Month: September 2021

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 1)

So we move into the final quarter of 2021 still with those in the Greater Capital area unable to have a legal punt. A late season Stakes race schedule will kick off this weekend though with both Seoul and Busan hosting Listed events for Juveniles on Sunday. While Seoul and Jeju remain closed to customers, the Busan Racecourse will be open for limited in-person attendance, as will the OCB’s in Busan, Daegu, Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Advance booking through the MyCard app is required. Here are the previews for Friday’s short six-race card at Busan:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens to start with and seven of the ten race for the first time. Among them is the favourite (8) MAN OF THE STAR, a Menifee colt from the Peter Wolsley stable who impressed in his trial by making all to cross the line well clear of the rest in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, then he will be very hard to beat. (9) BEOMI NAERYO ONDA was a touch slow away on debut on August 27th but rallied very nicely to come home in 3rd place. Expect him to be a bit further forward earlier this time around and he is the main danger and clear second-favourite. (3) FANTASTIC MAGIC came home in 5th place in the same race on what was her debut too. She settled back in the fields and ran on and improvement could be on the cards here. Returning to the first-timers, (2) CHOEGANG FORCE and (10) QUEEN’S DAERO are others who put in solid trial efforts and can go well first-up.

Selections	(8) Man Of The Star (9) Beomi Naeryo Onda (3) Fantastic Magic (2) Choegang Force
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(9) UNJU EUTTEUM was a touch disappointing at his latest start when from a promising position, he lost his way and ended up well back over 1300M. However, if we go on his first two starts when 3rd and 2nd over this distance and 1300M then he must come under consideration. He does come up in the weights but the benefit of Perovic being aboard should counter that and he has every chance here. (8) NICE WORLD has been consistent across three outings so far. At her latest start on September 19th at this distance she settled in midfield from a wide gate before running on for a solid 3rd place. Her times haven’t been special but with some natural improvement, she should be in the finish here. Those two are the clear standouts and it would be a surprise if they don’t fill the quinella. As for the rest, (4) WONDERFUL DAYS raced twice without distinction in the early part of the year. He hasn’t been seen since April but reappeared in an early-September trial looking much more assured and has placing claims first-up. (3) WONDERFUL DIGGER and (2) WONDERFUL REALTY are others who can improve.

Selections	(9) Unju Eutteum (8) Nice World (4) Wonderful Days (3) Wonderful Digger
Next Best	2, 5
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A really good race with some up and coming juveniles facing some similarly lightly raced but promising older horses with any number looking to have a winning chance. We’ll go with the filly (10) AGAIN TOUCH. After a facile all the way score over 1000M on debut, she ran a solid 3rd place in a valuable juvenile race on September 5th at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She draws wide again, which is not ideal, but she can get on the pace and win this. It won’t be easy though. (2) GLORY KING has the fastest time of any of these at this distance, recorded when 2nd to Doctor Texas on August 1st. He reappeared a month ago to record his maiden win, leading every step of the way over this trip and accordingly comes up in class. He draws beautifully and has every chance. (11) DOCTOR CAESAR was an all the way winner on debut on September 3^rd, scoring by as many as he pleased over 1000M. He is up in class and distance today but he surely measures up. (1) WONDER BLADE races for the first time since June and looked well in a September trial. HE has won twice at the distance already and from the inside gate will be a danger. (6) FLASHY CHARM ran 5^th behind Again Touch in that big juvenile race and is another in the frame here.

Selections	(10) Again Touch (2) Glory King (11) Doctor Caesar (1) Wonder Blade
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	2, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look past (2) WONDERFUL JAZZ for this. He stepped up to a mile at his latest start on September 10^th and beat four of these on his way to a good 2^nd place. He had previously run consistent times over 1400M. He can settle handy here and could well prove too strong. That race is going to be the race of reference as most of the credible dangers also come out of it. (11) DOCTOR TAKE had a poor day at the office in the same race when he was away slowly and scarcely improved. Two starts back though he managed a 4^th place in a good time at class and distance and can be given another chance here. (4) ACE FOUR TEN was a winner at this distance at class 6 level in August before running a decent enough 5^th in that same September 10^th race and from a good draw can close. (7) WAKANDA has loads of experience at this level and ran 4^th in the September 10^th race and a repeat can’t be ruled out. Among those who didn’t go in the September 10^th race, (1) THE FIRST FACTOR looks the best. She drops back in trip following spin around 1800M at her latest start where she led before weakening. She has run decent times over 1400M.

Selections	(2) Wonderful Jazz (11) Doctor Take (4) Ace Four Ten (7) Wakanda
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 5

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(7) MISS INDIE suffered her first defeat when up to this distance for the first time on August 13^th when she led almost the entire way around only to get taken down late on by Hill More. She comes up in class again here but gets in under a light weight and has every chance of returning to winning ways. (10) GOLD FOUNTAIN win three races in a row between May and August to rise up rapidly in class. He ran 5^th over 1800M at this level at his latest start and can be better for the drop back in trip here. (3) MUJEOK BULPAE tackles the mile for the first time. He has finished in the top two in six of seven starts so far (although five of them have been as runner-up) He has run some consistently fast times over 1400M and from a good draw can sit on pace or handy to the lead and run on strong. He has a big chance. (4) WINNER STAR got his maiden win in a valuable juvenile race on September 5^th. He is up in class and distance here but his running style suggests that the distance will suit and he has solid claims again. (6) ALPHA STAR comes in off a good 2^nd place at class and distance on September 12^th where he overcame a wide draw to lead for much of the way and came home in a time faster than any of these have achieved at a mile so far. He draws much better today and should be in the finish again.

Selections	(7) Miss Indie (10) Gold Fountain (3) Mujeok Bulpae (4) Winner Star
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

(5) JANGSAN DOKKI is set to be hot favourite to return to the winner’s circle here having beaten several of today’s rivals when 2^nd behind the excellent Winner’s Man ay class and distance on September 12^th. Under today’s conditions, he carries just the additional 1kg for that run and is very much the one to beat. (6) RETURN OF SUBSIDY didn’t go in that race but instead comes in for the first time since beating Jangsan Dokki on his way to a strong 3^rd at class and distance on August 22^nd. He tends to settle back and run on strong and will be doing his best work late on again here. (4) CURLIN TIME is ultra-consistent and while he has a big weight again, he will be in the finish. He was 5^th behind Jangsan Dokki last time and two starts back beat the very promising filly Doctor Fappiano when 2^nd to Winner’s Man. (7) DAEHO JILJU was 3^rd in the September 12^th race and can also enter the calculations. The wildcard is (2) SAMSEONG DOKKI. A class and distance winner, he races for the first time since last November and while he offered few clues in a September trial, a good run first-up can’t be ruled out.

Selections	(5) Jangsan Dokki (6) Return Of Subsidy (4) Curlin Time (7) Daeho Jilju
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 8

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

It’s the final race day of September what with the Chuseok holiday upcoming and racing taking one of its two weekends a year off next week. Decent cards at both Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 17:00) to go out with. The Seoul meeting is behind closed doors and all capital area betting facilities remain closed but Busan is open as are OTBs in Changwon, Daegu, Gwangju and Cheonan for punters who pre-book through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens start things off this Sunday with seven of the twelve making their racecourse debut here. There is some useful experience around though as (6) BYEOLBIT MARU has raced twice already and shown ability. She was 4^th on debut over 1200M before dropping back to today’s trip and running 3^rd on August 15^th when she settled back in the field and ran on. She’ll be favourite here and is the one to beat. (2) DREAM SPEED hinted at ability when 5^th on debut in a fair time over this distance. That was a reasonably strong looking maiden and she should improve here. Among the first-timers, (4) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM looks the best. He was away relatively slowly in his trial but once he set to work, he finished off well crossing the line in the same time as the heat winner. (5) LUCKY INDY beat a couple of these on her way to 4^th in her trial. It wasn’t run at an especially fast pace, but she looked competent enough to suggest she has a chance of going well first-up. Returning to the experienced runners, (10) GEOLJAK DREAM only managed 9^th on debut but it was a fair time and a pretty hot race so expect better today.

Selections	(6) Byeolbit Maru (2) Dream Speed (4) All For Your Dream (5) Lucky Indy
Next Best	10, 7
Fast Start	5, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(11) LAPIEO BAN is set to be warm favourite here. She ran 4^th on debut over this distance before stepping up to 1300M and finishing a good 2^nd. She has come from off the pace both times and while she draws wide, she should have too much for these. (10) FLYING KARA has finished 3^rd in both her starts so far. She was very slowly away at her latest outing before running on well and went back to trial afterwards. She was similarly slow to begin in the trial, but she does have a nice turn of foot and so long as she doesn’t get too far back, she can go close here. (9) PRINCESS DAY beat a couple of these on her way to 3^rd place over this distance on August 22^nd, and while she is yet to run a time, can be considered for improvement again here. (1) SWEET CAMP didn’t do too much wrong when finishing in midfield on debut last month. She draws much better this time around and can improve. There are four debut-makers here and (7) PURGE DAY looks the most likely to make an impression first-up, having run 3^rd in his trial in a decent time and drawing well.

Selections	(11) Lapieo Ban (10) Flying Kara (9) Princess Day (1) Sweet Camp
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(9) SOBERANIA picks herself here following a 4^th and a 2^nd from two starts so far including her latest at this distance on July 3^rd when she led for much of the way only to be passed in the closing stages by a good winner. She has had eleven weeks off since then but will be expected to be on pace again and this time to go all the way. (2) JAY EAGLE ran well for 2^nd place over 1300M on August 8^th, her best finish in seven starts so far. Two starts back she ran a decent time when 4^th at this distance and can be considered here. (11) DESK TAP has been putting in some consistent performances with five top five finishes from six races to date although the maiden win has remained elusive. His times have been fair, and he prefers to sit handy so while the draw is not ideal, it isn’t insurmountable. (7) FINAL ACE and (5) PERFECT LIGHT were beaten by Desk Tap on August 8^th, but both have hinted at ability and can be in the minor money mix today.

