Month: August 2023

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

September’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. The two that have raced already didn’t exactly pull up trees on their respective debuts, so we’ll go for the first timers. (4) TEAM PERFECT is the pick having run an on-pace 2nd in her trial, stopping the clock in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance first-up here. (5) DAESUNG FLY won her trial in fine fashion running on pace and finishing well in a good time. Just like Team Perfect, if she brings that to the races, she won’t be far away. (12) GEUMA REJOICE ran 2nd in her trial in a fair time. The way she came from off the pace suggests the wide draw won’t be a problem and she is from a top stable. (10) CHRYSOL HERO has raced once and can improve while the amusingly named (11) WORLD THUNDER MAN is another debut maker who can put in a bold showing.

Selections(4) Team Perfect (5) Daesung Fly (12) Geuma Rejoice (10) Chrysol Hero
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A competitive maiden. (2) BRAVE CAPTAIN has progressed across five starts so far, and enters off back-to-back 2nd places, most recently over this distance on July 30th when settling midfield before improving to sit behind the speed and run on well. She draws well here, and today can be her day. (5) SPRIT FIGHTER races for just the second time. He raced handy throughout his debut over 1000M on August 11th, ultimately finishing in 4th place. He should have derived benefit from that run, the additional trip can suit, and he should be showing some improvement here. (1) HAERANG ISEUL has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far, most recently in 3rd over this distance on July 2nd. She draws very nicely to be on pace here and should be close once more. (6) THE ONE and (8) HAEUNDAE STAR are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Brave Captain (5) Sprit Fighter (1) Haerang Iseul (6) The One
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden. Jockey Lee Sung-jae has been in good form of late and he could pick up another win here in the shape of (5) WONDERFUL ONE. He has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, racing handy both times and stopping the clock in good fashion. He won’t need to improve much to win here. The boldly named (11) NUMBERONEPICK did precisely nothing on debut being slowly away and continuing to be slow throughout. He has though been back to trial since then (it may not appear in all race cards, so beware), and looked much better, overcoming gate twelve to get on pace and ran very close in a good time. If he can translate that form to the races, then he is right in this. (3) MACH TURBO showed significant improvement when 3rd at start number three over this distance on July 29th and can maintain that momentum here. (7) JEONGMUN LEGEND needs a line drawn though his latest and along with (5) GREAT BOY, is another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Wonderful One (11) Numberonepick (3) Mach Turbo (7) Jeongmun Legend
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Two standouts here. The Bart Rice and Seo Seung-un connection is enough to make us side with (3) JEONGMUN SPECTER. He remains a maiden after five starts but has four top-four finishes and while he last raced in April, he looked very well when winning a trial in a quick time on a good-rated track on August 19th. So long as he didn’t leave his race there – and he has had almost two weeks to recover – he looks a big chance here. The main danger is (4) CHARON TODAY. She comes up in class following a maiden win at start number two over this distance on July 29th. That was her first run since her nondescript debut last October and she should strip fitter for it. Expect her to be on pace and in this a long way. (9) HWARANG SKY has outperformed her odds in her latest two and under a light weight, warrants respect here. (8) DONGNAM WINNER and (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Jeongmun Specter (4) Charon Today (9) Hwarang Sky (8) Dongnam Winner
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6
(more…)

Rookie Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (August 27)

This year’s juveniles get their first opportunities to run for serious prizes on Sunday as both Seoul and Busan hold their “Rookie Stakes” races, the lead in to the Juvenile Series this autumn. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:40 to 17:00. Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong will also be in action in Busan’s Class 1 finale. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with three of the ten racing for the first time. There’s no clear favourite so we’ll go with (4) GREAT STORM at what could be a decent price. He overcame gate eleven to run a decent 4th on debut over 1000M on July 23rd, when settling just behind the speed and running on. The time wasn’t especially quick but the step up in trip can suit and he has as good a chance as any. (5) HWASANGWIHWAN won a May trail and then following an indifferent debut was an improved 5th of eleven over this distance on July 16th racing on pace. He looks nicely in here and should be a danger. (1) EUNPA SARANG was a fair 5th in debut in July and should have come on for the run. (7) YEOWANG SOCKS and first-time starter (2) WONDERFUL JET others in the frame.

Selections(4) Great Storm (5) Hwasangwihwan (1) Eunpa Sarang (7) Yeowang Socks
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

The stable has zero wins from 135 starters so far in 2023 but that really should change here with (4) NAOL SIDAE. He comes in off a much-improved 2nd place at start number two on June 10th when settling midfield and running on in a good time. He draws nicely and today should be his day. Should the unthinkable happen and the losing streak continue, it’s most likely to be at the hands of (2) JANGHEUNG CLASS. He enters having run 4th on July 22nd despite losing a lot of ground around the turn when resenting kickback and racing ungenerously. He’s been back to trial since then and with a more mature performance here, he can be a danger. (5) TESTA BLUE was a touch disappointing last time out but based on his 2nd place over this distance in early July is worth another chance here. Debut-maker (8) TOJONG GLORY along with (7) NEW POINT are other possibles for minor money.

