The Stakes race season got underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday, and it was a mare who claimed the spoils as Raon First scored a comprehensive victory in the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy.
Raon First and Choi Bum-hyun have time to soak in the acclaim in the Segye Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)
The Segye Ilbo was missing from the abbreviated Stakes Calendar in 2021 but returned to its usual spot as the first big race of the year in Korea and the 1200M sprint was, for the first time, open to all Korean-bred runners, regardless of whether they are trained in Seoul or Busan.
Busan supplied a genuine contender in the shape of Classic winner Touch Star Man, and punters sent him off fourth in the market with Owners’ Cup winner Meni Hero favourite, ahead of the solitary filly or mare in the race, Raon First, and the Group-winning sprinter East Jet. Punters would prove correct with their top four, although not quite in that order.
From gate six, East Jet got the best of the start, racing into an early lead alongside outsider World Day, with Raon First sitting handy under jockey Choi Bum-hyun on the rail in 5th place. On the rail and in box seat is where she would stay as the leaders peeled off at the top of the straight and as soon as Raon First struck the front, there was only every going to be one winner.
East Jet came home in 2nd place, three-lengths in arrears, while Meni Hero came third. Touch Star Man, racing at a sprint distance for the very first time since his debut seventeen starts back, emerged from the pack for fourth with Roller Blade rounding out the prize-getters in 5th.
It was the Park Jong-kon trained Raon First’s ninth career win on her fifteenth start and followed her first Group race score in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) in December. That race was restricted to her fellow fillies and mares, although she had already proved herself in open company when winning at class 1 last October.
Today’s opposition was a cut above those she beat in either of those races and having won at distances up to 1800M, there are plenty of options open for the five-year-old, be it in the Queens’ Tour or even the Sprint Series races.
Raon First is by Musket Man and out of the Southern Image mare, Pink Candy. She was bred by her owners, Raon Company, at their farm where they stand the American stallion Musket Man. Raon First has a four-year-old “full” sister, Raon Pink, who won the Luna Stakes in 2021 before running 2nd in the Korean Oaks. Raon have a currently unrivalled array of talent at their disposal, spearheaded by their unbeaten star, Raon The Fighter.
Earlier at Seoul, the KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup placegetter Chief Indy (by Take Charge Indy) defeated Korean Oaks winner Choegang Black (by Purge), the pair coming home 1st and 3rd over 1800M at class 3 level. Chief Indy was one of four winners on the day for reigning champion jockey Moon Se-young, one of which was a dead-heat as the judges failed to split his Saryeoni Queen with Thunder Wind, ridden by Antonio Da Silva, in race 7.
At Busan, Barbarian added to his burgeoning reputation, dropping back in trip after recent successes to easily win the feature class 1 event over 1400M under You Hyun-myung. A five-year-old entire, Barbarian, who is by Competitive Edge and out of the Unbridled’s Song mare White Haven, registered his eighth win at start number sixteen and his first at class 1 level.
There is no racing in Korea this coming weekend, due to the Lunar New Year break. Racing returns to Busan on Friday February 11th and Seoul on Saturday February 12th.
The 2022 Stakes race season gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the twentieth running of the Segye Ilbo Cup. A field of fourteen that includes several Group winners will contest the Listed event over the sprint distance of 1200M, which returns to the calendar after having to be pandemically postponed in 2021.
The Segye Ilbo Cup will be run for the first time since 2020 when Simjangui Godong won. Do Kki Blade, who was 3rd that day, returns (Pic: KRA)
Raon First – the only filly or mare in the race – is the probable favourite, coming off her comfortable win over her distaff contemporaries in t Jeju Governor’s Cup at 1400M in December, but she has beaten the males at class 1 level too and with a weight allowance and a great draw she may prove hard to catch.
2020 Owners’ Association Trophy winner East Jet also lines up and will be a big danger while Busan’s challenge is led by Classic winner Touch Star Man and the speedy Doctor Carson. The Segye Ilbo Cup is race 9 on the 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with no fewer than ten of the twelve racing for the very first time. One of those first-timers goes on top in the shape of (5) HAMPYEONG NABI, who caught the eye in a heat, leading almost the entire way around before crossing the line in 2nd in a fast time. She draws nicely here and appears set for a bold showing first up. The two with experience both raced adequately enough on debut to suggest they should be in the frame here. (7) MENI SPEAR came home 4th on debut on Christmas Day at this distance having previously won a trial while (8) DOLBAE debuted a day later and ran 5th in a fair time. With natural improvement both can go closer this time around. Returning to the newcomers, (11) MENI ACE and (4) SONGAM NURI trialed up together and could be the best of the rest.
Selections
(5) Hampyeong Nabi (7) Meni Spear (8) Dolbae (11) Meni Ace
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field as it’s restricted to sales graduates. Moon Se-young climbing aboard (6) FLYING ATHENA will prick some ears. He’s run adequately for 6th in both starts so far, last time running on over 1200M. Expect him to be up front early here and he could well break through. The primary danger is set to be (3) NAUI NARA. She’s improved across three outings so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1400M on December 25th when she was prominent throughout. Expect her to be challenging for the early lead and to be in this a long way. Draw a line through the latest effort from (5) BIG ENERGY when he failed to settle from a wide draw. He had run consistently prior to that though and is worth another chance here. (1) MILLION QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but finished midfield and may improve from the inside gate. (9) GEOLJAK MAN has a 3rd place to his name and that’s enough to bring him into the calculations today.
Selections
(6) Flying Athena (3) Maui Nara (5) Big Energy (1) Million Queen
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) GRAND STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on December 19th when handy throughout. That was his best finish to date in nine attempts and from a good draw on the inside, he can sit handy again and this time break through. (3) DIVINE POWER has raced adequately in three attempts at this distance, posting fair times. He generally settles midfield or worse and then runs on and should get past plenty here. (4) GEUMSEONG MAN comes up in trip following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to 1400M on December 25th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and the additional distance may suit even more. (11) APPLE MINT and (8) M J STORM among others to enter the calculations.
Selections
(1) Grand Star (3) Divine Power (4) Geumseong Man (11) Apple Mint
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Busan’s opener is a maiden for three-year-olds with four of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. We’ll tentatively side with experience as (7) JEONGDEUN-RO ran a solid 3rd on debut at this distance on January 10th, sitting handy all the way and completing the course in a fair time, albeit well back behind a good winner. She should have come on for that. Likely favourite is one of the first timers. (5) STAR ACE sat handy in his trial, finishing 2nd in a decent time. The Kim Young-kwan/You Hyun-myung combination is bound to make punters take note and from a good draw, there is no reason why he can’t win first-up. (12) INDIE MAGIC won a trial and while the draw does him no favours, in this company he can have claims first up. (1) GASOK DAY was 5th on debut in what was a monumentally slow race at the distance. He is surely capable of quicker and can improve from the inside gate. (9) SUNSHINE STAR maybe best of the rest.