Selections	(9) Soberania (2) Jay Eagle (11) Desk Tap (7) Final Ace
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	4, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(6) PURE KING returned from nine months out to run a good 2^nd first-up on July 31^st at this distance when he settled midfield and ran on. Seven weeks on, he should have come on for that run and shapes as the one to beat here. (3) BEST HAMSEONG is one of three first-time starters in the race and the Peace Rules filly looked very competent leading all the way in her trial, responding very well to one reminder in the home straight. She can be competitive first-up. So too can (10) MILLION BANK who won her trial, leading for most of the way around on a wet but drying track and similarly responded well when asked for some exertion. (9) SONHADOR ran 4^th behind Pure King on July 31^st, building on what had been a promising debut earlier in the same month. She came from off the pace that day and is likely to do similar here with the trainer/jockey combination ensuring she receives plenty of support. (8) DROMOS won a trial in July before running 3^rd on debut on August 20^th when she led until the home straight. It was an encouraging performance, and she should be in the hunt here too.

Selections	(6) Pure King (3) Best Hamseong (10) Million Bank (9) Sonhador
Next Best	8, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(9) SPEAR GUN is the one to beat here, dropping back to a distance at which he ran 2^nd two starts back in fast time having sat handy before dropping back to midfield and then running on well. Since then, he has run a solid 3^rd over 1400M and can be on pace here and win. (8) WONDERFUL ORANGE has the fastest time of any of these at this distance, recorded at her latest start when 4^th on a very wet track on August 21^st. She is yet to win in seventeen starts and will probably find one or two too quick again but shouldn’t be too far away. (6) ONCHEONHA seems to be working towards a win having significantly improved in his latest two outings with a 3^rd and a 2^nd both at 1200M. He briefly touched the front in the home straight last time out and while up in trip, should be in the finish here. (1) SMART JEONSA almost managed to make all over 1200M last time out but was passed by a very good winner in the final furlong. He can aim for a place again. (12) FLYING FULL MOON is another in the placing frame.

Selections	(9) Spear Gun (8) Wonderful Orange (6) Oncheonha (1) Smart Jeonsa
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Competitive race here. (7) LANE KILLER has raced just the twice so far, registering a 3^rd over 1300M and a 4^th over today’s distance. While we will need to take him a little on trust here that there is some improvement in the tank, he gets a better draw today and has claims. Probable betting favourite is (1) ECHO LADY. She has the fastest time among these at this distance by a considerable margin, achieved three starts back when 2^nd having led through the early stages. She drops back in trip from a last start 4^th over a mile and is firmly in the hunt here. (6) HORAENGI was beaten by Echo Lady two starts back but has consistently run competitive times over this trip, generally settling back and finishing strongly. She has three 5^th place finishes in a row coming into this and should be aiming for better this time around. (9) NORTHERN LIGHTS beat Lane Killer when 3^rd last start and on that alone has to be considered while (2) SPEED MATCH is another with a chance of at least a place.

Selections	(7) Lane Killer (1) Echo Lady (6) Horaengi (9) Northern Lights
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

It’s about time (10) FIGHTING NOW made his breakthrough and got his maiden win. He has finished 2^nd on no fewer than five occasions with a further two 3^rd place finishes. He steps back in trip following decent efforts at 1400M in his latest appearances and he can overcome the wide draw to sit midfield or better early and then run on. If Fighting Now does find one too quick again – and let’s face it, he might – then (1) FASHIONED PASSION is one of a number who could take advantage. She has mixed her form since a class and distance win back in April but draws very nicely on the inside here and an apprentice jockey takes 4kg off her back compared with her last start. She can go close. (11) TIZ BLACK has won two of his latest three, the most recent at class and distance on June 20^th. He overcame gate twelve to get on pace today so the draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue and while he is up in the weights, he can be considered again. (5) FANCY PANTS, up in class, and (12) RUNNING KING are others in the hunt.

Selections	(10) Fighting Now (1) Fashioned Passion (11) Tiz Black (5) Fancy Pants
Next Best	12, 9
Fast Start	7, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(4) ECOPIA has a win and three 3^rd place finishes from four starts to date and comes in off back-to-back 3^rd places at this class and distance. From a nice draw she should be on the early speed here and has the potential to go all the way. (1) FIRST STAR was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 4^th at her latest appearance on August 22^nd. She draws well here, and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight nice and low. She is a big danger. (10) GALLANT WARRIOR is developing a bit of case of “second-it is” being yet to win in seven but having finished runner-up in his latest three, including his last start at class and distance He seems tactically versatile so the draw shouldn’t be an issue and he will be running on strong late here. (6) DOCTOR FAITH is another yet to win but who is ultra-consistent with six top three finishes from seven outings. He steps up to this trip for the first time and has claims. (12) HAMAN BANGEOSAN was a smart winner over 1300M at start number two on August 22^nd. She comes up in class and distance here and is the wildcard.

Selections	(4) Ecopia (1) First Star (10) Gallant Warrior (6) Doctor Faith
Next Best	12, 7
Fast Start	2, 4, 7, 12

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

We’ll draw a line through the latest offering from (1) HI HI when slowly away over 1200M before making up ground for an uninspiring 6^th place. That was his first time outside the top three and he had previously been running fast times up to 1300M. This is his first try at 1400M, but it should suit, and he gets another chance here. (9) FIGHTING DADDY led for much of the way around 1300M last start on August 29^th before getting swept up by a decent set of runners and finishing 5^th. Expect him to be on pace again here and to be competitive. (11) ACHIM HAMSEONG didn’t do himself justice on his first try at this class four weeks ago when he got a long way back and didn’t run on. He does possess the fastest time of any of these for the distance though and should be afforded another opportunity here. (4) HARUON is a front0runner who comes into the calculations following a good 2^nd in a decent time over 1300M on August 15^th when only narrowly beaten She’ll contest the early speed and has run well at this distance in the past. (10) GHOST VILLAGE is another who should have designs on at least a place.

Selections	(1) Hi Hi (9) Fighting Daddy (11) Achim Hamseong (4) Haruon
Next Best	10, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 9, 12

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 18)

There are nine races at Seoul on Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00. The meeting takes place behind closed doors although betting outlets in Busan, Changwon, Daegu, Gwangju and Cheonan will be open for pre-booked punters (through the MyCard app). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

A juvenile maiden to kick things off and unlike many similar races where there are usually only one or two obvious contenders, there are no standouts here which bring plenty into contention. With that in mind, we will give the nod to the only one with prior racecourse experience in the shape of (12) BICHUI DAERYUK. She ran 2^nd on debut at this distance on August 7^th and while she was a long way behind the winner, she ran on pleasingly enough in a fair time. She doesn’t draw well here but with some improvement, she may prevail. (8) GLOBAL MAGIC won his trial when after leading early, he was overtaken before rallying again and looks to have promise. (4) RAON THE WEEKEND won his trial and while the time wasn’t especially fast, he showed enough to suggest that has ability. (2) REMARKABLE ran 2^nd in her trial in a decent time. She gets a nice draw here as well as an apprentice jockey aboard meaning she carries significantly less than any other runner in the race. (9) JAY TROSS is another trial winner who will aim to be on pace and can be in the finish.

Selections	(12) Bichui Daeryuk (8) Global Magic (4) Raon The Weekend (2) Remarkable
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	4, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A weak race even for this level which is how we can put (2) CHAMPION GAMUN as the top pick despite his recent form on paper looking less than impressive. He has, however, put in a couple of decent times at this distance, racing against better opposition and from a good draw, he can be expected to be on pace from the start and difficult to pass. (5) MUJEOK JANGSAN come sin off a significantly improved 3^rd place over 1300M on August 7^th when she settled handy and then ran on. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and it may suit. (1) LAGERTHA is the only previous winner in the field and on that basis alone must come into the calculations. That win was three starts back at 300M when he settled midfield and finished well. While previous attempts at this distance haven’t gone well, he draws nicely here and should be involved. (4) GREAT EYE has shown improvement across his three starts so far and ran on strong for 4^th over 1200M three weeks ago. The step up in trip may suit and an apprentice keeps the carried weight down. (12) SOUTH BAN another in the placing frame.

Selections	(2) Champion Gamun (5) Mujeok Jangsan (1) Lagertha (4) Great Eye
Next Best	12, 6
Fast Start	2, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Another wide open race. We’ll take a chance on (6) DIECO, who was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before running a slightly disappointing 5^th at her latest start over today’s trip on August 14^th when she was drawn in the widest gate and ran on fairly. She draws better this time meets that day’s winner at significantly better weights and could reverse the form. That day’s winner (4) J.S. POWER is the probable favourite and the one to beat. He led from gate to wire that day wo score a narrow win over the useful Rubicon in a fast time. He draws nicely again with the only concern being that he comes up 3kg in the weights. (2) SECRET BOSSS enters off an excellent 3^rd place last time at class and distance in a fast time on a wet track. As is his style he came from well off the pace that day but from an inside draw if he can be a little handier then he has strong claims. (1) MODERN BEST produced a fine performance to score her maiden win over this distance at start number seven on August 8^th, coming from well off the pace. She comes up in class accordingly but should measure up. (11) SHADOW QUEEN ran a strong 2^nd at class and distance at her latest start and is one of several others with placing claims in what is a strong race.