Selections(4) Naol Sidae (2) Jangheung Class (5) Testa Blue (8) Tojong Glory
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the South Coast with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) HIT SOCKS debuted on July 30th over 1000M and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a strong 2nd in a quick time coming from off the pace. The way he finished off suggests that the additional furlong can only be in his favour, and he can win this. (3) OVER ENERGY debuted in the same race overcoming a wide draw to run on for 3rd, just half a length behind Hit Socks. He too should have come on for the run and can go close again. (11) GLOBAL TAEYANG was a quick 2nd over 1000M on her debut on July 21st. She showed a really good turn of foot late on and she is another who the extra trip should suit. (5) GEUMA PRECEDE and (9) ROAD STAR, who debuted together on July 23rd, are among others to consider.

Selections(4) Hit Socks (3) Over Energy (11) Global Taeyang (5) Geuma Precede
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

This is a competitive maiden. (7) SMART SOCKS just about gets the verdict having steadily gotten closer in her latest few culminating in 2nd place at this distance in a good time on August 5th when leading for most of the way around and she can go one better today. (10) BEAT RACER has been similarly knocking on the door in recent efforts which include a runner-up finish two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young is engaged again, and the pair are sure to have plenty of backers. (12) NAOL JEONGSANG debuted on Christmas Day last year, running a decent 4th but then wasn’t seen again until a month ago. He should strip fitter for that comeback run and can be a factor here. (3) FLYING ZEST and (9) SMART CLAIR look to be the logical other placing hopes.

Selections(7) Smart Socks (10) Beat Racer (12) Naol Jeongsang (3) Flying Zest
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive race with two standouts.  Humbly named (7) THE BEST EVER enters off a smart runner-up finish at what was his fourth career start on July 30th when racing handy throughout. He is one of only two in the race to have tackled this distance before and he can use that experience to his advantage here. (2) CORNER ONE shapes as the danger. He’s finished 5th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. He has finished off his races very smartly and the additional furlong should be exactly what he needs to get closer. (9) HOTFLEX raced twice last autumn without distinction but returned in July following nine months off and ran a good 2nd over 1200M. He should have derived benefit from that run and can be competitive here. (11) GRAY BOSS and (3) ANOTHER ONE are other ones to keep safe.

(more…)

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

Seoul returns to a daytime schedule on Saturday with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. The exposed form isn’t very good so we will side with debut-makers. (3) USEUNG CONCORD will be favourite. A half-brother to many winners, most notably the prolific Mirae Yeongung, he ran 2nd in a July trial, settling midfield and running on well. The time wasn’t quick, but he looked accomplished enough and with Moon Se-young up, he will be expected to win first-up here. (4) SEGWANG FIGHTER was similarly a close 2nd in his heat also having settled midfield from a wide gate. He won’t need to improve much on that to go close here. (1) GEUMSE posted a fair time in his heat and looks the best of the rest at this stage. (7) EUNPA PARTNER is another first-timer who hinted at ability in his trial while among the three who have raced already, (9) BAEDARI HYANGGI looks the most likely to improve.

Selections(3) Useung Concord (4) Segwang Fighter (1) Geumse (7) Eunpa Partner
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden although this half has just four of twelve racing for the first time. (1) RAON THE TAP ran 2nd on debut in a similar race at this distance on July 15th when he overcame gate eleven to run on well. He has a much better draw this time around and can be on pace this time and can win. That will mean overturning the form on (7) NAEGILUI WINNER, who ran 2nd in that July 15th race on what was also his debut. He led for much of the way around and will be aiming to do similar here. (5) JECHUK IHO ran close to Raon The Tap in a trial and then ran a good 2nd on debut in a quick time on July 23rd, racing on pace throughout. Like the others he should have derived benefit from that and shouldn’t be far away. Of the first timers, (8) LUCKY PARTY is the pick, having improved in the second of two trials in July. (6) SEOUL DOLPUNG, the only one to have raced twice, the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Raon The Tap (7) Naegilui Winner (5) Jechuk Iho (8) Lucky Party
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Valuable maiden for imported juveniles (northern hemisphere) and three-year-olds (southern). We’ll take a chance on a couple of debut-makers in the shape of (11) UWANGRYUNG. The Tapwrit colt won a trial very handily at the beginning of the month leading all the way around and while the draw is a touch wider than ideal, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) DREAM ISLE also goes around for the first time. He went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them on August 4th (which may not appear on all race cards as it wasn’t a mandatory trial). Moon Se-young’s presence aboard will ensure he is well backed and with some more improvement he can be a danger. As for those with experience, (2) POWER PALIYEONG showed not to rely too much on trial performances as he was the longest shot on the board on debut on July 22nd but defied that to finish a good 2nd over 1000M. He ran through the line well and the step up in trip may suit. (10) ENDING FIRE and (4) SINUI EREUM others who may improve.