Selections
(7) Jeongdeun-Ro (5) Star Ace (12) Indie Magic (1) Gasok Day
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
She’s yet to break through in thirteen starts to date but (6) GOLDEN BADGE has a strong of near-misses and has also run a fast time at this distance. She comes in having come from well back to run 2nd over 1400M on Boxing Day and has solid claims here. So too (7) SARYEONI FIRST, who won over 1200M at class 6 level last November before finishing 3rd at this class and distance on December 12th. He will probably settle midfield and run on and shouldn’t be far away. (11) ADELE NARAE took to this distance well when stepped up to it on January 9th and running 2nd, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can build on that today. (9) BRAVO SOCKS and (3) RUFFIAN PARK are others who can have designs on the places.
Selections
(6) Golden Badge (7) Saryeoni First (11) Adele Narae (9) Bravo Socks
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) KING SATURDAY will be one of the hotter favourites of the weekend. He has finished 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and while he comes up in trip again here, he should be exiting class 6 with a win. (6) DROMOS ran fairly for 4th at her latest outing over 1200M and also has a 2nd at that distance to her name. She generally works home well, and the extended trip may be in her favour today. (12) NAMYANG CHEOLLI improved significantly when tried at this distance at start number three on December 24th when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in front of a couple of today’s rivals. The draw does her no favours here but with a touch of luck early, she can be in the finish. (1) QUEEN’S DAERO and (4) RUN AND GUN others to take into consideration.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00 (the Jeju pony meeting is also simulcast to Seoul, hence such bug gaps between races). All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Raon Pink returns to action on Saturday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here. (7) GLOBAL BOBAE will be the favourite having run 2nd on debut on Christmas Day, overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on in a good time. He should have come on for the experience and a similar run makes him hard to beat here. After winning a trial, (5) HATMURI ran 3rd on debut at this distance before running 6th at 1200M at start tow. He has had a couple of months off since then, Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he should go close. It’s similar with (2) P N S GOLD who has a 2nd and 4th from two starts so far. She draws well here and could be on pace from the start. (4) BE FLOWER and (6) YOUNG BLOOD are others to consider for improvement.
Selections
(7) Global Bobae (5) Hatmuri (2) P N S Gold (4) Be Flower
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(3) MUSTANG POWER ran a good 2nd on debut over this distance on December 25th. Coming from well off the pace. He was well-beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he has some potential and from a much better gate this time, looks the one to beat. (14) G STAR has improved across three starts so far, including a runner-up finish at his latest on December 5th. He tends to get right back and then run on so the draw isn’t too much of a concern and the additional trip today may help. (13) GLOBAL PRIME too improved at his latest appearance on November 28th. He sat handy that day so may need a touch of luck early but is another who should like the increase in trip. (8) MABAWI and (10) AL SIMON others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Mustang Power (14) G Star (13) Global Prime (8) Mabawi
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 12, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only here and a tricky one here especially as most of the leading contenders have drawn wide. With that in mind, we might as well go with the widest of all, (14) TOP POSITION drew widest of all on debut too over 1000M and stayed at the back before running on strong for 6th in a fast race. The additional trip here can give her more time to find a top position and she can win. So too (12) SOARA DAEBO. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, recorded when 2nd on December 18th. She will settle midfield and should be in the finish again. (10) SMART BLUE beat a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at the distance on Christmas Day. It wasn’t a very fast time, but she seems to be heading in the right direction. (3) SWEET CAMP and (11) GEOSEN GISANG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(14) Top Position (12) Soara Daebo (10) Smart Blue (3) Sweet Camp
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
4, 10, 11, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) JANGSAN POISON has worked home well in both starts so far and at his latest was 5th over 1200M coming from the back of the field. He looks like he needs a bit of distance, and he gets it here. So does (12) ASPENROS went right back on debut over 1300M on December 26th but finished off very nicely to beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place. He too should appreciate a bit more distance to play with today and could well start as favourite. Solitary debut-maker (3) FLY STAR finished off a trial very well in December and from a good draw has every chance of a bold showing first-up. (14) CHEONJI JIDAE was the big loser from the draw but has been consistent across his four starts so far and shouldn’t be far away. (2) HELLO GEUMSEONG mixes her form, but this is the kind of race in which she can challenge for minor money.
It’s the last weekend of racing before the a week off is taken following the Lunar New Year holiday. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations within Korea will be open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
It’s Friday. It’s Busan
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies kick things off with all but one of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll side with that one experienced runner, (12) EUNSEONG WINNER. She ran fairly for 3rd place on debut back in December and has since been back to trial performing fairly. The experience can see her in good stead here. The main concern is that while her times in trials and her race have been consistent, they have not been quick. (9) GOLD SWEET looks the best of the first timers. She won her trial having been handy throughout and can go well first-up today. (2) CHEONGHO LEGEND and (7) ALPHA SONGDANG posted decent times in their respective heats and may also be considered while (8) WONDERFUL FILE improved in the second of her trials and can be in the hunt too.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field but potentially quite a hot favourite in the shape of (8) UNJU BULPAE. He’s improved across his four starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on January 7th having led for much of the way. The draw shouldn’t matter much in this small field, and he can win. (7) JATNAMUGIL has shown similar progress across his four appearances so far, running 3rd in both his latest two. He should be given another chance here. The solitary debut-maker is interesting. Top trainer Kim Young-kwan puts an apprentice aboard (6) RADAR, who finally makes it to the track aged four. His dam won six times at Busan and while his only half-brother to make the track so far is a notorious non-winner (Indian Party), he trialed well and should be kept safe. (1) GAWONUI BIT and (9) BAEK GU among others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Unju Bulpae (7) Jatnamugil (6) Radar (1) Gawonui Bit
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky race with a number of potential winners. We’ll go with (1) HAEUNDAE BLUE who comes in off a career-best 2nd when stepped up to this distance on January 7th. True, the pace that day was painfully slow, and she hasn’t shown much in the way of speed, but she beat three of today’s rivals and almost led the whole way around. (2) CARIBBEAN DAY has been consistent and comes in off a solid 4th at this distance on Boxing Day. He doesn’t have the benefit of an apprentice claim today but that’s softened by a much better draw, and he looks the main danger. (10) MAJOR FORCE didn’t run that badly when 6th at the distance last time out. He is yet to finish in the top two but has consistently found the minor money and could be worth a chance at an each-way price here. (11) ORANGE GARAGE and (3) PICTURE JASPER others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Haeundae Blue (2) Caribbean Day (10) Major Force (11) Orange Garage
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
1, 9, 11, 13
