get better as the distances get longer. He has a real placing chance here.
11. SAVE THE WORLD – The only one to come in with an unbeaten record having won his four races by a combined margin of twenty-one lengths. His latest was a comfortable score in the Breeders’ Cup Trial on October 27^th beating Doctor Carson – who went on to win last week’s Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Cup – very easily. He has home advantage and he will be a deserved favourite.
12. DONGTEUJA DAY – Beaten by Save The World on debut before winning his next two to earn a crack at the Breeders’ Cup Trial. Didn’t show up that day, weakening into last place. Gets another chance here but will be an outsider

Here are the Seoul Previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A big day of racing kicks off with the two-year-olds lining up over the 1300m. (5) NEW MOON WARRIOR looks the one to beat coming off an impressive debut. The Peace Rules gelding bounced out of the gates well in his first run but couldn’t rein in the leader Power Tower. They ran a fast time and the step up to the 1300m should suit. (8) DAESUNG QUEEN is having her third career start. She has placed at both outings to date including a well beaten third last time out. This is her second run over the 1300m and she will take improvement out of her last run. (6) BAEKDUSAN CHEONJI will need to improve to be a winning chance but is in the mix to fill a place. Connections of the Hansen colt will be looking for improvement of his last run when finishing midfield over the 1300m. (11) BEST TAP ran home fairly last time out when finishing fifth behind Dynamic Punch. At his first start he finished third over the five furlongs. At both starts to date he hasn’t clocked fast times but he is one that can fill a place.

Selections (5) New Moon Warrior (8) Daeseung Queen (6) Baekdusan Cheonji (11) Best Tap

Next Best 2, 1

Fast Start 5, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another batch of two-year-olds will line up in the second but this time over the five furlongs. It is hard to go past the performance of (10) EAST ONE when looking at the times they posted last start. The son of One Cool Cat finished fourth behind Gyoryongdeuksu when running 62.2 for the 1000m. None of his counterparts in this assignment have posted a time close to his and based on that he looks the one to beat. He looks best suited to be ridden positively out of the gates and be on speed. (8) WANGINHAENGCHA handed in a nice trial performance when not over-exerted. Lee Dong-Ha has been riding well of late and he will have a good chance to finish in the money in this race. (3) SPEED BIRD is another that trialed fairly when qualifying. His dam was a handy Canadian-bred mare who won over $500k US in the states. Watch with interest as he takes to the track for the first time.

Selections (10) East One (8) Wanginhaengcha (3) Speed Bird (4) My Member

Next Best 6, 9

Fast Start 8, 10

Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

One of the best bets on the card will line up in the third over the 1200m. (8) MARK STORY made a lasting impression when blowing his rivals away on debut. The import ran a fair trial when not overly asked for but followed that up with an impressive debut win clocking 59.5 for the 1000m on a dry-rated track. We suggest his counterparts look at his head behind the gates because if all goes to plan, they’ll only see his backside in the run. (7) LORD BAN ran a fair race when debuting over the 1300m. He sat on speed and

was somewhat one paced in the run home. He drops back to the 1200m and is likely to trail the favourite across to sit forward. (9) SHU LEUB is having her fourth start and comes off a solid performance behind Global Party when passing a few in the straight. She looks one to include in the novelty selections. (10) VICTORY MAP is another that looks a top four chance. Look for improvement as the colt has his third start. He comes off a reasonable time over the 1300m when finishing fourth.

Selections (8) Mark Story (7) Lord Ban (9) Shu Leub (10) Victory Map

Next Best 5, 2

Fast Start 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

The fourth event on the card looks an open race as a field of ten take to the track trying to break maiden status. In a race that lacks exposed form, (2) DALRINEUN BITKKAL looks the one to beat after his much improved performance last time out. The Menifee colt flew from the second-half of the field to finish second in similar company behind Joeun Gamun. If similar riding tactics are employed by Kim Dong-Soo in this race he should be hard to hold out in the run home. (10) GAGANA surprised to fill a place last time out when starting at triple-figure odds. The Lion Metal colt also ran a handy time for the 1000m and the way he ran through the line suggests the 1300m will be beneficial to his chances. (9) WONDERFUL LIGHT looks a place chance lining up for her third career start. The Tiz Wonderful filly worked to the line strongly last time out and she looks one that will appreciated the step-up to the 1300m. (4) MILKY SHERRY is a questionable name for a racehorse but she looks the best of the remainder and can fill a place on recent efforts.

