There is Sunday racing scheduled for both Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and at Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). The forecast is for heavy rain. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maidens with all eleven racing for the very first time. The probable favourite is (1) BUNDANG TSUNAMI. He showed close to the pace in his trial, crossing the line in midfield in a fair time. From the inside gate, he should be able to get to the lead here and he has as much chance as any. (5) TAEPYEONG HERO went through a couple of trials, running an improved 4th on a wet track in the second of them. If he can continue with that trajectory, he can go close here. (4) JECHUK IHO ran a very close 2nd in his heat, coming from off the pace. The time wasn’t quick, but it is enough to put him in the mix here. (11) GREAT STORM and (7) YEOWANG SOCKS, the latter trailing up in the same heat as Bundang Tsunami, are others who hinted at ability.
| Selections | (1) Bundang Tsunami (5) Taepyeong Hero (4) Jechuk Iho (11) Great Storm |
| Next Best | 7, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 5, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(6) BEAT RACER beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over 1300M on June 18th. That was his best finish to date and continued a pattern of steady improvement. Like all but two of the field, he steps up to 1400M for the first time and with Moon Se-young climbing on, today can be his day. (2) VILLARRICA took a few goes to figure things out but has picked up in his recent two with a 2nd and a 4th. Both at 1200M. He finished off well both times and the step up to 1400M could work in his favour. (5) ONE SPEAR enters off a best to date result of 2nd over 1300M on July 1st. He is another who comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (10) SAVANA CHARLIE loves coming 4th and has every chance of doing that again. (1) EFFEL TAP another in the placing frame.
| Selections | (6) Beat Racer (2) Villarrica (5) One Spear (10) Savana Charlie |
| Next Best | 1, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 8, 9 |
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. That one with prior experience is (3) CHAMSARANGGIL, who having won a trail in May debuted on June 11th over 1200M where she raced handily and briefly hit the front before eventually finishing 2nd. She has had six weeks off since then, but she should have derived benefit from the experience and has every chance of going one better. (7) BORN DIA won her trial having run on pace, stopping the clock in a good time on a wet track. She can be expected to be on pace here and can put in a bold showing first up. The same applies to (4) MY MELODY. She led for much of the way around before being overtaken and ultimately ran 2nd. It’s fair to say that trial winner hasn’t shown much in three starts but nevertheless, My Melody can be on the speed and in this a long way. (2) ROAD STAR and (8) GEUMA PRECEDE are others in the frame.
| Selections | (3) Chamsaranggil (7) Born Dia (4) My Melody (2) Road Star |
| Next Best | 8, 9 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) JUMONG CHEONHA remains a maiden after six attempts but has finished in the top-four on no fewer than five occasions. That includes his latest two, at 1200M and 1300M when running on for 3rd and 4th, and the slight step up to 1400M today could be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough against a limited set of rivals. (3) DOLBAE has plenty of experience at the level and while here recent form reads rather ordinary, she has posted some fast times in better company than this. From a good draw she can be on what passes or the speed here and can go close. (10) FLYING LIGHT ran a good 2nd at this class over 1300M two starts back and the margins weren’t huge when he was beaten into 7th last time out. He has a strong finish on him, and the wide draw shouldn’t matter. (11) STAR PRINCSSS and (2) BICHUICA others in the frame.
| Selections | (8) Jumong Cheonha (3) Dolbae (10) Flying Light (11) Star Princess |
| Next Best | 2, 4 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 7, 8 |
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(11) GANGSEO BULPAE won an April trial and then ran a close 2nd on debut on June 25th almost making all over this distance and stopping the clock in a significantly quicker time than any of the others here have managed. She should have come on for that run and while she is drawn wider than ideal, she is the one to beat. (10) HANEUL HAETSAL has a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, both over 1300M and both times having raced on pace. She too received no favours from the draw but with a touch of luck at the start, if she can find a decent position, she should be in the finish. (5) FIRST MENI has finished off her last couple of races well and she steps up to 1300M for the first time. She is third-up this preparation having missed the entire first half of the year and she could be peaking fitness-wise. Solitary debut-maker (1) FIRST KOREA was an on-pace 2nd in a good time in his trial and in this company must be given a chance first-up. (9) URI DAHAMKKE another in the placing frame.
| Selections | (11) Gangseo Bulpae (10) Haneul Haetsal (5) First Meni (1) First Korea |
| Next Best | 9, 7 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 9, 11 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) SPECIALTIME was a winner on debut over 1200M on June 17th when she overcame gate ten to sit behind the speed and then ran on well. She comes up in class and slightly in distance here, but she comes into a better gate and with some natural improvement from that first run, she can maintain her 100% record. The main danger is (2) BURUI KKOT. She is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has five runner-up finishes to her name, including her latest on June 18th. She is well drawn; she has run good times at this distance and today could be her day. (7) BIG BLED comes up in class having secured her maiden win at start number three on May 28th when she scored by a full seven-lengths over 1200M. This is tougher but the manner of that win suggests that there may be more to come. (4) HWANGGEUMKKOT and (8) DORIPO among plenty of others with placing claims in a competitive race.
