Month: January 2024

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 28)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). Both tracks host class 1 features. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens open proceedings with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite though will be (1) MAX GOLD. He has a 2nd and a 5th place from two starts racing handy on both occasions. His times haven’t been fast, but they have been faster than any of the others here and from the inside gate, he should be on pace early and can lead all the way. The rest of the exposed form isn’t great so we will give a chance to one of the newcomers as second pick. (8) TAENG TAENG BALL ran a fair 3rd in his trial, a long way behind the experienced Wow Wow but he didn’t do too much wrong, and this is a great race to debut in.  (9) MAX WEEK improved to 6th at start number two and looks the most likely of the experienced ones to make further progress. (3) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO and (6) CALIPH other potential improvers.

Selections(1) Max Gold (8) Taeng Taeng Ball (9) Max Week (3) Beolgyosamjoko
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) ROYAL BEST has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on Christmas Eve when he raced close to the pace throughout. From a great draw he can get a soft run to the front again and this time he can go one better. (7) CHEONGUCHAT has similarly shown improvement across his three appearances, most recently registering a 2nd place over 1300M on December 31st when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit and he will be a danger here. After an inauspicious debut, (3) JERAQUEEN has been there or thereabouts in three subsequent starts most recently racing on pace over this distance on December 30th and finishing 4th in a decent time. A similar run will see her int the finish again. (5) NAVY CHROME and (6) WINNER ZONE among others in the frame.

Selections(2) Royal Best (7) Cheonguchat (3) Jeraqueen (5) Navy Chrome
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maiden fillies in the south coast opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite though will be the only one who has raced more than once before, (6) DRAGON PUNCH. After running 3rd on debut in November, she overcame gate ten to run a close 2nd on December 29th, again over this distance. She should have too much and go one better here. (9) PASSION ran 3rd on debut over this distance in a faster time than – albeit on a much wetter and faster track surface – than Dragon Punch has recorded so far. She should have come on for the experience and can be the main danger here. Of the debut-makers, (3) RUBY STONE is the standout. She went through two trials and was very quick in the second of them when she led from gate to wire. She draws nicely here and can put in a bold showing first up. (8) SEOGWI STAR and (11) SUNCHEON YEOWANG are potential improvers.

Selections(6) Dragon Punch (9) Passion (3) Ruby Stone (8) Seogwi Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) BAEKRYONG comes in off a best to date runner-up finish over 1300M on Christmas Day when settling just behind the speed from gate ten and running on well. That continued a positive pattern of improvement and with an extra half furlong to play with here, as well as a better gate, today can be his day. Disputing favourite status will be (8) SHOUT KURO. He is yet to finish in the top two in seven attempts but enters off two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1300M. He likes to come off the pace so the slight step up in trip can suit and he should be close. (10) CLOVER PARTY was 4th behind Baekryong last time out but two starts back got a runner-up finish of his own over 1200M and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can be a danger. (4) DRAGON FANTASY and (7) SINUI UNMYEONG are among others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Baekryong (8) Shout Kuro (10) Clover Party (4) Dragon Fantasy
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) GRAND CHASER ran a good 2nd on debut to Great Queen, settling midfield and running on and stopping the clock in a good time. She should have come on for the run and she will be expected to go one better here. (2) DREAM WAY got a 3rd place on debut all the way back in June before running down the field in two subsequent appearances. He hasn’t raced since August, but he looked a much better proposition when finishing 2nd in a quick trial earlier this month and from a good draw, he goes straight into contention here. (11) DRAGON FIRE ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 29th overcoming a wide gate and a slow start. He should have derived benefit from that and can be running on here. (10) BIG WILD and (3) RIVERSTONE among others who can be considered on a place line.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 27)

Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s been another cold week in the capital but temperatures should be above freezing for the weekend’s racing

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. Of the experienced ones, three of them debuted in the same race over this distance on December 16th and it was (10) SEOHAE BADA who was the best, coming home in 3rd place having raced handy throughout. She won’t have to come on much for that to win here. (6) NEOMANEULWIHAESEO is never going to be a race-caller’s friend, but she was the quickest of the newcomers in trials, running with some experienced horses in her latest heat. She should be on pace and can be in this a long way first-up. (4) MAGIC SILENCE won a trial at the start of this month (which as a voluntary trial, won’t be in all race cards) racing on pace and if she brings that form to the races, will go close. (11) ACAPEL and (3) BREEDO MAGICIAN, the latter “winning” one of the slowest trials on record on January 11th, others who hinted at ability.

