Month: March 2022

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

April’s racing gets underway with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday running from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations will be open, however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off and there are a few who look ready to win. (3) TWO OF US won a trial in good style, leading her to be sent off as favourite on debut at this distance on February 25th. She sat handy throughout, ultimately finishing in 2nd place and with some natural improvement, as well as a good gate, can go one better this time. (2) SAEROUN HAMAN has been consistent across three starts so far with his best being 3rd place in a time a full second faster than any of the others have achieved at this distance. He tends to get back in his races but finishes off well and can go close here. The other logical on at the top of tickets will be (6) DONGBU WORLD. He was well back on debut before running on for 4th but was handy to the lead on his second outing on March 6th at 1300M when he ended up in 2nd and a similar run will put him firmly in this. There are two first-time starters and of them (12) GOLDEN POINT looked well in his trial and can put in a bold showing first up. (5) DOCTOR PENTAGON another in the frame.

Selections(3) Two Of Us (2) Saeroun Haman (6) Dongbu World (12) Golden Point
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

Maiden fillies and mares here. (9) DOCTOR CANDY has shown an uptick in form in her latest two, most recently just two weeks ago when 3rd over 1300M with a front-running performances. She backs up quickly, looks nicely in here, and this could be her day. (6) FANTASTIC MAGIC returned from four months out to run 2nd over 1200M on March 4th when handy early and briefly leading. She won’t need to go much better here to have winning chances. (4) MAHAMERU didn’t exactly catch the eye in two outings last autumn when 6th on both occasions at 1000M. The latest of those was on November 6th, but she looked a completely different prospect when on pace and 2nd in a fast time in a trial two weeks and improvement will be expected here. (10) ARTIE’S GAL has been well backed on all her seven outings to date with a best finish being two 3rd places. Despite the wide draw she should be on pace here and can go close. Under a very light weight, (7) SEUNGNIUI BULGIL may sneak some minor money.

Selections(9) Doctor Candy (6) Fantastic Magic (4) Mahameru (10) Artie’s Gal
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

(3) JJANG I first trialed up all the way back in August 2020 and finally makes it to the races. It’s hard to have a huge among of confidence in him as his most recent trial was back in January but it was a good performance, as he led and ultimately was a close 2nd in a fast time. He draws well to be on pace, and he won’t find a better race to debut in. (8) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG hasn’t shown much in the way of speed across four starts so far, but he has run consistently, finishing no worse than 5th and with a best of 2nd, two starts back at 1200M when she went right back and ran on. At her latest she was ridden on pace, coming home 3rd, and she should be a big player here. For the first time (1) MILK DAY draws a decent gate for the first time, having received no better than in gate nine in six previous outings. That may have contributed to him getting a long way back, but he overcame that for a good 3rd at his last start and should be in the hunt today. (2) SORI TAEPUNG and (11) GALLOP BOY are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Jjang I (8) Eunseong Yeongung (1) Milk Day (2) Sori Taepung
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field here and it’s hard to look very far past (7) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM. He was flawless on debut just two weeks ago when leading all the way for an eleven-length win and while he is up in class today, he comes down in the weights and should have too much. (8) JATNAMUGIL was a winner three starts back at class 6 level and since then has run 5th and 2nd in two outings at this class. He overcame gate twelve last time out and can be handy and then running on strong here. (4) UNJU BULPAE comes up in class having secured his maiden win at start number six on March 6th. It had been coming with two placings leading up to it, including a 3rd behind Jatnamugil, and he should be able to measure up in this company. (2) JUMAL BOBAE is another who has beaten Unju Bulpae, which he did when getting his sole win to date in January. He comes in after an in no way disgraced 5th place in the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy over 1400M, and this is a softer assignment. Another up in class, (3) GREEN CHEETAH, can also enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Hamyangeun Sansam (8) Jatnamugil (4) Unju Bulpae (2) Jumal Bobae
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(2) FLYING THE CHAMP broke through in emphatic fashion at start number three on March 6th when he settled midfield but having struck the front midway through the race, ran on to win by nine-lengths over the 1300M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip but draws very nicely and is very much the one to beat again. (9) POWER GUY was a winner on debut at 1200M on March 4th when settling back and then running on very pleasingly. He comes up in class and in trip but neither should be an issue and he can be a danger to the favourite. So too can (4) HAMAN BONGHWASAN. She will need to be forgiven her first attempt at class and distance on March 4th when she weakened, but she had shown ability in her previous two and can bounce back here. (3) GREEN PAPAGO too only ran fairly on her first try at this class. She too had gone well previously and can be given another chance here. (8) QUEEN STAR another who could place.

Selections(2) Flying The Champ (9) Power Guy (4) Haman Bonghwasan (3) Green Papago
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (6) HWARANG BEST comes back in trip following a 5th place over 1400M at his latest start on February 11th. He has won at this distance and has posted good times as well and from a good gate, can win this. (10) H DAY is probably going to be the favourite. She comes up rapidly in class having won two of four starts so far, including at this distance last time out. He has won when racing handy and when settling back, and under a light weight she will be a major player here. (9) BEAUTIFUL KING comes up in class after an all the way win over this distance on March 4th. Today’s conditions means that despite the class rise, he also goes up in the weights, but he can still be competitive in this company. (5) DONGNAM BULPAE is another up in class following a last start win at 1400M. From a good draw, he should be on pace here and be in this a long way. (11) BANJIUI MAGIC another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Hwarang Best (10) H Day (9) Beautiful King (5) Dongnam Bulpae
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Small but competitive field. (1) JESSIEUI KKUM comes up in class following back-to-back wins over this distance at class 4 level. He draws well here, comes down slightly in the weights and can settle back and run on to complete a hat-trick of wins. (7) GEUMA PSYCHIC has been doing his recent work over 1200M, posting some consistently good times. He has six top-two finishes from eleven starts and has run well at this distance too. Tactically versatile, he will probably go forward to the speed here and can be considered. (6) QUATTRO MAX is a bit of a non-winner with just one of his eleven top-three finishes being on top. He is of course a model of consistency and comes back in trip after recent efforts over a mile and 1800M. He has solid placing claims again in this company. (2) BABEL HIT has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and while he can mix his form, he has placing claims here, along with (8) JANGSAN BOBBY.