Selections	(6) Dieco (4) J.S. Power (2) Secret Boss (1) Modern Best
Next Best	11, 12
Fast Start	3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) ULTRA KING gets the nod here based on his solid class and distance win on August 15^th when he sat behind the leader throughout before pouncing in the final furlong and running on to score comfortably. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights as a result but draws well and can repeat. (2) MAD BLADE comes up in class having registered his maiden win a month ago over 1300M when on pace throughout and running on for an easy win. She should be able to measure up at this class and while it won’t be quite as easy to get on pace here, he can go close. (6) COMPLETE STAR comes in off a solid class and distance 3^rd place finish on August 15^th, an all-filly race in which she led for part of the way around. She is nicely in here under just 52kg and should go close again. (1) AROMA remains a maiden after nine attempts but has proven competitive at this level with a 3^rd and 4^th in his latest two outings, both at class and distance. The wildcard is (11) ROAD RAN, who is probably the best horse in the race. She is a class and distance winner in a time faster than any of these have achieved, however, she races for the first time since November last year and while she trialed up adequately, didn’t quite show enough to suggest a bet first-up. Watch with interest.

Selections	(3) Ultra King (2) Mad Blade (6) Complete Star (1) Aroma
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Good race here with two clear standouts. (1) MONSTER K comes in seeking his third straight victory having prevailed twice in a row at class and distance. Both times he has led all the way and both times has run out a good winner. He draws beautifully to get on pace again and while he is up in weight, the Astrology gelding can be equal to the task. The danger is (8) BYEOLNARA JILJU. He got his maiden win at start number three at class and distance on July 24^th when he sat behind the early leader before taking things up in the straight and running on for a very easy win. He does come up a full 5kg in the weights which should be a steadier, but he also looks to have scope for improvement whereas Monster K may have peaked. He has a big chance. (7) CHOEGO RACE won at class and distance two starts back before coming home in 4^th place on his reappearance on August 22^nd. He stays at the same weight and draws well enough to be in at least the placing frame again. (4) QUICKSILVER KITTEN was 5^th behind Choego Race last time out and has cope for improvement while (2) CHUNJI GWANGPUNG weakened on debut in June but should have come on for the experience and can improve today.

Selections	(1) Monster K (8) Byeolnara Jilju (7) Choego Race (4) Quicksilver Kitten
Next Best	2, 5
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 12

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 17)

Racing will take a break for the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holidays next weekend so it’s full fields all round this week. The action kicks off at Busan on Friday with a seven-race card from 12:35 to 18:00. While betting outlets in the Capital region and Jeju Island remain closed, those in Busan, Daegu, Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan are open for pre-booked punters (through the MyCard app). Here are the previews:

Hopefully this will soon be just a bad memory

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens go around here with five of the ten racing for the very first time. There are two standouts among the ones with experience. (1) GREAT BLUE is set to be favourite having raced twice already, the latter time running a good 2nd to the promising newcomer Adele Touch in a fast time, running through the line strongly. He draws nicely on the inside and has winning claims here. (7) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT has raced just the once on August 14th when he was smartly away and leading before dawdling a little in the home straight and ultimately finishing 2nd. Hopefully he has learned from that and with some improvement in terms of finishing the race off, he can win. Among the first-timers, there is plenty of promise. It took (4) H. DAY a couple of trials to figure things out but once he did, he qualified smartly in a fast time and should be on pace here. Bart Rice and Seo Seung-un is a formidable combination at the moment and the pair here send out (8) JEONGMUN DRAGON, who qualified in a reasonable time on a wet track running on strong and should come into the calculations. (3) MAHAMERU similarly trialed up very nicely in the wet and gets in well drawn under an apprentice claim.

Selections	(1) Great Blue (7) Goldenthunderbolt (4) H. Day (8) Jeongmun Dragon
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll stick with experience again. (9) MISS GO picks herself here based on how she ran on debut on July 16th when she settled midfield and ran on well for 4th in a fast time on a dry track. She’s had nine weeks off since then but won’t need to improve too much on that showing to win here. (7) FANTASTIC LOVE ran a good 2nd to Doctor Pharaoh on debut on August 27th when handy and running on. It was a run full of promise and under a light weight again, she should be a big danger. (1) ADELE BOSS may have finished well back on debut but the run itself wasn’t bad and he should have come on for the experience. Expect improvement today. As for the first-time starters, (3) SHAKA is sure to have plenty of support, given the stable. He didn’t offer too many clues in his trial but posted an adequate time and will have plenty of backers. (12) CHOEGANG MARINE was slightly slowly into stride in his trial but ran on strong to finish 3rd in a reasonable time, suggesting he can overcome the wide draw here.

Selections	(9) Miss Go (7) Fantastic Love (1) Adele Boss (3) Shaka
Next Best	12, 2
Fast Start	2, 3, 7, 11

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

(8) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON has shown significant improvement in his latest two appearances running 3rd in both of them, both at 1300M. He likes to settle midfield and run on and it could be third time lucky here. Trainer Peter Wolsley has been on 599 Korean winners for a few weeks now but the breakthrough 600 may come here with (1) LE CONCORD. The three-year-old has only raced twice, once last October and then this May, finishing a good 3rd in the latter over 1200M. He ran on well that day and the step up in trip may suit. He will probably need this run but in a race of few chances, he has as good as any. (4) ANY LINE has mixed his form but ran well enough for 4th over 1200M last start. His best result so far came at a mile and he looks a place chance here. (3) UNJU BULPAE ran a fair race on debut over 1000M and the step up in trip may suit. (10) CROWN KING STAR another in the placing frame.

Selections	(8) Gwangdaeseungcheon (1) Le Concord (4) Any Line (3) Unju Bulpae
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Tricky race with most of the main chances having drawn wide. (12) MARK ACE doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but she has finished in the top five on nine of eleven starts so far and comes in with very consistent recent form. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled a mile before and while she does draw the car park, she overcame gate eleven to run 3rd over 1400M last start. She comes down slightly in the weights for that and Perovic climbs aboard meaning there is plenty to like. (9) KING GOLIATH ran on strong from off the pace to score his maiden win at start number four just two weeks ago. That victory had been coming and while up in class, if anything the additional trip should suit even better and he has claims again. (11) WORLD CHANGE has only raced three times and comes up in class following a solid front-running victory over 1400M on August 27th. This is his first try at a mile but there is no reason why he can’t measure up and he should be in the finish. (8) UNJU SESANG is another up in class following a good win over 1400M. Her times have been consistent and while she may need to step up a little here, she looks to have each-way claims. (5) NEW LUX has loads of experience at the level and is more than capable of sneaking a place.

Selections	(12) Mark Ace (9) King Goliath (11) World Change (8) Unju Sesang
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	7, 8, 10, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Expect (1) ENDLESS RUNNING to jump as the shortest priced favourite of the day and for good reason. He is up in class here and he does carry 57kg but the manner in which he has won his latest two, especially last start on July 23^rd over this distance when he led from gate to wire for a seven-length win under 56kg, suggests he can cope. He draws perfectly and should win. Beyond the favourite this is a pretty average line-up for the level. (7) HANSEN MULGYEOL parted company with his jockey coming out of the gate at his latest appearance but he does have some decent form in his record. He has a fast start so if he gets on pace he can beat a few. (3) SEOBU QUEEN is not a fast starter but beat a couple of these on her way to 5^th over 1300M last start and should beat plenty again. (11) B.K. POWER and (4) FANTASTIC LEADER are others with placing claims.

Selections	(1) Endless Running (7) Hansen Mulgyeol (3) Seobu Queen (11) B.K. Power
Next Best	4, 8
Fast Start	1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Fascinating match-up here as two horses both very much on the improve meet. (6) GOOD TANK won her first two at class 6 before recording a pair of runner-up finishes over 1400M at class 5 level, leading on both occasions before ultimately ending up in 2^nd place. She comes up in class here but down in the weights and draws well and it’s for those later two reasons that we marginally prefer her to (12) DAEAM JANGGUN, who draws the car park and carries a full 6kg more than he did when winning at class and distance on August 27^th. His time that day was sensational having sat handy and struck the front just over a furlong out. Another win isn’t impossible. (4) DOCTOR GIANTS actually beat Daeam Janggun when they met two starts back and comes down in trip following a decent effort around 1800M at his latest start. (1) BUCATINI and (7) QUATTRO MAX are others with at least placing chances.

Selections	(6) Good Tank (12) Daeam Janggun (4) Doctor Giants (1) Bucatini
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Really good race to finish with. (10) GEUMA MYSTIC has a great record at this distance and was a super winner at it two starts back at class 3 level. He ran 2^nd to the class 1 bound Barbarian over 1800M on his first try at this level on August 22^nd and comes in here nicely weighted, if drawn a little wide. He has excellent claims. (1) WORLD TOP is already a class 2 winner, prevailing two starts back in an excellent performance over a mile. This is his first start at this distance since last December and he does give weight away but he draws well and will be in the finish. (9) MIRACLE DREAMING hasn’t won for more than a year but comes up in class off the back of a consistent run of form including a runner-up finish at his latest start at this distance in a fast time. He carries a light weight and while he would need significant improvement to win, can measure up for a place. (3) SONIC KING IJI has run some very good times at this distance and enters the calculations while (11) I’M YOUR FASHION races for the first time since May but looked good when trialing only last Saturday and is another in the placing frame.

