Month: December 2022

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 10)

It’s Grand Prix Stakes Eve! Before the big race at Seoul on Sunday, the capital track hosts a Saturday meeting with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Haengbok Wangja won last year’s Grand Prix. He returns to try to defend his title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of the debut makers in the shape of (6) J MOTION. He made all to win his trial by a big margin and in a quick time in mid-November. If he can bring that form to the races, he can win first-up. The main danger is one of the ones with prior experience. (8) CLOUD NINE has raced twice, not doing much on debut but then improving to 3rd when stepped up to this trip on October 23rd. He sat right back early before running on and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he can be competitive here. (2) SINUI HAMSEONG has been through a load of trials. The most recent (which was voluntary so may not appear on all race cards) on November 11th saw his overcome a wide draw to sit off pace and hen run on very nicely to cross the line 1st in a good time. The distance should suit for his debut here. (4) CLUB D is another trial winner and along with (7) NONSTOP THUNDER is also with claims to go well.

Selections(6) J Motion (8) Cloud Nine (2) Sinui Hamseong (4) Club D
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Maidens and it’s hard to look far past (11) GEUMBITMA. He has three top-four finishes from his four prior starts, alongside a solid 6th place in the listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. He comes in off a solid 3rd place last time out on November 5th when sitting handy throughout and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, he should have too much. (5) RAON AMERICAN ran 5th in that November 5th race, settling midfield and finishing off well. He also has a 2nd place to his name at the distance and getting a much better draw than the favourite, can be a danger under You Hyun-myung, who is in town to ride in Sunday’s Grand Prix Stakes. (4) HUMMING BIRD enters off a last start runner-up finish over the distance and while she was well beaten by a good winner, she comes into a much better gate today and can go close again. (3) SUPREME STAR and (1) RAON THE CHARLIE among others with credible placing chances.

Selections(11) Geumbitma (5) Raon American (4) Humming Bird (3) Supreme Star
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) here and it looks to be between two last start winners. (11) WONDERFUL WEEK was a super winner at start number two over 1000M on October 30th, settling handy and running on to stop the clock in a fast time. Neither he extended trip, or the class rise should be a problem and while the draw isn’t ideal, she looks to have plenty of potential. (6) MAPARAM was a fine winner over 1300M at this class on November 5th, making all in a quick time. The engagement of an apprentice jockey keeps the weight down and from a good gate, she should be in this a long way again. (8) CONCORD QUEEN has finished in 6th and 7th in her latest two, but the margins haven’t been big, and she can be a factor here. (4) GEUMA ALLURE and (9) JAKDUKONG are among a lengthy list of other placing contenders.

Selections(11) Wonderful Week (6) Maparam (8) Concord Queen (4) Geuma Allure
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 11

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

A very competitive affair in prospect here. We’ll side with (2) EUNPA CHAMPION, an all the way winner on debut in a fast time over 1000M on November 6th having previously won a trial. He is up in class and up a furlong and a half in distance, but he can be equal to both. (5) NAOL CHEONJI was a winner on debut over 1000M in October and then followed up with a 3rd place over 1300M on her first try at this class on November 5th. She should have benefited from that latter experience, she should be on pace here, and she has every chance. (3) YONGBI SEOUL is another who comes up in class having won on debut, in his case on October 29th when settling handy to the lead and running on over 1000M. He too can measure up in this company. It took (9) SECRET KING a few more goes to get his maiden win but he did it in fine style over 1200M on November 19th and can be competitive. (8) GEOMEUN JILJU another in the hunt.