Selections(11) Uwangryung (6) Dream Isle (2) Power Paliyeong (10) Ending Fire
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A weak maiden. (12) HAYAN TAEYANG improved to 4th at start number two all the way back in May. She hasn’t raced since but with Antonio climbing on, that’s enough for her to go on top here. She ran on in both her races so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win. (8) DAMJAENGI ARGO has finished 4th or 5th in five of seven starts. She has posted fair times and she should be claiming a best to date finish here. (4) YONGBICHEON managed a 3rd place two starts back over this trip when racing handy. The same apprentice who rode her that day returns so she comes in carrying just 50kg and she should be in the hunt. (6) MENI WIN and (7) ARCH CLASS others to consider in a very modest affair.

Selections(12) Hayan Taeyang (8) Damjaengi Argo (4) Yongbicheon (6) Meni Win
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) WINNER DRAGON is the one to beat here. His best finish was two starts back when a close 2nd over 1200M having settled back and run on and he followed that up with a fair 5th over 1300M on August 6th. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and it could well be what he needs to make the breakthrough. (6) JECHUK ILHO has a 3rd place to his name over this trip and while he could only manage 7th on his most recent start, he did finish ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. In this limited field, he shapes as the main danger. (8) CHOEGANG NICE was one of those behind Jechuk Ilho last time out. He tends to get a bit far back in his races, but he has a good finish on him and if in striking range, he can pass plenty late one. (2) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (9) YEJIMONG others in the minor money frame.

(more…)

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

It’s back to daytime schedules from this week. Racing gets underway on Friday at Busan with 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Twelve unraced juveniles. (9) LAST DRAGON will be favourite having run 2nd in a trial in a quick time. He was on pace throughout and will be expected to lead and go all the way here. (8) DIA GRIT went through two trials, just scraping through the first in May but winning the second on July 22nd when she settled just behind the early leaders and ran on pleasingly. Like the other fillies, she gets a nice weight allowance here and can go well first-up. (2) STRIDING MAN wen through three trials and by the third of them in July, looked to be getting the hang of things, sitting handy and running on for 4th in a good time. From a nice draw he can do similar here. (7) STRIKE ZONE beat a couple of today’s rivals when winning a trial on July 15th. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest he has some ability. (4) HANEULPYEONGJEONG another who did well in trials.   

Selections(9) Last Dragon (8) Dia Grit (2) Striding Man (7) Strike Zone
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) AJANTA came from off the pace to run 5th in a decent time over 1000M on debut on July 21st. She should have come on for that run, the additional furlong can suit, and she has winning claims here. The main danger is (1) KING FIGHTER. He’s raced twice before, improving in the second of them on July 30th when leading for much of the way around over today’s trip and ultimately coming home a close 4th. From a good draw, he should be on pace again and once more in it a long way. (7) AMBITIOUS GIRL debuted in the same race as Ajanta, coming home in 5th place, just half a length behind the selection. She too should have derived benefit from the experience and can make more progress. Debut-maker (10) DOCTOR LICA trialled up well and along with (8) DREAM WAY is another to consider.

Selections(2) Ajanta (1) King Fighter (7) Ambitious Girl (10) Doctor Lica
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) DREAM RUN will be a warm favourite. Her recent form has been consistent, and he has shown aptitude for a mile with a 2nd and a 3rd in her latest two, most recently on July 30th when close to the pace throughout and beating a few of today’s rivals. A similar run here should see her win. (4) WITH STAR also beat a few of these when 3rd over 1400M on July 30th. That continued a pattern of improvement and while she was beaten by Dream Run two starts back, she should go close. (12) DOCTOR WICKY has mixed his form so far but the step up in trip can suit. Despite the wide draw he can be expected to be on the pace, and he may make for some interest at an each-way price. (11) RUN TO KING and (7) STORMY DAY are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Dream Run (4) With Star (12) Doctor Wicky (11) Run To King
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 12

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

(11) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT is yet to score in sixteen attempts but has no fewer than six top-three finishes. He comes in off a 3rd and a 4th in his latest two, both at this distance and both in decent times. He has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem, and today can be his day. (1) MOTHER MOUNTAIN has won before at class 6 level, and she looks to be working back towards another win. She comes in off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on July 29th when she overcame the widest gate to sit behind the speed. She comes into a much better gate here and under a light weight, she can win. (6) BLUE CAPTAIN enters with recent form reading very pleasingly, with two 3rds and a 4th from his latest three. He can sit behind the speed here and should be involved at the business end. (4) TWO TWO LIME and (9) ILGANG DAERO among others to consider.

(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 20)

There are Sunday daytime cards at Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener although all but one has raced at least once before. (11) THE PLAYER has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M both times leading almost until the end. He draws a touch wider than ideal but should have enough about him early to get to the front, and it can be third time lucky here. It’s clear what type of distance the Raon group believe (2) RAON THE SPRINTER will excel at. Indeed, he showed plenty of speed on debut when 3rd over 1000M. He should have come on for that run and from a good gate can challenge for the lead and be in this a long way. (4) JANGGUN GARAM has raced twice, improving at start number two when 2nd over 1000M. He ran through the line well both times and the slight step up in trip can suit. (10) SMART CAT and (8) WONDERFUL PAGO among other sin the hunt.