Selections(10) Seohae Bada (6) Neomaneulwihaeso (4) Magic Silence (11) Acapel
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) RUBY PORT has a 5th and a pair of 3rd place finishes from three starts so far, most recently as beaten favourite over this distance in a similar all-filly race on December 30th when racing on pace. She draws nicely again and can be given another chance here. That will mean overturning the form on (6) DANAEUN REX, who ran a much-improved 2nd in that December 30th race. For the first time in her three starts, she began well and if she can do the same here, she can be in the finish again. (10) PINK WIND was 4th behind Danaeun Rex and Ruby Port in that race, her second consecutive 4th place finish and in this company, she should be matching or bettering those. (11) MAGIC PLEASURE and (5) STUNNING CHAMP the other logical place contenders.

Selections(1) Ruby Port (6) Danaeun Rex (10) Pink Wind (11) Magic Pleasure
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GUKDAE FIGHTER ran a solid 2nd place on debut over this distance on December 31st, settling midfield and then running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from a great draw, he can go one better this time. (4) WONDERFUL SEEKING has shown progress across four prior appearances, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on Christmas Day when handy throughout. She’ll be on or close to the pace here and should be in this a long way. (6) DREAM CARD has a 5th and a 3rd place from two starts at 1200M. Both times he has got himself quite a long way back and the slight step up in trip may be to his benefit. (1) COMPLETE PARTY significantly improved at start number two and can maintain that momentum today. (7) TOJONG GLORY another in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gukdae Fighter (4) Wonderful Seeking (6) Dream Card (1) Complete Party
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) LUCKY PARTY come sin having secured his maiden win on New Year’s Eve over 1300M at this class, when racing handy throughout. He has never finished worse than 4th, and while he comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, he has every chance of winning again. (10) CITY KING got his maiden win two starts back before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on December 23rd when he led for much of the way. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but with a touch of luck at the start he can find a good position and can go close once more. He will need to overturn the form on (7) CUPID CHAMP. She was 2nd in that December 23rd race and while she is yet to win in eleven attempts, she has six top-three finishes and should be there or thereabouts again. (6) MIRAE TOWER and the up in class and curiously named (9) ENTROPY are others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 26)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

No Franco Da Silva for the next couple of weeks – with a suspension followed by the Lunar New Year break, he’s away on holidays (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (3) SKY GRIT ran 6th on debut last June and then didn’t appear again until Christmas Eve when she led early over this distance, ultimately finishing 4th. The time was significantly quicker than any of the others here have achieved, she draws well, and will take some beating.  (10) ONES HEYDEY improved at start number two on December 29th when settling midfield and running on and finishing 4th. She came out of the same wide gate she draws today and the way she finished off suggests her best days may in fact lie ahead. (6) CHAS QUEEN overcame a slow start to run on for 5th on debut on December 29th. It was a slow time, but she beat a couple of today’s rivals and enters the calculations here. Debut-maker (1) GREAT QUEEN along with (7) JINJU BIT are others to consider.

Selections(3) Sky Grit (10) Ones Heydey (6) Chas Queen (1) Great Queen
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1200M and 1300M both times settling back and running on well. The slight step up in trip can suit and today can be his day. The favourite will be (2) HI WINNER. She’s raced four times so far. Never finishing any worse than 5th and with her best being her latest when 2nd over 1300M on January 7th when handy throughout. She already has a 3rd place at this distance to her name and from a good gate she has every chance here. Completing the top line of chances is (7) WONDERFUL FEVER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M back in November and returns here after eleven weeks out. He should have come on for that run and in a race devoid of early speed, may well be on the front from the start. (10) JOJOBA and (6) SERAFINA among others in the minor money hunt

