Month: February 2022

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 27)

Sunday sees racing at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). Last year’s champion three-year-old Heat Yegam makes his season-debut in Busan while in the feature in Seoul, 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief will be among the contenders. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to fate vaccination against Covid-19 is required:

Heat Yegam races for the first time in 2022 (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies open proceedings. (6) CUPID WAY is set to be a warm favourite. That’s based on her debut when she ran on well to run 2nd in a decent time behind a good winner over 1000M with an eye-catching final furlong. She comes up in trip but that should suit, and she’ll be hard to beat. It’s hard to go past (9) SONGAM BEST for second choice She beat three of these on her way to 3rd place on debut at 1000M on January 30th and can be expected to be on pace here. (3) MENI ACE and (12) DOLBAE were two of those behind Songam Best in that January race, and both can aim to improve and get closer here. There are three first time starters and among them, (10) SINHAN TEUKSONG looks to have the best chance of making an immediate impression.

Selections(6) Cupid Way (9) Songam Best (3) Meni Ace (12) Dolbae
Next Best10, 13
Fast Start5, 9, 12, 13

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

(1) SUPERDIA is the one to beat here. After trailing fairly, she put in a very solid effort from gate twelve on debut to get handy to the lead and then run on for 3rd. She draws much better on the inside today and should get a softer run to the front and be hard to go past. (2) MARUMA will almost certainly jump as second-favourite. He won a (slow) trial in December and then ran on well from a long way back to make it up to 5th over 1000M on debut on January 9th. He too draws much better this time around, and the step up in trip should suit. (11) LONDON SKY has already had a couple of spins around this distance and hinted at progress last time. He can run on and into some money here. (4) GEOLJAK MAN can aim to match the 4th place he achieved at his latest start while (9) SMART BYEOL is another with money chances.

Selections(1) Superdia (2) Maruma (11) London Sky (4) Geoljak Man
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Short-priced favourite here in the shape of (9) ASPENROS. Having run 3rd on debut at this distance, he stepped up to 1400M on January 29th and having settled midfield from gate twelve, ran on for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll take some beating here. (1) SMART BLUE has shown improvement at his latest two with a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M. He draws well here and can continue to make progress. (7) EURO GANGJA was 3rd behind Aspenros in that January 29th race. That was an improvement, but he has seven-lengths to make up on him here. (2) FLY STAR debuted adequately in the same race and should have come on for the experience. (10) NEW A ONE another who has placing chances.

Selections(9) Aspenros (1) Smart Blue (7) Euro Gangja (2) Fly Star
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 8, 11, 13

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

(10) MAN OF THE STAR has put in three promising runs so far including a good 3rd place over 1200M last time out when he led for much of the way around. He comes up slightly in trip today and despite the wide draw should have enough early speed to get on the lead again. This time he may not be caught. (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home in 5th place to Man Of The Star’s 3rd on January 14th. That was an improvement from his debut, and he seemed to appreciate the step up in trip. He gets a little further today, and more development is possible. (6) GRAND SUN too hasn’t done much wrong in two outings to date, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M. He will be on pace or handy here and can go close. (7) QUALITY QUEEN and (1) RAON THE FIGHTING, are others to consider for at least a place.

Selections(10) Man Of The Star (4) Great Captain (6) Grand Sun (7) Quality Queen
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky one where only four of the twelve have tackled the 1700M before. (1) KING MOUNTAIN has never gone further than 1200M, but he has consistently run fair times and made a significant breakthrough when 2nd at his latest start on January 9th. When sitting handy and running on. He draws nicely on the inside again and may be worth taking a chance on here. (2) NAUI NARA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1400M and 1300M, the former time beating a few of today’s rivals. Expect him up on pace as well and he can go close. (8) DIVINE POWER has raced at this distance before and while he is yet to finished in the top-three in thirteen attempts, this is the kind of company in which he can pick up a cheque. (4) NAMSAN DREAM and (6) BLACK KING are others to enter the calculations.

Selections(1) King Mountain (2) Naui Nara (8) Divine Power (4) Namsan Dream
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Despite the wide draw, (14) RADAR is going to be the favourite here. Having trailed well, she was a front-running 2nd on debut at this distance on January 28th, only going down by a small margin in a good time. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight very light, and she will be expected to win here. (13) SAVE US didn’t do an awful lot in two starts last summer but returned on Christmas Eve after a few months off and has longed a much better prospect in two outings since. She has registered a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She too has a wide draw to overcome but should be equal to it. Those two should fill out the quinella in either order. (4) STELLA QUEEN may appreciate the step up in trip and could be an each-way price. (6) HAVANA JANE is the most experienced in the race by some margin; obviously not a good thing at class 6 but she has shown flashes of ability and has run good times at the trip. First-timer (9) LIONESS, potentially another who can go well.

Selections(14) Radar (13) Save Us (4) Stella Queen (6) Havana Jane
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 12, 14

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (5) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK was a winner over 1300M at class 6 level two starts back before beating a couple of these on his way to an in now way disgraced 6th on his first try at this class having navigated his way across from gate fourteen. He does come up a little in the weights today but draws much better and has a chance. (8) POWER BOX will probably be favourite. It’s fair to say that he has mixed his form across five starts so far, including a disappointing showing last time out. He has run good times at this distance and if we catch him in-form, he may be too good. (11) SEUNGSEUNG POWER comes back in trip following good showings at 1300M and 1400M. He comes up in the weights and doesn’t draw well but can be considered. (4) DESK TAP was disappointing last time behind, among others, Seungseung Power, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (13) DONMA was a shock winner on debut and could be anything.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 26)

Seoul has 9 races on Saturday running from the unusual start time of 11:10 and going through until 18:00. This is to accommodate an additional Jeju race to make up for the ones canceled last week due to the weather. All betting locations are open, however, reservations must be made in advance through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive opener. We’ll go with (2) NAMSAN HORANGI, who showed promise in two starts towards the end of last year, running 5th both times, the latter in a fair time over this trip on December 11th. He has had a couple of months off since then but looked well in a trial last week and from a nice draw can win here. (3) ACE PLAN showed improvement at his latest outing on January 29th when tackling this distance for the first time and only going down narrowly for 2nd in a tight finish. He can sit handy and run on here and will be a danger. So too (8) GLOBAL BOBAE, who comes up in trip after a 2nd and a 4th in two efforts over 1000M. He ran on well enough both times and the additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue here. (13) CLAIR BEST ran 4th on debut last September. He didn’t offer too many clues in a January trial but may be of interest here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN looks on the correct trajectory having improved significantly at start number two when 3rd to Ace Plan’s 2nd