Selections(11) The Player (2) Raon The Sprinter (4) Janggun Garam (10) Smart Cat
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) STEALTH PARK may have run ordinarily on two of three occasions but sandwiched in the middle was a very solid 3rd place at this distance when he settled back and then ran on in a time quicker than any of the others here have achieved. He draws well, Moon Se-young stays up, and he could win this modest affair. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG enters off a strong 2nd place at this distance when running on strongly. That was back in May so he has had almost three months off since, and coming in fresh, he can be a danger. (5) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN has, like Stealth Park, mixed his form so far with a 2nd and a 6th, both over 1200M. He can be expected to be on pace here and should go close. (9) HAENGBOK YEOWANG and (6) VET CAPTAIN other potential improvers.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (4) Bulgeun Pokpung (5) Naegilui Captain (9) Haengbok Yeowang
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies here. (6) WORLD FIRST CAT beat a couple of these with a front-running showing on debut on July 21st that ultimately ended in 3rd place. Like all here, she should have come on for that first experience and could well lead all the way here. (1) DAMOA debuted on June 23rd over 1000M, settling behind the speed before running on well for 4th. From the inside gate she can drop in behind the lead again and they extended trip can suit with Franco climbing aboard only to her benefit too. (9) WHITE FALCON has races twice already with a 3rd and a 4th to her name, the latter behind World First Cat. She has been doing her best work late so the step up in distance may well be to her benefit. (8) POCKET MILLION and (5) QUEEN AND SERVE others with the potential to improve.

Selections(6) World First Cat (1) Damoa (9) White Falcon (8) Pocket Million
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) ZETTA MASTER is the pick here. He comes in having run 2nd over this distance on July 23rd when getting forward to sit handy from a wide gate, He draws a touch wider than ideal again but should have enough about him to get a forward position and third-up this preparation, he may be peaking fitness wise. (5) SAVANA CHARLIE is the maiden danger. He came home in 3rd place in that July 23rd race having settled back and run on well. Although yet to break the top-two, he has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eight occasions and he should be aiming to crack the quinella here. (7) ONE SPEAR has been slow away in his latest couple, but he does have a runner-up finish to his name as recently as July 1st and that’s enough to p him in the placing mix in this company. (1) SAEROUN BITKKAL and (10) GREEN BULPAE others in the minor money hunt. 

Selections(11) Zetta Master (5) Savana Charlie (7) One Spear (1) Saeroun Bitkkal
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(10) YONG GUN gets the nod here. He enters off a career-to-date best of 2nd over 1300M on July 29th when racing on pace throughout. He comes up to 1400M for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he should be able to find a forward position again. (8) SUCCESS FLYING has raced just once, all the way back in January. He re-appeared, freshly gelded, in July and won a trial in a quick time, practically making all. He can be considered first-up here. (1) SHINE MONSTER enters off a runner-up finish over this distance on July 14th when coming from off the pace. She was well-beaten by a good winner, but a similar performance will see her in the money here. (11) TOO CUTE GIRL and (2) LUCKY BAND among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(10) Yong Gun (8) Success Flying (1) Shine Monster (11) Too Cute Girl
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

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

(3) PURPLE WORLD comes up in class having followed up a 2nd place on debut with a win over 1200M on July 1st when he made all and won by as many as he pleased. He also comes up in distance slightly, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and he can win again here. (5) GANGPUNGMA is similarly up in class following a maiden win at start number two over 1200M on July 22nd when coming from off the pace. The margin of victory was slightly less eye-catching than that of Purple World, but he did what he needed to do well enough, and he can measure up here. (1) CHEONGGYE GISANG finally draws a good gate for the first time in a long time. That should allow him to get a much easier run to the front than in recent starts and he can improve. (2) LADY TAEPUNG and (7) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK among others to consider.

(more…)

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

There are 10 races on the afternoon/evening program at Seoul on Saturday, running from 14:45 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

It’s the final evening card of the summer on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all eleven making their racecourse debuts. (11) BRAVO PLAY was a trial winner in a fair time back in June when handy throughout and running on well. It has taken him a couple of months to get to the races and he does have the challenge of the wide draw, but he has as good a chance as any. (9) CHADOL DIA ran an on-pace 3rd in a competitive trial in a good time on a wet track in July. She too will be on pace and shapes as one of the leading contenders. (8) WONPYEONG GANGJA made all to win his trial on July 21st. Although the time was a little slower than the other two, he did everything asked of him and with some natural improvement, he can be dangerous. (6) CHEONMA BULPAE and (1) CLAIR GOLD others who hinted at ability when qualifying.

Selections(11) Bravo Play (9) Chadol Dia (8) Wonpyeong Gangja (6) Cheonma Bulpae
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

(6) HAENGBOKAN SEUNGJA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on July 22nd, well beaten by a good winner but coming from well off the pace and running through the line well. She should have derived benefit from the experience and the slight step up in trip should suit. She will be a warm favourite. (2) TAEPYEONG HERO was an encouraging 3rd on his debut on July 23rd when settling midfield and running on. With some natural improvement here, he should be matching or bettering that finish. Similarly (11) SEOCHEON LION was a close 5th on his first start on July 1st. He has the challenge of the widest gate but showed enough potential to suggest he can get close in this company. Those three will be at the top of most tickets with (3) MONEY TOUCH and (9) GOLDEN DRAGON others with the potential to improve.