Selections(5) Majestic Dancer (2) Hi Winner (7) Wonderful Fever (10) Jojoba
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) NEVER GIVE UP has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1400M on Christmas Eve when he overcame the widest gate. The step up to a mile should be in his favour and he can go one better this time. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at this distance and most recently when beating a couple of today’s rivals on January 14th. He makes a quick return here and should be in the mix once more. (7) FUERTE ran on pleasingly enough on debut over 1300M on December 31st, crossing the line in 4th place. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can get closer here. (8) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE and (11) CHRYSOL SIERRA others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Never Give Up (4) Yeonggwanguiclass (7) Fuerte (8) Yeonggwanguiprince
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 21)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:05. Top three-year-old filly prospects Baekduui Kkum and Eclipse Berry will make their season debuts on the south coast and in the capital respectively. Here are the previews:

Baekduui Kkum will make her three-year-old season debut at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (3) SLAM DRAGON here. He has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far and comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at 1300M on Christmas Day. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance already and he should have too much here. (7) RAIN STAR has shown improvement across three starts so far. He was 5th behind Slam Dragon on Christmas Day and the slight step up in trip may suit. (8) BLOOD MOUNTAIN beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place at 1300M on December 17th. He has been doing his best work late in each run so far and is another who ay like the extended trip. (9) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (2) ARNOLD QUEEN others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Slam Dragon (7) Rain Star (8) Blood Mountain (9) Saebyeok Bulbit
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an indifferent debut, (5) PASALUBONG has scored a 2nd and a 4th over 1200M and 1300M, most recently racing on pace. He draws nicely to get to the lead again and this time he can go all the way. Also vying for favourite status will be (9) HANGANG GLORY. He’s shown steady improvement across six starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on Christmas Eve when he settled midfield and ran on. The additional half-furlong can suit, and he can be a danger. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (2) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL came from well back to finish a much-improved 6th of eleven over 1200M on December 24th and with similar improvement today, he can compete. (4) SEONGSIN CHEONHA and (6) BULGEUN POKPUNG are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(5) Pasalubong (9) Hangang Glory (2) Seongsil Yeogeol (4) Seongsin Cheonha
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) GREAT MAN has shown steady improvement across three starts so far with his latest, a 2nd place over this distance on December 22nd, being his best when he led from the gate until close to home. He draws a touch wider than ideal but should have enough about him to get to the front again, and this time he can go all the way. The main danger is (6) SEUNGNI PARTY. After a plain debut, he raced on pace at start number two on Christmas Eve, ultimately coming home a close 3rd over this distance. He’ll be on pace again and has every chance of going even closer this time. The exposed form drops off the proverbial cliff after that. As a result, we will make first timer starter (1) ONEULISUNGAN the nest best. He posted fair times in two trials and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in with a place chance. (5) TROPHY WARE and (10) SINGAPORE PARTY, the latter having been back to trial since a dreadful debut, others who could improve.

Selections(9) Great Man (6) Seungni Party (1) Oneulisungan (5) Trophy Ware
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Small field here and (7) LONDON VICTORY will be a short-price favourite. After a solid 5th on debut over 1000M, he was 3rd when stepped up to this trip on November 12th, racing on pace throughout. Third-up here he should be ready to win. The only other one in the field to have recorded a top-three finish already is (4) MONEY TOUCH. That came at her latest appearance over this distance December 23rd when she settled midfield and then finished off well for 3rd place. That was a big improvement on her previous efforts, and she won’t need to go much better to get closer here. (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has a 4th and a 6th among three outings so far and that’s enough to see her in with a shout of the placings here. (1) THUNDER A ONE and (5) CHANIGO others in the frame for the minors.

Selections(7) London Victory (4) Money Touch (6) Beautywonderful (1) Thunder A One
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BREEDO WIZARD is the pick here. After a strong trial, he’s finished 4th in both starts so far, both at 1200M and both times settling back and running on well. Franco climbs on, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. (2) GRAY BOSS enters off two 4th places and a 5th from his latest three between 1200M and a mile, each time going right back and running on well. He has super average time for the final furlong and draws a much better gate this time. He can be a danger late. (9) BARADEON BADA was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M after overcoming gate twelve. She should have come on for that run and can match or better it here. (4) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG and (7) DORAON ZETTA among others in the placing frame.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 20)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Lala K will be the main attraction as he kicks off his three-year-old campaign in the class 3 race 10. Here are the previews:

