Month: October 2022

KRA Cup Classic Sunday: Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 16)

Sunday is KRA Cup Classic day at Seoul with Raon The Fighter heading a field of thirteen, six of whom come out of September’s international Korea Cup. See here for a runner-by-runner preview of the big race. There are 11 races in total at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45. Here is the race-by-race:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with all but three of the twelve racing for the very first time. (7) SHINE ON ME came through two trials, posting decent times in both. She should be nice and fit for her debut outing here and with Moon Se-young aboard, is sure to have plenty of backers. (4) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK is a Hansen filly who won her trial at the end of September coming from off the pace. She draws well here and also looks set for a bold showing. (3) DASI TAEEONADO was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd. She draws well to get forward again and can be considered first up. As for the experienced ones, (12) JEONGSANG LUCKY posted the fastest time while (6) GLORY AND HONOR didn’t do too much wrong and both can hope for improvement here.

Selections(7) Shine On Me (4) Seongsilgongjupink (3) Dasi Taeeonado (12) Jeongsang Lucky
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. (7) META BLADE came from off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 20th. He should have come on for the experience, and the additional furlong can suit. It certainly suited (4) WONDERFUL INDY, who is the only one in the field to have tackled the distance. Having run 9th on debut at 1000M, he came back out on September 4th and ran a strong 2nd, settling midfield and running on. From a good gate and with that experience, he will surely be a big danger here. (2) SECRET PLAY is another who has been coming from off the pace in his two previous outings, both over 1000M. He should be doing his best work late on here and is another to consider. (3) G MOTION, a likely front-runner, and (5) SUPEREME STAR others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Meta Blade (4) Wonderful Indy (2) Secret Play (3) G Motion
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive maiden. It’s not often we take a chance on the only first-time starter in this kind of race, but we’re prepared to do precisely that here with (3) BLACK CHOCOLATE. He trialed up twice, running 2nd in the first of them before winning the second in September when handy throughout and running on well. The 1200M should suit first-up and he draws well. If you prefer experience, then (2) MAGIC MOCCASIN could be the one. She led for part of the way around over this distance on September 25th, her second runner-up finish. She draws well to lead again and can be in this a long way. (9) GOLD KAISER has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She returned from eight months off to run a solid 4th at this distance on September 18th and should have come on for it. She is another who likes to be on pace. (8) TOP POSITION and (6) YEONHUI SARANG are among other placing chances.

Selections(3) Black Chocolate (2) Magic Moccasin (9) Gold Kaiser (8) Top Position
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

Juvenile maidens open at Busan with three of the eight racing for the first time. Here we will side with experience and (2) BARAMBARAM, who came from the back of a similarly small field on debut on September 23rd over this distance. He should have derived benefit from that and can go one better today. (4) ONE MIND similarly showed ability on her debut in late August when from a handy position, she ran on well for 3rd place, also at 1000M. She looks set to be on pace here and has solid claims. (7) HOTFLEX has run fairly in both starts so far, only beating a couple home each time but with the margins in front not too big. He can improve here. (5) DALLILLAEYO won a trial in September, running on pace throughout and looks to have the best chance among the first-time starters of making an impression. (3) ROAD TO DREAM too put in a fair time in his trial and can go well first up.

Selections(2) Barambaram (4) One Mind (7) Hotflex (5) Dallillaeyo
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(2) GOMANARU has improved across three starts so far, culminating in a runner- up finish over 1300M on September 18th when settling back in midfield and running on. He stretches out to 1400M for the first time, and it could be what he needs to land himself in the winner’s circle. After an indifferent debut, (1) PERFECT GUN MAN has hinted at ability with back-to-back 4th place finishes in fair times at 1000M and 1200M. He too has been running on in his races and may appreciate the step up in trip today. (8) SARANG DAMOA is one of four racing here who does have experience of the distance already and among those, she has the fastest time. She is yet to win in eleven, but her recent form reads well, and despite being drawn widest, she can settle close to the pace here and she will run on. (7) PAX NURI and (3) TWO ACE the others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Gomanaru (1) Perfect Gun Man (8) Sarang Damoa (7) Pax Nuri
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(9) ETERNAL ACE has made steady progress across nine starts so far and registered a 3rd place over this distance on September 18th having led throughout and posting a time almost a second faster than anything else here has managed over the distance and he should be hard to hold out here. (5) COME ON FIRST races for the first time since running 2nd at start number two back in May. He looked well when coming through a fast trial at the start of September and has every chance of a bold showing first up here. (1) POLE TO WIN also returns from a spell out having not raced since July. He ran fairly in September trial and can get on pace from the inside gate and be in this a long way. (4) ECTON POWER and (2) FLEX SHINHWA both need their latest starts (in the same race) forgiven, but both can go better here.