Selections	(10) Geuma Mystic (1) World Top (9) Miracle Dreaming (3) Sonic King Iji
Next Best	11, 2
Fast Start	1, 5, 11, 12

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 12)

Sunday’s meetings are at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 17:00). Seoul will take place behind closed doors although Busan Racecourse will be open for pre-booked seats up to 20% of indoor capacity. Tickets must be bought in advance through the My Card app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens to kick us off and it features one of the banker favourites of the day. Seven of the eleven race for the very first time but (1) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK has appeared twice already, running 3^rd and 2^nd, both at this distance, both in good times and both behind promising horses. Drawing well here, it really should be 3^rd time lucky. (6) POWER BOX is set to be second-favourite. After a front-running, if slightly slow, trial, he ran a solid 4^th on debut at this distance on August 7^th in a decent time. Expect improvement here. Among the debut-makers (4) TOUGH GUY trialed up well, leading for much of the way around from gate ten before ending in 3^rd in a good time. He draws better first-up and should be a danger. So too (9) DAEBAK STAR, who went through two trials, winning the second of them in a good time. (7) SILVER STAR another in the hunt.

Selections	(1) Yukwaehan Seontaek (6) Power Box (4) Tough Guy (9) Daebak Star
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-olds only here. The logical pick is (9) SISEON JUMA, who ran 5^th on debut before improving to 2^nd on her second start on August 15^th, beating three of these on her way to recording the fastest time of any of this field at today’s distance. She was on pace that day so the draw is not ideal but with some natural improvement, she can win. The big danger is (4) JEONGMUN JIJON. He took a couple of goes to figure things out but has impressed in his latest couple, especially last time when 3^rd over this distance when coming from off the pace. He draws well and is sure to be in the finish. Solitary first-time starter (11) B J FLASH did nothing wrong in his trial and this is quite a soft race to debut in. He led his trial so the draw may not be ideal but don’t rule him out. (6) GEOSEON DOLPUNG has led most of his races to date and while he has been passed in all of them, has registered a couple of decent times and should be in the hunt today. (10) JISANGUN another in the placing frame.

Selections	(9) Siseon Juma (4) Jeongmun Jijon (11) B J Flash (6) Geosen Dolpung
Next Best	10, 7
Fast Start	4, 6, 9, 11

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

(4) JEONGSEONG DAERO has finished no worse than 4^th in three starts so far and seems to be working towards a win. She came from off the pace at her latest start to finish 2^nd in what was admittedly a slow time, but she looks to have scope for improvement and has solid claims here. (5) BOOSTER ROCKET ran a decent time when stepped up to this distance for the first time at start number three on August 21^st. She settled handy that day but from a good draw should be on the speed this time around and surely goes close. (1) LUXURY KING enters in his best form so far with back-to-back 3^rd place finishes from his latest two. The latter was at this distance in a fair time, and he can sit handy from the inside gate and run on. In what is a relatively weak race, (11) SONGAM PLAYER can return to some kind of form. His recent results aren’t indicative of his ability, and he can run into a place. (3) CHANGI CHARM another with claims.

Selections	(4) Jeongseong Daero (5) Booster Rocket (1) Luxury King (11) Songam Player
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens kick things off here with only two of the twelve having raced before. That leads us to the trial videos and (1) CLIFTON KING missed the jump in his trial but worked forward quietly and ran on strong to cross the line 2^nd without being hurried along. If he brings that form to the races, then he should win and given the stable, he is bound to be hot favourite. (2) SHY DRAGON won her heat in a decent time on a wet track. She was slowest away and was well back before running on strong. Just like Clifton King, no whip was required, and she looks to have potential. (11) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO was 3^rd in the same trial as Shy Dragon. He was up with the pace throughout and while he draws wide, has every chance of going well first up. Of the pair with experience, (4) HANEUL GANGJA ran well enough in 6^th place on debut to suggest that there is improvement to come while returning to the first timers, Seo Seung-un and Bart Rice team up with (3) GREEN SPEED who looked competent enough in the trial and has a nice draw.

Selections	(1) Clifton King (2) Shy Dragon (11) Yeongcheon Solemio (4) Haneul Gangja
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	3, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A few standouts here. (7) POLKA remains a maiden after twelve attempts but comes in with consistent form – she has finished in the top-five on seven occasions. At her latest start on August 14^th, she beat a couple of these on her way to 4^th place and has as good a chance as any of gaining what has so far been an elusive first victory. Big danger and probable betting favourite is (4) HIT ACE, based on her latest effort when 2^nd in a fast time at this distance and only narrowly beaten. She was close to the speed that day and from a good draw has every chance of being so again today. She may be the one to beat. (2) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG is another who enters with her form heading in the proper trajectory and she can aim to at least match the 3^rd place finish she secured on her latest appearance on August 8^th when she settled in midfield and ran on. (8) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN led in her latest appearance at this distance on August 15^th and while she eventually weakened, the time was fair and could mark an overdue uptick in form. Disregard the latest effort from (6) LUCKY SEOKPO. It was his first start in four months, and he should be fitter today.

Selections	(7) Polka (4) Hit Ace (2) Teukgeup Yeowang (8) Sangseung Haengjin
Next Best	6, 11
Fast Start	4, 6, 9, 12

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here and it’s about time (1) CHEONGMA HWANGHU broke through. She has, by some margin, the fastest time among these at the distance to her name and six top-five finishes from eight starts to date. Her 4^th place last start was a touch disappointing, but she comes in here at the same weight and with the inside gate and every chance of leading all the way. (2) QUEEN HARLEY drops back in trip following good 2^nd place over 1400M on August 13^th when she sat handy and ran on. She too draws nicely and is set to be in the finish again. (5) BARAM GONGJU somewhat unexpectedly beat Cheongma Hwangu when the pair ran 3^rd and 4^th at the distance on August 22^nd. She comes up 3kg in the weights as a result but warrants some respect here. (10) WONDERFUL LADY is no superstar but actually has the best “in the money” rate of any of these. She ran solid 2^nd over 1300M on August 13^th and can give an honest account of herself once more. (8) SMARTY DOLPUNG is among other placing hopes.

Selections	(1) Cheongma Hwanghu (2) Queen Harley (5) Baram Gongju (10) Wonderful Lady
Next Best	8, 3
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There’s not a lot of great form on show coming into this. That leaves (12) OKCHUMA, despite never having finished better than 4^th, as the pick. That 4^th did come at his latest start though, on August 15^th at 1300M when he ran on from the middle of the pack. He also has a 5^th place in a decent time at today’s distance. His racing pattern suggests that the wide draw won’t be a factor and Munro in the saddle can only help. (7) HELLO GEUMSEONG made up ground late on last start to run 6^th at this distance in a semi-acceptable time. She won’t need to improve much to go closer here. (4) SAENAE CHOICE hasn’t caught the eye in recent runs but has registered a couple of competitive times at this distance and should measure up in this company. She should be on the early speed. (9) PEPE RUN and (3) GUREUMTAGO are among others who could place on a good day.

Selections	(12) Okchuma (7) Hello Geumseong (4) Saenae Choice (9) Pepe Run
Next Best	3, 2
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

A really good race here. (2) YEONGDO GALMAEGI drops back in trip after two solid efforts over a mile which saw him leading or on pace before finished in 4^th and 3^rd. His solitary win to date came at this distance at class 6 level in a fast time and from a good draw he should be on pace again and has fair claims to win. First among many dangers is (7) ACE GUY. He too got his victory over this distance at class 6 level when leading all the way two starts back before being slowly away on his first try at this class on August 1^st and only making it up to 5^th. He is better than that run suggests and while he comes up 3kg in the weights, he is firmly in this. (6) BEAUTY HILL comes up in class today following a gate to wire win over this distance on August 14^th. She will need to improve in this company, but she has only raced three times so there can be some natural progression and she should measure up from a nice draw. (3) APRIL QUEEN stretches out to this distance for the first time after a good 2^nd place over 1300M a month ago. She draws nicely here and should see out the trip. (12) HAPPY WOMAN is another up in class after a good win over 1300M and the jockey and trainer combination will have plenty taking note.

Selections	(2) Yeongdo Galmaegi (7) Ace Guy (6) Beauty Hill (3) April Queen
Next Best	12, 1
Fast Start	1, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) CHEONBISEONG has run consistent times, both at this distance and on his most recent start at 1300M when weakened a touch late on for 7^th in a race of narrow margins. He should be on pace here and has the potential to lead all the way. With at least equal claims is (1) VICTORICA. Her sole win to date came at this distance in April when she led gate to wire but her three starts since have been at 1300M with a 2^nd and a 3^rd among the results but when she hasn’t been able to get to the front. The inside gate today makes her intriguing – she has the fastest finish of all of these and if she is on the lead or even handy, she could be the one to beat. (8) GREEN POKJU is another who will be looking to get to the lead. She failed to do that from gate ten last start and accordingly finished down the field but with a better start she will surely go closer. Cheonbiseong has had the beating of her a couple of times already, but she can see off most of the others. (3) RUN TO GOAL, who can take advantage if the front-runners go too fast, and (9) SEUNGRI YEOJEONSA, up in class after an all the way win at this distance in July, are others to consider.

Selections	(7) Cheonbiseong (1) Victorica (8) Green Pokju (3) Run To Goal
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	4, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 11)

Seoul’s Saturday meeting will take place behind closed doors although betting outlets in the south of the country will be open for pre-booked punters. Those locations are Busan Racecourse, Busan OCBs (x2), Changwon, Gwangju, Daegu and Cheonan. Bookings must be made using the My Card app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite will be (7) YAMUJIN GALLOPER, who won his trial in good order, sitting handy to the lead before running on strong although he was ridden out hard. It was a fast time though and he won’t need to improve much on that to win first-up. In terms of experience, (10) THE REAPER ran a good 2nd place on debut on August 22nd when he was on pace for out but just could quite go with a very good winner. He draws wide today but will surely be in the finish and has strong claims. (1) LAROMANEE may only have finished in 9th place on her own debut on August 7th but the margins weren’t big and the time wasn’t bad. She draws much better today so look for her to get on pace and improve. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) DAPHNE and (6) LEGEND SOCKS both went well in their trials and with some natural improvement for the experience, can both be in the mix.