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Another competitive race. (8) CENTUM THOR might be a non-winner, but he has nine top five finishes from twelve attempts so far. He has been consistent at this distance and an apprentice climbing aboard brings him down 3kg from his last appearance. At that last appearance on December 10th, Centum Thor was beaten by (9) LUKAS SUN. That was the latter’s first go around 1800M and he handled it very well coming from well off the pace to fly home. He will be coming on strong again and should go close. (6) GEUMA GOOD POINT had a disappointing day at the office at his latest start on Boxing Day when he used up plenty to get to a forward position from a wide draw. Draw a line through that and instead go on the start before when he ran 3rd, ahead of Centum Thor, and he should be in this. (1) MENI GLORY comes up in trip and into the calculations while (3) ROCKET GO Is another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Centum Thor (9) Lukas Sun (6) Geuma Good Point (1) Meni Glory
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 8
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) WIND HIGH broke through at start number four on December 10th, making all at this distance and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has been back to trial since then and won that too. He does come up in class but remains under a light weight and from a good draw has claims to win again. (8) BARAM GONGJU ran 2nd to Wind High in the December race and has since finished 4th on her first try at this class on January 7th. She has run consistent times at the distance, likes to come from off the pace, and should be working home well here. (4) DOCTOR TEXAS lead but weakened over a mile last time out and should be better for the drop back in trip today. (6) SUSO ENGINE can be given another chance too while (10) USEUNG GANGJA is another in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Wind High (8) Baram Gongju (4) Doctor Texas (6) Suso Engine
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) DONGTEUJA BOY is set to be hot favourite here and deservedly so. He won back-to-back races in September and October to get rapidly promoted to this class and while he was beaten on his first try at this level two weeks ago, he ran a fast time and should have too much for this lot. It’s hard to see any of these running him down but (10) MILLION BANK has finished no worse than 2nd in four starts so far and can keep that run going here. (5) KING BROTHER won at this distance at class 5 level two starts back and enters here well weighted and well-drawn. (1) WINNER’S TIME can mix his form but is another who looks nicely in here on the inside and he can challenge for a place. (3) HANBIT YEONGGWANG another in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(8) Dongteuja Boy (10) Million Bank (5) King Brother (1) Winner’s Time
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 11
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Good race this and (3) MISS INDIE may be ready to bounce back to winning ways. She won her first two starts and then went on a filly Triple Crown campaign. That didn’t go to plan, but she ran a decent 4th at 1400M on Boxing Day and dropped back to 1200M for the first time, with a good draw and a light weight, she can win. (2) DOCTOR GIANTS took his chance in the KRA Cup Mile last October and while he finished in mid-division he posted a fast time, something he has consistently done at a variety of distances. He has won twice at this distance and will be a danger here. (1) KKOTGWA GUREUM won at big odds on Boxing Day and while up in class can challenge for some minor money from the inside gate. (13) SAGARMATHA and (9) DONGBANUI SIJAK others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Miss Indie (2) Doctor Giants (1) Kkkotgwa Gureum (13) Sagarmatha
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 11
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (7) SPEED MATCH here. He’s won three of his last four including a super score over a mile at class 4 level on December 3rd. He comes up in class here but down in weight and will take some beating. He’ll sit handy early and then run on. (4) SEUNGNI MAGICQUEEN also comes up in class, in her case following an excellent win at this distance on Boxing Day when making all the running. She seems to have plenty of potential and can challenge the favourite here. (6) WONDERFUL KING has won his latest two, most recently at class and distance on December 26th. He comes up significantly in the weights this time but can go close. (10) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON and (2) ECOPIA are the other leading contenders.
Selections
(7) Speed Match (4) Seungni Magicqueen (6) Wonderful King (10) Ilnyeom Tongcheon
There’s racing at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with 11 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 on the South Coast from 12:05 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid19 is required. Here are the previews:
Heunghaeng Jilju (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open proceedings with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. (9) ROAD ACE put in a couple of very solid runs at this distance, including a 2nd place in a fast time back in October. He has since raced poorly at 1300M and 1200M but coming back to the minimum trip today could well see him improve. The likely favourite is (5) CONCORDE SPURT, who ran 3rd on debut at this distance on Christmas Day when slowly away and then running on well. The time wasn’t fast but with a better start today and with some natural improvement, can win this. (6) CUPID SAFE only managed to finish in 7th place on debut in October but it was in a decent time – albeit during a period when the track was racing very fast. She’s had sixteen weeks off since then but every chance of going well from a central gate. (3) WONDERFUL SHADOW and (11) MAGIC GLORY looks the best of the first-timers.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A full field of three-year-old maiden fillies. (8) K N OLD QUEEN is the one to beat. After a promising trial, she ran 2nd on debut in a fair time at 1000M on December 26th, having raced prominently throughout. The Park Dae-heung/Moon Se-young combination will attract plenty and she surely jumps the favourite. (7) RISING HAWK also comes up in trip after a placing on debut when 3rd over 1000M on December 11th. She sat in midfield and finished off well and should have come on for that. (12) BURUI KKOT has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She has improved across three starts so far and was a very good 2nd at this distance on December 26th. She doesn’t draw so well today but should be in the finish again. (4) GREAT JENNY on the other hand, gets a much better draw than she did on debut at this distance on December 18th when she had to settle at the back but ran on strong. She can improve today. (11) WONPYEONG QUEEN, who finished in 4th place ahead of Great Jenny in that race, is another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) K N Old Queen (7) Rising Hawk (12) Burui Kkot (4) Great Jenny
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) BYEORAK will be hot favourite here. He has improved across his four starts to date culminating in 2nd place when stepped up to this trip at his most recent start on December 26th, when he settled handy and ran on. Expect similar tactics today and he won’t need much improvement to win this. (11) DUSON DRIVE is the clear second choice. He comes up in trip after three goes at 1000M, the latest of which resulted in a runner-up finish. He ran consistent times and there is not reason the additional trip should be a problem. We’ll really have to take the others on trust. (12) SINJURYU was 3rd at this distance at his latest start and while the time wasn’t quick and he draws wide, that’s enough to get him into the numbers here. (10) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG had a poor day at the office last time out but has run fast times at shorter and may improve. (3) ONE PUTT generally blows the start but is capable of finishing well.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the south-coast opener with eight of them racing for the first time. It will be one of the four with experience who starts as the hot favourite though. (1) GUARDIAN ANGEL was 4th on debut back on November 26th in a good time when settling in midfield and then running on. With any kind of improvement at all, she will be very hard to beat. (10) BRAVO HAMYANG went through two trials and showed improvement in the second of those on Christmas Day, coming home in 2nd place in a fair time. He looks the best of the newcomers. (12) B. K. NEW MOON won her trial on December 18th with a front-running performance. The Take Charge Indy filly draws wide but can also go well in this company first up. Returning to those with experience, (5) ETERNAL ACE and (11) DEER KING both ran fairly on debuts for mid-field finishes, and both can be considered for improvement with top jockeys booked.