Selections(9) Eternal Ace (5) Come On First (1) Pole To Win (4) Ecton Power
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM returned from nine months out to run 3rd at this distance on September 17th when handy throughout. He should have derived plenty of benefit from that run, strip a bit fitter here, and he can get his maiden win. (1) EUREKA had four 4th placed finishes from seven starts so far. He suffered a reverse behind a couple of these last time out on September 3rd but draws nicely here and can be aiming for improvement. (8) LUXSEN was one of those who finished ahead of Eureka on September 3rd. He subsequently ran 6th over 1200M three weeks ago but this can suit a little more and he can go close again. (3) ROCK IMPACT comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit, while (4) P N S KING has mixed his form across twelve starts so far but can enter the calculations in this company.

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Raon The Fighter Heads Strong KRA Cup Classic Line-Up This Sunday

One of the longest standing races on the modern Korean racing calendar returns to Seoul on Sunday when thirteen line up for the 37th edition of the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2).

Korea Cup runner-up Raon The Fighter will be favoured to add his name to a list of winners that include Dae Kyeun, Saegangja, Tough Win, Cheongdam Dokki and Dolkong, in a race which serves not only as a big prize in itself, but also a key step towards December’s season finale Grand Prix Stakes.

A total of six emerge from the Korea Cup with Raon The Fighter, King Of The Match and Haengbok Wangja all having finished in the top-five. They are joined by up and comers Good Pilseung, Tuhonui Banseok and Daeam Janggun, while the in-form Lil’ Patron, an also-ran in the race last year, comes in looking much more dangerous this time.

The old guard is there too. Moonhak Chief, Shamrocker and Dolkong may have their best days behind them but can’t be completely ruled outr of still being able to put in strong runs:

1. CRAZY CONTI finished 7th in the Korea Cup after settling midfield. He is a recent class 1 winner over 1800M but this is much harder.

2. GEUMA MYSTIC is yet to win in Class 1 but did manage a 3rd place in the YTN Cup albeit over eight-lengths back behind the winner. That was in similar company to this and he could be thereabouts.

3. KING OF THE MATCH is an improving type who made a good impression in the Korea Cup when settling midfield and while he was well beaten, he ran on resolutely. He previously ran a bottler when dead–heating with President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong for 2nd place behind Raon The Fighter in the Busan Owner’s Cup. Well drawn and plenty of upside.

4. HAENGBOK WANGJA ran a fair 5th in the Korea Cup after settling midfield. He was the winner of the 2021 Grand Prix Stakes over 2300M and has demonstrated solid form since. He goes better when able to settle forward and back up to 2000M, and having drawn well, he is right in this.

5. MOONHAK CHIEF is a top liner who has won the Korea Cup among many other Group races but who has been a little disappointing in recent starts. At his top, he is right in this but has to be taken on trust at the moment.

6. TUHONUI BANSEOK won his latest start by four lengths on what was his class 1 debut over 2000M with some smart ones behind him. He is very much up in class here and it is on level weights but he is a winner of five from ten and can be considered for more improvement.

7. SHAMROCKER is a grand old campaigner who always gives his best. At his last start he was a distant 4th in the YTN Cup when settled back in the field. This is equally hard but he will be running on late as ever.

8. DAEAM JANGGUN is another who won last time out on what was his class 1 debut. That was over 1800M and he raced forward, stopping the clock in a good time. This is much harder and it is at level weights.

9. LIL’ PATRON has recent form that reads extremely well with three successive wins at class 1 over 1800M. Each time he has settled midfield and run on strongly. He hasn’t had to run elite level times to win those races but he is fit, in top form and could sneak into the calculations in what is a much sterner test.

10. DOLKONG resumed in the Korea Cup after a long layoff and was well back the way. He will have derived benefit from that outing but may still need to lift at this stage. Won this race in 2019.