Selections(2) Namsan Horangi (3) Ace Plan (8) Global Bobae (13) Clair Best
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 11, 13

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

(4) MUSTANG POWER is set to be the one to beat here. He came off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M leading him to be sent off as favourite on reappearance at this distance on January 29th. Things didn’t go his way that day and he finished in 6th place, but the margins weren’t huge, and he looks well worth another go here. (6) RISING HAWK is another who will need to be forgiven his latest start when he raced four wide with no cover throughout.  He had been more encouraging on debut, and in this company should be able to get on or close to the early speed. (3) HATMURI has worked home well in all three of his starts to date including last time out when beating a couple of these on his way to 6th place. Expect him to settle midfield here and come on strong late. (10) K N SKETCH took forever to get going on debut but should have come on for the experience and the additional furlong may assist. (8) BURUI JILJU among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Mustang Power (6) Rising Hawk (3) Hatmuri (10) K N Sketch
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only here. (11) WONDERFUL WOMAN goes on top following her best finish to date on January 29th when she led for much of the way around over this distance, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. The draw is not kind today but expect here to be quickly up on pace again and she can go all the way this time. (1) WONDERFUL HAWAII was a much-improved 2nd on her latest start, albeit a long way behind a good winner. She gets the inside gate here and can maintain her momentum. (12) K N POST ran on adequately for 6th on debut at this distance in January. She posted a fast final furlong time, and the jockey booking catches the eye here. (9) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWARYEOHAN MISO are others who may have a say in the placings.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday. The 8-race card has been shifted a little from previous Friday’s in order to accommodate an additional pony race at Jeju where two races were lost to the weather a week ago. Busan runs from 12:30 to 18:00. All betting locations are set to be open although attendance must be pre-booked and proof 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 open the program with six of the fourteen racing for the first time. We’ll side with (3) INDIE MAGIC, who ran (an admittedly distant) 2nd on debut over 1000M at the end of January, when he worked home well from a wide draw. The step up in trip should suit and coupled with the good barrier, makes him the one to beat. (6) ALPHA SONGDANG also ran well for 2nd on debut. Expect her to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (4) FLOWING RIVER came from the middle of the pack to run home well for 3rd on debut and is another who may appreciate the additional journey here. As for the debut-makers, (8) TWO OF US looks to be the pick. He made all to comfortably win his trial and can make a bold showing first up here. (10) BABEL PHOENIX another in the frame.

Selections(3) Indie Magic (6) Alpha Songdang (4) Flowing River (8) Two Of Us
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 14

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

A very ordinary maiden here. Nothing really deserves to win but we’ll take a chance with (9) YONGGARI, who seems to be figuring things out after a decent 4th place over 1200M last time out. He can settle back and run on here and should beat plenty. (8) CHIEF OFFICER comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1200M on January 16th. He has certainly mixed his form to date but in this company has every chance. (5) STATICE has plenty of experience and has raced fairly in recent outings. She has a 2nd place to her name at this distance and also has the fastest time at it among those who have raced at 1300M before. She can go close here. (11) ETTEUMI improved at start number two last time out and along with (1) DONGBU STAR is among others who have at least placing claims here.

Selections(9) Yonggari (8) Chief Officer (5) Statice (11) Etteumi
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) ADELE STELLA has been consistent across his four starts to date and comes in here having run 4th at his latest outing over 1300M. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance too and could well be peaking today. (14) GRAND CHUKJE beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at the distance on January 28th. The draw does him no favours today, but he should be competitive again in this company. (9) CHOEGANG MARINE stepped up to this distance at his latest start and ran a very solid 3rd place. He will be close to the pace again here and can go close. (6) DAEJI SPECIAL has been solid, if unspectacular, in recent outings and has fair placing claims. (8) HAEUNDAE BLUE mixes her form but does have a 2nd place finish to her name and is another to take into consideration.

Selections(1) Adele Stella (14) Grand Chukje (9) Choegang Marine (6) Daeji Special
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Small field here but it’s certainly competitive enough. (4) SANGSEUNG BOY gets the nod. He won on debut over 1000M before running 3rd at class and distance on January 30th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. (2) FANTASTIC LOVE is yet to win in five starts but has finished no worse than 4th with three runner-up finishes to her name, including last time out on her first try at this class and distance. She too will look to get forward early and while she may find one too quick again, should be maintaining her consistent record. (1) JATNAMUGIL comes up in class following a good win at the distance on January 28th when he sat handy and ran on strong. (7) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO and (8) UNJU HERO are others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Sangseung Boy (2) Fantastic Love (1) Jatnamugil (7) Yeongcheon Solemio
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

Having taken himself out of contention on debut, (5) USURP returned to win well second up on January 21st over 1200M when leading gate to wire. He comes up in class here and slightly up in trip too, but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (13) MONEY CASE is up in class too following a win at start number three on January 16th. He doesn’t get the best of the draw, but he should be able to measure up in this company. (14) ADELE CHUKBAE draws even worse but is better than his latest effort suggests, and he can be given another chance here. (7) D’LOVELY QUEEN comes in off two positive showings over 1200M and along with (1) HARDY CHARLIE, who showed a big uptick in form at his latest start, is another in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Usurp (13) Money Case (14) Adele Chukbae (7) D’Lovely Queen
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 13

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The two main contenders here both come in having had an off day at their respective latest starts. For (11) PUREUN JANGMI it was in the Korean Oaks back in November and having shown on the front, she didn’t see out the trip. She was going very nicely prior to that though and after a couple of months off, can be given another chance here. (3) DONGTEUJA BOY was beaten by a couple of these in a flat showing over 1400M last time out. He is much better than that though and back in trip and with a nice gate, can go much better today. (14) MILLION BANK was one of those who finished ahead of Dongteuja Boy last time out. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th and can maintain that record today. (13) CLEAR and (6) WONDERFUL FAGER are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(11) Pureun Jangmi (3) Dongteuja Boy (14) Million Bank (13) Clear
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 11, 13

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Tricky one this but we’ll give (10) SEUNGNI TOUT a chance to return to form. He is a class and distance winner and while he has come up short in his latest two, Seo Seung-un climbs back aboard today and he should be right in this. (7) BULMYEORUI GIL shapes as the probable favourite courtesy of his class and distance win on January 21st when he came from off the pace to run on very strongly. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of a repeat. (11) LUCAS SUN comes up in class having won at this distance a month ago. His running style is to settle back in the field so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be competitive at this level. (9) ACE JACKPOT and (12) CHEONGDAM DRIVE are among others with placing chances.

