There are 13 Saturday races in Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The three-year-old maiden gallopers line up for the first on the thirteen-event card where we can get excited to see some first starters who look to have some potential. (5) OLD BLADE produced an eye-catching trial when untouched by Antonio Da Silva, who will take the ride for her first start. She didn’t run the fastest time, but she covered the ground with ease and looked to have plenty left in the tank. She showed early speed in her heat so expect her to position on the pace. (3) MAGIC PLAN is another one that wasn’t asked for in her trial but seemed to cover the ground well. The Plan filly will be ridden by Park Tae-Jong and it will be interesting to see what she offers when in full flight. (1) ICE PUNCH has race experience and will line up for his second start. He was good on debut when second, less than two lengths behind Dia Key. Punters can rejoice as the amazing Moon Se Young is back in action, he will be aboard the amazing looking grey galloper. (6) CHEONJI ULLIM had one run back in July when finishing second behind Taktuein where the margin was eight lengths. Connections seem to have gone him right again and he can run into the money. Good race with some promising types.

Selections (5) Old Blade (3) Magic Plan (1) Ice Punch (6) Cheonji Ullim

Next Best 8, 7

Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 11

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Weak maiden here but that means it’s very competitive with any number vying to be the least slow around the 1300M. It could well end up being (2) THANK YOU DAECHEON, who has been one-paced in two outings so far but has registered competitive times in decent company. He’ll settle just behind the pace and could out-plod them late on. (3) GLOBAL WANGJA ran through the line nicely for 3^rd on debut over 1000M in December. The additional trip should suit, and he can be in the frame here. Draw a line through (4) EAST ONE’s latest effort which came from the widest barrier. He should be able to get to the lead here and can be a danger. (8) CHEONJI KKOT BARAM is one of only two in the race – the other being East One – who has a runner-up finish to his name and that should put him in the hunt as well. (11) SPEED DANCER looks best of the limited rest.

Selections: (2) Thank You Daecheon (3) Global Wangja (4) East One (8) Cheonji Kkot Baram

Next Best: 11, 5

Fast Start: 1, 4, 5, 10

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The third event looks tough for punters with many chances engaged. The dominant form line appears to be the race which Bravo Gwacheon won back on 4^th January. (7) WILD WOODS finished third in the race over 1300m when running through the line strong. The Forest Camp three-year-old is likely to work forward in a race that lacks speed and be one of the main players come the business end. (5) GUREUM BADA crossed the line with Wild Woods last start and is another of the main chances. The gelding improved significantly at his second start after being well beaten on debut. He should be able to settle in the first half of the field. (4) HONG SAN ran on fairly last start when lining up in a 2yo event won by Lady Kelly. He should appreciate an easier assignment along with a better draw suggesting Park Byeong-Yun may be able to settle him closer to the speed. (6) THE DREAM lost considerable ground when they jumped last start resulting in the Menifee gelding having to settle well back. The three-year-old managed to run home well when it was all over.

Selections (7) Wild Woods (5) Gureum Bada (4) Hong San (6) The Dream

Next Best 9, 8

Fast Start 3, 7, 8

 

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

(3) FUTURE FIRE steps up in class having secured his maiden win at the fourth time of asking on January 5. The manner of that victory was pleasing as he made all to score by a full-five lengths in a time that would win plenty of races at this level too. He’s drawn nicely once more and can lead all the way again. Experienced campaigners (6) GWANGYA BULGIDUNG and (11) BARAMUI MISO came home 4th and 5^th with a length between them when they raced each other over the distance on January 4. Neither wins out of turn – or in the latter’s case at all – but both have enough about them to be competitive here and can aim to place. (2) BLUE DAEJAYEON tackles the distance for the first time and can go well from a good draw. (10) INDY LADY is inconsistent but is another capable of running into some money in this company.

Selections: (3) Future Fire (6) Gwangya Bulgidung (11) Baramui Miso (2) Blue Daejayeon

Next Best: 10, 5

Fast Start: 2, 3, 10

 

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A field of twelve will go over the two turns in the fifth all looking for their first win. (7) BLUE CHARM is likely to start favourite but we would suggest avoiding short odds. The Song Moon-Gil trained galloper finished third last start behind Wang Taeng I in one of the stronger two-year-old events. Expect improvement from the Colors Flying colt at his (more…)