Selections
(1) Guardian Angel (10) Bravo Hamyang (12) B. K. New Moon (5) Eternal Ace
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) JEONGMUN JJANG returns to action following almost eleven months on the sidelines. Previously he had run well at his distance, and he looked well when almost leading the entire way around in a Christmas Eve trial. He will obviously need this, but he draws well to get on pace and in an open race, has as good a chance as any. (8) V QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. She’s only been ordinary in her latest two starts but looks nicely in here to sit behind the speed and then run on. (11) MUNHAK FOREST likes to be on pace so may need some luck given his barrier, but he has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance and can be in the finish again. (1) PEPE RUN and (7) GWACHEON SINSEGYE are among others who can challenge for at least minor money.
Selections
(4) Jeongmun Jjang (8) V Queen (11) Munhak Forest (1) Pepe Run
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
4, 6, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) WILD ADELE has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M at her latest when she led until the furlong pole. She comes up slightly in trip and draws wider, but an apprentice takes some weight off and she can go even closer this time. (4) NAMDO ILDEUNG is thoroughly unspectacular but is generally consistent. She drops back in trip following some recent efforts over a mile including a solid 3rd place last time. She will sit handy here and run on and will probably start as the betting favourite. (3) RAON THE MILLION was 6th behind Namdo Ildeung at their respective latest starts and from a good draw can find a nice position again and finish off well. (2) SILVER LADY has the fastest time among those here who have tried this distance before and while it wasn’t fast, it’s probably enough to bring her into the calculations here. (12) GREEN PAPAGO another in the placing frame.
Selections
(10) Wild Adele (4) Namdo Ildeung (3) Raon The Million (2) Silver Lady
Next Best
12, 13
Fast Start
8, 9, 10, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A big field off fillies and mares and (2) SEONGSIL MONEY gets the nod. She is yet to win in nine attempts but but has eight top-five finishes and comes in following a good 2nd place at this class over 1300M on November 27th. She’s run a decent time at this distance as well and from a nice draw, Moon Se-young can pick his spot and she can win. (6) REMARKABLE ran well back behind Seongsil Money in that November race but has run once since then when 4th over 1300M beating a couple of today’s rivals and she can be in the hunt here. (11) SMART HIGH was a winner at class 6 level two starts back over 1200M before running adequately for 4th on her first try at this class, again over the 1200M, on December 18th. She’ll be on or close to the pace here and a chance. (14) JEONGSANG Z and (5) BLACK ROOKIE among others to consider for places.
Selections
(2) Seongsil Money (6) Remarkable (11) Smart High (14) Jeongsang Z
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
10, 11, 12, 13
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Wildly competitive race. We’ll go with (14) LIGHT STORY to defy gate fourteen and return to the winner’s circle. He was the all the away winner on debut over 1000M before struggling on return at 1400M. In his latest two, he has seemed to be working back to form though with a close-up 2nd to a stablemate he really should have beaten at his latest on Christmas Eve. Seo Seung-un returns today and he could win. (1) ADELE CHUKBAE made all to get his maiden win at start number five on December 17th over this distance. He draws the inside once more and should measure up in this company. (6) CROWN KING STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this class over 1200M on Boxing Day, leading for much of the way around. He comes up significantly in the weights but You Hyun-myung climbs aboard and he should be a contender. (10) CAPTAIN YANKEE and (11) UNJU HERO are others in the frame.
Selections
(14) Light Story (1) Adele Chukbae (6) Crown King Star (10) Captain Yankee
Saturday’s action moves to Seoul where there are 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open proceedings with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. The hot favourite has raced before though and that’s (11) CLAIR POINT. The filly won a trial before running 2nd on debut on December 18th in a fast time when prominent throughout. The draw may not be ideal here, but she should overcome that to get to the front and will take some beating. (5) CUPID WAY looks the best of the newcomers. While her official trial in November saw her just scrape though inside the qualifying time, she was put in a second voluntary one on Christmas Eve (which may not appear in all race cards, so be aware) and looked much more composed, running 3rd in a decent time. With some natural improvement on that, she can go well first-up here. (2) NAOL ACE finished in midfield on debut. Moon Se-young remains aboard and from a good gate, he looks set for improvement. So too (6) TTEOOREUDA, who gets a better draw than she did when 8th on debut. Returning to the first timers, (12) SUPERDIA looks to be another who could make an impact.
Selections
(11) Clair Point (5) Cupid Way (2) Naol Ace (6) Tteooreuda
Next Best
12, 7
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Tricky one. Apprentice Kim Tae-hui partnered four winners last weekend and we’ll take a chance on her maintaining the hot streak here with (3) MIRACLE DAUGHTER. Luigi Riccardi’s filly was a solid 4th on debut at this distance on December 12th, racing handy throughout and can improve here under next to no weight. The probably favourite is (11) CUPID VOW. He’s been sent off at short odds in both his starts so far, coming home 6th and 3rd, the latter at 1200M. He comes back down in trip today and while he may need a touch of luck from out wide, he looks very much in this. (2) CASH BACK has the fastest time in the field for the distance, recorded when 3rd two starts back. He draws well, should be on pace, and can be in this a long way. (12) YESULIYA will also attempt to get to the lead early. He ran consistent times in three attempts at this distance, registering a best finish of 3rd and led over 1200M at his latest outing before ultimately finishing in 5th. (7) TOUCH NINE, who also has a decent time in his record, the best of the rest.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A big field of fillies take their chance here. She draws badly but (12) BARO QUEEN can be given a chance here. She has steadily improved across four starts to date and ran well for a close at hand 3rd place on her first try at this distance on Christmas Day. She may need a bit of luck early on but if she can find a good position, she can win. (7) ELITE RULES probably deserves to start the favourite based on her last start 2nd place at class and distance. She led for much of that race and while there is a fair amount of early speed here, she can sit handy and run on strong again. (13) MAY BLADE hasn’t run badly for misfield finishes in three starts so far and overcame a wide draw for 6th in a fair time at this distance at her latest start. She can finish off well again. (14) DONGSEO YEOGEOL draws even worse but if she can follow the pair on her inside across to find a good position, she can go close too. (1) SUNNY BLADE the best of the rest.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
After three consecutive runner-up finishes, it’s time (6) YONGHOJIMA went one better. He beat three of these on his latest outing on December 19th, leading for most of the way around and in this company should settle handy and prove too strong late on. (10) RULES CLASS looks to be the logical second pick. He comes in having run 4th behind Yonghojima on December 19th when he settled midfield and then ran on. He has eight top-five finishes from eleven starts so far and should maintain his consistent run of form here. Draw a line through the latest effort from (1) MIGHTY SUNSHINE, where he weakened badly over 1400M. Coming back in trip today and drawn on the inside, we can see a much better performance. (7) MASEONG CHEONHA comes up in class after two fair 3rd places at class 6 level last autumn. He’s had twelve weeks off but gets a nice draw and a very light weight and don’t be surprised to see him on pace and in this a long way. (2) PERFECT POWER was 5th in that December 19th race behind Yonghojima and should be competitive here again.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Another big field but it’s hard to go past (3) BYEOLUI SUNGAN. A good winner two starts back at this class over 1300M he led for much of the way around at his latest start at this distance on December 19th before being caught and ending up in 4th. That was his worst finish to date and he should be putting things right today. To do that, he will need to overturn the form on (6) ALCHAN NURI, who ran 3rd in that race, following up a narrow 2nd, also at this distance in November. He doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but he can go close again. (12) MAGIC JOY comes back in trip after two successful spins around 1700M, which saw him to a win at class 6 level and runner-up finish at this. The draw isn’t great, but he should be in the finish again. So too (9) K N UNDERKING races for the first time since running 2nd to Byeolui Sungan on November 6th. That was just his third start, and he steps up slightly in trip here with claims for more improvement. (10) DESK TAP among a number of others with placing claims.