11. GOOD PILSEUNG ran 2nd in the JRA Trophy over 1800M on international weekend when racing forward. A truer indication of his ability was at the start before though when a close 4th in the Herald Business Cup against this type of opposition. He raced forward on that occasion and can’t be left out.

12. DORAON POPEYE ran a nice 3rd in the JRA Trophy on international weekend when midfield and running on. He is yet to win in class 1 and this is much harder. Watching brief.

13. RAON THE FIGHTER is an outstanding racehorse at seemingly any distance although this will be his first test over 2000 metres. He has huge natural speed and is able to set a pace few can match. He dueled with Japanese raider Sekifu throughout the majority of the Korea Cup at 1800M in September, ultimately seeing him off, only to be caught by local rival Winner’s Man in the very closing stages. He has drawn very wide again and the additional furlong does pose a question, but Raon The Fighter will be a justifiable favourite here.

The Group 2 KRA Cup Classic is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a local post time of 16:20.

Selections: (13) Raon The Fighter (3) King Of The Match (4) Haengbok Wangja (9) Lil’ Patron

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 15)

Saturday sees 10 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Korea Derby runner-up Seungbusa is in action at Seoul on Saturday but faces a stern test (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with three of the nine racing for the first time. (1) COMPLETE FORCE impressed in a July trial and then ran well enough for 6th of eleven on debut on August 21st. He should have derived benefit from that run, should be on pace from the inside gate, and will take some beating. Clear second choice is (4) INDIANUI BYEOL. The Hansen colt won his trial in fine enough fashion, even if the time wasn’t first. Moon Se-young aboard a first timer will always catch the eye and he appears set for a bold showing first-up. (6) WHITE WITCH has run fairly for 4th and 6th in two starts so far, posting decent times. She won’t need to improve much to get in the places here. (8) CUPID SWING and (2) RAON THE CHARLIE are others who could improve on their debut showings.

Selections(1) Complete Force (4) Indianui Byeol (6) White Witch (8) Cupid Swing
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees four of the ten racing for the first time, and it looks a very competitive race. (10) LEGAL HIGH has raced twice so far, recording a 7th and a 6th in fair times. She has settled back both times and while she may need further, the wide draw may be of some help here in getting a trouble-free trip and under a light weight, she has as good a chance as any. (7) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK is the only other one to have raced twice. She ran 4th of eight on debut in a good time and while she was unable to follow up, she is worth another chance here and should be on pace. (4) NANGJU YEOGEOL ran 4th of twelve on her debut in an all-filly maiden on September 18th. The time was good and while with no apprentice engaged today, she comes up in the weights, she can be involved. (9) GEUMA FIERY looks the best of the first-time starters while (2) STAR K is another who can improve on his debut effort.

Selections(10) Legal High (7) Haengbokan Munmak (4) Nangju Yeogeol (9) Geuma Fiery
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Luigi Riccardi continues to hold a narrow lead at the top of the Trainers’ Premiership, and he can get another on the board here with (3) HUIMANG GADEUK. The filly returned from seven months out on August 20th to finish a front-running 2nd in a time half a second faster than anything else here has managed over this distance. She should have come on for that run, she should be on the early speed again, and she can win.  Busan jockey Park Jae-I had a fruitful weekend in Seoul last week and while once more he isn’t on one of the favourites in Sunday’s Group race, he picks up a nice ride here in (7) JAKDUKONG. After taking a few goes to figure things out, he enters in consistent form and should be running close. (4) BOLD AGAIN beat Jakdugong as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance on September 18th. That was his first start in almost precisely a year, and he should have come on for it. (8) ARCH MEMORY and (9) SECRET KING among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Huimang Gadeuk (7) Jakdukong (4) Bold Again (8) Arch Memory
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (12) LAROMANEE is done no favours by the draw. But she enters in good form with her maiden win two starts back being followed by a 3rd place on her first try at this class on August 27th when settling handy and running on. She is back slightly up in trip today and with a bit of luck at the start she can be right in this. (1) HAPPY SOCKS beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place at this class over 1400M on September 17th. She posted a good time when 4th at this distance three starts back, and from the inside draw, she should find her way to the front early. She will be in this a long way. (5) BEST MAD CAM was 6th behind Happy Socks in that September 17th race. At the start before, she got her maiden win over this distance and with an apprentice on, her carried weight once more makes her competitive. (3) EUNHYE DREAM comes up in class following too many near misses. She remains a maiden but is well drawn and well weighted here and can measure up. (8) JEJUUI YOJEONG, the solitary mare, came from well back for 3rd place last time out and can be considered here.