Selections(2) Eunpa Champion (5) Naol Cheonji (3) Yongbi Seoul (9) Secret King
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

(5) K N POST remains a maiden but it’s about time that changed. She has been consistent across her eight starts to date with her only disappointing recent effort coming when drawn very wide at this trip. She comes in off a strong runner-up finish over 1400M on October 23rd when she settled back and ran on, and today can be her day. (2) WONDERFUL HWASEONG is another maiden. He also comes in off a spin around 1400M when 5th and while he comes up 2.5kg on that effort, he draws a nice gate and can be competitive here. (9) JILJUE BADA beat a coupe of these on his way to 4th place at class and distance on November 5th. He comes in under the same weight and given his running style, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem. (7) GRAND STAR and (3) DOUBLE TAKE among others in the minor money hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 9)

It’s Grand Prix Stakes weekend! The big ace is in Seoul on Sunday but the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9-races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Can Busan’s Korea Cup hero Winner’s Man win the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul on Sunday? (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener and there are two standouts. (6) RUN FIRST settled back and ran on for 3rd on debut over this distance on November 4th. The time wasn’t hugely fast, but he should have come on for the experience and can win here. (1) GOHEUNG CLASS was quicker than Run First when 6th on debut over the same trip on November 11th. She was well back behind a good winner, but she too should have derived benefit from the run and from a better draw can be on pace with every chance. (7) BORA CHAMP debuted in the same race, coming home in 7th place having drawn the widest gate. From a kinder barrier and with a run in her, she can go closer this time. There are four debut makers and (3) MORNING FLOW and (5) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG look to have the most potential for an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Run First (1) Goheung Class (7) Bora Champ (3) Morning Flow
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

More juvenile maidens, this time with seven of the nine racing for the first time. Among them is probable warm favourite (5) ALL OR NOTHING. He sat handy during his trial running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He couldn’t pick a kinder race to debut in and he won’t need to improve much from the trial to win first up here. (8) SUNDAY MONEY is one of the two with prior experience. That was all the way back in July when a well-beaten 8th in a slow time. He had a few months off and after coming back into training, trialled promisingly enough three weeks ago. He can be a different prospect this time around. (4) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA showed on pace in his trial before falling back a little late on. In this company he can be competitive. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN wasn’t quick in her heat but was on pace and beat a couple of these home which is enough to put her in the numbers. (2) BLACK VOLT, the other experienced one, could improve.

Selections(5) All Or Nothing (8) Sunday Money (4) Dahamkkedallija (9) Sky Mountain
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

Maiden fillies. (4) GOLDEN RACER has mixed her form across four outings so far but her two 4th places have been useful, and she has set a time over this distance more than half a second faster than anything else in this field has managed.  An apprentice keeps her carried weight very light and she shapes as the one to beat. (3) TWOTWO FLYING had a trying time on her first try at this distance on November 18th. Her previous form was promising though and from a better draw and an apprentice bringing her down 3kg in the weights, she is worth another chance here. There is one debut-maker. (9) WONDERFUL IMPACT ran on pleasingly enough in her trial in a fair time. There is nothing especially intimidating in this field and a bold first-up showing is possible. (5) GOLDEN CAMP and (6) GOLD CROWN are others who may not necessarily get the gold but can compete for the minors.

Selections(4) Golden Racer (3) Twotwo Flying (9) Wonderful Impact (5) Golden Camp
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

More maiden fillies (and one mare) here. There is one debut maker, and she is probably going to be the favourite. (6) GOLD CHEONSA is from the Kim Young-kwan stable, and she looked extremely competent when stalking the lead in her trial, before going past and crossing the line 1st in a fast time. If she brings that form to the races, she will be very hard to beat. (8) STORM AGAIN has five top-five finishes from seven starts, including a good 3rd over this distance two starts back in a good time. She likes to settle handy or midfield and can run and looks the most logical challenger to the favourite here. (9) MY LULLABY debuted over 1300M and used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to get a forward position before tiring. She should have come on for that run and while drawn wide again can improve. (3) QUEEN ROMANCE and (2) B.K. ROAN others in the frame.