Selections(6) Haengbokan Seungja (2) Taepyeong Hero (11) Seocheon Lion (3) Money Touch
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden. (2) MADE STAR was a beaten favourite when 6th over this distance on August 5th when, as is her style, she settled right back but just didn’t manage to pass as many as hoped for. At her previous start in July, she ran a strong 2nd again at this distance and with Antonio climbing aboard today, she can be given another chance. (10) SMART TAEYANG ran an improved 2nd on his attest appearance on July 16th when racing midfield and finishing off well. His times haven’t been fast, but he looks to be on the right trajectory, and he can go close again. (1) DIVINE PYEONGHWA was 3rd behind Made Star in July and returns here for the first time since. She draws nicely and can build on that result. (11) DAONDI and (8) BRIGHT WINNER are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(2) Made Star (10) Smart Taeyang (1) Divine Pyeonghwa (11) Daondi
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) CHOEGO POINT is yet to win in thirteen attempts, but he has come close on plenty of occasions including his latest on July 23rd when he settled midfield and ran on for 2nd place in a quick race at class and distance. Under today’s handicap conditions, he comes down slightly in the weights and it could be his day. (1) BULUI NALGAE was a close 3rd in that July 23rd race, having gone right back and then run on. That was his first try around two turns and he should have derived benefit from it and can be in the hunt here. (3) DEVIL K enters off back-to-back 2nd place finishes at class and distance. He can be on or close to the pace here and can be in this a long way once more. (9) THUNDER PRINCE has a win over this distance at class 6 level and along with the experienced (2) GREEN FEELSTAR is another in the pacing frame at least. 

Selections(7) Choego Point (1) Bului Nalgae (3) Devil K (9) Thunder Prince
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

Wide open race. (6) YONGBI POWER was a somewhat unexpected winner on debut over 1000M on July 15th when settling back and working through the line well. She is up in class and in distance here but with some natural improvement from that effort, she can maintain her 100% record. (8) JAEWOO SIDAE remains a maiden but comes in off two smart 3rd place finishes, both at this class and distance and in good times. She is another who settles back before finishing strongly and today could be her day. (1) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI returned from eight months off to get his maiden win over this distance on July 8th, making all. She comes up in class here but should strip fitter for that run and from a good draw, she can be on pace. (2) ICE CREAM and (3) DOLBAE among plenty of others with minor money claims.

(more…)

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

It’s the final weekend of twilight/evening racing and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 7-race program from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience, in particular, (1) DOCTOR RICH. He led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M on July 7th, ultimately coming home in 2nd place in a quick time. He should have come on for that run, he can be on pace again, and this time can go all the way. (4) CONTROLLER ran a solid 3rd on his debut on July 14th, settling handy and running on over the 1000M in a good time. He too should improve and the step up in trip can suit. As for the first timers, (10) FLYING KHAN produced the pick of the trial performances, while (5) ARION KING and (2) SUCCESS BAEKPA also posted good times and can go well first-up.

Selections(1) Doctor Rich (4) Controller (10) Flying Khan (5) Arion King
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden with two standouts. (7) DOCTOR KANE ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in June before following up with a 3rd place at this distance on July 14th when leading for much of the way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. She has been back to trial since then and with a more mature performance, she can be the one to beat today. The main danger is (1) BORIS MARINE. He too has raced twice, improving to a close runner-up finish at start number two on July 7th. He can settle back and run on here and should pose a danger in the closing stages. (3) JJARITHANISUNGAN debuted all the way back last December, racing fairly, but hasn’t been seen since. He came back to trial in June and showed some ability so can be given a chance first up here. (10) HAERANG YOUNGUNG and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Doctor Kane (1) Boris Marine (3) Jjarithanisungan (10) Haerang Youngung
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) BEOMHAN GOLD shapes as a warm favourite here. After debuting in February, he didn’t reappear until July 23rd when he was a very close 2nd over this distance, having led for much of the way. He should strip fitter for that run and from a good gate he can lead again and has every chance of making all. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR is yet to finish in the top-two in thirteen attempts, but she has had planet of near misses including a useful 5th last time over this distance. She tends to get a bit far back in her races, but she does finish strongly, and she can run into at least the placings here. (3) FLYING DIA races for the first time since a good 2nd over this distance in March when leading for much of the way. She looked well in a trial at the end of July and can be a danger first-up here. (5) LEMON BULPAE and (10) CHOICE ROAD others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Beomhan Gold (2) Velociraptor (3) Flying Dia (5) Lemon Bulpae
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) PISTOL STAR found himself a little overmatched when sent up to Seoul for a spin around in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown on July 22nd. At the start before though he was a good winner over this distance at class 4 level and under a light weight and from a good gate, he can return to winning ways here. (8) MAN OF THE MAN comes up in trip having run a good 2nd over a mile at this level on July 16th. Tactically versatile, he is lightly raced and should still have some improvement in him. (7) EUNSEONG WINNER was one of plenty here who raced one another at class and distance on July 7th. She ran 4th that day having got a long way back and can be expected to be a bit closer today. (2) ALL CROWN and (4) HWANGU FIHGTER others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Pistol Star (8) Man Of The Man (7) Eunseong Winner (2) All Crown
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