Selections(10) Seungni Tout (7) Bulmyeorui Gil (11) Lucas Sun (9) Ace Jackpot
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

A really good race to finish with. (9) YEONGUNG LOUIS came up short in two big Group races at the end of last year and then was surprisingly beaten when racing alongside many of these on his return to normal racing on January 23rd. He has plenty of quality about him though and can return to winning ways today. (3) DAEAM JANGGUN enters having won his latest three in fine style. All at this distance. He is up in class today but draws nicely and can measure up in this company. (11) QUEEN OF THE WORLD beat Yeongung Louis and a host of today’s rivals when winning at class and distance on January 23rd. She comes up in the weights and draws less favourably today but she clearly warrants respect. (1) ONNURI JILJU is up in class following a good win over 1200M last month and along with (10) SUCCESS PARTY, is another to take into account.

Selections(9) Yeongung Louis (3) Daeam Janggun (11) Queen Of The World (1) Onnuri Jilju
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 20)

Raon The Fighter is the main draw on Sunday as the hottest property in Korean racing seeks to make it ten wins in a row. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. 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:

Raon The Fighter (KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens go round here with five racing for the first time. One of those is set to be our top pick in the shape of (2) COMPLETE WEAPON.  He has been through two trials, winning the most recent of them in a fast time in early December and while it has taken him a couple of months to get to the racecourse, this looks like a winnable assignment first up. Sticking with first timers, (4) JEONGMUN JILJU was also a trial winner, sitting handy and then running on strong in his heat and he too looks set to make a bold showing on debut. Turning to those with experience, (11) EUNHYE has a 2nd and 3rd from two three starts so far, with both the good results being at this distance. He has proven able to run well from on pace or behind, so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (8) GOLDEN SCOOP was a much-improved 2nd when on pace at this distance on January 22nd and she, along with (10) CONCORDE SPURT, are others to take into consideration.

Selections(2) Complete Weapon (4) Jeongmun Jilju (11) Eunhye (8) Golden Scoop
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 4. 8, 14

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) GRAND POWER will be a warm favourite here after a much-improved showing over 1000M on January 23rd when he was on pace for the first time and ran on well. He comes back up in trip here but draws nicely on the inside and won’t need to go much better to win this one. (11) LONDON POWER has shown decent consistency with four top four finishes. She has run some fair times at this distance and is likely to be on pace from the start and be in this a long way. (13) ROAD ACE was 3rd behind Grand Power in that January 23rd race. He has three top five finishes from six starts so far and despite the wide draw can be going close here. (5) QUEEN LION and (6) NUMBER ONE TARGET, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Grand Power (11) London Power (13) Road Ace (5) Queen Lion
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to look past (6) BE CRAZY here. He has two 4ths and a last start 3rd from three appearances to date, the latest being that 3rd over this distance on January 16th when he sat on pace throughout. He can lead here and should be too good. (12) MIDAS CAMP has the fastest time among these at the distance and enters off a good 3rd place at 1200M a month ago He had an apprentice on that day so loses the 4kg claim here and draws wide but can go close again. (3) HANGANG BOSS had a hard time from a wide draw at his latest start but if you can draw a line through that, his previous two efforts were good. Coming into a better gate today, he can be given another chance. (8) OKDONG GONGJU is yet to win but has six top five finishes to his name and can aim to place here. (2) SINJURYU another in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Be Crazy (12) Midas Camp (3) Hangang Boss (8) Okdong Gongju
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. We’ll go with (6) DOCTOR KONGSUNI who starts for the third time having improved to 2nd at her latest start on January 21st when stepped up to this distance. She was on pace that day and should be again and may have too much. (4) SANGIM YEOWANG overcame a wide draw to run a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M three weeks ago. She comes up in trip here, gets a better gate and Seo Seung-un climbs aboard so there is plenty to like. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE and (8) CHEONGHO BOSS came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at 1000M on January 16th. It was a big improvement for Wonderful Cutie while it was a debut outing for Cheongho Boss. The latter has since gone back and won a trial and both can be competitive today. In that trial, (1) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE ran 4th, a second encouraging performance, and she looks the best of the three first-time starters.

Selections(6) Doctor Kongsuni (4) Sangim Yeowang (2) Wonderful Cutie (8) Cheongho Boss
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 13

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies here. The two French jockeys face off on the likely top-two in the market and we’ll side with Johan Victoire and (7) GALSAEK HYANGGI to prevail. The Menifee filly comes in having run 4th at her latest start at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process in a good time. She tends to settle back and run on and today can be her day. David Breux and (13) FIRST ROAD is the big danger. She has a 2nd place to her name, recorded two starts back at 1200M and she overcame a similarly wide draw to run 4th at that same distance at her latest start on January 16th. She has a good finish on her and will be running on here. (8) DONGSEO YEOGEOL has got a bit far back in her latest two but can be given another chance here from a better draw. (10) WONDERFUL NIKIYA and (11) TINA are others with genuine placing chances.