Selections(6) Gold Cheonsa (8) Storm Again (9) My Lullaby (3) Queen Romance
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) DOCTOR PERO has been working up to a win across three races so far and it should come here. At his most recent, he ran on for a good 2nd place over 1400M beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He draws well, the step up to the mile should suit, and he is the one to beat. (4) SKY ARCH comes in off her best finish to date when 4th over 1200M when slow away and settling right back before running on. A bit of distance to play with this time can be in her favour and she can continue to improve. (6) HAMAN BAEKISAN has found some consistency and enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, most recently behind Doctor Pero. He should be there or thereabouts again. (7) LET IT GO and (2) WONDERFUL ROMANCE among others with the potential for better.

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Speed Young Downs Fantastic Kingdom For Juvenile Crown

Fantastic Kingdom came up short in his bid for a clean-sweep of top juvenile races, as Speed Young romped by for a comprehensive victory in the Breeders’ Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Speed Yong wins the Breeders’ Cup – no, not that Breeders’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Having prevailed in the Busan Rookie Stakes, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, Fantastic Kingdom was sent off a slight favourite over the filly Jeulgeounyeojeong who had pushed him all the way in the Gimhae, over the shorter distance of 1200M a month ago.

The filly was scarcely a factor though as Fantastic Kingdom sat on an early pace that was set by Sun Dragon and Lucky Sun. Both “Suns” would fall away quickly as Fantastic Kingdom took up the running three furlongs from home. He looked set to go on, only for Speed Young, who had drawn the widest but one gate and then sat back in the field, to loom up.

With just over a furlong to run, Speed Young sped by and ran on to win by a comfortable five-lengths with Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy 3rd placegetter Nanometa also emerging from the rear to claim 2nd place ahead of a tiring Fantastic Kingdom in 3rd.

The winner, who was racing for just the third time, was sent off slightly in excess of 10/1, fourth overall in the market. The relatively short odds reflected that in addition to his Areumdaun Jilju Stakes 2nd, he was just one of four who had previously won over the 1400M, coming from off the pace and beating a filly in Smarty Dolpung who herself went on to win in fine style on Friday.

Speed Young is from the final crop by Menifee and is out of Tapestry (by Fusaichi Pegasus). He was bred by Nokwon Farm and was purchased for 100 Million Korean Won by owners D R M City at the November 2021 KTBA Yearling Sale – a sale at which D R M signed for five of the top seven sale-toppers. He is trained at Busan by Bang Dong-suk, who sent out Hit Yegam to win two legs of the Triple Crown last year. You Hyun-myung, who rode Hit Yegam to both those wins, also partnered Speed Young.

Given that it was the only Group race on the schedule, the victory was enough to see Speed Young win the Juvenile Series and for Nanometa to leapfrog Fantastic Kingdom to claim 2nd. Only time will tell but the early indications are that this year’s two-year-old crop has been a good one and we could be set for a fascinating Triple Crown series in 2023, which will kick off in April with the KRA Cup Mile.

https://youtu.be/EpZk9V8-Dv0

Next week the Stakes season draws to a close with the traditional season finale of the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man is scheduled to run as is that day’s runner-up and subsequent KRA Cup Classic winner Raon The Fighter. President’s Cup heroine Raon First is also expected to be in the starting gate as is defending champion Haengbok Wangja as well as Simjangui Godong and Dubai Carnival hopeful King Of The Match with seventeen remaining in at this stage.

Breeders’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (December 4)

The title of Champion Juvenile will be decided on Sunday as a full field of sixteen two-year-olds go to post for the Breeders Cup (1200M KOR-G2) at Busan. The big race is race 6 on a 6-race card at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. See here for a full preview of the big race. There is also an 11-race meeting at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Morfhis goes in the feature although the grand galloper faces a weighty task in a competitive class 1 finale. Here are the previews:

SBS Sprint winner Morfhis is in action at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens open proceedings with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (8) SAENAE KHAN, who ran an on-pace 2nd on debut over this distance on October 15th stopping the clock in a fast time. He should have come on for that run and can go one better here. Of the debut-makers, (1) CANDY GLOW looks to be the pick. She ran 3rd in her trial in a fair time all the way back in August. She draws very well here and Moon Se-young – who is in a bit of rut by his standards – being aboard is sure to guarantee her plenty of attention. (4) GEUMSEONG SIDAE has finished 4th in both his starts so far, both at 1000M and both in good times. A repeat will see him in the finish again today. (7) FINAL CHUKJE and (11) RAON AIR FORCE are other potential improvers.