Selections
(3) Byeolui Sungan (6) Alchan Nuri (12) Magic Joy (9) K N Underking
Racing returns at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be booked in advance through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens begin the day with (5) GRAND SUN favoured to make the breakthrough. He beat three of today’s rivals on debut on December 26th having settled midfield and run on well and is very much the one to beat here. (1) USURP was well backed on his own debut in the same race but lost his balance on the turn when colliding with the running rail. He was favourite for that race for good reason after an excellent trial and with better luck this time can go better. (11) BARBELL POSEIDON improved significantly at start number two. He comes up in trip here and has a less favourable draw but is not to be dismissed. (10) ART KELLY is a debut-maker who won his trial coming from off the pace in a fair time. The distance may suit first-up and a bold showing is possible. Watch the market for clues. (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI ran on well for 4th on debut at 1000M. He has a better draw today and can be a danger.
Selections
(5) Grand Sun (1) Usurp (11) Barbell Poseidon (10) Art Kelly
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Wide open maiden with many chances. We’ll take a chance on (2) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN, who led at her latest start on January 9th before finishing 4th at this distance. This is her third start this preparation and she could be peaking for a top stable. (11) ARTIE’S GAL resumed after nine months out on December 19th having won a trial and ran 2nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She doesn’t get the benefit of an apprentice claim today but nevertheless, looks a contender. (6) SAVE US resumed after four months off with 2nd this distance on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and has to be considered here while (14) BLUE CARSON beat four of these on his way to a 2nd place of his own at this distance on December 19th. He may need a touch of luck having been drawn in the car park but otherwise looks ready to win at some stage soon. (4) USEUNG HUNTER another in the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Haman Yeohangsan (11) Artie’s Gal (6) Save Us (14) Blue Carson
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
This is a really weak race so don’t dismiss what would normally be some very poor looking form lines. (7) DAEJI SPECIAL led over 1400M last start before weakening to 6th. He comes up in trip today but can get a soft lead once more and should be in this a very long way. He will be the favourite. (5) ZERAGE hasn’t really kicked on after a promising first couple of starts but in this company his form measures up well and he should be in the finish. (11) CHOEGANG MARINE’s best finish to date came at 1000M but he ran on adequately enough for a midfield finish in a fair time over 1400M on Christmas Eve which suggests this may suit. (12) DOCTOR TANGO has led in most of his races before weakening to varying degrees. He is up in trip today and the wide draw may require him being ridden differently so improvement is possible. (8) DIA FORCE beat a couple of these when 5th at this distance on Boxing Day and that’s enough to put him in this.
Selections
(7) Daeji Special (5) Zerage (11) Choegang Marine (12) Doctor Tango
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 7, 11, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) DAEJI CHOICE was an all the way winner over 1400M at class 6 level two start back and then ran 3rd ahead of a couple of today’s rivals on December 12th. He comes up in trip here but looks very much the one to beat and will probably start as hot favourite. (7) YEONSEUNG BRAVO comes up in class having won at this distance with an on pace all the way showing on December 26th. He gets a nice light weight again and should measure up in this company. (2) CATCH THE SKY came home in 2nd place that day and also comes up in class. He comes down in the weights and can settle back and run on here. (9) WONDERFUL WORLD was a class 6 winner at this distance and has performed well in 2nd and 5th in two starts at this class. He should be in the finish again here. (5) WAKANDA also comes into the calculations following an improved 3rd at his latest start just two weeks ago.
Selections
(6) Daeji Choice (7) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Catch The Sky (9) Wonderful World
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A very competitive race with plenty entering in good form. (2) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH finally got his maiden win at start number twenty-four when beating stablemate Light Story at class and distance on Christmas Eve. He came from well off the pace that day and actually looks very nicely in here to potentially repeat. (7) INDIAN PARTY finished in 3rd place in that Christmas Eve race, making up very good ground late on and should be competitive again. (8) GOLDEN POWER won over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before running a competitive 3rd at class and distance on December 17th. She’s never run worse than 5th and should be close again. (3) MONEY BAG, up in class after a last start win at this distance, and (13) WONDER BLADE, down in trip after a decent spin over a mile last start, are others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(2) Jeonseolui Punch (7) Indian Party (8) Golden Power (3) Money Bag
Next Best
13, 9
Fast Start
1, 5, 11, 12
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) GOLDEN BYEORAK is set to be hot favourite here. He returned from five months off on January 9th to run an excellent 2nd at class and distance in a very good time – faster than anything else in the race has achieved – and a similar run will make him very hard to beat here. (7) MUJEOK CHARLIE comes in off two solid showings at class and distance including a runner-up finish at his latest start on December 17th, beating a couple of these in the process. (10) JESSIEUI KKUM has raced just twice with sixteen months between those appearances. He raced well on his return on Christmas Eve and steps up in trip here with solid claims for another bold showing. (9) WONDERFUL FAGER won back-to-back races last November to get rapidly promoted to this level. He was tried at 1800M last start, leading but ultimately finishing in 5th and this looks a more appropriate assignment. (1) ACE KILLER perhaps the best of the rest.