Selections(7) Galsaek Hyanggi (13) First Road (8) Dongseo Yeogeol (10) Wonderful Nikiya
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 8, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(12) CHAMP GO is the logical top pick here. He has the fastest time of those who have tackled the distance before and enters in excellent form with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two appearances. It’s true that he doesn’t draw as favourably today but an apprentice keeps his weight down and with a little luck at the start, he can win this. (1) LINE BREAKER has been doing his best work late in all three of his outings so far at shorter distances. From a much better draw and out to an extended trip, he can go very close here. (2) CHOEGANG FORCE also comes up in trip. He has three top four finishes from four starts to date and came from well back for a fast-finishing 4th last time out. He has the fastest average time for the final furlong and can be a danger here. (9) ZERAGE and (6) BAEK SEOL QUEEN are among others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Champ Go (1) Line Breaker (2) Choegang Force (9) Zerage
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 12, 14
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 19)

Saturday’s action moves to Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open although attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings and (4) GEOLJAK DREAM is the one to beat. She has been working up to a win across her four starts to date with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 8th. She generally sits handy but may be on pace here and should have too much. (12) HAPPY MIX looks the logical second pick. She has a 4th and a 3rd from her two prior outings, both over the 1000M in fair times and the extra furlong can suit here. (3) LAROMANEE has also only been tested at 1000M so far and while she hasn’t exactly pulled up trees in her three appearances, she worked home well enough for a midfield finish last time to suggest that she too will appreciate more distance today. (11) SPEAR GOLD and (2) COMPLETE JOY are others who may enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Geoljak Dream (12) Happy Mix (3) Laromanee (11) Spear Gold
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens here and plenty of potential on show. (1) DAEMUL gets the nod, based on a strong performance on debut on January 8th when he settled back before running on strong for 2nd place over 1000M with a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The extra trip today should be ideal, and he can win. (10) K N TIZWON was 4th in that same race. That was his second outing and second consecutive 4th and while he draws wide again, the additional distance can be in his favour. (7) TOUCH NINE too comes up in trip after three fair outings over 1000M with a best finish of 3rd. He has posted quick final furlong times and should be in the mix at the business end today. (8) UDDUG has tackled the trip before, coming from well back to run a solid 3rd on January 9th. He’ll get back here as well and will be running on strong. (4) ONE MORE RUSH another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Daemul (10) K N Tizwon (7) Touch Nine (8) Uddug
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

Small field but tricky test here. We’ll side with (9) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN, who comes back in trip after a couple of spins around 1700M including last start 4th. He has run well at this distance too, most recently finishing 3rd back last August. David Breux takes over in the saddle, which can be to his benefit and today could be his day. (6) CHEONMUN appears the main danger. He is yet to run at this trip but has finished 4th at 1700M and last time out at 1300M came from well off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. He doesn’t usually get so far back in his races so could be on pace here and should have a big part to play. (7) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN remains a maiden after sixteen attempts, but his best finish today was a 2nd at this distance last November. He comes in following a solid 4th over 1300M a month ago and with an apprentice once again keeping the weight down, he should be going close here. (1) APPLE MINT and (5) GREAT JENNY are among others to take into consideration.

Selections(9) Semyeong Captain (6) Cheonmun (7) Sangseung Haengjin (1) Apple Mint
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(4) ILGYEOK PILSAL is yet to win in nine starts but has placed on four occasions, including at his latest start on January 23rd when he came from well off the place to run home strongly for 2nd over this distance at class 4 level. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but is back into his own grade here, draws well, Munro remains aboard, and he has every chance. (12) MAGIC TIDE will probably start as favourite off the back of her class and distance win on December 19th, when she sat handy throughout before stretching away to win well with three of today’s rivals behind her. She only carries a little extra weight and while her draw is slightly worse, she should be very competitive again. (8) JEONGSANG FIGHTING come sup in class and in trip following a win at start number two on January 16th. He carries a light weight here and should measure up in this company. (6) DIECO and the up in class (11) JILJU BORN are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Ilgyeok Pilsal (12) Magic Tide (8) Jeongsang Fighting (6) Dieco
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 18)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open as usual although attendance must be pre-booked and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

A maiden for three-year-olds kicks things off. (2) HANEUL GANGJA raced once back in August of last year when he performed fairly over 1000M. He is favoured for this based on a January trial which he won in fine style, running through the line well. He draws nicely and on that form is the one to beat. (13) ART KELLY won a trial before debuting just a week later on January 21st at this distance. She took a while to get going and only ran 7th but should have come on for that run and despite the wide draw can go better today. (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI improved to 2nd place at start number two on January 23rd. He comes up in trip and for the first time and can continue his progression. (3) BARBELL POSEIDON has shown some promise and he draws much better today than he did on his first go at this distance last month. He will be coming on strong at the end. There are four debut-makers and among them (4) TRIPLE THUNDER looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(2) Haneul Gangja (13) Art Kelly (7) Doctor Kongdoli (3) Barbell Poseidon
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A very competitive maiden here. (11) CHEONGMA POWER has four top-five finishes from seven starts so far and is the only runner in the field with a 2nd place to her name. She ran on fairly for 5th place last start and has the fastest time among these at the distance. Today can be her day. (12) SPEED SUNSHINE comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. He too has registered competitive times at this distance and while the draw does him no favours, he can be in the mix here. (4) BAEK GU does draw well. She ran a decent 6th on her first try at this distance three weeks ago and can build on that today. (14) BARBELL STORM has been up and down the distances but may finally have found his go with a 4th at this trip on January 21st. He settled midfield and ran on that day so the draw may not hurt his chances here. (6) SUPER CRACK may improve from his debut at what should be good odds.

Selections(11) Cheongma Power (12) Speed Sunshine (4) Baek Gu (14) Barbell Storm
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Another competitive race, this one for fillies only. Without huge confidence we’ll side with (10) GREEN PAPAGO. Her best finish came when 2nd on debut but she has run fairly in two starts since then and regardless of the wide draw, should be right in this. Draw a line through the latest showing from (9) B. K. HANA at 1000M. Instead go on her two starts immediately before that when she ran places in good times. Expect her to be on pace and to be in this a long way. (8) BLUE CARSON can be treated similarly. She had a hard time last start from the widest gate but prior to that had been going well with a 3rd and a 2nd, both at 1200M and from a kinder barrier today, should be a danger. (13) NEW FRESH was a much-improved 3rd last time out at this distance and under the same light weight today can be competitive again. (12) BAEDARI ICON another in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Green Papago (9) B. K. Hana (8) Blue Carson (13) New Fresh
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here and (11) MISS GO is favoured. She has finished in the top-four in all four starts so far and comes back in trip following a good 2nd over 1400M last start when she led for most of the way around. She may need a touch of luck at the start but if she can get on pace again, she will be hard to go past.  (9) ILNYEOM CHEONHA beat a couple of these when 5th at class and distance last time out when settling back and running on. She carries a light weight again and should be in the mix here. (13) GUARDIAN ANGEL is up in class following an all the way score over 1000M at her second start. She will need to overcome the draw but can measure up in this company. So too can (14) BORAMI who got her own maiden win at her third outing last month and can aim for a money finish again. (7) COLORFUL WIND struggled on her first attempt at this level but can be given another place chance here.