Selections(12) Laromanee (1) Happy Socks (5) Best Mad Cam (3) Eunhye Dream
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 14)

It’s KRA Cup Classic weekend with the big race at Seoul on Sunday. The action gets underway though at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the eight racing for the first time. This time the first-timers look to have the edge and (5) SAVAHA will be hot favourite. He went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them in August when on pace throughout and crossing the line well ahead of everything else in a fast time. If he runs to that level here, he will win. (8) HANGANG SAVER showed well in a trial, sitting midfield and then running on in a fair time. He too should go well first-up. Of the experienced ones, (3) NALA has shown the most so far, running fairly in two relatively strong races. She should improve here. (1) B.K. ROAN and another debut-maker, (6) HELLO SUNSHINE are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Savaha (8) Hangang Saver (3) Nala (1) B.K. Roan
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) JEONGMUN CHITA just about gets the nod here based on his last start 4th place when trying this distance for the first time and beating a couple of today’s rivals on September 23rd. He led for much of that race, should have come on for that experience and is the one to beat. With an apprentice engaged, (5) GLOBAL CATCHER comes back to the weight she carried when 2nd over 1400M two starts back. She can tend to get a bit far back in her races but the mile can suit and she will be running on. (7) WISH LUCK also comes up to this distance for the first time. She is another who likes to settle back and run on and can go close here. (1) EONJENA YEONGUNG and (4) GEUMUI MAN others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Jeongmun Chita (5) Global Catcher (7) Wish Luck (1) Eonjena Yeongung
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) TAKE ADELE comes in off a solid 4th place over this distance on September 25th when settling midfield, dropping back and then running on. An apprentice takes 4kg off and with no early speed in this race, she can get a good position from a good draw and has as much chance as any here. (8) UNJU SSAGSSEULI will probably be favourite based on her 3rd place at start number two in early September. She was away badly on her return to action on September 30th and finished down the field but with a better start should be much closer today. (5) TITAN K comes back in trip and down in the weights with an apprentice on board and that should be enough to bring her into contention. (4) STORM AGAIN and (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Take Adele (8) Unju Ssagsseuli (5) Titan K (4) Storm Again
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(8) RADAR will be hot favourite to score here. She got her maiden win in her return to action following five months out in August with a front-running effort over this distance, before finished 2nd on her first try at this class in an all-filly race over 1400M. She will be on pace again and will be hard to beat. (6) EAGLE STAR is the main danger. He enters in goof form following back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance and while he comes up 3kg in the weights, he can be competitive again. He can settle midfield and he has a strong finish. (11) SMARTY DOLPUNG is a consistent type who has been no worse than 5th in her last four outings. She comes back in trip, gets a light weight and the wide draw shouldn’t matter too much. The up in class pair of (1) NICE DAY and (5) BUSAN SORY are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(8) Radar (6) Eagle Star (11) Smarty Dolpung (1) Nice Day
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

There are two standouts here. (5) WIND CROSS is yet to win in nine attempts but has only finished outside of the top four on one occasions. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes, both at this class and the latter over this distance. In this company he can settle on pace or handy and then run on. Today can be his day. The big danger is (4) ALL CROWN. She does have a win on the board, scored over 1300M at class 6 level and she has subsequently proven competitive in this class too. She enters off two consecutive 3rd place finishes at class and distance and while she got a bit far back in both of those, she has a strong finish and will be running on. (2) GOLDEN POINT is up in class following a few too many near-misses. He draws well, comes into a good gate, and can measure up, (11) MILK DAY and (3) SUSO POWER are among others to consider.

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Jeju Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

Graded Stakes racing returns to Seoul on Sunday for the first time since the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint five weeks ago with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) for local-bred fillies and mares taking centre stage. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45. Here are the previews:

Golden Power and Raon The Spurt will clash again in the Jeju Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with five on the nine racing for the first time. And unlike in so many of these races where we go for experience, this time we’ll go with a first timer. (8) YUKWAEHAN SARANG won a trial in good fashion, running on pace on the bridle and responding well when asked for a brief effort. She looked well within herself and let loose on the track, has every chance first-up. (7) RAON THE FLATTER ran a creditable 4th on debut in July in a fair time before parting company with her jockey right after the start on her re-appearance on August 27th, competing the course pilotless. So long as man and beast stay united here, she should improve on that debut 4th. (2) GANGHAN QUEEN was on pace for much of her debut before weakening late on She should have derived benefit from that run and can be in this a little longer. (4) SEUNGRIUI YEONGHON and (5) VISION STAR are other newcomers who may provide some interest.