Selections(1) Jessieui Kkum (7) Geuma Psychic (6) Quattro Max (2) Babel Hit
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(9) FANTASTIC MAN broke the track record at 2000M (albeit on a very fast running surface) last November, which punched his ticket to the President’s Cup in Seoul later in the month. His 5th from gate fifteen that day wasn’t bad and while he hasn’t really impressed in three starts since, there is evident ability there and this looks set to suit. (5) B.K JOHN was a class and distance winner last November and has been consistent in three starts since with two 4ths and a 3rd. He can sit midfield here and run on and has every chance of going close. (7) MAN OF TOP was a swift winner over a mile at class 3 level two starts back before running well for 5th over 2000M on his first try at this class on March 6th when handy to the lead throughout. He is nicely weighted again and can be a danger. (6) JANGSAN DOKKI and (3) DIAMOND MARINE are others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Fantastic Man (5) B.K John (7) Man Of Top (6) Jangsan Dokki
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Raon First Dominates First Leg Of Queens’ Tour / Simjangui Godong Downs Haengbok Wangja

The sisters came together at the top of the home straight but Raon First promptly asserted her authority over younger sibling Raon Pink and the rest of the filly and mare division, as she romped away for an easy victory in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Raon First (Pic: KRA)

Having displaced the retired Silver Wolf and Dia Road atop the filly and mares ranks, Raon First has dominated the division, and came into this race having closed out 2021 with victory in the G3 Jeju Governor’s Cup before opening her account for 2022 with a facile score in the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at the end of January. Having beaten the males at class 1 too, she entered a hot favourite for the 1800M Donga Ilbo, despite having done her best work at one-turn.

Raon First was sent off at odds-on but from the wide gate, jockey Choi Bum-hyun was content to let her sit just off the lead in the early stages as Raon Pink made the early running while longest shot on the board, Singsing Mary along with placing hope Florida Power were in close attendance too.

Things would stay that way until they turned towards the home straight when Singsing Mary would find her race run, leaving the sisters briefly alone together. When the question was asked, Raon Pink was no match for Raon First and the race became a formality as Raon First streaked away to win by four-lengths.

Clear Geom, runner-up to Raon First in the Jeju Governor’s Cup, would come home second-best again, while Florida Power held off a late Cheonji Yeogeol challenge to claim 3rd. Raon Pink faded and ended up in 7th place, one spot behind the filly she finished runner-up to in last season’s Korean Oaks, Choegang Black.

For Raon First, who is by Musket Man and out of Pink Candy (by Southern Image), it was a tenth win from seventeen starts. Connections will need to decide whether she remains in the comfortable environs of the Queens’ Tour, with its remaining legs being the Ttukseom Cup at 1400M in June and then the KNN Cup down at Busan over a mile in July. Given the abundance of talent at the disposal of the burgeoning Raon empire – with the phenom Raon The Fighter at its forefront – this seems her likely course.

Jockey Choi Bum Hyun and trainer Park Jong Kon (Pic: KRA)

In other races, a class 1 handicap over 1400M at Busan loaded with talent went the way of Yeongung Louis. The US-bred four-year-old (by Violence) had announced his arrival with an outstanding 3rd place in the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul and on Sunday made his class 1 debut among a field containing KRA Cup Classic winner Mr. Afleet as well as Doctor Carson and the in-form Barbarian. Ultimately Yeongung Louis would be on pace throughout, and cruised away to score by five-lengths, taking his record to six wins from eleven starts.

Back at Seoul, Haengbok Wangja made his first appearance since winning the 2021 Grand Prix Stakes in December. It was not to be a winning one though, as Simjangui Godong, the 2021 President’s Cup winner, beat him in a straight two-horse shoot-out in the home straight.

Simjangui Godong, is by Korean-bred champion Jigeum I Sungan,and just like his father is a rare horse in Korea who wears no headgear. He moved on to ten wins from twenty-five starts and set another marker down as racing in Korea moves its sights upon the international Korea Cup in September.

Donga Ilbo Trophy Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-by-Race Preview (March 27)

Sunday is Donga Ilbo Trophy day at Seoul where there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Busan also runs a card with 6 races from 12:00 to 16:40. The Donga Ilbo is for fillies and mares and it could be something of a family affair with Raon First set to be hot favourite with her younger “full” sister Raon Pink one of her leading rivals. Also at Seoul Haengbok Wangja makes his first appearance since winning the Grand Prix Stakes in December, while at Busan there is a very tasty feature in prospect as the up and coming Barbarian takes on KRA Cup Classic winner Mr. Afleet, as well as Yeongung Louis and Doctor Carson in a cracking class 1 sprint over 1400M. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Raon First is in action at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the card with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’re set for a hot favourite in the shape of (5) QUEENUI JILJU. Having finished 3rd on debut over 1000M on Boxing Day, she stepped up to this trip on February 12th and ran 2nd having been handy throughout. The time was only fair although faster than anything else here has achieved so far and a similar run here will see her hard to beat. (3) MARUMA ran 5th from a wide gate on debut over 1000M before only managing 8th second-up at this trip. He should have come on for those experiences and in this company can be given another chance. (2) OKCHEON CHOEGANG debuts following two positive trials, crossing the line 2nd and 3rd in fair times. That’s enough to see him firmly in the hunt first up. (8) BURUI JILJU and (1) NAOL SESANG perhaps have the potential to improve.

Selections(5) Queenui Jilju (3) Maruma (2) Okcheon Choegang (8) Burui Jilju
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

Maiden fillies here and it’s competitive. We’ll go with (5) BARO QUEEN who seems to be figuring things out with five starts underneath her best. She comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this distance, last time away slowly from a wide draw and then working home well. The draw is in her favour this time and she may well lead. If she does, she has every chance of staying there. (10) GOLDEN SCOOP will probably be the favourite. She beat Baro Queen when 2nd on January 22nd and followed it up with a 3rd place, again at this distance, a month ago.  She’s trialed well since then and looks to have big chance. (9) NAMSAN KKOT has raced just the once, when 3rd at this distance last October in a good time. She didn’t offer too many clues when trialing earlier this month, but she should be kept safe. (6) HWIPARAM and (3) WONDERFUL HAWAII among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Baro Queen (10) Golden Scoop (9) Namsan Kkot (6) Hwiparam
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 10