Selections(11) Miss Go (9) Ilnyeom Cheonha (13) Guardian Angel (14) Borami
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start5, 7, 11, 13

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) STAR ACE was a good winner on debut, getting on top early and running on to score comfortably over 1000M on January 31st. He comes up in both class and distance here but down in weight and from a good draw, he looks the one to beat again. (11) USEUNG GANGJA has performed solidly at this distance, including a good 3rd place last time out. She likes to settle back and run on, and she should be working home strongly again here. (7) INDIAN PART Y is yet to win in twenty-one starts but has no fewer than twelve top-four finishes to her name. She may find one or two too quick again but don’t rule out another money finish. (6) MONEY BAG and (13) HOT PLAY are among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Star Ace (11) Useung Gangja (7) Indian Party (6) Money Bag
Next Best13, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 13, 14

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) MISS INDIE ran out a class and distance winner on January 28th when prominent all the way around and running on well. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she gets a nice draw again and should take some beating. (3) DOCTOR GIANTS ran 2nd to Miss Indie in that race, running on well from back in the field. He is a consistent performer and shapes to be the main danger once again. (5) ILBEONJI is rapidly up in class having won both of her starts at 1000M and 1200M. She has had two months off since the latest of those and while this is a significantly harder assignment than she has faced so far, she may well be equal to it. (6) ENDLESS RUNNING comes in here following bac-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class over 1200M and should be in the placing frame again. (4) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO another to consider.

Selections(2) Miss Indie (3) Doctor Giants (5) Ilbeonji (6) Endless Running
Next Best4, 13
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) ADELE CROWN won back-to-back races to over a mile in November and December to get rapidly promoted to this class. He then ran 2nd, again over a mile, on his first try at this level on January 7t with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He tackles two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) LANE KILLER was a good winner over this distance at his latest start on January 16th. He comes up in class here but that’s offset by a significant drop in the weights, and he has every chance of going close again. (14) TRIUMPH KING has plenty of experience at this level and comes in off a 3rd place over this distance last time out. The widest gate at 1800M at Busan is never ideal but he can be competitive again. (5) DUMUSAN and (13) SNYDER are others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Adele Crown (3) Lane Killer (14) Triumph King (5) Dumusan
Next Best13, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 12, 13

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A competitive race to finish with. We’ll side with (14) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU to continue his consistent run of form which has seen him place no worse than 3rd in five outings to date. At his latest start on January 21st, he beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance and while he comes up a full 4kg in the weights and has the widest gate to contend with, he can go one better here. (4) QUATTRO MAX is also ultra-consistent and comes in on a string of 3rd place finishes over 1800M. He comes back to the mile today and from a good draw looks firmly in the hunt here. (7) MAN OF TOP and (5) JANGSAN BOBBY were among those beaten by Yeokjeon Myeongsu last time out and they, along with (9) DUNCAN are among others to consider for the places.

Selections(14) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (4) Quattro Max (7) Man Of Top (5) Jangsan Bobby
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 13)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). All betting locations are open as usual but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

It’s been a long time since Wang Beotkkot won the Nonghyup as a juvenile in 2018 but he has a chance ti win his first class 1 event on Sunday afternoon

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the fourteen racing for the first time and a couple of them look promising. Experience will be on top though with the most experienced, with three starts to his name, (5) TES GO DAEBO set to be the logical favourite. They have seen him accrue a 2nd and two 4th placed finishes with that 2nd coming at this distance. He can sit on pace or handy from a good draw and should have too much. (9) USEUNG BARAM ran a very encouraging 2nd on his debut over 1000M on January 15th when running on from midfield. The extra furlong can suit, and he should be competitive. Turning to the first timers, (6) PUREUN NARAE was fastest in trials, leading for much of her heat. An apprentice booking means she carries a light weight. (2) BLACK BEOMI won her trial by plenty and while it wasn’t a fast time, she looked to have lots more in the tank. She draws very nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. (8) GOLDEN THUNDER went back to trial after an indifferent debut and looked quite sharp. Expect improvement.

Selections(5) Tes Go Daebo (9) Useung Baram (6) Pureun Narae (2) Black Beomi
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies and mares. (5) EUNHYE SERVE has shown plenty of promise across three starts to date and stepped up to this distance at her latest outing on January 8th and beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 3rd place when on pace throughout. She draws better this time, should be on pace again and may take some beating. (14) P N S HER ran adequately in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at just her second start last October. She then put in two ordinary performances before running an improved 4th behind Eunhye Serve a month ago. She draws even wider today but Munro gets on and she can go close. (11) COMPLETE LUCKY was an also-ran in that January race, starting slowly and scarcely getting involved. She had previously shown flashes of speed and with a better start today, can get closer. (6) NEW SMART showed signs of starting to figure things out when running on for 4th at this distance on January 15th and can continue to make progress here. (3) CHEONUNCHONG finished off nicely at 1000M last time and may like the additional furlong.

Selections(5) Eunhye Serve (14) P N S Her (11) Complete Lucky (6) New Smart
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start5, 11, 12, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Good little maiden this. (7) MORNING PEARL enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently coming from well back over 1200M. She only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws fairly and the step up in trip can be to her benefit. (8) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE has shown some decent speed across her three starts so far with the best being a swift 2nd at 1000M. She beat two of these on her way to 4th place at 1200M at her latest start on Boxing Day when she settled midfield and ran on and looks firmly in this today. (10) THUNDER HORSE comes back in trip after a creditable 3rd place over 1700M on January 8th. That equaled his best finish and having run a good time at this trip in the past, can match it again today. Draw a line through the latest run by (4) ORGALIM when from a wide draw he worked hard to get to position over 1200M before weakening. Instead go on his good 2nd place two starts back. He should be on pace here and will be in this a long way. (11) WILD SOCKS another in the frame.