Selections	(7) Yamujin Galloper (10) The Reaper (1) Laromanee (2) Daphne
Next Best	6, 3
Fast Start	1, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies (and one mare) here. While (3) CUPID WONDER has mixed her form across her seven starts so far, her showing at her latest start on August 8th suggests she is ready to win. She settled midfield that day and ran on strong for 2nd place in a good time. She has a better gate this time and with Johan Victoire climbing aboard, there is plenty to like. (9) MENIFEE MUSIC ran 4th on debut over 1000M back on July 18th. Two of the three who bear her that day ran well in the Rookie Stakes last week so the form of that race has taken a boost. She can settle handy here and run on. (4) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE ran 4th behind Cupid Wonder at her latest start on August 8th. She goes best when close to the pace and from the nice draw here she can compete for the lead. (7) SEMYEONG GANGJA drops back slightly in trip following a good 3rd place over 1300M in July. She is another who mixes her form but won’t need to improve much on that to go close. The only previous winner in the race is (1) TOUCH MY ADELE and that fact alone brings her into the calculations.

Selections	(3) Cupid Wonder (9) Menifee Music (4) Namsan Chocolate (7) Semyeong Gangja
Next Best	1, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

A very competitive class 5 affair. (2) BLUE HAMMER may be a maiden and may be up in class but he could also be peaking here at start number five. He has some solid performances in the bank at class 6 level including a good 3rd place last time when he overcame gate eleven to sit handy and run on in a good time. He comes down in the weights here, gets a better draw and has Munro in the saddle. He could win. The likely favourite is (1) PARK WIN. He has plenty of experience at this level, and his 2nd place on August 8th at class and distance, beating three of these in the process in a fast time makes him a strong option here. He does go up in the weights but he gets a better draw and he is a real chance. (8) BIG RED comes up in class after registering his maiden win at start number eight on August. The time before he ran a fast time at this distance and he can measure up in today’s company. (7) SOEWAKKOT was a touch disappointing when 2nd over 1200M on August 14th and has to come up in class regardless. While she did tire a little late on having led that day, that doesn’t mean she won’t get the additional half-furlong here. She comes down in the weights and may be worth another chance at a probable each-way price. (9) LAST BOSS is also beautifully weighted and has won at the distance already, albeit at class 6 level.

Selections	(2) Blue Hammer (1) Park Win (8) Big Red (7) Soewakkot
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	7, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here. While she comes up 3kg in the weights, it’s hard to look too far beyond (6) LEAD VOCAL. She was a front-running winner at class and distance on August 8th, overcoming a wide draw to get close to the pace. From a better gate this time, she can sit handy behind the speed and may well prove too strong late on. (7) THE QUEEN JUSTICE has the fastest time among these at this distance by some margin. That was achieved when runner-up two starts back and while she only managed 6th place on her return last month, she warrants another chance. She can get a bit far back in her races, as happened last time, but once she gets going, she has a very smart finish on her. (4) ROYAL GHOST remains a maiden after seventeen attempts but has a remarkable fourteen finishes between 2nd and 5th. She was 4th behind Lead Vocal last start and that run can be expected to continue today. (1) LEROY BLANC and (11) SPECIAL STORY among plenty of others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(6) Lead Vocal (7) The Queen Justice (4) Royal Ghost (1) Leroy Blanc
Next Best	11, 9
Fast Start	1, 2, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SINUI ADEUL won three consecutive races between April and June at 1200M and 1300M before his streak came to an end on his first try at this class on August 8th when stepped up to 1400M and running 2nd. He stays nicely down in the weights here, he draws well and while he is yet to run a really fast time at this distance – even when compared with his rivals today – he can return to the winner’s circle. (11) RAON BEAT ran 3rd behind Sinui Adeul in that August 8th race, coming from the middle of the pack and working home strong. He drops back to this trip for the first time since his second career start last November but there is no reason why it can’t suit. He has a great finish on him and if handy to the lead, he could run on well. (6) LADY KELLY is a winner of four from nine having scored at class and distance on August 8th when after a fair start, she was quickly into the lead and ran on well. She comes up slightly in the weights today but should be on speed and will be a danger. (8) EAST IMPACT is up in class and accordingly significantly down in the weights. He has won three of five outings, showing plenty of speed along the way. This is his stiffest assignment to date but if he can get to his favoured position on the lead, he has every chance of winning again. (5) RAON LIGHT MAN was a bit ordinary over 1400M at his latest start but has plenty of speed about him and is a place chance today.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 10)

Punters will return in Korea on Friday in a limited way. With the exception of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and Jeju Island, the rest of the country was returned to a “level 3” Covid alert which means that the racecourses and betting locations in those areas can open at 20% capacity. Of course, the majority of the population – and the vast majority of betting outlets – are in Seoul and Gyeonggi so it is not much, but it is a start with a total of 4,538 seats available for punters spread around the Busan Racecourse, the two Busan OCB’s and the OCB’s in Changwon, Gwangju, Daegu and Cheonan. Reservations must be made in advance through the My Card app, with no walk-up admission. Busan gets the weekend’s action underway with 7 races from 12:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

The seats shall be used this week! (Well not these, ones. These ones are in Seoul)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

It will surely be third-time lucky for (1) DONGTEUJA BOY. He has finished 3rd in both his starts to date, both times behind promising horses and at his latest in a time two-and-a-half seconds faster than any of the others who go here have achieved for this distance. He draws nicely on the inside to sit on pace or handy and he should be too good. (2) MENI GLORY raced three times in the first half of this year, coming home 2nd on the first two of them. He races here for the first time since April, but looked well when leading and ultimately 2^nd in a barrier trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race in the trial, he has little to fear here bar the favourite. (4) DOCTOR PENTAGON didn’t do too much wrong when 5^th on debut over 1000M on August 14^th. He should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (6) HAEUNDAE BLUE has hinted at progress across three starts to date and from a good central draw can be in the mix here. (5) USEUNG HUNTER ran 4^th on debut over 1000M back in February. He hasn’t raced since but ran well in an August trial and comes in with the benefit if an apprentice claim.

Selections	(1) Dongteuja Boy (2) Meni Glory (4) Doctor Pentagon (6) Haeundae Blue
Next Best	5, 7
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Tricky race here. Likely favourite is (11) TWO TWO LIME, who has a 2^nd and a 3^rd in two attempts at this distance so far. She draws wide but overcame gate nine when runner-up two starts back, and carries a nice light weight. She has claims. So too (3) RUN AND GUN. Not the fastest of starters, she has a tendency to get a bit far back in her races but runs on well and has the fastest time for the distance of any of these. The only concern about (8) DAMYANG JEWANG is that he comes back in after almost six months out. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance and at a mile and while he didn’t offer too many clues when trialing up on a wet track in August, if he can pick up from where he left off, he has a winning chance. (4) ANNIKA GIRL has mixed her form but at her best can place in this company. (1) GALLOP BOY was a much-improved 2^nd at this distance three weeks ago and from the inside gate can maintain that momentum here.

Selections	(11) Two Two Lime (3) Run And Gun (8) Damyang Jewang (4) Annika Girl
Next Best	1, 2
Fast Start	8, 10, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Weak maiden here. Four of them raced one another in a very similar class and distance race on August 13^th. (9) TRIPLE STORM only managed to finish 7^th in that race but it was his first time at the distance and he had previously run consistent times when not too far away over 1400M. He tends to get a bit far back in his races so may need a bit of luck but he could overturn the form. (8) SINBIHAN GANGJA came out the best of them that day, coming from off the pace to work home strongly for 2^nd place. That was his best finish to date and came following a significant improved two starts back having previously shown little. He is the logical favourite here. (3) NAMDO ILDEUNG hinted that she might be figuring things out a little quicker than Sinbihan Gangja. She ran 5^th in that August 13^th race having shown on pace early. She draws well again and should have learned from that experience last time. Among those who didn’t run in the August 13^th race, (6) SEONGSAN BULKKOT comes in off a front-running 2^nd over 1400M last month and can be competitive here while (1) HONEY STAR steps up to a mile for the first time and it may suit.

Selections	(9) Triple Storm (8) Sinbihan Gangja (3) Namdo Ildeung (6) Seongsan Bulkkot
Next Best	1, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Good race this with plenty of plausible winners. (4) WONDERFUL JAZZ has finished no worse than 5^th in six starts so far and comes in having come from off the pace to run 5^th at 1400M. He steps up to a mile for the first time and there is every chance that it can suit. (11) DOCTOR TAKE was a good winner over 1400M at class 6 level two starts back before running on well for 4^th over this distance on his first try at class 5 on August 13^th. He draws the dame wide gate today, which shouldn’t be a problem, and he has strong claims. (9) LUCAS SUN beat Doctor Take when the pair finished 3^rd and 4^th when racing each other over this distance at class 6 level. Lucas Sun comes up in class today having finished a good 2^nd over 1400M on August 1^st and comes down in the weights which brings him into the frame here. (12) K K WON is better than the 8^th he finished behind Doctor Take at his latest start suggests. He has run fast times at this distance and while still a maiden, can be in the placing frame today. Last start winner at this distance and up in class today, (7) ACE FOUR TEN is another in the hunt.