| Selections | (6) Specialtime (2) Burui Kkot (7) Big Bled (4) Hwanggeumkkot |
| Next Best | 8, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 6, 8, 11 |
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Two juveniles come up in class here, both one for one and they will be at the head of the market. (1) GREAT WINNER won by eight-lengths on debut over 1000M on June 23rd having overcome gate eleven to settle behind the speed and win going away. It’s the way he finished off that race that gives him a very slight edge over the extended trip today. (4) BAEKDUUI KKUM won by eight-lengths on debut over 1000M on June 9th having overcome gate ten to make all. Her time was quick on a dry track, and she had previously won a trial as well. She has a 1.5kg weight advantage over Great Winner and there is every chance it will be her who preserves her unbeaten record. (6) SEOGWI CHUKJE is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has six top-three finishes. She can settle midfield and run into some money again. (5) TWO TWO LIME and (8) CHEONHA NUMBER ONE the best of the rest.
| Selections | (1) Great Winner (4) Baekduui Kkum (6) Seogwi Chukje (5) Two Two Lime |
| Next Best | 8, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 4, 8 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) GEUMBITMA comes in having won at class and distance on June 18th, starting slowly and settling right back before going on to score well with three of today’s rivals back down the track behind him. He comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights but that is balanced somewhat by Moon Se-young climbing on, and he can go back-to-back here. (2) JEOLDAE GACHI too comes in off a last start win at this class, in his case over 1200M on June 11th. He comes up in weight to the tune of 4.5kg but he draws nicely, and he can maintain his excellent start to his career that has seen him no worse than 4th in his five starts. (8) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS was one of those beaten by Geumbitma on June 18th. Prior to that she was going well with a pair of 2nd places over 1400M, and she can be given another chance here. (4) TEUKGEUP DAERO and (9) GEUMA FIERY are others to keep safe.
| Selections | (7) Geumbitma (2) Jeoldae Gachi (8) Youngyoung Socks (4) Teukgeup Daero |
| Next Best | 9, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 8, 10 |
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG is still a maiden, but he comes up in class following three very solid efforts. Resulting in two 3rd place finishes and a 2nd at 1200M and 1300M. He is slightly up in distance, but his running style suggests that shouldn’t be an issue and from a good gate and down in the weights, he can measure up here. (8) POWER PLANE was beaten by Seungniuiyeongung two starts back but comes up in class having secured his maiden win over this distance on June 18th when settling just behind the speed. He comes down in weight and should be close. (5) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN comes in off a solid 4th place at this class over 1300M on June 9th, her first start since getting a much-needed class drop. She can match or better that here. (6) PEGACORN and (10) SEONGSIL YANGGU among others with minor money claims.
| Selections | (3) Seungniuiyeongung (8) Power Plane (5) Haman Yeohangsan (6) Pegacorn |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 5, 10 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(11) MILLION PARTY debuted fairly last November but didn’t return to action until May of this year. She won on her return over this distance on May 14th and then followed it up with another victory, again at 1200M, on June 17th, both times making all. That brings her rapidly up two classes, but she looks to have plenty of potential, and while the wide gate is far from ideal, she can complete her hat-trick here. (2) NAMSAN JUMONG is yet to win in seven but enters off a strong 3rd place at class and distance on June 11th when settling in midfield and running on. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but should be competitive again in this company. The wildcard is (6) BULGOM MADRE. She put together two runner-up finishes at class 6 and then a win at class 5 at the turn of the year but hasn’t raced since. She looked to have talent and she trialled well at the end of June. She will probably need this, but she carries a light weight and can go well first up. (1) COMPLETE FORCE and (5) ECTON JILJU the other logical place chances.
| Selections | (11) Million Party (2) Namsan Jumong (6) Bulgom Madre (1) Complete Force |
| Next Best | 5, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 5, 11 |
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) QUALITY QUEEN enters having won at class and distance on June 11th when settling behind the leaders and then running on to score narrowly. An apprentice jockey being engaged means that she carries a very light weight again, she has the fastest time among these at the distance, and she has every chance of going back-to-back here. (3) CUTE GUY has finished 4th in both tries at this class since being promoted following a smart win over 1200M in April. Last time out he led for much of the way over a mile and from a good draw, he can be on pace here and the drop back to 1400M can be in his favour. (5) GEUMA GOOD POINT saw an uptick in form to run 2nd at class and distance on June 25th. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and can be competitive again. (1) HAVE A GOOD DAY and (4) TAEYANG EUTTEUM others to consider for the minors.
| Selections | (8) Quality Queen (3) Cute Guy (5) Geuma Good Point (1) Have A Good Day |
| Next Best | 4, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 4, 8 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million
(7) BULUI NALGAE comes in off a last start 2nd place over 1400M when settling back and running on strongly. He comes up 2kg in the weights but the step up to two turns can suit and he looks to be the one to beat here. (1) PERFECT GUN MAN was a class and distance winner in April and while he has been a bit ordinary in two subsequent outings, he comes into a much better gate today. He carries his fair share of weight, but he can go much closer here. (8) BUL HWASAN enters in consistent form with two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three, all at class and distance. He tends to leave himself a bit much to do, but if he can be positioned within striking range, then he can go close. (2) CHOEGO POINT and (3) WONDERFUL JOY the other main placing chances.