Selections(8) Yukwaehan Sarang (7) Raon The Flatter (2) Ganghan Queen (4) Seungriui Yeonghon
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here and based on his debut performance, it will be very hard to look past (4) NANOMETA. Having won a July trial, he came out on August 28th and came from off the pace to finish 2nd over 1000M. The additional furlong today should be ideal and with the benefit of that experience, he should take some beating. (5) MORNING PRINCESS was a decent 3rd on debut and while she found herself overmatched on her second appearance which is in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August, she finds herself back in shallower waters here and can be a big player. (2) BAEDARI WANGJA similarly ran well for 2nd on debut and while he couldn’t repeat at start number two on September 4th, he can be given another chance here. (3) HUNTER BLADE and (8) LEMON BLADE others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Nanometa (5) Morning Princess (2) Baedari Wangja (3) Hunter Blade
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A big field for this maiden but another short-price favourite seems likely and again Moon Se-young rides it in the shape of (7) STRONG CHARM. He has a 2nd and a 3rd to his name from three starts to date including last time out when he ran through the line well. He comes up in distance here, but it should suit, and he should sign off from class 6 with a win. (3) ROSE GOLD beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place two starts back and followed up with a 3rd, again at this distance, on September 18th. He has the fastest tie of any of these for the distance and from a good draw can go close. (11) DEVIL K is another who will be up to class 5 with a finish anywhere in the top three. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes in good times at this distance and can run on well here. (12) MENI ACE, who returns for the first time since February, and (2) SAMBA ZONE, are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Strong Charm (3) Rose Gold (11) Devil K (12) Meni Ace
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast, with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (2) WORLD LEGEND, a good 2nd on debut over 1000M in July and then 4th over this distance in a good time at start number two on August 28th. He draws very nicely to be on pace here and should take some beating. (10) K.AI has been on pace for 3rd and 2nd in two starts so far, both over the 1000M. The draw is a little wider than ideal, but he should handle the distance and can be a danger. So too (8) DOCTOR PANGPANG. He made good ground late to run 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 28th and should appreciate the step up in trip today. (1) ADELE HORANGI and (11) FINAL SEVEN can also be in the hunt for at least places in a race with decent form, given the lack of experience.

Selections(2) World Legend (10) K.Ai  (8) Doctor Pangpang (1) Adele Horangi
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 11

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

(7) MONSTER POWER ran out a comfortable winner on debut over 1000M on September 3rd, settling midfield and then running on strongly. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue and he is the one they need to beat here. (4) STAR RUSH is yet to win in twenty-five attempts, but he has had a fair few near-misses and was a decent 4th in a fair time over 1300M last time out. He has had a couple of months off and looks a place line here. (6) JANGSU NABOM too has placing chances. He weakened having led last time out but at the start prior, he ran a solid 3rd place beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has the fastest start among these and can be in this a long way. (1) COWBOY TANGO and (2) COMPLETE LUCKY are others with minor money claims.

Selections(7) Monster Power (4) Star Rush (6) Jangsu Nabom (1) Cowboy Tango
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) ALPHA V is winless but comes up in class following a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all over 1200M. She carries a light weight and he running style suggests that the widest gate – of only eight – shouldn’t be a problem. This is hardly the most intimidating of class 5 fields and this could be her day. (6) GOLD TAP will probably start as favourite. While he comes in having missed the top five for the first time, when 6th over this class and distance on September 16th, that wasn’t a bad run, and the finish was tight. He can sit in pace or handy here and may prove too strong late on. (2) MY SONG is a winner over this distance at class 6 level and while she weakened to only beat one home having led over her previous start at the beginning of September, she is worth another chance today. (1) INDIAN PARTY and (7) WIND PARK others capable of sneaking a place.