(7) SUCCESS MOCCA raced four times around the turn of the year and showed ability, winning over this distance at class 6 level. He returns to action here for the first time since March and looked very well when winning a July trial. He should be on pace here and can go all the way. Another one returning from an absence is (10) FAST FURY. She registered three consecutive 4th place finishes at this level up until April and she too looked very well when winning a trial in double quick time in late July. She races best on pace so may need a touch of early luck from a wide draw, but she has every chance of going close. (6) ACE A MOCA comes up in class following a smart win over this distance on July 30th. She comes down slightly in the weights and can measure up in this company. (8) TITAN K and (4) UNJU GLOBAL others in the frame.

(more…)

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

There are daytime cards at both Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with a debut maker, and it wasn’t so much the time but the way (5) SPEED ONE completed his heat that puts him on top. Coming out of gate nine he sat handy and then ran on under a hold getting better with every stride. If he can show that kind of maturity at the races and when asked for an effort, he can win. (6) KNIGHT CHARM was asked for more in his trial in dreadful conditions in July. He responded nicely and ran on to cross the line with plenty in hand. He too can be considered first-up. Experience can count for plenty though. (9) MIRAE TOWER came from off the pace to run on for 4th over this distance on July 15th. He should have come on for that and with a better start can get closer today. (1) NICE TAEYANG and (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI the other pair who can improve on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Speed One (6) Knight Charm (9) Mirae Tower (1) Nice Taeyang
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) MOON DUST looks to be finally getting things together with a pair of 3rd place finishes from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. She draws nicely to get an easy early run here and she will be the one the need to beat. It’s not a strong race and that means we can give the solitary newcomer, (6) DAERYUN BULPAE, a chance. He trialled up a few times as a juvenile but never came anywhere close to qualifying before being put away for several months. He came back into training in June and looked much more assured when running 3rd in a fair time in a July trial. Don’t rule out a bold showing first-up. (8) FINE DAY has a 3rd and a 4th among her five efforts so far and should be in the mix here. (7) JEONGSANG HIT and (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG among others who can compete for the money in this modest contest.

Selections(4) Moon Dust (6) Daeryun Bulpae (8) Fine Day (7) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) GEUMA DISTINCTION will be a warm favourite. The Kim Young-kwan trainee went through two trials, crossing the line 3rd in both, both in quick times. He can settle just off the pace here and if he brings the trial form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (5) SINCHEON FIRST won a June trial before racing on pace in debut on July 7th and ultimately running 4th in a good time over this distance. He should have benefited for the experience and can go closer here. Returning to the first-timers, (2) HWANGGEUMSEONG led every step of the way to win his trial in a good time on a wet track. He draws nicely, Seo Seung-un partners, and there is plenty to like about him. (1) CHRIS MORE and (7) LIGHT BROWN others who could put in a bold showing first-up.

Selections(9) Geuma Distinction (5) Sincheon First (2) Hwanggeumseong (1) Chris More
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A weak but very tricky race to predict. We’ll take a chance on (2) GOLDEN SNIPER, who ran 2nd two starts back over this trip, settling handy and nearly getting there. He followed up with a 5th place on his latest appearance on July 9th when on pace throughout and from a good gate, today could be his day. (8) POWERFUL VISION ran an improved 5th at start number two over 1300M when on pace throughout. She can be expected to show at the front early again and should once more be in this a long way. (5) SHARP SUNSHINE has shown signs of figuring things out, finishing in the top four in each of her latest four appearances. Her times haven’t been quick, but she finishes off her races well and can grind out another decent placing here. (7) SINUI HAMSEONG and (4) BEST PLAN, others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Golden Sniper (8) Powerful Vision (5) Sharp Sunshine (7) Sinui Hamseong
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) WONDERFUL ONE has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over this distance on July 9th when handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Without an apprentice claim today, he does come up 3kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard, and he can win. (7) YONGSAN KEUNBYEOL was 4th in that July 9th race, continuing a positive start to his career. He has almost two-lengths to find on Wonderful One, but he gets a weight swing and should be challenging the favourite for the lead from the start. (1) WONDERFUL SMARTY is a thirty-six-race maiden but comes in following her first ever second-place finish over this distance on June 16th. She is another who doesn’t have an apprentice claim this time, but she has a good draw, and a repeat of that run will put her in the finish. (6) BLUE CAVIAR and (5) HANEUL BULPAE other placing chances.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a twilight meeting consisting of 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all eleven racing for the first time. Conveniently for us, five of them come out of the same trial on July 14th which was won – and won well – by (10) SPECIAL FORCE, who was quickly into the lead and crossed the line three-lengths to the good in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she will take some beating. We’ll return to that heat in a moment. (6) GEOLJAK SKY failed to qualify the first time around but looked much better in a second attempt in early July, running on pace and crossing the line in front in a good time. She draws better than Special Force and should be challenging from the start again. (1) BLUE LEMON was 2nd in the July 14th trial settling handy and running on. She has those three-lengths to make up on Special Force but draws nicely and shouldn’t be far away. (3) LOVE MUNMAK was a further length and three-quarters back in 4th in that trial coming from off the pace but worked him pleasingly enough to consider. (4) ORION ALPHA another who hinted ay ability in her heat.