Selections(8) Saenae Khan (1) Candy Glow (4) Geumseong Sidae (7) Final Chukje
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

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

More juvenile maidens, this time with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) NAEGILUI QUEEN ran 4th on debut over this distance in a fast time on October 30th, racing on pace throughout. She draws very nicely to lead again and can go all the way. (9) TIZ INDY was 2nd on debut on October 23rd in the same time as Naegilui Queen achieved. She has a slightly harder ask here from the wide draw, but she looks set to be the main danger. Of the debutants, (5) DREAM PLAY looks the pick. He was on pace in his trial, crossing the line a very close 2nd in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive. (1) GOLD MIGHTY draws a much better gate than he did when 6th on debut and improvement can be expected. (8) SEONGEUN CROWN another who could make progress.

Selections(3) Naegilui Queen (9) Tiz Indy (5) Dream Play (1) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another set of juvenile maidens but with only one first-timer starter. (7) HAYAN WANGJA was a well beaten runner-up behind Farciarz at start number two on November 5th when breaking well before being shuffled back and then running on strongly. The same apprentice jockey keeps his weight nice and low here and he can go one better, facing as he does nothing like that day’s winner this time. (1) NAOL TANK was a solid 4th on debut at 1000M on November 6th, settling back and finishing off well at odds in excess of 130/1. He comes into a better gate today and can be a danger. The solitary debut-maker has Moon up so will have backers. (4) DANGCHAN DAEBO trialled up fairly in November having been very slowly away but finishing off well and the 1200M may suit first-up. (11) MAGUMA was an improved 5th at start number two and along with (10) JARITHAN JAYU, is one who could potentially improve.

Selections(7) Hayan Wangja (1) Naol Tank (4) Dangchan Daebo (11) Maguma
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

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

Three standouts here. (1) NICHOLAS G. ran a good 2nd on debut before being sent off as favourite for his second start over this distance on October 28th. He was on pace that day, ultimately coming home in 3rd place and third-up today and from a good gate, he can be ready to win. (6) YEONGGWANGUI ACE won a trial before beating a couple of these on his way to 2nd place in debut in a fast time over 1000M on October 28th with the highly thought-of Seobu Bigstep the winner. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement, can be a danger here. (8) RAON THE HARLEY debuted at this distance on November 5th, stalking the leader and running on for 2nd in a good time. He too should have come on for the run and can be a factor. (10) SKY PUNCH and debut-maker (5) NAMYANG BOLT are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Nicholas G. (6) Yeonggwangui Ace (8) Raon The Harley (10) Sky Punch
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

It’s hard to look too far past (1) ARGO TAP. He has been consistent across four starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1000M at start number two back in July. He has had two months off since his latest on-pace showing over this distance, he draws well today and Moon Se-young rides. (9) TANGJA has the fastest time for the distance among these. Despite the wide draw, he can get on pace and should be in this a long way. (2) GOLDEN LUCKY has shown improvement across three starts so far and comes in off a 3rd place finish over this distance on November 5th when settling midfield. She is nicely drawn here and shapes as a chance. (7) TWO ACE scored his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on November 6th. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights without an apprentice claim, but a repeat isn’t impossible. (5) GRACE LEE another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Argo Tap (9) Tangja (2) Golden Lucky (7) Two Ace
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

It’s not often we do this, but we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut-maker here. (6) WONDERFUL CHARMER is out of a good race mare and trialled well at the end of October crossing the line an unhurried 2nd. This is not the toughest of races to debut in and a winning start is possible. (11) SPEED MAST has a best of 2nd from thirteen outings, recorded three starts back over 1300M. The draw does him no favours here as he goes best when on pace, but he shouldn’t be too far away. (2) NALA has also managed a runner-up finish, in her case two outings ago over 1000M. She draws nicely here, doesn’t carry much weight, and has claims. (3) AGAIN HELEN and (9) PLAY THE INDY other possible in a race without much depth.