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

It’s hard to look too far past (11) FLY STAR here. Having run 5th on debut at 1400M, he dopped back to 1300M for his second start on February 27th and led almost the entire way around, ultimately ending in 2nd, beaten by a very good winner. He comes back in trip again and while the gate is not the best, he is very much the one to beat. (5) MIDAS CAMP had a hard time from a wide draw on his latest outing over 1300M on February 20th. Disregard that and instead go on is 3rd place in a good time in January. He can sit on speed or handy here and should be a different prospect today. (4) NAOL ACE improved at start number two on January 22nd when handy throughout and finishing 4th. He comes up in trip for the first time today and there is no reason why it can’t suit. (1) MUNHAK FOREST and (12) MABAWI are among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Fly Star (5) Midas Camp (4) Naol Ace (1) Munhak Forest
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener on the South-Coast. There is plenty of winning potential among them but (9) JOSEPHINE QUEEN should have a little too much. She was a good 2nd in a super time over this distance on February 13th when she sat handy then briefly led before being beaten by a good winner. She can sit handy again and a similar run will see her home on top here. (7) FLOWING RIVER has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. The little extra trip may well suit and he should have some more to offer. Park Jae-I rode Flowing River in both his races so far but today he stays aboard (3) GREAT CAPTAIN. He comes in having beaten three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on February 27th. He draws a similarly good gate, carries the same weight, and can be a danger again. (5) DOCTOR PERSIA came home 5th in the same race on what was his first start, and he can build on that here. (8) INDY CHOICE another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Josephine Queen (7) Flowing River (3) Great Captain (5) Doctor Persia
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

Tricky race. (3) KING MOUNTAIN weakened late on having led for much of the way around over 1700M on February 27th, ultimately finishing 6th of twelve. Two starts back, he ran a very good 2nd over 1300M behind Titan Socks, who has since won again at a higher level. He can be on pace again today and the drop back in trip should suit. (4) K N PARK showed significant improvement at his latest outing over this distance on February 20th, when going back and improving late on. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight nice and light today and he should be working home well again here. (5) HONEY PUNCH too showed improvement at her most recent appearance on February 26th. She has gone back in all her races so far, but this time made up really good ground late on and a similar run will put her right in this. (7) TIFFANY BLUE and (2) FLYING BARBIE are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(3) King Mountain (4) K N Park (5) Honey Punch (7) Tiffany Blue
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

(1) RADAR has been a beaten favourite on both starts to date, most recently at odds-on when 3rd having been a close 2nd on debut. She had the excuse of gate fourteen that day but should get a much easier run to the lead from the inside this time around and it really should be third-time lucky. (2) HWARANG ACE showed some ability as he gradually got closer across three starts last autumn, with a best of 4th at this distance in November. He hasn’t raced since but looks to have held his form if his trial two weeks ago is anything to go by when he led, crossing the line 2nd in a fast time. Expect him on speed and in this a long way. (3) EUNBIT JILJU wet right back on debut but made-up good ground for 5th. She should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (8) BOOMY STAR and (5) BABEL PHOENIX are others capable of putting in good runs.

Selections(1) Radar (2) Hwarang Ace (3) Eunbit Jilju (8) Boomy Star
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4
(more…)

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies open proceedings with two standouts. We’ll take a chance on (4) COSMO, who raced twice at the tail-end of last year, both at 1000M and finishing a good 5th and 2nd in good times. The step up in trip shouldn’t be an issue and while this is her first start in more than three months, if she can carry over that form, she can win. (3) ANOTHER LEVEL wasn’t especially well fancied on debut on March 5th after an indifferent trial, but took to racing well, running 3rd at this trip having settled in midfield. She wasn’t far away from the winner and from a good gate and with some natural improvement for the run, she has a big chance here and may start as favourite. (1) MIRACLE DAUGHTER ran well for 4th on debut before unseating her jockey when leading at her second start in January. She trialed up well two weeks ago and looks worth another chance here. Of the four first-time starters, (10) ARCH SIN looks most likely to make an impact first-up. (8) MUSTANG CHARM has put in two fair performances and can be considered for improvement.

Selections(4) Cosmo (3) Another Level (1) Miracle Daughter (10) Arch Sin
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

Three-year-old maidens here and in a field where the exposed form is very thin, a big chance must be given to the debut-makers. More specifically, (10) DAESARI, who led from start to finish in his trial earlier this month. The time was only fair, but it was a slow running track, and he won’t need to improve much on that to win here. Logical second pick is (2) AL SIMON. She has got way too far back in her races so far but has shown the ability to run on and has posted the fastest time for this distance among those here who have attempted it, by some margin. If she can be put in a position where she has a chance, then she can go very close. (3) NEW CHEONGPA did at least beat a couple of these at his latest start and in weaker company today can improve. One of those was (5) CHANGER, who started poorly and didn’t improve. At his previous outing, he was on pace though and from a better gate, can be so again and be in this for a long way. (4) CUPID BELLE another in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Daesari (2) Al Simon (3) New Cheongpa (5) Changer
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

More three-year-old maidens and a tricky affair. Again, there are two standouts. We’ll go with (11) SUNGAN TOUCH. He was much improved at start number two on February 19th when he led for much of the way around at this distance, ultimately finishing 2nd. The draw isn’t so favourable today, but he can overcome that and has every chance here. So too (1) HATMURI. He too comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd at 1200M on February 26th, sitting handy throughout and beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He gets a great draw on the inside so Park Tae-jong will have plenty of options and another bold showing can be expected. (3) BEST JEONSA ran 3rd in that February 26th race having led until the middle of the home straight. That was his first time ridden on the speed and also his best result, so we can expect similar tactics today. (12) MORNING FIVE and (2) K N SKETCH are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Sungan Touch (1) Hatmuri (3) Best Jeonsa (12) Morning Five
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) HWASUBOON is yet to finish any worse than 5th and got her maiden win at her latest start in a similar all-filly race over 1200M on February 13th when she led for most of the way around. She does come up a couple of kilograms in the weights as a result but draws nicely and could well have too much again. (5) SMART HIGH has been a model of consistency and comes back slightly in trip after two good runs over 1400M which ended in 2nd and 4th, both times having to contend with wide draws. She gets a good gate this time, comes down very slightly in the weights and has a chance. That would mean overturning the form from February 26th on (9) JUNGCHUBUSA. She started her career in a hurry and while she had seemingly lost her way a bit, she ran strongly for 2nd in that race ahead of Smart High. She can be in this too. (2) COMPLETE STAR and the up in class (10) HAPPY MIX are others who can be competitive.