Selections(8) Alpha V (6) Gold Tap (2) My Song (1) Indian Party
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

Small but competitive field with two standouts. It’s time (7) GANA FASHION won a race. She has three runner-up finishes and one 3rd place from four starts so far and came close to making all at class and distance last time out. She can be on pace again and may just be a little sharper in the finish which is what makes her the very marginal top pick over (2) TIZ SUCCESS, who has similar form but with a win in the books and over one race less. She too was an on-pace 2nd last time out, stopping the clock in an identical time to that of Gana Fashion in her race. She comes up one more kilogram than her rival does and also starts here for the first time in three months. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella so the rest look like battling for the minors. (3) ELITE RULES, (1) JEONGMUN PAPAGO and (4) TIZ FIGHTING all come in off the back of good latest starts.

Selections(7) Gana Fashion (2) Tiz Success (3) Elite Rules (1) Jeongmun Papago
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We shall side with experience though because (7) RAON SPIKE caught the eye on debut on August 14th, settling midfield and running on for a close 3rd in a fast time over this distance. He should have derived benefit from the run and any kind of improvement should see him home on top. There is a debut-maker to keep an eye on though. (11) MAGIC HOUR made all to win his trial in a decent time earlier this month. While he may not have drawn the best, if he can bring that form to the races, he can go close first up and will probably be second favourite. (10) CAT’S EYE put in a bold showing on his debut on September 3rd, leading before weakening late. He should have come on for the run and be in it a bit longer today. Neither (6) BAEKDU BOY nor (9) SUPER FINISH disgraced themselves on their respective debuts and both can be entitled to some improvement here.

Selections(7) Raon Spike (11) Magic Hour (10) Cat’s Eye (6) Baekdu Boy
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

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

Tricky maiden with some very shaky form. Only four have tackled the distance before and (5) LAST CALL was the fastest among them, athough that’s very much a relative thing, in this company. He has been consistent; an apprentice rider keeps the weight low and today could be this day. The only one of the nine who has troubled the scorers so far is (6) DANAEUN ROSE, who ran an on-pace 3rd on debut over 1200M in July. She couldn’t get to the front from a wide gate on her re-appearance in August but draws better today and has claims to be favourite. (8) GENTLE RULES is similar to Last Call, in terms of having been consistent if unspectacular. He got a 4th place over this distance two starts back and while the time was slow, he won’t need to go much better to improve on that here. (1) WONDERFUL MUSIC and (4) HUIMANG OREUM are others who could potentially improve.

Selections(5) Last Call (6) Danaeun Rose (8) Gentle Rules (1) Wonderful Music
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

Another maiden and it’s hard to look past (1) ANYANG SAJA. Having run 6th from a wide gate on debut, he was a much-improved 2nd at start number two when settling behind the early speed and then running on. He draws nicely here and while this is his first start for three months, he should have too much for this field and will start as a short-priced favourite. Clear second favourite is (3) NAMSAN KKOT. She has finished between 3rd and 5th in all four of her starts so far, generally settling back or in midfield and running on. She too comes back off a bit of a layoff – in her case she last ran in May – but she looked well enough when winning a trial last Friday and should go close here. In the same colours, (10) NAMSAN MUJEOK also returns for the first time since May. He registered a 3rd and a 4th in his last two starts before his layoff and came through a trial three weeks ago well enough to suggest he can pick up from where he left off here. (4) GOLDEN LUCKY has been back to trial since his inauspicious debut in August and can be given another chance. (9) SONGAM NURI does have a 3rd place on his record and that’s enough to give him a chance of the minors here. 

Selections(1) Anyang Saja (3) Namsan Kkot  (10) Namsan Mujeok (4) Golden Lucky
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