Selections
(8) Golden Byeorak (7) Mujeok Charlie (10) Jessieui Kkum (9) Wonderful Fager
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A small but competitive field. (8) MAN OF THE YEAR got his win at 1400M before running 2nd in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup at 1200M and then 5th in the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race at 1400M in December. He does look the type who will appreciate a bit of distance and that’s exactly what he gets here. (4) WINNER STAR also comes out of the Breeders’ Cup race, in which he finished an excellent 3rd. He ran a close 5th in a previous try at this distance and will be a big danger again today and will vie for favourite status with Man Of The Year. (6) DUMUSAN has good experience at this distance and comes in having run 2nd on his latest outing on December 19th. He’ll be in the hunt again. (5) BULMYEORUI GIL and (1) ADELE PUPIL, who needs a line drawn through her trip to Seoul last month, are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Man Of The Year (4) Winner Star (6) Dumusan (5) Bulmyeorui Gil
Next Best
1, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Really good race to finish with. We’ll go with (4) SKY MORE to return to winning ways. He won back-to-back races at this distance and 1800M last autumn and was then given his chance in the Korean Derby. That didn’t go well, and he was beaten on his return to Busan as well in December. He draws well here though and back at a mile he looks a real chance. The main danger and probable favourite is (5) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU. He has only raced four times but set a very fast time when scoring over 1400M at class 4 level last October and then ran well for 3rd at 1800M in December. He comes up in class here but is significantly down in the weights and he has every chance. (14) MAN OF TOP comes back in trip after recent good work around 1800M including a win at this class. He has won over a mile too and while he gives weight away and draws badly, he can be a danger. (13) BABEL HIT and (9) SMART MOD are others to take into account.
Selections
(4) Sky More (5) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (14) Man Of Top (13) Babel Hit
Sunday sees meetings at both Seoul and Busan. Seoul has an 11-race card from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan the action runs from 12:00 to 16:40. The feature race is Busan’s finale involving 2000M track-record holder Fantastic Man, facing off with the likes of Blue Chipper, Great King and Smart Prince in a fourteen-runner field. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews
He’s moved trainers again – Blue Chipper goes at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick things off and five of the twelve are racing for the first time. (8) HAPPY MIX has earned favourite status following good 4th place on debut in a fast time on December 19th when she sat midfield from a wide gate and ran on well. The draw is a little better this time and she has every chance. (5) JEONGSANG FIGHTING’s one race so far was back in July of last year when she put in a fair effort over this distance. She looked very well when trialing up on Christmas Eve to requalify and much more can be expected this time around. (3) SAENGIL SEONMUL should improve on the 8th place she scored on debut in November and can be expected to be on pace from a good gate. Of the first-time starters, (7) SPEAR GOLD and (6) CITY CHARM both trialed up well enough and can go well first-up.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (7) EUNHYE looks very much the one to beat having led almost the entire way around at this distance on November 20th, only to be caught by a good winner and finish in 2nd place. He’ll be on speed or handy here and this time can go all the way. (2) HANGANG BOSS was a solid 4th on his first try at this distance on December 11th, only narrowly missing out on 3rd. He can have come on for that run and be considered for better here. (8) EAGLE POINT came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1000M on November 27th. The step up in trip should suit and he’ll be coming home fast again. (4) GOOD NISEN was further back in the same race on his own debut having previously gone well in a trial and there can be improvement today. (6) THE FAVORITE was beaten by Eunhye at her latest start but has been consistent across three outings so far and should be competing for a place.
Selections
(7) Eunhye (2) Hangang Boss (8) Eagle Point (4) Good Nisen
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
While it’s fair to say that (5) GOLD KAISER has mixed her form across three starts so far, her bad run came when drawn very wide and her two good ones when drawn similarly to today, including at her latest when a front-running 3rd over this distance. Just like today, that was in restricted filly and mare company, and this could be her day. (11) DONGHAENG raced twice last Spring, finishing 2nd on both occasions. She returns here after thirty-four weeks out having run well in a competitive trial in December in which she led for much of the way around alongside good horses. She has every chance of going well first-up. (1) WELLBEING CHAMPION ran on pleasingly for 5th on debut over 1000M in December. She comes up in trip and 4kg in the weights here without an apprentice aboard but from the inside, she may just sneak into the places. (13) FIRST ROAD and (7) RAON THE PEARL are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Gold Kaiser (11) Donghaeng (1) Wellbeing Champion (13) First Road
Next Best
7, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies greet the starter in the opener at Busan with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) BEAUTY BROWN is set to start a hot favourite having beaten a couple of these on her way to 2nd place on debut in a similar event on December 17th, when she led for much of the way around. She drew even wider that day so the barrier shouldn’t be a problem and she should go one better. The logical main challengers are a couple of the first-time starters. (4) HOLLYWOOD PARTY is the pick of these having run 2nd in a trial in a decent time although (7) KF ONE stopped the clock competitively too in her heat and with a 4kg weight allowance can make an impact. Returning to those with prior experience, (3) WONDERFUL CUTIE and (9) HAPPY SONG SONG perhaps have the greatest chance of improving.
Selections
(11) Beauty Brown (4) Hollywood Party (7) KF One (3) Wonderful Cutie
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three and four-year-old maidens. (8) TIZ BAROWS will be a warm favourite having debuted well over 1300M on December 11th when going right back and then finishing off very well. The additional half-furlong should suit, and he is the one to beat. (9) NEW A ONE improved at start number two when runner-up at 1200M with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He too went right back that day before running on and should appreciate a bit more distance here. (4) P N S CHANCE has been consistent across her three outings to date and is yet another who may like a bit of extra distance as she has been doing her best work late on each occasion. If you prefer a front-runner, then (3) BE CRAZY may be the one to go for. He has been on pace in both starts so far, finishing 4th both times, most recently behind New A One and from a nice draw will be up in front early again. (1) GEOLJAK WOMAN another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Tiz Barows (9) New A One (4) P N S Chance (3) Be Crazy
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 13
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to oppose (1) MONEY CASE here. He’s run 4th and 2nd in two starts so far, both at 1000M and the latter in a fast time when handy throughout and running on. He looks to be working towards a maiden win and it can come here from the inside gate and under the track’s most in-form jockey. (5) GEUMA STARLET drops back in trip after an inauspicious spin around 1400M when favourite on Christmas Eve. Draw a line though that and instead go on his previous effort when 2nd at this distance on December 5th, beating a few of these in the process. You Hyun-myung climbs aboard today and he should be back in the finish. Also coming back in trip is (10) CHIEF OFFICER. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and gets a 4kg claim today. He may need some early luck from a relatively wide draw though. (6) YEONGGWANGUI RIDER ran 5th behind Geuma Starlet in early December having briefly led. He has trialed since then and should strip fitter. (4) SORI TAEPUNG resumes after eight months out and while he will need this, could sneak some minor money.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens to kick things off with three of the twelve racing for the very first time. One of those debut makers is set to be favourite. (10) QUICKLY RUN trialed up very nicely when leading and ultimately running a close 2nd behind an experienced racehorse and ahead of one who has gone on to run 2nd three times. It was all the way back in September, but she will be expected to win first-up here. Much of that is to do with the exposed form of the rest. (1) SKY PANGPANG looks the best of those with experience, having overcome a slow start to run on well for 4th on debut on December 2nd. He gets a netter draw today and with a better start can get closer. (11) BEAT UP didn’t have much luck on debut but looks to have scope to improve. (8) EUNHYE DREAM made steady progress from start one to start two and can maintain that momentum today. Returning to the first-timers, (9) USEUNG BARAM trialed adequately and may be considered first up.