Selections(6) Wonderful Charmer (11) Speed Mast (2) Nala (3) Again Helen
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 9, 8, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) SHINE ON ME ran out a good winner on debut over 1000M on October 16th when handy to the speed throughout. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be insurmountable, and she can maintain her 100% record. (1) INNER PEACE comes in having won at class and distance on October 30th when on pace. She comes up a full 4.5kg in the weights but that’s balanced somewhat by an excellent draw. She has four to-three finishes from six starts and should be there or thereabouts again. (7) DUSON CLASSIC worked hard to get to a forward position from a wide gate before weakening in the closing stages over 1300M on November 6th. The slight drop in trip and the better draw should be more in her favour here. (3) MYEONGJIN CANDY and (11) TROT QUEEN others with minor money hopes.

Selections(8) Shine On Me (1) Inner Peace (7) Duson Classic (3) Myeongjin Candy
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(8) I LOVE HANSEN was a good winner over 1200M at class 6 level in September before running on pace but weakening for 5th place on his first try at class and distance on October 7th. He has since been back to trial, which he won making all in a fast time, and he can be given another chance to come out on top today. That will mean overturning the form on (11) GREAT GO, who ran 3rd in that October 7th race. She has since run 4th over 1300M and while she draws wide, she carries a very light weight and can be a danger. (5) OMEGA GIRL remains winless after thirty-one attempts but has ten top-four finishes, including a last start 3rd at this class over 1300M. She can settle back and run on here. (6) CHOEGANG DUDEURIM and (10) THUNDER CROWN are among others firmly in the placing hunt.

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Fantastic Kingdom Can Sweep Juvenile Slam on Sunday

Fantastic Kingdom can complete an unprecedented sweep of all the year’s top juvenile races when he bids to add the Breeders’ Cup (1200M KOR-G2) to his three already bagged trophies at Busan on Sunday afternoon. But with an embarrassment of riches among the juvenile ranks this year, any victory is going to be hard-earned among a full field of sixteen, who have already racked up twenty-six race victories between them.

Fantastic Kingdom and Jeulgeounyeojeong will clash again on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

First to deal with those who are not there. Betelgeuse has been sent a different route, tackling 1800M and winning up at class 4 level last weekend as he is targeted to emulate stablemate Winner Star’s successful Derby campaign. Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy winner Saenae Town likewise swerves the race having only returned to training just over a week ago.

Of the sixteen who will line up on Sunday as Busan and Seoul’s best two-year-olds meet for the first time having been in separate races for the lead-up, eight are from the home track and eight have travelled down from Seoul. Very few could be said to be without a chance but the one to beat is FANTASTIC KINGDOM.

After running 3rd on debut, Fantastic Kingdom won second-up and then preceded to win the Busan Rookie Stakes, the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, all over 1200M. He steps up to the 1400M for the first time but is well drawn and will be hard to beat again.

Seoul’s Rookie Stakes was won by GIANT PUNCH, who ran on after racing handy to the lead. He hasn’t raced since his 3rd place in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy on October 2nd when he was hampered slightly at the start before settling midfield and running on well. He will need some luck from the relatively wide barrier but looks suited to 1400M.

Filly JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG was a winner at this distance in a fast time in class 4 company at the end of September before running a huge race when a close 2nd to Fantastic Kingdom in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. She’s never finished any worse than 2nd and is a big chance here.  

Then there is SUN DRAGON. A winner at class 5 over 1300M, he led almost the entire way around in the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy, only to be denied by Saenae Town in the shadow of the post. He gets a fantastic draw on the inside here and he shouldn’t be ruled out.

Plenty of others are in the money frame as well. LUCKY SUN is the only one in the race with an unbeaten record as he comes in two for two with the second of those having been over this distance. Another 1400M winner is NAOL SNIPER. Along with SPEED YOUNG, who was 2nd in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes, he was the wide draw to contend with but can’t be ruled out.