Selections	(4) Wonderful Jazz (11) Doctor Take (9) Lucas Sun (12) K K Won
Next Best	7, 1
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(9) HALLA NURI measures up on just about every indicator here and comes in off a really good 2^nd place at class and distance on August 13^th when 2^nd all the way around. She doesn’t draw well today but has run well from wide gates in the past and apprentice jockey booked means she carries a very light weight. She can win. (2) D’LOVELY QUEEN is a winner already at this distance and ran 3^rd on her first try at this class on August 22^nd. She draws really nicely to be on the early speed here and may not prove easy to catch. Draw a line through the latest performance of (3) MASTER QUEEN when she used up plenty of effort early to get into position from a wide gate. A natural front-runner, she draws much better this time and will be competing with D’Lovely Queen for the lead early and can be in the finish too. (4) CHOEGANG ILSE comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number seven with an all the way score over this distance on July 25^th. She led in that race and from a good draw, similar tactics will probably be employed here. The wildcard is (7) WILD BLUE, who hasn’t been seen since winning at 1300M at class 6 level in April. He didn’t give us much to go on with a somewhat anonymous trial in mid-August but he clearly has ability.

Selections	(9) Halla Nuri (2) D’Lovely Queen (3) Master Queen (4) Choegang Ilse
Next Best	7, 11
Fast Start	2, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(6) TUHONUI BANSEOK was a superb winner at this class at start number four on August 22^nd, cruising away from the field in the final furlong for an easy score at a mile. He steps up in trip today but that should suit and while the 58kg will act as a steadier, he is the one to beat again. (12) HILL MORE is up in class and looks an interesting entry here. He got his maiden win last start at a mile and his running style suggests the additional furlong won’t be a problem. He is nicely weighted and while being drawn in the widest gate is always a nuisance over 1800M at Busan, he looks a good each-way prospect. (10) BURNING PARTY is similar to Hill More in being up in both class and distance here. She is more of a front-runner but she has a light weight and at least a placing chance. (3) QUEEN UP has a lot of experience at this level and rarely runs a bad race. If you value consistency, then she’s the one, although she is another who is tackling two-turns for the first time. (1) TWO TWO LEADS on the other hand is wildly inconsistent but has run a couple of fast times at the distance and is the wildcard.

Selections	(6) Tuhonui Banseok (12) Hill More (10) Burning Party (3) Queen Up
Next Best	1, 4
Fast Start	3, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A really competitive race to finish with. (2) B.K JOHN is the probably favourite and justifiably so. He comes on off three consecutive runner- up finishes, two of them at a mile with the other at this distance. Tactically versatile, he draws well today and he has a good finish on him meaning there is plenty to like. (9) KING SOCKS returned from eighteen months off in July and had a hard time of it working hard to get on pace before weakening over 1200M. On the face of it, today’s is just as tough an assignment but he should be much better for that run and now, a further nine weeks down the line, could be ready to make a proper impact. (6) ROYAL TICKET beat four of these on his way to a class and distance win on August 14^th when he sat handy and ran on. He comes up considerable in the weights as a result but don’t rule out a repeat. (1) RAON YEOGEOL ran 3^rd in that race having led for much of it. She meets Royal Ticket on much better terms weight-wise and can get closer. (8) ECHO SUN, up in class after a smart win over this distance at class 4 level a month ago, is another in at least the placing frame.

Selections	(2) B.K John (9) King Socks (6) Royal Ticket (1) Raon Yeogeol
Next Best	8, 4
Fast Start	5, 9, 11, 12

Seoul & Busan Juvenile Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 5)

This year’s juvenile crop finally get the opportunity to race for big prizes as the “Rookie Stakes” takes place at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00. Both meetings will take place behind closed doors. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(12) FLYING KARA returns to action for the first time since January when he registered the second of his consecutive 3^rd place finishes. Since then, nothing in this race has beaten his time at the distance and while he didn’t exactly set the world alight in an August trial the jockey booking will raise eyebrows and he can win this, regardless of the wide draw. (3) JISAN KKOT did nothing on debut in April and was then put away. She looked more accomplished when running 2^nd in a trial on August 20^th and from a good draw can be on pace here and competitive. (8) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG has mixed her form to say the least but his 2^nd place two starts back at this distance in a fair time is enough to make her a chance here. (4) BEST BIG BANG and (7) BITNANEUN JILJU are others who can improve.

Selections	(12) Flying Kara (3) Jisan Kkot (8) Wonderful Geumsung (4) Best Big Bang
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 11

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

(5) BORI BORI comes in off two strong showings at today’s distance in which she finished in 2^nd and 3^rd. She has the fastest time among these at the distance and is well drawn to sit handy and run on strong. She can win. (10) REAL PACK was a much-improved 2^nd when tried at this trip in what was his first race this year on June 13^th. From an even wider gate than today, he came from well off the pace to swoop home. Kim Yong-geun is booked today and he looks a real chance. So too (1) FEDERAL WIN, who was beaten by Real Pack in that June race but rallied on her return on July 18^th when she overcame gate twelve to run a good 4^th at this distance. An apprentice keeps the weight light, and she draws a much better gate today. (2) KOREA GIJEOK drops back in trip following a couple of spins around 1400M, one of which yielded a 4^th place. He is unspectacular but is rarely too far away and looks a place chance here. (9) MAGIC MANJEOM, an improved 2^nd at 1200M last time is another in the frame.

Selections	(5) Bori Bori (10) Real Pack (1) Federal Win (2) Korea Gijeok
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Plenty in the frame here but we’ll take a chance with (2) KING SIMBA. Slowly away in all three starts so far, he came from well back to run 3^rd over 1300M on August 8^th. The extra distance may well be what he needs. (7) WONDERFUL K also steps up in trip having been consistent in recent efforts at 1300M and 1200M. His running style is to settle handy or in midfield and then to run on and today may suit. (6) SOUJU can mix his form, but he has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin. From a central draw expect him to be on pace and stay on to be in the finish. (9) COOL PRINCESS is yet to finish in the top two but has five top five finishes to her name. She comes in off a strong 4^th over 1300M and with Moon Se Young climbing aboard, is sure to have plenty of backers. (8) JEONGMUN POKJU is the only runner in the race to have experienced victory and it was at this distance too which on its own, brings him into the calculations.

Selections	(2) King Simba (7) Wonderful K (6) Souju (9) Cool Princess
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	6, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Good race to kick us off on the south coast. (12) KING GOLIATH has drawn the car park, but he ran well at this distance from even wider when 4th on debut and followed up with a 3rd and a 2nd at shorter distances. He has beaten a few of these already and should be settling back and running on for his first win here. (10) CATCH THE SUN has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 4^th place in a fast time over 1300M on July 31^st. She came from well off the pace that day so the draw may not be an issue and she can go close. (3) YEONSEUNG BRAVO drops back in trip having led for part of the way around over a mile on August 13^th, ultimately finishing in 3^rd. The same apprentice who rode him that day keeps the weight down here and he warrants consideration. (2) DAEHOMA enters off three consecutive 4^th place finishes, all of them at this distance. Perovic returns to the mount, and he can match or better those finishes today. (6) RHIANNON POINT beat Daehoma last time out when running a significantly improved 3^rd and can’t be ruled out today.

Selections	(12) King Goliath (10) Catch The Sun (3) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Daehoma
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Class 5 racing can be quite tasty these days and this is no exception. (6) DAESAN TEUKGEUP is up in class following two wins, the latest of which saw him fairly bolt up by eleven-lengths over 1200M, settling on the pace and running on. The slight increase of distance is of little concern and could easily win again. (8) BURUI YEOWANG has two wins and has finished no worse than 4^th in four starts. She didn’t have much luck at her latest when inconvenienced at the start and then caught wide but still ran on well for 4^th over 1300M. No surprise if she goes better here. (1) GOLD K has placed 3^rd in both starts at this class and distance and appears to be working up to another win at some stage. He likes to lead, and the inside gate should assist him with this. (3) ENERGIZER and (5) EAST JILJU are among others with strong placing chances.

Selections	(6) Daesan Teukgeup (8) Burui Yeowang (1) Gold K (3) Energizer
Next Best	5, 2
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(6) FASHION BLADE was a class and distance winner two starts back when she crossed from gate twelve to sit on the speed before pulling clear on in the final furlong to win in a fast time. She then ran 3^rd in all-filly company on her reappearance on July 25^th at the same distance under the same weight she carries today. She draws well, has a strong finish and has every chance. (7) DOCTOR TEXAS comes up in class having beaten Glory King last start who himself went on to win on Friday. He sat just behind the leader that day and ran on to win well and is firmly in the mix again here with the step up in trip likely no problem. (2) RUN FIGHTER also steps up in trip following victory over 1300M at class 6 level. That was just his third start and having shown progression in each of them, he can measure up today. (10) QUEEN OF HEARTS ran a solid 4^th place over 1300M on her first try at this level three weeks ago. She can overcome the gate to challenge for a place here. First-up since April, (5) KKOTGWA GUREUM trialed up well and is the wildcard with a light weight and a great draw.

Selections	(6) Fashion Blade (7) Doctor Texas (2) Run Fighter (10) Queen Of Hearts
Next Best	5, 1
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Small field here and while (2) ROYAL ELVIS is up in class here, he comes down a whopping 7kg in the weights. He has placed in all four of his last starts, all at 1400M, winning one of them and with the draw ideal to get on pace and Kim Yong-geun climbing aboard, everything looks to be in his favour here. (1) MUNHAK MOON is the main danger. He won over this distance at class 4 level two starts back before running 4^th on his first try at class 3 on August 7^th when he raced handy throughout. Both were in good times. He too draws well and will be challenging from the start. (3) SHU LEUB drops back in trip from the staying ranks where she had been enjoying some success. While she runs on pace around two turns, she probably won’t be able to match the early speed of the afore-mentioned pair but has every chance of running into a place late on. (4) CHEMI BLUE remains a maiden but caught the eye last start when overcoming gate twelve to run a slashing 2^nd and can be competitive again. (7) MEOTJIN WANGJA another with placing chances.