Lala K goes around on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. After winning an October trial, (2) RUN WILD debuted over 1200M on December 10th and raced on pace before running a very close 2nd in a fair time. He gets a good draw here and has every chance of going one better. (6) DONGJIN BULPAE was a close 4th on his debut at 1200M on December 31st. He was doing his best work late and like Run Wild, should have derived benefit from the experience. (5) YONGAM SESANG debuted last August and ran 2nd to Hangang Crown over 1000M in a quick time with a very fast final furlong. He hasn’t raced since but looked well in a trial last month and he can be competitive first up. (1) RAON THE SPRINTER likewise returns five months after his most recent start. He won a trial at the turn of the year and can also be involved. Among the first-timers, trial winner (11) GIANT STEP perhaps offers the most appeal.

Selections(2) Run Wild (6) Dongjin Bulpae (5) Yongam Sesang (1) Raon The Sprinter
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) QUERER ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in October and has subsequently finished in 6th place twice, most recently on Christmas Day when beating a couple of today’s rivals. That form, while not exactly world beating, is significantly better than anything else here has produced, and she will be a heavy favourite. The only other one to have picked up any prize money at all is (3) B.K. BELLE. She could only manage 9th place in that Christmas Day race but if we go on her 4th place at start number two in November, then she has to be in with a shout here. It gets patchy after that, but something has to finish 3rd although it really is hard to make a case with any conviction. (1) JILJU CHEONHA should at least be on pace from a good draw, and they might not all get past. (2) NATURAL SOUND and (5) MAGIC SOUND – the latter on the grounds of having done the least wrong by only racing once – other potentials.

Selections(7) Querer (3) B.K. Belle (1) Jilju Cheonha (2) Natural Sound
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

The form here is much better than in the previous race but there will still be a warm favourite. That’s (1) SMART CLAIR who comes in off a close 2nd place over this distance on December 23rd when handy throughout. He has only missed the top-five on one occasion and today should be his day. Plenty of others come in with a win in them though. (7) STUNNING MONEY came close on December 10th when well beaten by a good winner (My Khan) but with clear daylight back to 3rd. A similar run here will put him in the finish. (11) GROUPER is done no favours by the draw here but if he can get a bit of luck at the start and find a decent position close to the pace, he can be in this a long way. (6) NAEGILUI LEADER and (5) TESTA BLUE among others who it would be no surprise to see in the mix.

Selections(1) Smart Clair (7) Stunning Money (11) Grouper (6) Naegilui Leader
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 11

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

Twelve three-year-old imported maidens go around here with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) BULTANEUN SIMJANG is the one to beat. After impressing in trials, he was sent off as favourite on debut in a similar race to this back on November 18th but while he finished off well, he could only make it up into 2nd place. He’s had nine-weeks off since then, and with some natural improvement, he can go one better. (10) GLOBAL CLASS came from well off the pace to run 5th in a very quick race on debut on December 16th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can be a danger late here. (1) YEONGWON BIG MAN was similarly 5th on debut the same day but comes into a much better gate this time and can get closer. Among the first-time starters, (12) DRAGON BULPAE and (3) MIGHTY NIC ran 1st and 2nd in a December trial with little between them and both can go well first-up. 

Selections(4) Bultaeneun Simjang (10) Global Class (1) Yeongwon Big Man (12) Dragon Bulpae
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 19)