Selections(4) Hwasuboon (5) Smart High (9) Jungchubusa (2) Complete Star
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) TAEYANGTAGO was a class and distance winner on February 26th when he settled back in the field and ran on strongly. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do here, can win again. (4) NAUI NARA comes up in class having registered his maiden win at start number five at this distance on February 27th when he sat handy to the lead before running on well for a comfortable score. He comes down slightly in the weights, draws nicely again, and surely measures up at this level. (10) GEUMSEONG MAN finished well back behind Taeyangtago last time out. The before though he was a winner at this distance at class 6 level, when coming from well off the pace, and Moon Se-young climbing aboard will alert plenty. (3) RUN RUN RUN and (2) SMART JEONSA are among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(8) Taeyangtago (4) Naui Nara (10) Geumseong Man (3) Run Run Run
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) JOY BROTHER ran a fair 5th at this class over 1700M at his latest start on February 27th. The 1400M is more his go though and he was a class and distance winner two starts and has run consistently good times. He is carrying 3kh more than he did at that win, but he can be expected to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (4) SINUI ADEUL has also run good times at this distance. He comes back up in trip following a solid 2nd place at this class over 1200M on February 26th when he settled right back and ran on, and he will be finishing strongly again here. (1) DOLGYEOK APEURO comes in having somewhat surprisingly beaten three of these on her way to a class and distance win on February 19th. She went right back that day but ran on very strongly and will warrant more respect here. (2) DUSON MEONGGEUN was 3rd in that same race. He then unseated his jockey coming out of the gates at a planned start two weeks ago and if he and Park Tae-jong can remain united here, can be given another chance. (10) DAEWANGU among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Joy Brother (4) Sinui Adeul (1) Dolgyeok Apeuro (2) Duson Meonggeun
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 12
(more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are eight races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

World Change (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the card with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. It’s one of those first-timers who will be the one to beat. (5) KING BOSS trialed two weeks ago and was very impressive, jumping out well and staying on the bridle, crossing the line in 2nd place with seemingly plenty of running in him. The 1200M can suit and from a good gate, he should be on pace and make a winning start to his career. Staying with the debut-makers, (1) KKUM NEOMEO also trialed well sitting handy and crossing the line 3rd, a long way behind King Of The Match but just over a length behind Jera, who has four wins from eight and is his half-brother. From the inside, he can be in this a long way. (4) COME ON FIRST also put in a bold showing in his trial and can be considered first-up. As for the experienced ones, (3) FLYING REGAL and (11) BUSAN SORY look the best.

Selections(5) King Boss (1) Kkum Neomeo (4) Come On First (3) Flying Regal
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here. (5) WONDERFUL FILE is the clear pick here. After an indifferent debut, she has produced two fair performances to finish 4th, both at this distance, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) QUALITY QUEEN also comes in following two decent runs, most recently at this distance on February 5th when 6th of fourteen in a sterner test than this. In this field she can probably get on pace, and she has solid claims to go close. (9) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN comes up to this distance for the first time. She has proven able to run on the speed, as she did two starts back when 4th, or settling back and running on for 6th, both in big fields and both at 1200M. She has at least placing chances today. (1) WONDERFUL SMARTY has never finished better than 3rd in twenty outings but this is the kind of race where she can pick up some minor money. (4) DOCTOR TANGO another who could sneak into a place.

Selections(5) Wonderful File (8) Quality Queen (9) Haman Yeohangsan (1) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Small but competitive field. (3) GRAND CHUKJE has earned favourite status based on his latest two outings, most recent when 3rd, just neck behind the winner in a tight finish at this distance. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight low, and he draws a much better gate this time and at the fourteenth time of asking, it can be his day. Just a further half-length back in 4th place in that race was (8) CHOEGANG MARINE, who led for much of the way around. He also has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and despite being drawn in the widest gate, he should be able to get a relatively soft run to the lead and he could overturn the form. Also coming out of that race is (7) ADELE STELLA. He has finished between 3rd and 5th at all of his starts so far. He can run on well and maintain his consistent form here.  (4) ETTEUMI and (1) KING PARTY others who can have a say in the finish.

Selections(3) Grand Chukje (8) Choegang Marine (7) Adele Stella (4) Etteumi
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

We’ll take a chance here on (7) RAON THE FIGHTING. He races for just the fifth time and comes up in trip after a decent 4th over 1300M on February 27th having raced handy throughout. He could well lead here and has every chance. (8) CHAMP GO will probably be the favourite. Draw a line through his latest effort on February 20th when he used up plenty to get forward from a wide draw and instead go on his previous two when 3rd and 2nd, both at this distance. He is up in the weight here, but Franco Da Silva climbs aboard, and he has solid chances. (1) CARIBBEAN DAY is yet to finish in the top two but has been a model of consistency with three 4th place finish and a 3rd from his latest four appearances, all at a mile. He comes back in trip here, draws nicely and can run into some money again. (3) MAJOR FORCE and (4) DAEJI SPECIAL are others with placing chances.

Selections(7) Raon The Fighting (8) Champ Go (1) Caribbean Day (3) Major Force
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (4) ALIVE QUEEN was a gate-to-wire winner two starts back over 1300M at class six level before running 2nd on her first try at this level, again at 1300M on February 11th. She was a beaten favourite that day and was wide early before leading for much of the straight, only to be passed by a good winner. She draws slightly better here and this half-sister to Doraonpogyeongseon, an eleven-time winner in Korea, can come home on top this time. (11) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM enters in good form with a 4th and a 2nd in her latest two, both at this class and distance. Her running style is to settle back and finish off so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem. (3) OCEAN STORM remains a maiden having been promoted to this level with a pair of runner-up finishes. She added a third before finishing 4th on her first try at this distance on February 27th, having led for part of the race. She should have come on for that and will be in the mix. (10) FANTASTIC LOVE and (8) GREAT GO are among several others who may be considered for the places.