Selections	(2) Royal Elvis (1) Munhak Moon (3) Shu Leub (4) Chemi Blue
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) DOCTOR FAPPIANO is a top-drawer filly who tried her luck at class 2 last start and came close to pulling off a remarkable win, beaten only by Winner’s Man and Curlin Time. In a normal season, she would have been hot favourite for the Korean Oaks but instead she finds herself in here, beautifully weighted and drawn. She has won at this distance already and she should win again. She’s not the only talented three-year-old here though. (5) ONNURI JILJU has never finished outside the top four and comes in off a fast win at this class over 1200M at the end of July. He comes up a full 4.5kg in the weights as a result and there will be question marks over the distance, but he can’t be ruled out. There are no such distance questions for (7) SEONGSAN POWER. He has the fastest time of any of these over the 1800M which he recorded when winning three starts back at class 4 level. Draw a line through his latest effort at a mile and he is in the hunt. (10) DOCTOR SKY and (11) GIJEOKUI JEOKTOMA are others with placing chances.

Selections	(2) Doctor Fappiano (5) Onnuri Jilju (7) Seongsan Power (10) Doctor Sky
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After taking a couple of races to find her feet, (9) MIGHTY BOOM has been a model of consistency with a win and four placed finishes from her latest five. Her win came at 1400M, but she has the fastest time of any of these at this distance too and while she is up in weight she is back to restricted fillies and mares company and she can win. (6) NUNBUSIN HANSEN is a winner at this class and distance two starts back when making all and then last start ran 3^rd with a decent effort from the outside gate in a small field of eight. Her consistency makes her a solid place chance here. (10) MJ POINT is a striking looking mare with four white feet, and she comes into calculations on her last start 4^th when settled well back in the field and ran on resolutely. If there is speed on early, then she will be the one poised to take advantage. (3) BAEKSAN THUNDER is a mare who has shown ability and resumes here after sixteen weeks out following a terrific run over this distance on a wet track when she raced handy to the lead and ran on for a close 3^rd. (11) MY MEMBER beat Nunbusin Hansen when 2^nd two starts back and while she mixes here form and doesn’t draw well, with luck she can be in the money.

Selections	(9) Mighty Boom (6) Nunbusin Hansen (10) MJ Point (3) Baeksan Thunder
Next Best	11, 1
Fast Start	3, 6, 9, 11

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 4)

Seoul’s Saturday meeting will be run behind closed doors with 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

The opener is for juvenile maidens and just two of the ten have raced before. (8) BYEOLUI SUNGAN raced well, running 3rd in a fast time over 1000M behind two who take their chance in tomorrow’s Rookie Stakes. He wasn’t the quickest away in that debut race but was taken across to the rail and ran on. He should have improved for the experience and can win here. There are a couple of dangerous first-time starters though. (1) CLAIR BEST ran well in his trial finishing a close 2^nd when placed under very little pressure at all. There looks to be much more in the tank and he draws very well on the inside again. (10) WORLD FORCE was a touch awkwardly away but was quickly up with the pace and looked extremely competent in the home straight, running on without being asked a question to cross the line 1^st. A win for either of those first-up would be no surprise. (5) LUCKY CROWN is the other one in the race with experience. She led on debut on August 7^th before weakening to 6^th but should have benefitted for the run. (3) DUSON FANTASTIC finished in 6^th place in his trial but the margins were small and the time was fair and he is another with first-up claims.

Selections	(8) Byeolui Sungan (1) Clair Best (10) World Force (5) Lucky Crown
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Having absolutely bolted up in a trial in July, (8) CRAZY TANK was well supported on his return to action a couple of weeks later. While he did show at the front for much of the race he weakened late on and finished 5^th, perhaps having left some of his spark in the heat. He comes in here after six weeks out, should be on pace again and can be given another chance. (4) GRAY CAT is first-up after five months out but shapes up as the best here with the fastest time of any of them at this distance and also a really good showing at 1300M too. He trialed up well in August running 3^rd in his heat in a decent time and with an apprentice aboard, he is down 5kg in the weights from the last time we saw him. (3) TROT QUEEN ran well for 5^th on debut over 1000M. She is nicely drawn to be on pace from the start again and should be in the finish. (9) LEGEND STAR doesn’t get the best of the draw but is another who likes to be on pace and has three 3^rd place finishes to her name already. (1) YES I CAN another in the placing frame.

Selections	(8) Crazy Tank (4) Gray Cat (3) Trot Queen (9) Legend Star
Next Best	1, 7
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Tricky race but (6) GEOSEN POWER may be ready to win. He has the fastest time among these for the distance which he recorded at his latest start on August 15^th when settling midfield and running on well. The same apprentice keeps the weight down and he has solid claims here. Four of these raced each other at this distance on July 25^th coming home between 3^rd and 7^th but there was barely anything in it. In 4^th place that day was (10) SEMYEONG HAETSAL, who is the only previous winner in the race. His victory came at this distance and he comes in off two consistent runs. His times aren’t great but he won’t need to do much more to be in the finish here. A nose ahead of him in 3^rd place was (4) SIMON STORM, who was recording her best finish in her ten outings to date. She has tended to come from well back in her races but actually draws a decent gate here for once and can aim to place again. (2) CHOIN SPARK comes out of that same race and is another who can challenge, most likely from on pace. It isn’t a strong race so first-time starter (7) HANGANG MAGIC, who ran 3^rd in her trial in a fair time, can’t be ruled out.

Selections	(6) Geosen Power (10) Semyeong Haetsal (4) Simon Storm (2) Choin Spark
Next Best	7, 8
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Another tricky race with five of the twelve coming into this class for the first time. (7) JANGSAN GUARD is winless but up in class after three near-misses this preparation, all at this distance and all in competitive times. He comes down a little in the weights and draws well enough to suggest he can lead and he has as good a chance as any. (6) SMART DAEBO was a good winner two starts back at class 6 level over this distance and while he didn’t find it easy on his first try at this class on August 8^th, can be given another chance here. (4) LONDON SPEED similarly had a hard time when not seeing out 1400M on her first try at this level on July 24^th but should appreciate the drop back in trip and get an easier run from today’s gate. (11) SPRING KKUM finds himself down in class having made all nine appearances so far at class 4 level. His results on paper are unimpressive – hence why he final gets to drop – but against the better opposition he has run a fast time at this distance as well as consistently good times – faster than the average for this class – at 1400M. He has the steadier of 57kg on his back but don’t rule out a good run. (5) ISTHMUS another in the hunt but really, anything could win this.

Selections	(7) Jangsan Guard (6) Smart Daebo (4) London Speed (11) Spring Kkum
Next Best	5, 12
Fast Start	1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (6) JOYFUL K ran well for 5^th last time out at 1300M, settling midfield before going back and then running on. She steps up to 1400M for the first time today but her running style suggests it may suit and she has every chance. From a good draw, expect her to be ridden closer to the pace than in recent outings. (10) K BLADE comes up in class after a maiden in at start number ten over 1300M on August 7^th. She goes best on pace so the draw is not ideal but the distance should be ok and she can go close. (5) BIG RIVER has good experience at this class and has also registered a couple of decent times at the 1400M. She is tactically versatile but has the fastest start among these so should be on pace. (2) EUNHYE PADO too ran adequately on her first try at class 5 last time out. It’s been a while since she tackled this distance but she likes to run on strong and looks a placing chance at least. (9) ONE AND ONLY made all for a shock maiden win at this class over 1300M on August 7^th. More respect is warranted this time but the extra 4.5kg and extra half furlong makes a repeat a challenging task.

Selections	(6) Joyful K (10) K Blade (5) Big River (2) Eunhye Pado
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	5, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Absolutely super race with none of the field having finished any worse than 5^th in their latest outing. (12) DAEHAN JILJU comes back in trip having notched his third consecutive win on July 18^th. That was over 1800M and making it four in a row will be a very tough ask what with the double whammy of the widest gate and 58kg on his back. Two starts back he overcame similar in a fast time, albeit it at class 5 level and he can do so again. (8) WINNER QUARDRILLE returns to action for the first time since April. She trialed up very well last weekend and while this is a very stiff ask first-up, she has loads of ability and a nice light weight. (7) A. P. PATEK enters with two wins from his latest three starts, both at this distance and the most recent at this class in a fast time. He likes to sit handy and run on and while he comes up slightly in the weights, he has solid chances again. (5) EODIGANA comes up in class following an easy nine-length score at this distance in a fast time on August 8^th. She was well beaten by Daehan Jilju two starts back but meets that one on even better terms this time and should be in the finish. Loads of others are competitive with (3) LUISA perhaps a decent each-way chance.

Selections	(12) Daehan Jilju (8) Winner Quardrille (7) A.P. Patek (5) Eodigana
Next Best	3, 11
Fast Start	1, 3, 10, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(1) ECHO VICTOR put in a disappointing performance on his latest appearance on June 27^th when led until the 300M before quickly giving up ground and finishing well back. He was later found to have been slightly lame. He was favourite that day for good reason as he is a class and distance winner in a fast time and has been very consistent. He has recovered and has been back in work a month, an apprentice keeps the weight down and he draws the perfect gate to get to the lead. If it wasn’t for the apprentice booking, he would be carrying the same as (3) J.S. GUNJU, who is joint top-rated. He comes in off a solid 2^nd place over 1200M on July 24^th and has posted some good times at this distance too. (4) ROCK LINE also enters off a solid 2^nd place in a fast time at 1300M last start. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and should be in the hunt. (11) FINAL CANGINO had a poor day in the office at his latest start but gets tried at the distance for the first time and looks a placing hope. The wildcard is (6) MIGHTY KICK, who has done nothing in his two starts so far at 1200M, finishing well back but running on very strong both times. The added trip today should help.