The weekend’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 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with a first-timer and (3) MR.KEYMAN who jumped out on pace in his trial and led all the way, doing things very easily. He draws nicely on debut, Seo Seung-un is aboard, and he can make it a winning start. Of the experienced ones, (7) YEONYEIN is the best. After an average trial, he overcame gate ten on debut to get on to the speed before ultimately finishing in 3rd. It wasn’t a quick race, but he should have come on for the run and from much a better draw, can get an easier start this time. (5) BABEL DREAMY ran fairly on debut for 5th and she too should have derived benefit from the experience. Returning to the first timers, (4) ROAD TO WARRIOR and (11) STEALTH MODE hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(3) Mr.Keyman (7) Yeonyein (5) Babel Dreamy (4) Road To Warrior
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only and two standouts here. (11) DAESEUNGNIJA has steadily improved across four starts so far with her best being her latest on December 10th when she settled a bit further forward than in previous starts and ran on well for 3rd over this distance. In the process she posted the fastest time among these for the distance and with similar tactics she has every chance today. The danger is (5) SEKWANG CHOEGANG. She has a 2nd and a 3rd among her three outings, most recently settling handy and running on over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and she has solid claims. (9) FLYING BABY and (2) DREAMMA both finished 5th on their respective debuts over 1200M and both should have come on for those experiences. (4) TWOTWO MONEYGUN another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(11) Daeseungnija (5) Sekwang Choegang (9) Flying Baby (2) Dreamma
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) CAPTAIN CHARLIE has five top-five finishes from seven attempts with his best being his latest when 2nd over this distance on December 17th. He tends to start a bit slow but so long as he breaks on terms here, he will be favoured to make the breakthrough.  (10) ARA NURI has two 3rd and two 4th place finishes among her five starts so far, most recently at this distance on Christmas Eve. There isn’t much early speed among this field so despite the wide draw, she may well be on pace and can be in this a long way. (6) DOCTOR LICA has finished between 3rd and 5th in all of her four starts so far. She too should be on the front from the start and can go close again. (4) RAON THE CHEONHA and (11) LEMON DRAGON are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Captain Charlie (10) Ara Nuri (6) Doctor Lica (4) Raon The Cheonha
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Competitive race. (7) KING FIGHTER was a winner over 1300M two starts back before running 4th over the same trip on his first try at this class on December 29th. He has consistently run quick times and has proven tactically versatile and has as good a chance as any here. (5) HAVE A GOOD YEAR returned from five months off to get his maiden win at this distance in November and then followed up with a 2nd place on his first try at this class on December 22nd, beating a couple of these in the process. He’ll be on pace here and has every chance of going one better. (3) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH was a close 4th on his first try at this class on December 8th. His win came at this distance, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (9) HI CHAMP and (2) SANGIM STAR among plenty of others with placing hopes.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 14)

There are the usual 17 races across the two tracks on Sunday although unusually, it is Busan that kicks things off. Busan hosts 8 races from 10:35 to 17:00 while Seoul has 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports Trophy winner Nut Play is in the Seoul feature and finale on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Unusually for a Sunday, we begin on the south coast and a maiden with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) SAENAE HIT is the only one to have raced three times already, and she will be favourite. Her best was her latest on December 29th when she was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd. She was well beaten by a good winner that day but won’t need to improve much to win here. The best of the first timers looks like (2) TOP LINE. She only went through the one trial, but she led for most of it, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. She draws nicely to lead again and can be in this a long way. (10) MONSTER DRAGON also trialled fairly enough and in this kind of race can be given a chance first-up. Among the others with experience, (3) HARVEST MOON and (9) GWANGSOKMA look the most likely to improve.

Selections(5) Saenae Hit (2) Top Line (10) Monster Dragon (3) Harvest Moon
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) DRAGON SQUARE has finished in 3rd place in both his two starts so far at 1400M and most recently at this distance, coming from off the pace both times. Third-up today, he can be peaking and Tony Castanheira’s charge is the one to beat. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has shown steady improvement across six appearances to date, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on December 2nd when on pace throughout. Expect her to be on the speed again here and she can go close. (11) TONNERRE comes into slightly softer company than he has faced in his two prior outings and that, combined with the slight step up in trip, can see him more competitive today. (3) JEONGSANG HIT and (9) GANGHAN NURI are other possibles.