Fillies only here with another short-priced favourite and just as in race 3, Antonio is riding it from gate one. (1) CONCORD QUEEN scored her maiden win in March, making all over 1300M and she has been working her way back towards another victory, almost grabbing it on her latest start on August 27th when leading nearly the entire way around only to be denied by the favourite on the line. She comes up in the weights by 2kg here but that’s balanced by a better draw, and she should take some beating. (3) CUPID JUMBO races for the first time since May. She had shown ability and looked well when trialling in July and may provide some interest at a probable each-way price as she has run well first-up before. (11) MORNING PEARL comes n off a good 2nd at class and distance on September 4th. She came from off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a hindrance and she can be a danger here. (4) INNER PEACE and (10) THE FAVORITE – who assuredly won’t have that status – are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Concord Queen (3) Cupid Jumbo (11) Morning Pearl (4) Inner Peace
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 7)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 12:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here. With six of the nine racing for the first time. Two of the experienced ones have shown well already though and (1) HAMPYEONG SHINE will be the favourite. After running fairly on debut, she ran a smart 2nd at start number two on September 4th, having led for most of the way around. She draws well, should be on pace again and a similar run will take some beating. (7) TAP DREAM was less than a length in arrears in 3rd place in that September 4th race, having run handy throughout. She too improved from her debut and can go close again here. Turning to the first-timers, (5) FLYING DIA went through two September trials, improving significantly in the second of them when on pace and can make a bold showing here. (4) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD ran on pleasingly enough in a decent time in her trial and along with (6) CHARON DAY is another capable of making a good first impression.

Selections(1) Hampyeong Shine (7) Tap Dream (5) Flying Dia (4) Graphene Rap World
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

Competitive race with two standouts. (4) SPECIAL HERO raced twice without distinction at the start of the year but having then been put away after the second of those in February. She returned looking much better in August and has run 4th and 2nd in two starts since, both at this distance and in decent times. With an apprentice aboard, she carries a light weight and third-up can be peaking fitness-wise. (3) AREUMDAUN INYEON has been well-backed in both starts so far, finishing an improved 3rd in the second of them over 1400M on August 28th. She was on pace throughout and the step back in trip can suit here. Also improving at start number two was (2) NONSTOP SONG. He was an on pace 2nd over this distance on September 4th and from a much better gate, he can be in the finish again. (8) HWANGU FIGHTER and (10) PUNGUN JOHWA are others with placing hopes.

Selections(4) Special Hero (3) Areumdaun Inyeon (2) Nonstop Song (8) Hwangu Fighter
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

More maidens here. (4) BRAVO HAMYANG will be the warm favourite. Having been sent back to trial after finishing well back over this distance in July, he returned on September 4th to run a strong 2nd over 1300M overcoming gate eleven to get to the pace. He should have come on for that run and has strong claims here. (10) STAR MATTA has four finishes between 3rd and 5th and the fastest time among those who have tackled this trip, achieved on his latest outing on September 16th when handy throughout. The draw is not ideal but nor is it insurmountable, and he can aim for a best finish to date. (5) DUBAI PYEONGJEONG ran on fairly on debut over 1000M on August 21st. He should have improved for the experience and the additional trip may be more suitable. (9) FUSAICHI returns for the first time since MAY and along with (8) DAEJI FLY, is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(4) Bravo Hamyang (10) Star Matta (5) Dubai Pyeongjeong (9) Fusaichi
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

(8) DOCTOR KONGSUNI remains a maiden having been promoted to this class with a pair of runner-up finishes. She lost her way a little but looks to be back in form with a 5th and a 4th since returning from five months off and could be peaking here under a light weight. The main danger is (4) CHOEGANG FORCE. A winner over this distance ant class 6 level in July he has since finished 2nd and 4th in two attempts at this level. His style is to settle back and run on and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he will be coming home strongly. (2) I LOVE HANSEN made all to land his maiden win over 1200M on September 16th. He comes up in class and in trip here but draws well and can measure up. (7) GREAT ONE and (6) CHEONMA HASEO are others who can enter the calculations.

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Juvenile Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

The juvenile series kicks off at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in the capital and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes on the South Coast. Both will have hot favourites with the respective track’s “Rookie Stakes” winners Giant Punch and Fantastic Kingdom both expected to kick on. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 with 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. Here are the previews:

Juvenile Series races in times gone by have been good (Pic KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