The Breeders’ Cup is the concluding race on a six-race program at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:40. There are also eleven races at Seoul on Sunday.

Selections: (5) Fantastic Kingdom (11) Giant Punch (6) Jeolgeounyeojeong (2) Lucky Sun

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 3)

The capital city’s December schedule gets underway on Saturday with a 10-race program from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews for what threatens to be a snowy day:

There probably won’t be this much snow

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

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with three racing for the first time and all of them tackling the six furlongs for the first time. (8) COMPLETE ANGEL will be a warm favourite. Having won a trial, she ran 6th on debut and then an improved 4th on her second start, both at 1000M and both in good times. The additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) MOONHAK EDEN also won her trial but could manage no better than 8th on debut on September 17th. She has had a couple of months off since then, draws well and can be a different prospect today. (2) FOUR ACE was quick on debut in August but had a tough time second-up a month later. She has been back to trial since then and looks worth another chance here with the additional distance likely to suit. (4) SEONGSIL PINK can also improve on her debut performance while of the first timers, (5) SPO BULPAE looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(8) Complete Angel (3) Moonhak Eden (2) Four Ace (4) Seongsil Pink
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 10

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

(4) RAON THE QUALITY has hinted at ability across three starts so far with a 4th over 1000M her best. At her latest start at this trip on November 5th, she got a bit far back from a wide draw before rallying and from a much better gate this time, she can go much closer. (1) WONDERFUL TIZZY’s latest two outings have been much better than the bare fact of her 6th placed finishes suggest, posting a time faster than any of his rivals here have managed for the distance. An apprentice takes 3kg off his back and from a great draw he should be a big factor. (10) WONDERFUL MUSIC has only missed the top-five on one occasion from six starts. Her latest two have been her best with 2nd and 3rd place finishes both at 1300M and both times having led. The draw is not ideal but if she can find a handy position, she can be in this a long way. (9) CHOEGANG MIRAE was well-backed on his return from six months out at the end of October but didn’t make an impact. He can strip fitter here. (6) CHIMING BOY another in the frame.

Selections(4) Raon The Quality (1) Wonderful Tizzy (10) Wonderful Music (9) Choegang Mirae
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

It’s hard to look too far past (6) GLOBAL KANGTA here. He’s shown steady improvement across four starts to date culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on October 29th when settling midfield and running on, stopping the clock in a good time. A similar run here would make him hard to beat. (8) SPRING WATER has shown significant improvement in his latest two appearances, both over 1200M and both times leading for much of the way around. He can be on pace again here and be in this a long way. (1) STAND BY ME returned from eight months out to run 6th of twelve in a good time over this distance on November 13th. He should strip fitter for that run and get closer here. (7) RAON THE FLATTER and (2) ARCH RIVER are among others who can be in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Global Kangta (8) Spring Water (1) Stand By Me (7) Raon The Flatter
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

Another warm favourite here in the shape of (7) MAGIC HOUR. A winner on debut over 1000M in October, he then ran a creditable 5th of eleven in the Listed Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy at this distance on November 6th. He comes back into shallower waters today and should prove too strong. (3) KING MOUNTAIN is yet to win in twelve attempts but has several near misses including a good 2nd place at class and distance in September. He likes to be on pace so is drawn well here and can be in this a long way. (2) POWER K returns to action for the first time since March. Before his lengthy layoff he was a winner over 1000M at class 6 level before running 3rd at 1200M and 1300M at this class. He looked well when leading in a November trial, crossing the line in a fast time and a bold showing first-up here is possible. (8) BEAT UP is up in class following a good maiden win at his distance last time out. (5) DESK TAP another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(7) Magic Hour (3) King Mountain (2) Power K (8) Beat Up
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Fillies only here and (8) MENI GOLD gets the nod. She stepped up to this distance last time out on what was his second go at this level, and he ran well, finishing a close 4th in a good time having sat handy throughout. With the small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can win here. (4) BOLD AGAIN is rapidly up in class having won her latest two at 1200M and 1300M, racing prominently in both and proving too strong. This is harder again, but she comes in very nicely weighted and from a good draw can get to the lead and stay on. (1) MAGIC GRACE is a three-time winner and was given her chance in the Korean Oaks this summer. She has won at this distance and can be a danger here. (7) CUPID JUMBO and (2) BS ENERGY others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 2)