| Selections | (7) Bului Nalgae (1) Perfect Gun Man (8) Bul Hwasan (2) Choego Point |
| Next Best | 3, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 5, 9 |
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) WORLD CLASS CAT has achieved the somewhat dubious distinction of being promoted two classes despite not having a win on the board. She does though have seven top-three finishes from her eight starts so far and while she comes up to the mile for the first time, she can go close again. The probable favourite is (8) ROAD TO GLORY. He won back-to-back races at 1400M in March and May to get rapidly promoted to this class before finishing midfield on his first try at it on June 16th. He comes up to a mile for the first time; it can suit, and he is worth another chance. (5) INFINITY POWER enters following a class and distance score on June 23rd when settling midfield and running on strongly. She comes up a full 4kg as a result, but her recent form has been consistent, and she shouldn’t be dismissed. (3) LIGHT SABER and (6) WONDERFUL BOBCAT should be in the hunt for the minors.
| Selections | (2) World Class Cat (8) Road To Glory (5) Infinity Power (3) Light Saber |
| Next Best | 6, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 6, 7, 8 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million
(6) MENI ACE has been ultra consistent at this level and comes in following a close runner-up finish at class and distance on June 25th. She does come up 2.5kg in the weights but in this company, she can be ridden on pace or handy and she can return to the winner’s circle. (11) TES GO DAEBO similarly comes in with recent form reading well. He was 3rd to Meni Ace’s 2nd in that June 25th race, settling last before making up excellent ground in the closing stages. He too carries his fair share of weight but should be coming on strong late again. (7) K N POST returned from five months out to run 4th at class and distance in May. He has had a further couple of months off since but should be in the mix here. (9) RAON THE CHARLIE comes up in class but down in weight following a good win at 1400M on June 10th and looks ready for another crack at two turns. (8) GREEN POKJU comes in off a narrow class and distance win on June 10th and he too should measure up in this company.
| Selections | (6) Meni Ace (11) Tes Go Daebo (7) K N Post (9) Raon The Charlie |
| Next Best | 8, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 5, 6 |
Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 75 Million
Competitive finale on the south coast. We’ll take a chance on (1) K GOLD BAR. He won three in a row between March and May and was sent off as favourite when set to race against plenty of these n his first try at this class on June 18th. However, he reared up as the gates opened and left his jockey behind. He has since trialled up well and we will give him another chance. (7) STAR MATTA came home in 3rd place in that June 18th race. He is a class and distance winner this year and can be a big danger here. (6) B.J. CHIEF comes in having won at class and distance on July 7th. He comes up 4kg in the weights this time but Seo Seung-un climbs on and he shouldn’t be dismissed. (5) TOP MATE was 2nd in the June 18th race having led for much of the way around and he can aim to do similar again. (3) LUCAS SON another in the hunt.
| Selections | (1) K Gold Bar (7) Star Matta (6) B.J. Chief (5) Top Mate |
| Next Best | 3, 10 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 5, 10 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (2000M) Special Weight B / KRW 90 Million
Having run 3rd in the Listed Sports Chosun over this distance in early May, (8) CHOEGO BLACK returned to the winner’s circle on June 24th when beating four of these over 1900M, settling midfield and running on. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he will be a short-priced favourite to win again. (3) NAMSAN SIDAE was 2nd in that June 24th race, continuing a positive run of form. That’s twice in a row he has been beaten by Choego Black and while despite a 2kg weight swing he may not overturn that form he should be on pace from a good gate and prove tricky to pass again. (10) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA was a winner at this class over 1800M in April. This is his first start since, and the wide draw does him no favours, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (5) LUCKY WORLD and (9) ACE HAMSEONG others in the money hunt.
| Selections | (8) Choego Black (3) Namsan Sidae (10) Orae Hamkkehaja (5) Lucky World |
| Next Best | 9, 1 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 7, 10 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
It took (5) BAEDARI WANGJA eight tries to get his maiden win, but he clearly enjoyed it as he promptly followed up with two more, all at 1400M. That brings him rapidly up in grade from class 6 to class 3 in the space of three races and he also comes up to the mile for the first time. He is nicely weighted, is drawn well and a four-timer isn’t impossible. (2) MAGIC HOUR was a class and distance winner on June 11th. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but it’s still not too high and from a great draw, he has every chance of following up. (8) WOLF PLAY has mixed his form over ten starts but has proven to have plenty of ability. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (10) SEONGSIL MONEY and (6) ICE STAR among others in the hunt in a competitive finale.
| Selections | (5) Baedari Wangja (2) Magic Hour (8) Wolf Play (10) Seongsil Money |
| Next Best | 6, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 4, 8 |
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