An unusual start to the day in that it is for juvenile fillies at class 4 level, so it is targeted at imported horses, the first such race here for a while. Five of the eight race for the first time but they find themselves up against a proven winner in (1) FIRE GIRL. She made all to win over 1200M on debut on August 28th and from the inside gate, the Pioneerof The Nile filly will be odds-on to make it two from two. The main dangers are set to be first timers. (6) MEDICI WOLF won a trial having been handy throughout. The time wasn’t quick, but she did it well and should have derived benefit from it. (2) MOONHAK SONG and (8) BS POWER both went faster than Medici Wolf in their heats and can go well first up. (7) MISS HIGH FLY another who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Fire Girl (6) Medici Wolf (2) Moonhak Song (8) BS Power
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The first division of two juvenile maidens and six of the twelve are racing for the first time. (1) DRAGON STAR gets the nod following a 3rd and a 5th in his opening two races, both in decent times when coming from off the pace. He draws very well here and with some natural improvement can win. The draw doesn’t favour (12) HIGH GRAND. He comes in off a solid 6th and a 4th in his latest two most recently behind Naol Sniper, who has gone on to win again. With a bit of luck at the start, he can find a good position and he can tun on well. (5) JANGBI MUJIGAE ran on well for 5th place in a fast race on a wet drack over this distance on debut and a repeat of that would put him right in this. As for the debut-makers, (9) TOUR QUEEN and (3) CUPID WARRIOR look best equipped to make an immediate impression.

Selections(1) Dragon Star (12) High Grand (5) Jangbi Mujigae (9) Tour Queen
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees five of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. There are a couple of standouts and given the draw, we’ll side with (1) SINUI YEOIN. She ran on for a close 4th on debut over this distance on August 14th in a fast time on a wet track. She can be on pace or handy here and could prove too strong. (10) GLOBAL CHANGA was well-backed on debut when he ran 2nd to Ranut, who takes his chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy later today. He overcame gate eleven that day and while he scarcely draws any better here, he may well start as favourite. (8) DALGEUM is the logical third pick, following an improved 3rd in her second outing on August 20th when sitting in midfield and then running on over a wet track. She can finish strongly again here. (4) GIPPEUM HWANHO didn’t do too much wrong when 5th on debut and should have come on for the run. The debut-makers don’t really jump out here although (5) AMAN BAROWS went through a lot of trials a registered a couple of decent times.

Selections(1) Sinui Yeoin (10) Global Changa (8) Dalgeum (4) Gippeum Hwanho
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast. (3) HANSEN COD GIRL was a close 3rd on debut on September 2nd just getting the worst of a desperately tight three-way finish. She draws well to be on pace again and won’t need to improve much on that to win. (12) PISTOL STAR also suffered a near-miss on debut. That was back in July when handy throughout and just narrowly being beaten into 2nd over 1000M. He races for the first time since and if he can get a bit of luck position-wise from the wide draw, he can have a big say in this. There are three first timers and (1) META QUEEN looked good when winning an August trial. She draws well and could sneak a place on debut here. Likewise (9) GEMIJIN was a distance 2nd in his heat to an experienced racehorse but stopped the clock in a fair time and can be competitive. (11) ARTHUR KING IJI is one of a few with the potential to improve on their debut effort.

Selections(3) Hansen Cod Girl (12) Pistol Star (1) Meta Queen (9) Gemijin
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) ARGO TAP has shown potential across three starts to date with a best of 3rd. He has led all three including his latest when he tackled 1200M for the first time and led for most of the way, before ultimately finishing 5th of nine. He should have come on for that experience, can lead again, and this time go all the way. Any top-three finish will put (3) HWANGWOO GANGJA up to class 5 and it could well be a win. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip. Last time she was on pace, something that will be expected again from a good draw, and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight down. He has solid claims. There was a full ten months between (7) CUPID WOW making his debut and re-appearing. He was better the second time around, running 3rd on his return. That was in early July so he has had another three months off since, but a repeat of that run will put him close at the finish. Solitary debut-maker (1) JILJU DAESE and two-time placegetter (8) GEUMA ALLURE are others in the frame.

Selections(6) Argo Tap (3) Hwangwoo Gangja (7) Cupid Wow (1) Jilju Daese
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

A big field of maidens but (9) MIGHTY STORM will be expected to score. After three consecutive 4th place finishes, he managed 3rd on his latest outing at 1200M on September 4th when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip today might be what he needs, and he is the one to beat. (11) GOLDEN RACER has finished off both her races to date very well over 1200M, especially last tie out when running on for 4th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter to her, and the additional half furlong should be appreciated. (5) TEUKGEUP CAMP is another up slightly in trip having done his recent work over 1200M. He ran good times at this distance and may well be ridden a bit further forward today with there being not much genuine speed in this race. (10) HALLA BAEKDU and (3) ECTON POWER among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(9) Mighty Storm (11) Golden Racer (5) Teukgeup Camp (10) Halla Baekdu
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10
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