Selections(4) Alive Queen (11) Cheonnyeonuigureum (3) Ocean Storm (10) Fantastic Love
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) MISS GO should be winning this. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in five starts and was a bit slow away and just a little late arriving on the scene when favourite over 1200M last time out on February 18th, ultimately finishing 3rd. True she has got the same unfavourable gate, but she has plenty of ability and should put things right here. That will mean overturning the form on (1) A ONE PLUS, who finished half a length ahead of Miss Go in 2nd place in that February race. She franked that form with another 2nd over 1200M on March 4th, once again coming from off the pace.  She is yet to win in seventeen starts and should find one too quick again, but she looks the most credible danger to the favourite. (3) BURUI GEOM has mixed his form so far but showed plenty of zip when winning at 1200M at class six level two starts back. He struggled from a wide draw over 1400M on his first try at this level but should be much more comfortable today. (9) MORNING THUNDER and (7) MONEY BAG are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Miss Go (1) A One Plus (3) Burui Geom (9) Morning Thunder
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (7) KENDRICK. An emphatic winner on debut over 1000M, he stepped up to this class and distance on February 11th, having worked hard from the outside gate to lead close to home. He draws better today, comes down slightly in the weights, and he will take some beating. (3) STORM TO WIN returns to action for the first time since November. She is a class and distance winner and while she didn’t run especially well in the two outings prior to her layoff, she absolutely blitzed a trial last weekend. We perhaps shouldn’t read too much into the time as the track was very wet, but she comes in here carrying 6kg less than when we last saw her and 4kg less than when she last won. She could be interesting. (5) HANEUL GANGJA comes up in class having made all to win at this distance on February 18th. That was just his second start, and he can measure up in this company. (1) CHIEF OFFICER and (11) SEOGWI PLUS are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Kendrick (3) Storm To Win (5) Haneul Gangja (1) Chief Officer
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 11, 12

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

(2) WORLD CHANGE took his chance in the Korean Derby last November and while things didn’t go especially well that day, he is unbeaten in three outings since and can extend it to four here. Two of those wins have been at this distance and while his latest was back at 1400M, it was at this class and under a fair weight and from a good gate, he should have too much. He is tactically versatile so could lead or could settle back. The clear second choice is (9) DOCTOR TAKE. He ran 2nd to World Change at class 4 level over this distance two starts back and then beat several of today’s rivals when winning at this class and distance on February 27th. He comes up 3.5kg for his troubles but can be a danger. (8) TOP MATE had a torrid time over a mile when drawn in gate fourteen at his latest start. This should suit much better and today’s handicap conditions brings him down 4kg in the weights. It took (1) LUCAS SUN fourteen attempts to get his maiden win, but he evidently enjoyed it because he immediately followed up with another. Both were at this distance, and he comes up in class and significantly down in weight, looking for a hat-trick. (3) HILL MORE another who can go close.

Selections(2) World Change (9) Doctor Take (8) Top Mate (1) Lucas Sun
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Determination Downs Chief Indy To Win Sports Chosun

Determination downed Chief Indy to take the honours in the Sports Chosun Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon and in doing so, gave jockey Boo Min-ho his first Stakes race winner in twelve years.

Determination beats Chief Indy

Sent off as a 17/1 chance, Determination, who was drawn wide in gate thirteen, was kept back and wide in the early exchanges as Daehan Jilju, the top-rated horse in the race, set the pace. Determination quickly moved up wide while pre-race odds-on favourite, Chief Indy, runner-up in last year’s Minister’s Cup, sat just behind the leading group.

Daehan Jilju, racing for the first time since Christmas Day, finally weakened at the furlong pole just as Chief Indy was looming. But it was Determination who swept by to take the lead late on, and while Chief Indy pushed and pressed, it was Determination who took the line three-quarters of a length to the good.

For Determination it was a third straight victory. He had shown ability as a juvenile but hadn’t really pushed on, with a 4th place in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown, the best return from his three-year-old campaign. He didn’t race at all between November of 2020 and September of 2021 but, after a couple of tune-ups to find his feet, Determination has been unstoppable, and he completed a hat-trick of wins on Sunday.

On the contrary, it had been a long time between Stakes race drinks for winning jockey Boo Min-ho. Boo turned professional in 2007 and registered his first big race win in the 2010 Segye Ilbo Cup and quickly followed up with another in that year’s edition of the Sports Chosun.

“Twelve years ago, I won this race (Sports Chosun) on Luxury King, and I have so desperately wanted to get back here, and I am very happy to do so today”, Boo Min-ho told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

Boo Min-ho!

“We were drawn wide (so) I was considering bringing him to the rail from the start, but Determination is so strong that I decided he would be fine on the outside, so I just let him settle. I knew he didn’t want kickback, so I let him run his own race and he delivered.”

Trainer Seo Bum-seok was successfully defending the race having won the Sports Chosun in 2020 with Wonderful Evil (the race wasn’t held in 2021). He was effusive in his praise for his jockey:

“I think Boo Min-ho is in his prime. He was calm and rode a great race. We discussed the race strategy this morning and I said the horse is very powerful and physically strong and he is ready. I left it to Min-ho to do the rest.”

Video: youtu.be/SQ9GDIHIgKc

Seoul & Busan Sunday – Sports Chosun Trophy: Race-by-Race Preview (March 20)

The Listed Sports Chosun Trophy at Seoul is the feature race of the day but there is plenty going on across the cards, including appearances by the likes of Eoma Eoma, Morfhis and East Jet in a big handicap. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma runs in Seoul’s feature Sunday handicap

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies kick things off and we’ll be happy to side with the solitary first-time starter. That’s (7) DREAM ROSE who comes in having performed well in a trial two weeks ago when she led for much of the way around, ultimately crossing the line just half a length behind last year’s Oaks winner Choegang Black in a decent time. If se brings that kind of form to the races, she can produce a bold showing first-up here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN will dispute favourite status. After an indifferent debut, she has done well in her latest two, racing prominently throughout. She’ll be on the speed here and has every chance. So too (4) SONGAM BEST, who has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. She too is likely to be up on the early speed and can go close. (1 ) ARCH RIVER ran through the line well enough on debut and may appreciate the additional trip today. (8) TOP POSITION another one in the frame for improvement.

Selections(7) Dream Rose (6) Concord Queen (4) Songam Best (1) Arch River
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

More maidens here, this time with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) CONCORDE SPURT is the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far including his latest when coming from midfield to run on well for 2nd place. He draws a better gate today and should have too much. (2) EUREKA has run well for 4th in both his latest two aces, the most recent of which was over today’s distance. He ran the same time for the 1200M as Concorde Spurt and looks one of the more credible dangers in this field. (8) PURPLE WORLD ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on January 29th. He should have come on for the experience and there is no reason the additional furlong can’t suit. Of the first timers, (9) CHAPEL PRINCESS looks the best placed to make an immediate impact having won a trial at the end of January. (1) RAON THE CHUKJE can potentially improve having received a good draw for the first time.

