Busan will play host to perhaps the best race of the year so far in the shape of the Mayor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the southern track gets the weekend’s action underway with an 8-race program on Friday running from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Eight previously unraced juveniles get their first outings here so it is to the trial videos we head and find a couple of standouts. (1) FANTASTIC KINGDOM is the pick. He looked assured when winning his trial at the end of May, sitting handy throughout and running through the line well. All four of his dam’s previous foals who have made it to the track have been winners and he can join them here. (4) GLOBAL HIT won his trial in a very similar fashion at the start of this month, crossing the line with seven lengths in hand. If he can bring that kind of form to the races, he’ll be sure to go close and is the logical second pick. (5) DOCTOR OSCAR looks the next best. She trialed up alongside some experienced horses and held her own in a fair time. (7) MAGIC CLASS and (3) RELEASE EDITION, others who could go well first-up.

Selections	(1) Fantastic Kingdom (4) Global Hit (5) Doctor Oscar (7) Magic Class
Next Best	3, 8
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 7

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

(7) SHAKA is the one to beat here. He debuted inauspiciously last September and then didn’t reappear until May 27th. When he came back he was gelded and led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing in 3rd place at this distance. He should have come on for that run and can win here. (1) SUPER CRACK was 6th in that May 27th race but if we go on his effort two starts back on April 29th when he ran a close 3rd, coupled with the much better draw today, he can get closer this time around. (11) BUSAN SORY was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on May 20th when settling back and running on. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can build on that form here. (12) LET IT GO and solitary debut-maker (10) NONSTOP SONG are others in the frame.

Selections	(7) Shaka (1) Super Crack (11) Busan Sory (12) Let It Go
Next Best	10, 3
Fast Start	6, 7, 8, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Having run 2nd on debut, (9) MAN OF THE MAN ran out a dominant twelve-length winner at start number two on May 20th, making all over this distance. He comes up in class today but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come and he can make it two in a row here. (8) ANASTASIA has the fastest time among these for the distance and enters in consistent form. She could only manage 6th last time out, having led, but the margins weren’t big and she can be in the frame today. (7) O.K. THUNDER won on debut at this distance last Boxing Day and comes back in trip following a good runner-up finish over 1400M on May 20th and can aim to at least match that here. (3) WONDERFUL CUTIE remains a maiden but comes up in class following a 2nd place at this distance in an all-filly race in April. She comes down in the weights and draws nicely and could be a place hope at an each-way price. (5) BAEK GU another who can enter the calculations

Selections	(9) Man Of The Man (8) Anastasia (7) O.K. Thunder (3) Wonderful Cutie
Next Best	5, 1
Fast Start	1, 5, 8, 9

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

(3) DAEHO PYEONGJEONG beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on May 29th when he worked hard to get to a handy position from a wide draw and ran on well. He carries the same weight today, but draws much better and he can win. (8) MY PAL comes up in class having got his maiden win at start number nine on June 3rd over 1400M. He comes up in trip too but it could suit and a bold showing shouldn’t be ruled out. (9) HERO MAN was one of those beaten by Daeho Pyeongjang in that May 29th race. He returned two weeks later with a much better effort when 2nd over 1800M and while today’s set weight scale doesn’t treat him well, he can be competitive again. (10) GEUMA GOOD POINT has the fastest time among these at the distance and along with (2) HIDDEN CHARLIE is another in the placing hunt.

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