Selections(7) Morning Pearl (8) Neoreul Eungwonhae (10) Thunder Horse (4) Orgalim
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 1

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

Three-year-old maidens with every horse in the race tackling the 1300M for the first time.  After an ordinary debut, (4) RAON THE TANK was a much-improved 2nd when from a wide gate he settled midfield and ran on strong over 1200M on January 14th. He comes up slightly in trip again but draws significantly better and could well have too much here. Logical second choice is (9) ADELE STELLA. He comes back in trip after a solid 3rd place at 1600M on January 7th finishing off well from midfield and should be close here. (1) VICTORY NINE may appreciate the step up in trip. All his previous starts have been at 1000M, and he has run adequately but from the inside gate today and with further to play with, he may be a tougher prospect. (10) JOSEPHINE QUEEN and (11) SOUTHERN KING didn’t finish too far back on their respective debuts, and both have the potential to improve here.

Selections(4) Raon The Tank (9) Adele Stella (1) Victory Nine (10) Josephine Queen
Next Best11, 13
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) POSA POSA performed poorly on his first try at this distance on January 8th, finishing back in the field. He was later found to have some swelling in his right foreleg. He came back into training in the last week of January and from the inside gate and amongst company that can best be described as modest, he can win. That will mean overturning the form from that race on (2) LAGERTHA, who notched his second consecutive 5th place finish. He comes down slightly in the weights today with a small apprentice claim and looks the most credible danger. (5) B J FLASH did little in three outings last year but has subsequently been through two trials, winning the second of them, and may well be a different prospect tackling two turns for the first time. (3) HANI and (8) CLOUTER among other chances in a race with very ordinary form.

Selections(1) Posa Posa (2) Lagertha (5) B J Flash (3) Hani
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

(2) SEONGSIL CHOEGO has raced just twice with a 6th on debut followed by 4th at start number two on January 7th when he worked hard from a wide gate to get on pace. He comes into a better gate today which should give him an easier run in the race and that can allow him to overturn the form on main danger and possible betting favourite (1) DAEHO NURI. The latter comes in following 3rd place in that January 7th race when settling back and running on. He also has the fastest time among these at the distance to his name and is sure to be in the finish once more. (3) GREEN CHEETAH ran an improved 5th last time out at 1400M and while back in trip, draws well and has a very light weight with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN should be better for coming back in trip today after two spins around 1400M. His best result was 3rd at 1200M last November in a good time. (6) YEONGCHEON POWER is another in the frame.

Selections(2) Seongsil Choego (1) Daeho Nuri (3) Green Cheetah (7) Blue Captain
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (6) BAEKDU GIRL was a good winner on debut on December 18th when she sat handy early, hitting the front in the straight to run on comfortably over 1000M. She comes up in class and in distance here but has every chance of maintaining her 100% record. (1) HWASUBOON is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts so far. That 5th was last time, and it was her first try at this class and distance, but the margins weren’t huge and from the inside gate today, she should be close. (11) BURUI YEOWANG ran 3rd in that race, which was her 7th top-five finish from eight attempts. She is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance to her chances here. (14) BEST TORCH and (13) RAON THE DASH both come up in class following last start wins, the latter at this distance and the former on debut, and both should be able to measure up in this company despite the unhelpful draws.

Selections(6) Baekdu Girl (1) Hwasuboon (11) Burui Yeowang (14) Best Torch
Next Best13, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 11, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) LEGEND NUMBER ONE comes up in class and in distance following his maiden win at start number two over 1200M on January 14th at this distance. He is down in weight, draws superbly and the jockey/trainer combination ensures he will be favourite. (3) ALIVE STAR was an excellent winner 1200M at class 6 level on December 19th coming from just behind the early leaders to score comprehensively. He is up in class here but surely measures up and has claims again. So too a third last start winner in the shape of (13) STELL LUNA. Her win came at 1300M, but she hasn’t ben worse than 4th in four appearances to date and has posted good times at today’s trip. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but carries a light weight and should not be dismissed. (4) CHEONGHO LEADER is a perennial non-winner but knows how to bank money in this company and along with (10) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON is a placing chance.

Selections(1) Legend Number One (3) Alive Star (13) Stell Luna (4) Cheongho Leader
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 13
(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although 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 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-year-old fillies opens proceedings and it is a competitive one. We’ll go with (3) UJUUI BOM, who led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M, ultimately finishing 3rd in a fast time. She draws nicely here, can be on pace again, and while there is an additional furlong to deal with, she can win. (9) WONDERFUL KITTY has raced three times so far with a best finish of 2nd at 1000M. She got too far back on her first try at this distance on Boxing Day, before running on well and given more of a chance here can be right in this. (8) HWIPARAM has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts, racing on pace both times and another bold showing will be expected here with the additional furlong likely to suit. (2) QUEENUI JILJU ran on pleasingly for 3rd on her debut having settled midfield and from a better draw today can be in the mix. (11) MIRACLE K perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(3) Ujuui Bom (9) Wonderful Kitty (8) Hwiparam (2) Queenui Jilju
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) JILJU JEONSA has been making steady progress in recent outings with a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two, only going down narrowly over 1300M last time when racing handy throughout. He steps back in trip today but has the fastest time among these for 1200M and could well go one better today. The main danger is (3) WARRIOR THUNDER. He too has found some consistency recently and enters off a solid 3rd at this distance on January 15th when he was close to the pace throughout. He’ll be challenging for the lead again here and will be in this a long way. He meets Jilju Jeonsa marginally better in weight than when they last raced each other. Disregard the latest outing of (1) LUCKY INDY when he had a hard time from a wide draw. He gets the inside lane today and should go much better. (6) KING CRUSH came home 4th behind Jilju Jeonsa last time and can go close again while (12) BADAUI KKUM is another in the frame.

Selections(5) Jilju Jeonsa (3) Warrior Thunder (1) Lucky Indy (6) King Crush
Next Best12, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) DREAM SPEED looks the one to beat here. She comes up marginally in trip following a runner-up finish over 1200M on January 15th when she sat handy throughout and finished off well. The time was slow but so was the track that day and she won’t need to find much more to win here. (14) ARCH CHARM gets no luck with the barrier but has worked home well in two starts so far, both at 1000M. If Park Eul-woon can keep her into contention coming into the straight, she should pick plenty off, given the additional furlong and a half to play with today. (4) SAINT LUCCA struggled to overcome the widest gate last time out, using up plenty of effort to get on pace and then weakening over 1200M. He should have an easier time of it earlier on today and has claims. (9) EUNHYE DREAM improved last time out at start number three when going back and then running on over 1000M. She’s another who may like the extra distance. (10) BROWN CHARM one who could improve.