Selections(3) Concorde Spurt (2) Eureka (8) Purple World (9) Chapel Princess
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

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

It’s hard to go past (2) KING CRUSH here. He has been consistent across his seven starts so far with his best being 3rd place two starts back over 1300M. He has run fair times and from a nice draw should be hard to beat. (4) DONGSEO YEOGEOL is the only runner in the race with a 2nd place to her name, which she achieved four starts ago in early December. She can be on pace here and should be in this a long way. (5) P N S HER has three 4th place finishes from six starts so far, including her latest two. She has also recorded the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming for a career-best finish in this company. (10) SINJURYU has a best finish of 3rd. He tends to settle back and tries to run on so the wide draw may not be a concern. (8) MYEONGJIN CANDY the only other one in the race to have hinted at much ability so far.

Selections(2) King Crush (4) Dongseo Yeogeol (5) P N S Her (10) Sinjuryu
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

One of two first-time starters, (1) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM looks the one to beat here. He wasn’t ready when trialed for the first-time last September but looked a totally different prospect when on pace throughout and crossing the line first in another heat in February. Drawn nicely on the inside, he won’t need to improve much on that to win. (2) SEOGWI CHUKJE ran fairly for 5th at start number two on February 11th, going right back and then running on over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can be a bonus here. (7) SPECIAL WIND was 6th in that same race on what was his debut. He should have come for that and with natural improvement can be aiming for the places here. (4) ALL CROWN and (8) UNJU STAR look the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Hamyangeun Sansam (2) Seogwi Chukje (7) Special Wind (4) All Crown
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (4) MAGIC TIDE was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before finishing 4th on her latest outing, again at 1200M, on February 19th in what was arguably tougher company than this. She has run a fair time at this distance and while she comes up in the weights, she gets a better draw than last time and will be favourite to strike here. (7) COOL PRINCESS has also run a good time for the distance and comes in looking as though she is working towards another victory with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two outings at 1200M and 1300M. She has settled back in midfield in those but may be ridden bit further forward today and can be a danger. (3) HAPPY SOCKS will need a line drawn through her latest when she struggled from a wide gate. Much better drawn and slightly down in weight she can be given another chance here. (10) CHEONEUNCHONG comes up in class having got her maiden win at start three on February 13th. She is up in trip too but in this company should measure up. Also up in class, (11) LAGERTHA is another to consider.

Selections(4) Magic Tide (7) Cool Princess (3) Happy Socks (10) Cheoneunchong
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

A very tricky race. (9) BLUE CARSON has been as consistent as any across her eight starts so far – i.e., she has mixed her form but has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at this distance as well as fair times. The draw won’t matter so much, and she can make the breakthrough here. (4) WIND CROSS comes in following a good 3rd place over 1400M during which he led at times. He should be on pace again today and can be in this long way again. (11) INDIE MAGIC was a good 2nd on debut and while he had a hard time on his second appearance on February 25th, that was his first try at 1200M and he can have come on for that run and be in the mix here. (10) B.K. HANA and (2) ARTIE’S GAL are others who should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Blue Carson (4) Wind Cross (11) Indie Magic (10) B.K. Hana
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Good race. (6) TITAN SOCKS is the top pick and probable favourite. He is yet to finish outside the top-five in four starts which includes a win over 1200M at class 6 level back in January. At his latest start on February 26th, he stepped up to this class and distance and sat midfield before running on for 3rd. He carries the same weight today, draws better, and may take some beating. (3) DAEMUL comes up in class and distance having got his maiden win at start number two on February 19th when handy throughout and running on to win very well. He comes down a couple of kilos in weight and there is not reason why he can’t measure up in this company. (5) RUNNING NUMBER ONE was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back and while he could only manage 6th on his first try at this class on February 19th, he can be given another chance today. It’s been a while since (4) AMAZING WHIZ was in the winner’s circle, but she is a model of consistency and this is the kind of race she knows how to find the minor money in. (10) BRAVO SOCKS and (1) THAT’S MY BOY, the latter along with Running Number One the only previous winner at this distance, are others to consider.

Selections(6) Titan Socks (3) Daemul (5) Running Number One (4) Amazing Whiz
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8
(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 19)

Saturday’s racing is from 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. Here are the previews:

Seoul Saturday

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (3) DAEBAK STAR overcame a wide draw to run 2nd on his latest start back in January. He has had a couple of months off since and from a much better gate will be the one to beat here. It’s the draw that puts him clear favourite over (10) RIVER TAEYANG. The latter has finished 4th in both starts so far, most recently at this distance on February 20th when he ran on well. Plenty will take note of the jockey booking and he is sure to be well backed. There are four debut-makers and among them (11) TRIPLE JOY and (8) PERMISSION TO WIN trialed up together on February 18th coming home 2nd and 3rd in the heat with fair times. In this company, both should be competitive first-up. Retuning to those with prior experience, (2) WIDAEHAN HANMA is perhaps the most likely to improve.

Selections(3) Daebak Star (10) River Taeyang (11) Triple Joy (8) Permission To Win
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 10

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

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here. (8) FIRST ROAD will be the hot favourite. She’s raced six times so far with a best finish of 2nd place coming over 1200M last November. At her latest two outings, she has overcome wide draws to run close and stepping up to 1400M for the first time, should have too much for this field. (6) ONE MORE RUSH comes in off a good 4th place at 1300M on February 19th when handy and running on. She has the best start among these and should be on pace here and in this a long way. (5) GALSAEK HYANGGI, by contrast, runs best when coming from off the pace. She can drop in here from a good gate and run on strong at the business end. (10) ZEROBAEK FIVE and (1) HAPPY DREAM are others who should be competitive.

Selections(8) First Road (6) One More Rush (5) Galsaek Hyanggi (10) Zerobaek Five
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) BLACK KING was a much-improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance on February 27th when he sat midfield and ran on, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He carries the same weight today, draws well and could go one better. The step up in trip seems likely to suit (3) MUSTANG POWER. He has run on well in each of his three starts to date at shorter trips but has left himself too much to do each time. The two-turns should be what he needs, and he has solid claims here. (1) CLOUTER came home in 3rd place behind Black King in that February 27th race. That was his best finish in fifteen starts but in this company a repeat or better shouldn’t be ruled out. (11) HANI too comes in off a best finish of 3rd place. The draw does her no favours but she can be competitive again here. (2) EPIPHANY another in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Black King (3) Mustang Power (1) Clouter (11) Hani
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 12

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

Competitive race but it’s hard to go too far past (12) GOOD NISEN. An all the way winner over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back, he was sent off as favourite for his first try at this class and distance on February 13th but having settled back in the field, could only run into 3rd. Despite the wide draw, he is worth another chance today. (9) CHEONGDAM WICKED returned from eight months out to run 6th of fourteen over this distance on February 27th. She has shown plenty of ability before the layoff and should have come on for that run so improvement can be expected. (2) POWER K won well on debut over 1000M, before putting in a fair run when 3rd at this class over 1200M at the end of January. From a great draw, he can get an easy run to the lead and will be in this a long way. (8) LONDON QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have raced at the distance before and along with the up in class (6) SAINT LUCCA is another who can go close.