December’s racing kicks off on Friday with a 9-race card at Busan from 1230 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) SEVEN QUEEN debuted over 1200M on November 6th and raced fairly for 6th of ten. She should strip fitter for that experience and just about goes on top here. First time starter (5) HARMON was on pace in her trial crossing the line in 3rd place in a good time. She draws well to get forward here and if she can bring similar form to the races, she can go close. (1) THEIA has been through three trials since the summer and has held her form. Th most recent of those was last week when she settled handy and ran on and she should be nice and race-fit first-up. (12) YONGSANG UNGI and (3) DAEHO NARA among others in the frame.

Selections(6) Seven Queen (5) Harmon (1) Theia (12) Yongsang Ungi
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Since returning from almost a year out in October, (2) YEOSU TORNADO looks to be figuring things out. He’s run 4th in both his two starts since coming back, both at this trip and both in decent times. He draws nicely here, can settle just behind the early leaders and third-up he can prove too strong. (4) BLUE ICON has shown steady progress across three starts so far, culminating with a 2nd place last time out over 1000M when handy throughout. She comes up in distance for the first time but that shouldn’t be an issue and she can be a danger here. Also up in trip for the first time is (6) NINE FORCE ONE. She has a best of 3rd from her three outings and she too should be close. (5) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (8) DOCTOR KONGDOLI are other placing hopes.

Selections(2) Yeosu Tornado (4) Blue Icon (6) Nine Force One (5) Seogyeong Daero
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A competitive race. (7) HIDDEN CHARLIE is probably favourite. She is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has had some near misses including a decent 2nd over this distance two starts back. She comes in having run 5th over 1400M last time out in what was a very close finish and a good time, and today can be her day. (1) USEUNG YEOGEOL is another non-winner but comes up in class after a couple of solid runs at this distance. Her times have been good and under a very light weight, she can measure up here. (10) MARKAB is up in class following a good win at this distance on November 11th when he sat handy and ran on strongly. He has the challenge of a wide draw today but can be competitive. (3) GAMDONG ENERGY and (4) SEOBU QUEEN among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Hidden Charlie (1) Useung Yeogeol (10) Markab (3) Gamdong Energy
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(7) WORLD FLOWER is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but has no fewer than eleven top-five finishes to her name including last time out in an all-filly race over this distance when she settled back and ran on for 2nd. She can do similarly here and will be a big danger late on. (9) SMARTY DOLPUNG comes in off a smart 2nd place over 1400M on November 6th when close to the pace throughout. She comes up 2kg for that but is still nicely weighted and can be on pace and in this a long way. Also on pace should be (6) GOLD ROSE. After a winning debut, she lost her way a little but was a solid 5th last time out and could be coming back into form. (1) HONOR QUEEN and (10) FIRST PARK are among others to consider for the places.

Selections(7) World Flower (9) Smarty Dolpung (6) Gold Rose (1) Honor Queen
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

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

It’s time for (11) YONGCHEON to get back in the winner’s circle. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at this class and distance and with three of today’s rivals down the track behind him on November 11th. He draws wide but his racing style suggests that shouldn’t be too much of a problem and he is the one to beat here. (6) INSATIABLE has struggled a little in two attempts at this class since getting her maiden win three starts back. She comes up in trip today and it could be what she needs to back in form. (2) WISH LUCK led over 1800M last time out before weakening badly in the closing stages. She is a winner at this distance though and can be given another chance today. (5) DIA FORCE and (8) ALPHA HEART are among other sin the minor money frame.

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