Selections
(10) Quickly Run (1) Sky Pangpang (11) Beat Up (8) Eunhye Dream
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(7) WARRIOR THUNDER is a warm favourite here. Two starts back he ran 2nd over 1300M and last time out was on pace at this distance, finishing in 4th place and recording a time faster than anything else in this race has achieved. He’ll be on pace again and a similar run in this company can see him win. (3) HAPPY DREAM was stepped up to this distance at start number five on December 12th having previously been so slow she was sent back to trial after all but one previous attempt. She ran better, finishing 3rd in an admittedly pedestrian race, but with some natural improvement, a good draw and Munro remaining aboard, there are reasons to be optimistic here. (9) DREAM SPEED has been consistent if unspectacular across four outings to date. She ran a decent 5th at this distance last time and consistent if unspectacular should be enough to se her to a place here. (5) M J STORM and first-time starter (2) TIZ RUNNER others who can aim for minor money.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
We’ll take a chance on (1) JILJU BORN here. He races for the first time since last July but is a front-runner who recorded a fast time over 1000M. He trialed up very well in December leading almost the entire way around before crossing the line in 2nd place and from a great inside draw, he may get a soft lead and potentially go all the way. Otherwise, all roads lead to (8) GEUMGUKHWA. She has the fastest time among these at this distance as well as being the only one with a top-two finish to her name. She was difficult to load last time and returned with speedy cuts after being a well beaten odds-on favourite. In this company though she is absolutely worth another chance. Solitary debut-maker (10) DREAM YEOWANG made all to win a Christmas Eve trial and should be in the frame first-up. (4) NEW HOPE and (11) RAON THE WILD are others who can place.
Selections
(1) Jilju Born (8) Geumgukhwa (10) Dream Yeowang (4) New Hope
Next Best
11, 12
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(4) KING CRUSH may not have finished any better than 4th across his five starts to date but he has some very good performances at this distance including a 4th and a 5th from his latest two in good times. He draws nicely today and should be on or close to the place and has solid claims to make his breakthrough here. (6) SOJUNGHAN DANGSIN comes down in trip and, with an apprentice on board, down in the weights too from her 3rd place in a slow race over 1400M on December 11th. That was her best finish to date and nicely in here, she can match or better it. (3) JILJU JEONSA improved into 3rd at his latest start on December 18th when settling in midfield and running on over 1200M. He comes up to this trip or the first time today and it may well suit. (7) GEOSEN GISANG and (11) DANCE MACHINE among others to take into consideration.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A big field here but we’re likely to have a strong favourite in the shape of (12) POWER BOX. He was a strong winner over 1000M last September before using up a lot of energy to get to the front from a wide draw on his first try at this class and distance in October, ultimately weakening. Drawn wide again at his latest start on November 28th, he was ridden more patiently and ran on well for 2nd. Kim Yong-geun knows the horse well and he can make the breakthrough today. (7) GRAY CAT overcame a wide draw to run 3rd in a fast time over 1300M on December 18th. He now has four top-three finishes form ten starts and while he may find one or two too quick again, he can maintain that record here. (11) TAP QUALITY and (14) DUSON FANTASTIC both had poor days at the office on their respective latest starts but are better than that and can be involved here. (4) FOREVER KHAN too struggled on his first try at this class but can be given another chance today.
Selections
(12) Power Box (7) Gray Cat (11) Tap Quality (14) Duson Fantastic
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 6, 9, 12
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Tricky race this. (7) P N S LUCKY comes out of the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race on December 5th where she ran 8th of 12 but in a creditable time. She had previously run a blistering 59.7 over the five furlongs at the end of October. Back in more limited company today, she has every chance of returning to the winner’s circle. (3) HOLIDAY CHARM was a class and distance winner two starts back when running on strongly from midfield in a good time. He is up 3kg on that and did struggle on his return on December 19th, but he draws a much better gate this time and can be given another chance. (10) HYPER CAR returned from more than six months out to run a good 4th at class and distance on December 11th. He is yet to win but has six top-three finishes from twelve starts and can be in the mix here. The up in class but significantly down in weight (2) BARAMGWA HAMKKE might warrant an each-way chance alongside (4) ILBO DEUNGCHEON.
Selections
(7) P N S Lucky (3) Holiday Charm (10) Hyper Car (2) Baramgwa Hamkke
Next Best
4, 12
Fast Start
7, 8, 11, 14
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Small field but a hot favourite here. (5) CHOEGANG GAME comes in having run 4th in the Korean Derby and then 3rd in the Minister’s Cup, the final two legs of the 2021 Triple Crown. He had a win record of three from four before those races and the time he had to run in the Derby at this distance was almost three seconds faster than anything else in this race has achieved. He gives weight away, but he looks very hard to beat. (4) SERVE ACE comes out of the filly Triple Crown where she ran a big 3rd in the Oaks having missed the break before not quite seeing out the 2000M of the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. It’s hard to see her beating the favourite here but she should beat plenty of the rest. (1) GEUMA SUPREME and (2) QUIET ADELE are generally knocking on the door at class and distance and along with (9) SISEONJIPJUNG, can compete for the minor places.
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) MYEONGJIN DAY returned from eight months out to run a good 3rd place at class and distance on December 19th in a good time. He has never been worse than 4th and should come on for that run looking very much the one to beat here. (6) ROCK LINE comes in off a good win at this class over 1200M on December 12th when he sat behind the speed and then ran on strong. At the start before he was a close 3rd at this distance. He does come up 3.5kg in the weights today but should be in the hunt again. Those two are by some margin the standouts. (7) BLACK PUNCH was a much-improved 4th at his latest start and can maintain that progress today. (3) SUN FO RE mixes his form but has a number of minor money finishes and can be competitive here. Debut-maker (2) MUNHAK DIAL may beat a few.
Selections
(5) Myeongjin Day (6) Rock Line (7) Black Punch (3) Sun For Re
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 12
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(14) MIGHTY BOOM beat several of these on her way to a close 2nd place finish at class and distance on December 12th when sitting just behind the speed and running on. She comes up 2kg in the weights today and draws even further out than last time (she had gate 12) but she can overcome both and go one better here. The draw though does hand the initiative over to (4) MONSTER K, who ran 3rd in that race. He has won at the distance at class 4 level and will be a big danger today, most likely leading from the start. (7) SOUL MERIT come sup in class following a smart victory over 1200M back in November. He has run good times at this distance too and comes down in the weights here. (13) ROYAL ELVIS and (6) GLOBAL THUNDER are others who should be close.