Selections(12) Good Nisen (9) Cheongdam Wicked (2) Power K (8) London Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 12

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

(4) EUNHYE got his maiden win at start number four on February 20th, making all over 1200M. He comes up in class here but that’s tempered by a better draw and a slightly lower weight and though he will need to find improvement, he can win again. (3) JILJU BORN is the main danger and could stat favourite. He has run consistently good times at this distance, including his own win two starts back, and at his latest on February 19th when he overcame a wide draw to run 3rd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. (7) SKY MANGCHI reutrns to action after six months off, He has shown plenty of promise before his setback and looked very well when winning a trial two weeks ago, leading every step of the way. He’ll obviously need this but can be competitive. (12) HANGANG BOSS, up in class after a maiden win a month ago, and (8) JEONGSANG FIGHTING are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Eunhye (3) Jilju Born (7) Sky Mangchi (12) Hangang Boss
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7
(more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Busan Fridays

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings with five of the ten racing for the very first time.   The favourite will be (4) ART KELLY. She has raced twice previously, improving to 2nd on her second appearance on February 18th, when she came from off the pace and worked home well. She’ll be hard to beat here. The second favourite will be one of the first timers, (8) BURNING PASSION. The Hansen filly trialed up nicely two weeks ago and a bold showing can be expected in this limited company. Another debut maker, (5) SEOBU TEUKGEUP also trialed in an encouraging manner and can go well here while (3) FANTASTIC YEOGEOL also hinted at some ability in her heat. As for the others with experience (1) DAEJI PERFECT was 3rd on debut, albeit in an utterly plodding time, and can be considered here.  

Selection(4) Art Kelly (8) Burning Passion (5) Seobu Teukgeup (3) Fantastic Yeogeol
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (7) BARBELL POSEIDON, who has raced fairly across his four starts so far with a best of 2nd over 1000M. At his latest, he ran on for 5th at this distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard today, could be ready to win. Possible betting favourite is (8) YOUNG BOSS. He was a much-improved 2nd at big odds on February 18th over this distance when he settled back and ran on and he could go one better here. (1) YONGGARI too has shown improvement across his latest two including 3rd place last time out over 1300M. The time wasn’t fast, but he draws very nicely here and can be in the finish again. (5) DOCTOR CANDY and (6) CHIEF ONE are others with the potential to improve.

Selection(7) Barbell Poseidon (8) Young Boss (1) Yonggari (5) Doctor Candy
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(5) KING GRACE has been working towards a win across his ten starts so far and will be hot favourite here following his latest couple of showings at this distance which ended in 5th and 2nd. His racing style is to settle back in the field and run on and he will probably do similar here and should prove too strong late on. (2) ANNIKA GIRL has lost her way a touch in her latest two but the step up in trip today may help. She was badly away last time from a wide draw but from a better gate she should go well here. (4) BARBELL STORM similarly had a rough time from gate fourteen at his latest start over 1200M a month ago. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and can find his form again here from a good draw. (1) HERO MAN and (7) HAEUNDAE BLUE are others in the placing frame.

Selection(5) King Grace (2) Annika Girl (4) Barbell Storm (1) Hero Man
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

This is a very open race. We’ll go with (11) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO, who has been finding her feet at this level with fair performances in her latest two. She has shown a bit of sped in the past and while the draw may not be in her favour as his best results have come when leading early, she can return to winning ways today. (10) MENIFEE SONG weakened on his first try at this class over a mile on February 13th. He won at this distance two starts back at class 6 level and the furlong drop should suit today. (6) USEUNG GANGJA comes in off a 3rd and a 4th at class and distance in her latest two, both at big odds. She’ll run on here and should be in contention for a place again. The up in class (7) GOSUUI POWER along with (9) DALYEORA VOLPONI are others who should enter the calculations.

Selection(11) Yeongcheon Solemio (10) Menifee Song (6) Useung Gangja (7) Gosuui Power
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) SANGIM YEOWANG comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number two on February 20th when she sat handy and ran on well over this distance. She draws well again and looks to have plenty of scope for further development, making her the one to beat here. (4) RAON THE FLASH is yet to win in six starts having been promoted to this class after three 3rd place finishes. At her latest start she led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing in 4th place and can be on or close to the speed again and be in this a long way. (8) ANASTASIA too led her latest outing ultimately coming home in 2nd place. She’ll be on pace again and will be competitive. (1) SEOBU QUEEN can have a line drawn through her latest and along with (10) HANEUL MISO is another in the hunt.

Selection(2) Sangim Yeowang (4) Raon The Flash (8) Anastasia (1) Seobu Queen
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) GEOMEUN SSONSAL returns to action for the first time in more than six months but is set to be favourite first-up here. He recorded two wins in five starts before the layoff and they were in fast times at this distance and at 1400M. He looked well when trialing two weeks ago and if he has any of his previous form about him, will be hard to beat here. (7) NAMDO QUEEN runs consistent, if unspectacular, times at this distance. She has very much found her level having been rapidly promoted at the start of her career, but this is the kind of race she can go close in. (3) ENDLESS RUNNING weakened late on over 1400M at his latest start, something he has done twice at that distance now. This is a more suitable assignment, and he can go close. (1) CHEONNYEONUI QUEEN and (9) JERA are others to consider for the places.

Selection(2) Geomeun Ssonsal (7) Namdo Queen (3) Endless Running (1) Cheonnyeonui Queen
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) DOCTOR FAITH comes back in trip after recent good work at a mile and further, most recently leading for much of the way over 1600M only to finish 2nd. He is an on-pace type and should get the lead here and will take some getting past. By contrast, (1) KING BROTHER likes to come from off the pace. His solitary victory came at this distance, and he will settle back here and run on strong again. (6) ACHIM BIT finished ahead of King Brother last time out when they ran home in 3rd and 4th places. He doesn’t win out of turn either but has an excellent record of money finishes and can go close again here. (4) PURE KING is another who comes back in trip, and it may well suit. (2) GLOBAL TOP another with placing claims.