Selections (2) Dalrineun Bitkkal (10) Gagana (9) Wonderful Light (4) Milky Sherry

Next Best 8, 5

Fast Start 3, 8, 10

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

There appears plenty of chances engaged in the fifth as a field of twelve line up over the 1300m. The expat combination of Luigi Riccardi and David Breux will partner with (1) WINNER SAY who looks one of the main players engaged. The Henny Hughes filly finished fifth behind the handy Raon First last time out in a stronger event. She ran a good time on that occasion and if she jumps quick from the gates, she will prove hard to beat. (2) CHEONJI POKPUNG backed up his Class 6 win with a solid performance last time out finishing fourth behind Geum Royal. The three-year-old will most likely position up behind the leading division with Lee Hyeon-Joong likely to rely on his mount to reel off a good sectional. (7) LOOKING GOOD resumed in good fashion last tiem out when finishing third behind Stunning Hansen. Expect improvement at his second run this preparation. (5) BLACK PARTY placed in a slowly-ran race last time out. She gets the polished services of Yoo Seung-Wan who is likely to position the horse in the first four in running.

Selections (1) Winner Say (2) Cheonji Pokpung (7) Looking Good (5) Black Party

Next Best 9, 6

Fast Start 1, 5, 8

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

There appears a severe lack of speed engaged in the sixth and the depth of the field is not all that strong. (11) MANSE looks one that will appreciate the 1700m based on his first three starts to date. The two-year-old has been settling well back in his races and showing a good turn of foot to run home strong. He won his most recent start in Class 6 company and is well weighted for Song Jae-Chul in this race to display his ability to run a good sectional. (3) BARAMUI MISO is still a maiden after thirteen starts but she should be considered an each-way chance. Connections have elected to step her back out to the 1700m after she failed to figure earlier on in her career over the distance. She is in better form this time round and with the claim of Moon Sung-Hyeok she can collect some prizemoney. (10) GEOM HONG is the obvious engagement that will appreciate the lack of speed in the event. Don’t discount the idea that she jumps to the front, crawls and holds on to win. Whilst she is not brilliant the speed map is a big positive for the three-year-old. (4) INDIAN BOSS placed last time out over the 1700m and should be considered a top-four chance.

Selections (11) Manse (3) Baramui Miso (10) Geom Hong (4) Indian Boss

Next Best 5, 1

Fast Start 10

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

The seventh on the card has twelve Korean-bred gallopers who have all begun their careers in good fashion. On paper there appears to be an abundance of speed. (9) WHITE QUEEN looks the hardest to beat as she continues to build a good record. The Park Jae-Woo trained filly has won three from four including an all the way win last time out when running a good time for the 1300m. Expect the same tactics to be applied in this assignment, bounce out of the gates fast and take up the lead. Her only defeat came in the Breeze-Up Graduate where she faced stiff opposition. (8) JEMA TEUKGEUP was a Class 4 winner two starts back and then backed it up with a respectable fourth over the 1300m. She looks a good “bread and butter” horse for Seoul winning three from nine starts with a handful of minor placings. (4) JILPUNG GANGJA has had seven starts in the past twelve months for three wins. The lightly raced four-year-old is best suited when sitting in the first half of the field, which did not eventuate last time out. (1) MIGHTY LUCK looks well-weighted in the event. She finished second behind White Queen last time out although well weighted, will need to improve a couple of lengths to figure.