Selections
(14) Mighty Boom (4) Monster K (7) Soul Merit (13) Royal Elvis
Racing gets underway on Friday with an 8-race card at Busan from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Having won a trial, (2) MAN OF THE STAR ran 2nd over 1000M on debut before stepping up to this trip and running 5th back on November 12th. He has had nine weeks off since then, draws well and with some natural improvement has solid claims here. (3) CHOEGANG FORCE has shown steady progress across three starts so far, each time settling in midfield and running on. He too gets a good draw here and should be in the finish. (8) LEGEND NUMBER ONE was a front-running 3rd on debut over 1000M in early December. He has since been back to trial, which he won, and shapes to go close here. (9) SSAEKSSAEGI and (10) RAON THE TANK are others to take into consideration.
Selections
(2) Man Of The Star (3) Choegang Force (8) Legend Number One (9) Ssaesaegi
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Competitive race for fillies (and one mare). (6) SUSO POWER returned from six months out to run a solid 5th over this distance on December 12th when she was on pace early and stuck to task to beat a couple of today’s rivals. She can have improved for that run and is firmly in the hunt today. (3) ONE RUSH has been solid across three starts so far. She comes back in trip following a pair of good efforts at 1400M, she draws well and with a top jockey legged aboard today, may well start as favourite. (7) ANNIKA GIRL also comes back slightly in trip. She’s very consistent and while she is yet to win in eight attempts, she has six top-five finishes to her name. She can sit handy here and run on and should be in the mix once more. (5) HAVANA JANE and the first-up (2) ALIVE QUEEN – well bred and who won a December trial – are others in the frame.
Selections
(6) Suso Power (3) One Rush (7) Annika Girl (5) Havana Jane
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(2) CHAMP GO looks the one to beat here. He comes in off his best finish to date when 4th over 1400M on Christmas Eve in a fair time when racing handy throughout. He won’t need to improve very much in order to win this. (7) KING GRACE has had a tendency to get a bit far back in his races. He comes back in trip after his latest effort over a mile but does possess the fastest time of any of these for today’s distance and a big run can’t be ruled out. (4) FIRST PARK has been showing steady progress and comes in off her best finish to date when 3rd over 1300M on December 12th, settling back and running on well. She drew the widest gate in a field of nine that day and may have an easier time getting position today. (12) DAMYANG DOLPUNG and (6) PILGRIM are among others with placing hopes.
Selections
(2) Champ Go (7) King Grace (4) First Park (12) Damyang Dolpung
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO got his breakthrough at the fourth time of asking on December 17th when stepped up to this trip for the first time having done all his previous work over five furlongs. He led from gate to wire stopping the clock in a fair time and while he is up in class here, a repeat is certainly possible. The main danger looks to be (3) DAEHOMA. He’s yet to win in eleven attempts but has no fewer than seven top-four finishes and steps up to a mile for the first time here having overcome a wide gate to run a strong 3rd on his first try at this class on December 19th. Keep him safe in your numbers. (1) SINJIN GANGHO had a poor day at the office at his latest start on December 19th but two starts back placed at class and distance. He draws better this time and has the track’s in-form jockey aboard. (4) CHEONGHO LEADER and (8) HONEY STAR are placing hopes.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. We’ll take a chance with (6) DONGNAM BULPAE, who comes in off a good 2nd place over 1200M when running on well. He tackles this distance for the first time, and it may well suit. (5) DAEHO JEONSEOL comes up in class and trip having made all to win over 1200M at start number two on December 12th. He’ll be expected to be on pace again and he can make it two in a row here. (9) HANEUL JEONSA was a winner on debut over 1000M back in November but after a slow start could only rally to 5th place on his first try at this class on November 28th at 1200M. The additional furlong may help here and while the draw isn’t ideal, he should be in the finish in this company. (3) HIT THE ROAD and (1) SKY WIN are others to take into consideration for money finishes.
Selections
(6) Dongnam Bulpae (5) Daeho Jeonseol (9) Haneul Jeonsa (3) Hit The Road
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Small but very competitive field here. We’ll take a chance on (3) ROCKY SKY backing up the win he scored at class and distance on December 10th when sitting handy early before taking things up on the turn and running on very well. He does come up 3kg in the weights today, but another win is possible. (1) DOCTOR FASHION got back-to-back wins at this distance in September and October but did have a hard time when up in the weights at his latest outing on November 26th when he led for much of the way but ran out of petrol in the closing stages. His form prior though suggests that he warrants another chance. (4) GEUMA PSYCHIC ran 2nd to Rocky Sky in that December 10th race. A combination of Rocky Sky going up in rating and an apprentice climbing aboard Geuma Psychic means that there is a big swing in the weights in the latter’s favour and he could well take advantage. (8) ONNURI JILJU was on last year’s Classic trail, but this looks more suitable in terms of opposition and distance (7) RAON THE POWER another who can compete for the minors.
Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(7) KING OF THE MATCH is likely to be the shortest-priced favourite of the day. HE won his firs three in fine style and while, after an only fair start, he could only run 3rd at class and distance on his latest outing back on October 8th, he still finishes ahead of three he faces today. He comes in fresh, and he should have too much. (2) WINNING DANCER is up in class following a very good score at this distance back on November 26th when sat handy to the lead and then running on. He draws well and comes down significantly in the weights and can give the favourite a run for his money. So too can (4) ACE DAY. He is up in class having won two of his latest three. He will surely be on pace and should be in this a long way. (3) GREAT GOOD is also up in class and along with (6) CHOEGANG SSONSAL is another who can be competitive.
Selections
(7) King Of The Match (2) Winning Dancer (4) Ace Day (3) Great Good
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 8
Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(3) WORLD CHANGE enters having won at class and distance at his latest start on December 17th when handy early, striking the front on the corner and then running on. His only disappointing performance so far came in the Korean Derby. He comes up 3kg in the weights from his last start win but should have too much again from a very good draw. (5) SEUNGNI TOUT comes back up in trip following a 4th place over a mile on Christmas Eve. Two starts back he was a class and distance winner, and an apprentice jockey brings him back to the weight he carried that day. He can go close. (10) DOCTOR TAKE ran 2nd at class and distance to Seungni Tout in December and has won at this distance at class 5 level. The draw does him no favours and he carries plenty of weight but he can’t be ruled out of running well. (7) MAGIC FLYING, who has beaten World Change in the past, and (9) ACE JACKPOT are others who can trouble the judges.
Selections
(3) World Change (5) Seungni Tout (10) Doctor Take (7) Magic Flying
Horse Racing in Korea 