Selection(5) Doctor Faith (1) King Brother (6) Achim Bit (4) Pure King
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(1) HANEUL ULLIM is developing into a handy stayer who has won at this class and distance and at his last start was hampered early when a close 2nd. He is nicely drawn today and can settle handy to midfield and is sure to make his presence felt. (3) CLEAN SHOT must be considered on his last start when a good 2nd under set weight conditions, beating plenty of these. The handicap favours him more today and he looks right in this. (2) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU is a galloper on the improve and can have his latest start disregarded when he had to contend with a wide draw. His previous form was very sound for a race like this. (6) QUATTRO MAX is a model of consistency and while he doesn’t win out of turn, he is always in the mix and worthy of thought. He is versatile and comfortable to settle from midfield to handy to the leaders place again. (9) TUHONUI BANSEOK another in the hunt returning from a layoff

Selection(1) Haneul Ullim (3) Clean Shot (2) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (6) Quattro Max
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

There is racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:50) on Sunday. All betting locations are open (except the Daegu branch), however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Tiz Plan is among those in action on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (3) GOLDEN THUNDER looks the one to beat, having improved to 2nd place at start number two on February 13th when beating three of today’s rivals with an on-pace showing at this distance. He draws better today, should be on the speed again, and can win. (6) THE FAVORITE didn’t run on at her latest start in January. She had hinted at some ability in her three prior starts though, showing a bit of speed and is worth another chance here. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, (8) STAR RACER caught the eye in his trial, crossing the line well ahead of the rest. The time wasn’t fast but in generally, trials have been slowly run of late and he can make an immediate impact first-up. (12) PURPLE STORM and (11) SIRIUS ALPHA others who can find the minor money.

Selections(3) Golden Thunder (6) The Favorite (8) Star Racer (12) Purple Storm
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. We’ll take a chance on one of the two first-timer starters, (4) TIZ SUCCESS. She went through two trials, significantly improving in the second of them, running through the line very well in a good time. She draws well here and looks right in this. (6) MENI SPEAR will probably start as favourite. She ran 4th on debut and then improved to 2nd at start number two, both over 1000M. Her style so far has been to be on pace, something she is well drawn to do again, and she will be in this a long way. (2) BE FLOWER also comes up in trip having run 3rd in both starts so far. The extra furlong can suit today. (11) GORGEOUS SERVE took an age to get into stride on debut but should have come on for that and be given another chance here. Similarly (3) BLOOD MOON beat a couple of today’s rivals when running on for 6th place. She has a better draw today and can be competitive.

Selections(4) Tiz Success (6) Meni Spear (2) Be Flower (11) Gorgeous Serve
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

It’s hard to go too far past (10) BE CRAZY here. He comes back to this distance following two good spins over 1300M which yielded a 3rd and a 4th. He doesn’t draw ideally but should have enough early speed to navigate his way to the front and from then on will be very much the one to beat. (9) SOARA DAERO has a 2nd and two 5ths in three prior outings and has registered the fastest time of any of these at the distance along the way. He too has good early speed and can sit on pace or handy here and can be a danger. (6) EUNHYE DREAM has made progress in her latest two with a 3rd and a 4th, both times coming from off the pace and making up good ground late. Expect similar here. (12) RAON THE WILD and (8) BADAUI KKUM have mixed their form, but both have hinted at ability and could make the minor money in this company.

Selections(10) Be Crazy (9) Soara Daero (6) Eunhye Dream (12) Raon The Wild
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

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

Small but competitive field here.  (7) EUNSEONG WINNER could be ready to win. She has two 3rd place finishes from her three starts to date, including her latest on February 20th when she came from well back to run on well over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and Franco Da Silva remains aboard. (3) B.K. NEW MOON was an improved 2nd at her second outing on February 13th over 1200M. She recorded a fair time and is another who may suit the slightly extended trip today. (1) WONDERFUL CUTIE came home in 6th place behind Eunseong Winner on her most recent appearance but two starts back was runner-up over 1000M. She is nicely drawn on the inside here and looks to have at least placing claims. (6) HONOR’S MARGAUX and (5) HAPPY SONG SONG have the potential to improve.

Selections(7) Eunseong Winner (3) B.K. New Moon (1) Wonderful Cutie (6) Honor’ s Margaux
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) SONGAM RACER enters off his best finish to date when 3rd over 1300M, running on well. Like five others, he tackles this trip for the first time and his running style suggests that it can suit with him expected to sit off the pace here and then finish strongly. He could be too good. (7) BLACK INDY looked very much as though he needed the run when well back over 1400M on January 29th, on what was his first start since last June. He drew very wide that day so had plenty of excuses and with a bit of natural improvement from that run, can be much more competitive today. (4) POSA POSA comes back in trip following a couple of tries around two turns. This should suit a little more and he can aim to at least repeat the 3rd place he scored at 1300M last December. (9) APPLE MINT and (1) M J STORM are others who can enter the equation.

Selections(8) Songam Racer (7) Black Indy (4) Posa Posa (9) Apple Mint
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) SAEROUN HAMAN has impressed in two starts so far, running 5th and 3rd over 1000M and 1200M and at his latest came from off the pace to run on very pleasingly. He comes up slightly in trip today and it could be what he needs to come out on top. (3) GREAT ONE comes back in trip after strong of runs at a mile, including his best finish to date of 2nd two starts back and has run fairly at this distance so in this company, can be considered. (6) DAEHO NURI comes up in trip after some adequate showings over 1200M including a 3rd place two starts back in a decent time. His running style has generally been to go back and run on so it may well suit here. (1) AGAIN HELEN and (7) SOUTHERN KING are others who may be considered for the minor money.

Selections(8) Saeroun Haman (3) Great One (6) Daeho Nuri (1) Again Helen
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

A big field and a competitive race here. (4) SHOWMAKER could be working her way towards a second victory. She enters off the back of two consecutive 3rd place finishes, both at this class, over 1400M and 1300M. She has good early speed compared with most oof her rivals here so can use a good draw to get a little further forward today and may go all the way. (6) HYPER CAR is potentially the betting favourite. He did well at this attest start to overcome gate fourteen to run 5th at class and distance and the time before ran a good 2nd. His times at the distance are consistent and while he remains a maiden after fourteen attempts, that could change here. (12) WANGINGHAENGCHA beat Hyper Car on his way to 3rd place last time out at class and distance. He has trialed up adequately since then and could be in line for another place here. (2) EUNHYE CHUNGMAN and (7) CURRERECUS are others who enter the calculations.

(more…)