Selections (9) White Queen (8) Jema Teukgeup (4) Jilpung Gangja (1) Mighty Luck

Next Best 6, 5

Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 9, 10

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Twelve Korean-breds will take to the track in the eighth where the form lines do not appear all that strong. (6) DELTA K looks one of the main chances after finishing second behind Gaon First last start over the same distance as this assignment. He goes up in weight but will find this assignment easier. (11) VICTORY KING ran on well last time out to finish second behind Strong Vulture. He was unlucky when only going down by a nose. He looks well weighted with the claim of Moon Sung-Hyeok. (10) WONDERFUL DIXIE is a Class 4 winner three starts back in June and has most recently finished second behind Delta Brother over the 1300m. The 57kg impost looks to be the downfall but he is always once that accounts well for himself. (8) SIMON RICH looks a place chance on his last effort when fourth behind Determination who looks a smart one going forward.

Selections (6) Delta K (10) Wonderful Dixie (11) Victory King (8) Simon Rich

Next Best 9, 12

Fast Start 6, 12

Race 9: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A handy bunch of Class 3 gallopers will face the starter in the ninth where the majority of chances have drawn in close. (6) MAGICAL CHOICE is the on top selection after winning his trial in easy fashion. The four-year-old colt is lightly raced with just four starts to his name, yielding a win and three other top four finishes. There is the concern that we don’t know how he will account for himself first up in this company, but he showed enough in his first preparation to put him on top. (5) LIL’ PATRON has been racing well in this company winning two starts ago and backing it up with a fifth last time out. 56kg over 1600m looks a tough ask for the three-year-old who is untried over the mile. (2) K KING looks a place chance after running on strong last time out. The 1600m should suit him at this point in his preparation. (3) BARAM SOGEURO looks well past his best but can fill a minor place with right run.

Selections (6) Magical Choice (5) Lil’ Patron (2) K King (3) Baram Sogeuro

Next Best 8, 7

Fast Start 3, 6, 8, 9

Race 10: Class 1 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

Not the strongest Class 1 event you will see at Seoul on a Sunday afternoon nevertheless an interesting affair. (8) TIZ PLAN comes out of the President’s Cup where he finished midfield behind Dolkong. The drop back to the 1800 looks mouthwatering for followers as he always accounts for himself well over the middle distance. Johan Victoire knows the horse well having saluted on him multiple times. (7) ULTRA ROCKET is the obvious threat. The chestnut ran on well in the KRA Cup Classic when the race was all over. He is another that races well over the distance and will appreciate the claim of Kim Deok-Hyeon. (9) SUN LIGHTING resumed in fair fashion last time out when finishing fourth behind the likes of Samseong Bulpae, Morfhis and Tosconova Cat. The four-year-old is not a Class 1 topliner but can collect some minor money in a weaker assignment. (2) JANGSAN COWBOY is likely to be run off his feet early on but hit the line strong. Include him in the wider selections.

Selections (8) Tiz Plan (7) Ultra Rocket (9) Sun Lighting (2) Jangsan Cowboy

Next Best 4, 6

Fast Start 4, 9

Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

The last on the card is a competitive Class 2 event where a case can be made for many. Owner Pyo Jong-Sun looks to have a stranglehold on the race with two of the main chances. (6) DAEGUN JEPAE has been racing well of late. He won in Class 3 company two start ago and backed it up with a good second behind M J Power at his most recent start. Lee Hyeon-Jong takes over from the suspended Alan Munro and will be looking to position the galloper in the first four. The other Pyo Jong-Sun owned galloper is (3) DAEGUN CHEONHA who finished third last time out behind Ever The Champ in weaker company. With just 52kg on his back the consistent type should be kept safe in your selections. (11) WANG BEOTKKOT is the enigmatic engagement as we have not seen the now three-year-old since November last year. He took out the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy last year (this year the corresponding race was last week’s Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy) and has been off the scene since. His trial was only fair and it may pay to watch and see how he has resumed this time in. (7) HAE HU has been racing well since reaching this grade and is worth including in your wider selections.

Selections (6) Daegun Jepae (3) Daegun Cheonha (11) Wang Beotkkot (7) Hae Hu

Next Best 10, 8

Fast Start 3, 4, 7, 10

Busan Selections

Race 1: 10, 5, 7, 2

Race 2: 4, 6, 9, 3

Race 3: 9, 12, 10, 4

Race 4: 9, 2, 4, 1

Race 5: 6, 8, 2, 1

Race 6: 11, 1, 6, 5