Selections(10) Special Force (6) Geoljak Sky (1) Blue Lemon (3) Love Munmak
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRE 25 Million

The penny seems to be dropping for (1) HANGANG SKY who comes in following a much-improved 4th and 3rd from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. both times coming from off the pace from wide draws and most recently beating three of today’s rivals on July 9th. The step up to 1400M for the first time can suit and from a better gate, he is the one to beat. (5) EFFEL TAP has mixed his form across seven starts so far but does have a couple of 3rd places to his name. He weakened late on when returning from five months out at the end of July but should strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) THEME TANSAENG was 4th behind Hangang Sky in that July 9th race. He too comes up to seven-furlongs for the first time, he should be on pace, and he can be in this a long way. Those three look superior to the rest and will make up just about everyone’s top-three in some order. Something has to finish in 4th or 5th though with (3) DINSI CHAMP and (6) GEOMOON perhaps the most likely.

Selections(1) Hangang Sky (5) Effel Tap (8) Theme Tansaeng (3) Dinsi Champ
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(6) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER led on debut before weakening but then stayed on much better for 2nd on her re-appearance on July 9th, well beaten by a good winner but in a quick time, nonetheless. She comes up in trip for the first time, she surely leads again, and she may not get caught. Except when missing the break two starts back, (7) NEW POINT has performed fairly across four outings so far, with a 2nd and a 3rd, most recently in an all-filly race over this trip on July 2nd. She can sit handy here and can still be there at the business end. (4) BANFF has finished no worse than 5th from four attempts. He has the fastest time for the distance among those here who have previously attempted it, recorded when 2nd back in March. He has a strong finish on him and should be a danger late on here. (11) BOREUM DALBIT is a bit of a wildcard having raced just the once back in April. She showed promise finishing 4th and while she has had fifteen weeks off since, she can be given a chance. (9) NURI TAEYANG perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Taepyeong Fighter (7) New Point (4) Banff (11) Boreum Dalbit
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) WONDERFUL JOY led for much of the way around at class and distance on July 8th, ultimately running a close 5th. He has a solid record at this distance and today could well be his day. The main danger and probable betting favourite is (5) CAMINO He has only raced seven times but has a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance with the latter being at this class on June 17th when leading until the closing stages. He comes down slightly in the weights. He will surely be on pace again and may take some getting past. (3) LIONETTE has run fairly in two starts back following a six-month absence. While yet to finish in the top two, she has posted a quick time at this trip, Johan climbs aboard, and third-up this preparation, she may be peaking fitness-wise. (6) DESIRE TO WIN, who is a class and distance winner, and (9) ORGALIM among others with at least placing claims in a competitive race.

Selections(4) Wonderful Joy (5) Camino (3) Lionette (6) Desire To Win
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

Since scoring on debut, (9) BLOOMING STAR has been working back up towards another won and most recently ran a very close 2nd at class and distance on July 2nd having led almost the entire way around and just being taken down on the line. He does come up 2.5kg in the weights and he draws a little wider than ideal but neither of those are insurmountable and he is the one to beat. (7) WHIZ UP was a class and distance winner two starts back in June and while he never really got into things over 1400M when 6th on his return on July 8th, the margins weren’t huge, and he shouldn’t be too far away here. (1) ECHO ZONE comes in off a solid 2nd place at class and distance on July 9th when he began well, dropped back to midfield, and then ran on. He draws the same inside gate and won’t be far away. (10) WONDERFUL NAMCHON returned from four months off to get his maiden win over this distance at the end of June. He comes up in class but down in the weights and can measure up. (5) MONEY STONE another in the placing frame.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 11)

Typhoon Khanun should be safely out of the way but wet tracks can be expected across the weekend. THe action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a twilight card of 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. Since scraping through a qualifying heat in early June, (1) SEVEN DRAGON has subsequent been through two voluntary trials and has been very good. This is important because those heats won’t necessarily appear in all race cards. He made all to stop the clock in 61.9 seconds on June 24th, well clear of Controller, who went on to run 3rd on his own debut, and then overcame gate eleven to run 2nd in another trail on July 28th in a time of 60.9 seconds. From the Kim Young-kwon stable, he will be favourite to win first-up here. Only one of them has raced before. That’s (8) HWANG YO who was an on-pace 3rd over this distance in a similar race on July 7th. Experience can count for plenty in these types of contests, and he shapes as the main danger. (2) YEONGGWANGUI GLORY and (7) BEST CHAMP trialled up together finish g4th and 5th in fair times and both can be considered for a money finish first-up.  (5) SPRIT FIGHTER another who caught the eye.