Selections(5) Dream Speed (14) Arch Charm (4) Saint Lucca (9) Eunhye Dream
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (2) VICS GO. Having got his maiden win at 1000M two starts back, he stepped up to this class on Christmas Day and ran a very close 2nd. He comes up in trip and in weight today, but that is alleviated a little by a much better draw and with Munro climbing aboard, he looks hard to beat. (4) JISANGUN led at his latest start over this distance on December 26th, ultimately finishing a close at hand 3rd having used up plenty of effort getting across from gate thirteen. He too gets a much better draw today and will be on pace an in this a long way again. (14) HYPER CAR has overcome wide draws in both his latest two to run 3rd and 2nd. He is yet to win in thirteen attempts but has seven top-three finishes to his name and it would be no surprise to see him working home well again. (8) STELLA ROAD was a last start winner at this class over 1700M and can’t be discounted here. (9) GOLD K another with placing claims.

Selections(2) Vics Go (4) Jisangun (14) Hyper Car (8) Stella Road
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

(6) WONDERFUL K’s solitary win to date came at this distance three starts back at class 6 level and while he disappointed as favourite on his first try at this class in November, showed that he can compete at this level when 4th in his latest outing on December 12th. He comes in fresh here and can win this. Probable betting favourite is (2) CAPTAIN BRAVO. He has been consistent across his latest starts with three consecutive 4th place finishes in respectable company at 1200 to 1400M. All three times, he has finished off very smartly indeed, suggesting he may be ready to tackle two turns again. (1) GREAT EYE got his maiden win at class 6 level over 1400M in December before beating a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on his first try at this class and distance on January 16th. He draws well to sit behind the pace and can be in the mix again today. (8) AMAZING WHIZ enters in consistent form and should be there or thereabouts along with (5) DOUBLE TAKE.

Selections(6) Wonderful K (2) Captain Bravo (1) Great Eye (8) Amazing Whiz
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 11

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

It’s hard to go too far past (3) REDBACK here. He won well at this distance at class 5 level in October before getting too far back at 1400M on his first try at this class the following month. He ran a good 4th over 1800M on Christmas Day when close to the pace throughout. He comes up 1kg for that effort but expect him up with the leaders early and he should be too strong. (9) GRAY CAT comes up in class following a maiden win at start eleven over 1200M on January 15th, a win that had been coming. His running style suggests that two-turns should suit even better, and he can measure up in this company. (2) CHOIN GANGJA hasn’t quite lived up to his early potential, but he has a 2nd place at class and distance to his name and from a good draw can go close. (4) VICTORICA comes in off a 4th place at class and distance on a slow track on January 9th and along with (1) CHEONGSAN GANGHO is another with at least placing chances.

Selections(3) Redback (9) Gray Cat (2) Choin Gangja (4) Victorica
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Alllowance / KRW 60 Million

The top picks here all have wide gates to contend with. The very widest goes on top in the shape of (13) WOL YEONG I. While it took her fourteen starts to break through, which she finally did on January 16th, the win had been coming and she is consistent at this distance. She comes up in class, but this doesn’t look that much more difficult than her last assignment and while she may need a but of early luck in running, she is the one to beat. (11) BEST CHEONSANG is ultra-consistent with eight top five finishes from eleven starts including three consecutive 3rd places at class and distance leading into this. She will be close to the pace again and is a danger. (10) LONDON ACTIVE ran on well for 5th at class and distance on her latest start and while she comes up in the weights today, can be competitive. Better drawn in (6) LEAD VOCAL, who ran 6th in the same race as London Active last time out and can get closer today. (9) JEDI FORCE was on pace on debut on January 9th before weakening and should have come on for the experience.

Selections(13) Wol Yeong I (11) Best Cheonsang (10) London Active (6) Lead Vocal
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 11, 12

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Competitive race here. We’ll take a chance on (5) TRIPLE KINGDOM who enters in consistent form and at his latest start in December ran a strong class and distance 4th. He generally goes back and runs on and should be going close again here. (7) CHUNSAN was 5th behind Triple Kingdom in that December race but came back out on January 9th to win at class and distance, going right back and then running on strongly. He comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but will probably start as favourite He is first up for twelve weeks and didn’t set the world alight in a trial two weeks ago but (6) MIGHTY CHIP won at class and distance when we last saw him on November 20th. He too is up in weight from that, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) NAMSANUI BYEOL comes up in class but significantly down in weight from a good win over 1700M in December and should measure up here. (13) DUSON JANGGUN another with placing chances.

Selections(5) Triple Kingdom (7) Chunsan (6) Mighty Chip (8) Namsanui Byeol
Next Best13, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Tricky race to conclude with. (5) BLACK MUSK is the quality horse in the race and 1400M is his go, having won four of his five starts at the distance. Around those he has thrown in a couple of howlers including last start at 1200M but if he gets a good position from a good draw, he can win. Probably favourite is (14) PREEMAX. He beat three of these when 3rd at 1200M on January 16th, including Black Musk. The latter has beaten him twice at this distance, but Preemax meets him with a weight advantage here even if the draw is less than ideal. (10) DORAON NALRI is another who may be happy to get back to 1400M as he has put in some super runs at it and can at least place today. (7) MIGHTY NEW and (2) BYEOLNARA SINSA are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Black Musk (14) Preemax (10) Doraon Nalri (7) Mighty New
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 11)

Racing returns from its short Lunar New Year hiatus this weekend with the action getting underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country 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:

Busan Is Back

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick us off with seven of the fourteen racing for the first time and only two of those with experience having tackled this distance before. (10) YEONGSEONG QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but came out at start number two and ran a good 2nd back at the end of October. She’s been off fifteen weeks since then, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and the extra furlong can help. (1) SPECIAL WIND put in a strong trial when prominent throughout. He gets the same inside draw which can help him get to the lead early and potentially go all the way. (6) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG has raced greenly across two starts so far but once he got into a rhythm, last time, she ran through the line well and may appreciate the step up in trip (11) GOLD TAP trialed up well, leading for much of the way around and finishing an unhurried 2nd. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but can go well first-up. (8) HANEUL JILJU among several others not to be dismissed.