Selections	(1) Echo Victor (3) J.S. Gunju (4) Rock Line (11) Final Cangino
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 4, 11, 12

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(2) STAR BLADE comes up in class after landing his third win in eight starts when making all at this distance on June 13^th. His is a tougher ask but he comes down slightly in the weights and draws very nicely. (11) WONDERFUL INDIAN was a very good winner at class and distance on August 7^th when he settled handy behind the early pace before taking command in the home straight and running on for an easy victory. It was his first win in sixteen starts and he has the steadier of 57kg on his back today and a much less favourable draw but he has the ability to win again. (12) OKRYONG has beaten Wonderful Indian in the past and while he has an even worse draw, he looks nicely in with placing chances again. (8) MILKY SHERRY ran 4^th to Wonderful Indian at her latest start and once more gets in under a featherweight and shouldn’t be too far away. (1) ROYAL HAMSEONG comes in off a good class and distance 4^th place on August 15^th, his equal best finish to date, and he too has placing claims.

Selections	(2) Star Blade (11) Wonderful Indian (12) Okryong (8) Milky Sherry
Next Best	1, 3
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Absolutely super race to finish with a class 2 field that in a normal year we would probably only see come together in a Listed race. (4) SPEED GO is the winner of six from eight so far, including his latest four. He was most recently and all the way winner in a very fast time at this class and distance on August 7^th. He gets clobbered with an additional 5kg for the that performance but he draws well again and can win again. (6) UNCLE OH has an even faster time at this distance. He led from barrier ten on a wet track last start on July 3^rd ultimately finishing in 4^th place behind a couple of today’s rivals but draws much better this time and should reverse the form on them. (5) ICE PUNCH comes up in class after two really good wins at 1200M and 1400M at class 3 level. He comes down in the weights, draws well and has solid chances. (12) BAREM was one of those who beat Uncle Oh in July when he was first-up following four months off. His draw is not so good but he has plenty of speed about him. (11) FINAL STAR is another who comes up in class following a good win last start and is yet another in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(4) Speed Go (6) Uncle Oh (5) Ice Punch (12) Barem
Next Best	11, 7
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 7

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 3)

We finally get some Stakes action in Korea this weekend as the juveniles at both Seoul and Busan get a chance to compete for a decent prize for the first time. In the meantime, the weekend’s action kicks off at Busan on a Friday with a short and sharp seven-race card running from 13:50 to 18:00. Unfortunately, all meetings in Korea this weekend will take place behind closed doors and there will be no legal local betting markets open. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juveniles to start with and eight of the twelve race for the very first time. (4) DOCTOR CAESAR put in an underwhelming trial in July but returned a couple of weeks late and looked extremely competent as he was held together well and ran on with minimal urging to cross the line significantly ahead of the rest and in a good time. He draws well here and can win on debut. (11) B. K. MARSHALL is one of the four with prior experience. He debuted on August 14th when he managed to quickly find the rail and run on well for 3rd place behind Again Touch. The draw isn’t so favourable today but he should have benefited from that experience and is a real chance. (9) MONGTTANG too should have come on for his debut when he finished in midfield in a fair time on July 16th. He may be looking for further but should improve second-up. (10) STELL LUNA and (12) MENIFEE SONG are among other debutants who trialed well and have money chances.

Selections	(4) Doctor Caesar (11) B.K. Marshall (9) Mongttang (10) Stell Luna
Next Best	12, 2
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(4) GLORY KING did nothing on debut in January but was then put away for six months and having blitzed a June trial, ran a front-running 2nd on his return to racing on August 1st leading for much of the way before going down to the promising Doctor Texas in a good time. From a good gate, he will be on pace again and in a race of little form, he should be far too good. (1) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE trialed up in the same heat as Doctor Caesar (who was due to run in race 1). She was close to the pace throughout and while she was passed by a few late on, has every chance of going well on debut from a nice inside draw. (11) WIND HIGH debuted in that same race on August 1st and while unspectacular didn’t do a huge amount wrong. She had previously shown some speed in a trial and with natural improvement can get closer today. (12) DAEJI CHOICE is done no favours by the draw but hinted at ability with a 4th place over 1000M last start and can be in the mix here. (6) GREAT ELL comes down a full 4kg in the weights due to an apprentice up and can be given a chance.

Selections	(4) Glory King (1) Myeongseong Charge (11) Wind High (12) Daeji Choice
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) ADELE SUCCESS has been knocking on the door with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two outings, most recently when leading from the gate until the 200M over this distance on August 13th before ultimately going down to K Chukje. That’s two fast times in a row now, the weight remains light and she draws nicely with every chance of going one better this time. (7) MY DESTINY has a couple of decent runs to her name at this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd in competitive times. She weakened a little late on at her last start but can be given another chance here. (9) MANY CASH was a significantly improved 3rd at start number four last time out when she broke well, then settled back in the field before running on strong. She can build on that today. It took (1) MORE THAN SKY three goes to qualify but she looked well when finally doing it on July 30th, winning her heat in a fair time and nicely drawn on the inside, she can be a factor first-up. (2) UNBRIDLED QUEEN is first up and will need this but trialed adequately.

Selections	(4) Adele Success (7) My Destiny (9) Many Cash (1) More Than Sky
Next Best	2, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Super race. (11) SUCCESS MACHO is three from three so far and comes in off a fourteen-length demolition job at this distance at class 5 level on July 4th. He is up in class today and he has drawn wide but he has overcome the latter before and he can maintain his 100% record here. This should be a stern examination though. (7) DOMINATION is resuming for the first time since March when he got the most recent of a hat-trick of front-running wins. He trialed up very nicely two weeks ago, winning his heat in a fast time and draws nicely to steal a march on Success Macho and also meets him at favourable weights. He has a chance but it is his first try at the distance. (2) ROCK PEGASUS is a proven class and distance winner having beaten a couple of these on his way to a good score on August 1st when he settled in midfield and ran on well. He comes up in the weights today but should be competitive. (4) ACE SOLOMON comes up in class following a good win over 1200M. He is up in trip but down in the weights and can measure up in tough company. Plenty of others have at least placing chances with (10) MUJEOK BULPAE, who has run very consistent times, chief among them.

Selections	(11) Success Macho (7) Domination (2) Rock Pegasus (4) Ace Solomon
Next Best	10, 8
Fast Start	4, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

A very competitive race and with an evenly matched field it may be that those who can get an easy run early have the best of it. With that in mind, we’ll side with (2) SEONGSAN HERO, who while still a maiden is proven at this distance with a solid 4th place last time out on August 20th when he beat a couple of these. He comes in at the same weight and from a great draw should be on the speed with every chance. On his inside is (1) BULMYEORUI GIL He ran 6th in that race on August 20th when he got well back and then ran on. He is up in weight but well drawn and has recorded solid times at this distance. (6) CHEONGDAM DRIVE is another who remains a maiden but has finished in the top four on seven of twelve occasions. He has run well at 1400M and over a mile and while he comes up in class, he is down in the weights and will likely be on the early pace here. (12) CENTUM THOR beat Cheongdam Drive as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at a mile at class 6 level in July before running 4th over 1400M on his first try at class 5 on August 1st. He came from well off the pace that day and can potentially overcome the widest gate. (10) DUMUSAN, under a light weight and with the fastest time among any of these who have tackled the distance, is another one with placing claims.

Selections	(2) Seongsan Hero (1) Bulmyeorui Gil (6) Cheongdam Drive (12) Centum Thor
Next Best	10, 9
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Another race of many chances. (4) SEUNGNI TOUT was a winner over a mile at class 5 level two starts back before proving he measures up at this class with a good 4th at today’s distance on July 4th. Seo Seung-un returns to the mount today and from a good draw, she has as much chance as any of coming home on top here. (1) GOLD FOUNTAIN is a real danger. A winner of three from six so far, he tackles 1800M for the first time but he has won over a mile and his racing style suggests two turns will suit. He comes up in the weights but looks to have more wins in him and it would be no surprise were he successful today. (9) ACE JACKPOT is a winner at 1800M at class 5 level and while he comes up in class looks sure to run the distance out/ The draw is not in his favour but he comes down in the weights. (3) TOP MATE is thoroughly consistent and enters off an excellent 2nd place at class and distance on August 13th when he beat a couple of today’s rivals. He carries even more weight today but is a tough competitor and can measure up again. The wildcard is (8) LUCKY BREAK, who is rapidly up in class. She has plenty of ability and a nice light weight although the draw is not in her favour and it is her first go at the distance.

Selections	(4) Seungni Tout (1) Gold Fountain (9) Ace Jackpot (3) Top Mate
Next Best	8, 10
Fast Start	2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) YEONGUNG LOUIS is a winner of three from five so far and was runner-up in the other two including last time when over 1400M he couldn’t quite match up to Heat Yegam. There was no disgrace in that at all as that horse went on to win again very easily last Friday and Yeongung Louis, despite the wide draw and the big weight, is favoured to return to the winner’s circle today. Drawing even wider is (11) AKER’S DREAM. He beat four of these when scoring at class and distance on July 31st and while up a full 3kg in the weights, should be going close again. (6) CHOEGANG SSONSAL had a poor day at the office last time out but has a couple of scorching performances to his name, including the fastest time of any of these at this distance and from a good central draw, can return to some form here. (12) ADELE SPIKE and (2) WONDERFUL PEACE are among others in the frame in a competitive finale.

Selections	(9) Yeongung Louis (11) Aker’s Dream (6) Choegang Ssonsal (12) Adele Spike
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	4, 6, 10, 12

Horse Racing in Korea

Korea Racing Blog

Month: September 2021

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 1)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 18)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 17)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 12)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 11)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 10)

Seoul & Busan Juvenile Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 5)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 4)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 3)

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