Selections(1) Seven Dragon (8) Hwang Yo (2) Yeonggwangui Glory (7) Best Champ
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) MASTER YODA perhaps wasn’t ready in his first couple of starts but after a three-months off, he came back in March and has looked much improved with a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back at 1200M and 1400M, racing on pace both times. He draws nicely here and comes back in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs on and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (8) UNJU TWO HEARTS might be worth a spin at an each-way price. She raced on pace on debut on July 9th before capitulating in the final furlong. She showed speed though and can be on the pace again here and with a bit more maturity, could be in this for longer. (6) CHEONSU SIDAE has hinted at ability across four outings with her best of 4th coming at this distance last time out. She can settle back and run into some money here. (4) DAY BY DAY and (1) CHEERFUL LIFE other possibles for the places.

Selections(3) Master Yoda (8) Unju Two Hearts (6) Cheonsu Sidae (4) Day By Day
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) DOCTOR WICKY was an improved 2nd at this distance on July 16th, leading for much of the way around and comfortably defeating a couple of today’s rivals. He should be on pace again today and he should have too much. (5) BOB AND JOY finished 3rd in that July 16th race having been handy throughout. It was an improvement from his debut and while he has six lengths to make up on Doctor Wicky, with some more progress he can get closer today. (4) GANGSEO JEORYEONG ran 4th in that race. It was a big uptick on his previous efforts, but he is nicely drawn to sit just behind the speed, and he can continue his positive momentum here. (10) RICH COWBOY and (2) CHOEGANG CHONGAL both have 2nd places on their records already and are others who can enter the calculations. 

Selections(8) Doctor Wicky (5) Bob And Joy (4) Gangseo Jeoryeong (10) Rich Cowboy
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Two standouts here. (2) THE ONE has shown signs in his latest two of figuring things out with a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M and both times settling back and running on. He draws well here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. The big danger is (10) ACHIMUI HUIMANG. Following an ordinary trial, she wasn’t especially well fancied on debut on July 9th, but she ran well overcoming a similarly wide gate to today to finish 4th in a decent time on a wet track over this distance. She was a long way behind an emphatic winner, but she should have derived benefit from the run, and she has a chance. (3) FIRST MENI has been knocking on the door of the places across her five starts so far. In this company she should be on pace and aiming for a career best to date finish. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK and (5) MIRACULUM others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) The One (10) Achimui Huimang (3) First Meni (1) Choegang Week
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) MA GUN won back-to-back races in March and April to get rapidly promoted to this class before running a creditable 4th when stepped up to this level and to this distance for the first time on July 9th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. That experience should be beneficial for him, and while he does have the challenge of the outside gate, he can win here. (6) WIND WINNER enters with recent form reading well and he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance. With Franco aboard, he can sit on or close to the speed and should be going close. (2) ARCTURUS has plenty of a ability and he signalled a return to form with a 2nd place at class and distance on July 16th running on pace and beating Wind Winner, among others. He draws well here and shouldn’t be dismissed. (10) GREAT ONE and (3) DAEHO NURI others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ma Gun (6) Wind Winner (2) Arcturus (10) Great One
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A very tricky one. (11) WAITING FOR YOU stepped up to this trip for the first time on July 14th and used up plenty of effort to get forward from the widest gate before running a close 3rd. She looks to have more development in her and while she draws wide for the third consecutive time, today could be her day. She has half a length to make up on (7) NAMYANG BOLT, who was 2nd in that July 14th race, having settled midfield and run on. He has won at this distance at class 6 level and warrants respect here. (8) LADY VADER got her maiden win at start number two in early June before running 5th on her first try at this class on July 7th when on pace over 1200M. She steps up to this trip for the first time and is likely to be on the speed and in this a long way. (3) BABEL HEART enters having won at this class over 1300M a month ago and while up slightly in weight, a repeat isn’t impossible. (2) FIRST PARK among plenty of others in the money hunt.

Selections(11) Waiting For You (7) Namyang Bolt (8) Lady Vader (3) Babel Heart
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A difficult finale. (6) GOLDEN WAVE had a disappointing day at the office when well supported at class and distance on July 7th, racing handy but weakening. She has previously run very well at this distance though and with Franco up today, she can be given another chance. That will mean overturning the July 7th form on a couple of these including (11) SOUTHERN SUPERONE. The only juvenile in this field, he debuted in that race having won a June trial. Just like today he had to overcome the widest gate, but he acquitted himself well, settling back and then running on for a creditable 5th. He should benefit from the experience and can get closer here. (4) ROCKET SORI comes back in trip following a good 3rd place over a mile on July 14th. He has run well at this distance too and can be a danger. (8) BREAD HIT and (1) BLUE CARSON among plenty of others with placing hopes.

Selections(6) Golden Wave (11) Southern Superone (4) Rocket Sori (8) Bread Hit
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8