Selections(10) Yeongseong Queen (1) Special Wind (11) Gold Tap (6) Eunseong Yeongung
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here and it’s a competitive race. We’ll side with (5) ONE RUSH, who has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, coming closest at her latest on January 14th when beating three of these on her way to a class and distance 2nd in a good time. She sat handy and ran on that day, is well drawn to do the same here and she can go one better. (8) HAMAN BONGHWASAN ran a very close 2nd place on debut over 1400M on January 23rd when from the inside gate, she was on pace throughout, ultimately only going down a neck. She comes back in trip today and while the draw isn’t quite as advantageous, should be on pace again and looks a big danger. (14) SUSO POWER draws even worse, but an apprentice claim brings her down 3kg from her 5th place behind One Rush last start and this consistent type can get closer here. Disregard the latest start of (11) ANNIKA GIRL and she is right in this. On the contrary, take very much into account the big improvement last time of (4) USEUNG MELODY and she too can go close.

Selections(5) One Rush (8) Haman Bonghwasan (14) Suso Power (11) Annika Girl
Next Best4, 13
Fast Start1, 7, 12, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

On the surface quite an ordinary set of gallopers take their chance here and it’s a tricky puzzle to solve. (10) GREAT ONE was anything but in his first five outings but improved significantly at his latest start when coming from off the pace to run a close 2nd over this distance with a few of today’s rivals back down the track. He is not without a chance here. (4) GOSUUI POWER shapes as the likely favourite and he too comes in off a strong performance, in his case over 1400M on January 7th when leading for much of the way around. If we can forgive a previous poor effort at this distance, he enters the calculations. (8) KING GRACE comes in off a fair performance over 1400M when after a poor start, he made up good ground late on. (2) JIN MARK and (7) DIA FORCE, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance already, are others who can go well on their day.

Selections(10) Great One (4) Gosuui Power (8) King Grace (2) Jin Mark
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(11) KENDRICK was an emphatic winner on debut over 1000M on January 9th when he settled in midfield and then ran on very strongly. He comes up in class and distance today but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (8) H. DAY ran two very fast times over 1000M at class 6 level and while he got too far back on his first try at this class and distance in December, he ran on strongly for a close 5th and given more of a chance today he has solid claims. (4) TAEPUNGI comes up in class following a good win over this distance on January 9th when she sat handy before running on to win narrowly. She draws nicely here and under a light weight again should go close. (1) TOP ACE weakened from the lead at his latest start but has run well at the distance and can be given placing chances here. (5) HANEUL MISO comes up in class and in distance after two runner-up finishes at 1000M but in this modest company can measure up.

Selections(11) Kendrick (8) H. Day (4) Taepungi (1) Top Ace
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 13

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) ALIVE QUEEN returned from seven months out to make all over this distance and on January 14th having previously shown in a trial that she was ready. She comes up in class today but if she runs anything like she did last time, she should have too much for this field. Logical second pick is (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU. She comes back in trip having run a good 2nd over 1400M on January 7th when she had a couple of these behind her and while she is yet to win in fourteen starts, she knows how to find the money in this kind of company. (2) SPICE INDIE can get a bit far back in her races but from a nice draw and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard, will feature on plenty of tickets and can go close here. (4) GEUMA STARLET comes up in class following a decent 2nd place over 1200M a month ago and along with (3) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN, looks a place chance today.

Selections(8) Alive Queen (10) Cheongma Hwanghu (2) Spice Indie (4) Geuma Starlet
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race but (6) JESSIEUI KKUM looks a worthy favourite. He was a strong class and distance winner on January 21st in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have run and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, she looks to have the potential for more and can win again. (10) BOLAVEN pulled off a good win over 1200M a month ago when sitting handy and running on strong. He carries a full 4kg extra today but looks to be improving and ready for another crack at the extended trip today. (14) MARK ONE has finished ahead of Bolaven twice at this distance and was a class and distance winner on his latest start on January 16th when sitting midfield and running on. He draws awkwardly here but an apprentice takes the weight down and he can run a good race again. (3) HWARANG BEST races for the first time since finishing well back in the Breeders’ Cup race for juveniles in November. He has won at this distance before and looked well when winning a trial on Christmas Day. (8) BABEL DREAMER another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Jessieui Kkum (10) Bolaven (14) Mark One (3) Hwarang Best
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start7, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Good race for the level. We’ll give one more chance to (3) MONGTTANG. After ruining his own chances in the Breeders’ Cup he was admittedly flat at his first try over a mile on January 7th, failing to muster speed at the top of the straight. He draws better today and if he can get an easy trip to the front, may well be a different prospect. Probable favourite is (1) DOCTOR FAITH. He won back-to-back races in October and November, the latter at class and distance and while he could only manage 5th at his latest start on Christmas Eve, he too draws better today and will be a big threat. He has finished in the top three on ten out of twelve starts so far and at the very least, should maintain that record today. (13) CHOEGANG LIGER has won two of his latest three and beat Mongttang when scoring at class and distance on January 7th. He came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be a danger again. The consistent (10) QUEEN HARLEY along with (2) ADELE PUPIL are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Mongttang (1) Doctor Faith (13) Choegang Liger (10) Queen Harley
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 12

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(4) KING OF THE MATCH was a beaten odds-on favourite at class and distance on January 14th when wide all the way round, but running on well. That was his second consecutive defeat at worse than even money but we’re going for third-time lucky here. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC has run consistently fast times and at his latest start on January 14th, beat several of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. He comes up in weight today, but an apprentice takes the edge off and he can be a danger. (2) ACE DAY led at this latest start when running 3rd behind King Of The Match. From a nice draw expect him to lead again and to be in the this a long way. (5) ROCKY SKY was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 3rd at his latest carrying a similar weight to today. He will be up challenging for the lead early and he can go close. (10) YEONGGWANGUI TIME among others who can enter the calculations in a competitive finale.

Selections(4) King Of The Match (6) Geuma Psychic (2) Ace Day (5) Rocky Sky
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8