Selections(5) Dragon Square (8) Hampyeong Jangmi (11) Tonnerre (3) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Tricky one. (10) LOLLY comes in having run a solid 3rd over 1400M on Christmas Eve, beating a couple of these in the process. She has proven herself a good finisher and the step up to a mile for the first time could very well suit. Four of these raced each other over this distance in a different race on Christmas Eve. (3) HERE THE QUEEN was the favourite that day but while showing handy, ultimately finished in 5th. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard today and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she will have plenty of supporters again here. The best of those in the mile race on December 24th was (2) YEONGGWANGUICLASS, who came from off the pace to run 3rd. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can be in the mix again. (1) MIRACULUM was 4th in that race and along with (6) LEMON DOKKI, is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) Lolly (3) Here The Queen (2) Yeonggwanguiclass (1) Miraculum
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only for this maiden and (9) SHACKLE POINT will be a hot favourite. After running 3rd on debut over 1200M, she then ran 4th on a snowy day on December 16th, again at this distance. Given the running style she has displayed so far, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can win here. The most credible danger is (3) ASSI JANGGUN. She was the longest shot on the board for her third career start on December 16th but made a mockery of that to come from off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. Her time was significantly quicker than that Shackle Point recorded over the same distance on the same day (although in a very differently run race) and she can be taken seriously here. (7) LADY HANABI and (8) TIZ MORNING both hinted at ability in their respective first outings and can improve here. (1) BEATRIZ debuted almost a year ago and wasn’t seen again but did win a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections(9) Shackle Point (3) Assi Janggun (7) Lady Hanabi (8) Tiz Morning
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A small but competitive field. (7) SUCCESS BAEKPA got his maiden win at start number four on December 10th when he led for most of the way around the 1300M and ultimately won by ten-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but the manner of that last start win suggests there is more to come, and he goes on top again. (2) SEUNGNI TAKEN is similarly up in class following a last start maiden win. In his case, it was over this distance on December 17th when he made all and from a good draw and slightly down in the weights, he can be in this a long way again. (6) HUIMANG CANDY got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on December 8th. She is another who likes to be on pace and who can be a threat. The rest will all need a line drawn through their respective latest outings with (5) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (1) QUEEN’S ROAD perhaps best placed to return to form.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 13)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Racecourse was looking well in the snow earlier this week. The weekend should be dry though.

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old fillies only in the opener and ten of the twelve are racing for the first time. We will tentatively side with experience though and (6) VIVA CHEONGSU, who came from off the pace to run a close 3rd in a decent time over this distance on December 16th. She should have come on for the run and can go one better here. The pick of the first timers is (2) BYLONG STAR. She raced handy in her trial before taking things up late on and crossing the line 1st. She draws nicely to be on pace here and should go well. (3) SOFT POWER came through the same heat and was just a head back in 2nd place and clocking the same time. She too will have supporters first up. (5) WONPYEONG NURI has raced once before, leading for much of the around on October 28th over this distance before ending up in 4th. She has had eleven weeks off since but will be in the market. (10) AWESOME CREDIT took three goes to qualify but is the next best of the newcomers.

Selections(6) Viva Cheongsu (2) Bylong Star (3) Soft Power (5) Wonpyeong Nuri
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

The most experienced in the race gets the verdict in this maiden and that’s (6) SEOCHEON LION. He has raced five times and is yet to finish outside of the to-five with his best being a runner-up two starts back over this distance when close to the pace throughout. He did weaken having led on his most recent appearance, but he should have too much here. There are two first-time starters and (8) P N S NALA may make for some appeal. He was on-pace in his trial, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time and if he can get a forward position here, he can be a factor. (3) MIGHTY BOM was 2nd in his trial before finishing in midfield on debut on December 10th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer this time. (4) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG and (11) THUNDER DRAGON are others in contention for the minors.

Selections(6) Seocheon Lion (8) P N S Nala (3) Mighty Bom (4) Beautiful Hwaseong
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Small field but it’s competitive. (8) RAON JUMP has eight top-five finishes from fourteen starts and comes in off a useful 4th place over 1300M on December 3rd when coming from well off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She tends to get a bit far back in her races but the combination of the step back up to 1400M as well as less likelihood of traffic problems with a small number of rivals may make it her day. Should she leave herself too much to do again then (6) WONDEFUL WELLS, who will be betting favourite, may oblige. She has been solid, if unspectacular across her six starts to date and in the absence of any speed in this race, should get to a more forward position than usual. The step up to 1400M can suit. (1) SUPER ONE has hinted at ability, especially when 4th of twelve two starts back. He will probably be on pace too. (3) NEXTLEVEL and (2) DANGCHAN NANGBO others who could pick up a cheque.

Selections(8) Raon Jump (6) Wonderful Wells (1) Super One (3) Nextlevel
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Two standouts here. By virtue of a better draw, the nod goes to (3) CHAMJOEUN INYEON. She comes in off her best finish so far, when 2nd over 1200M on December 9th having raced handy throughout. From a great gate, she should be close again. (10) ACRO MARINE also has a 2nd place to his named, achieved over 1200 last October. The wide draw need not be too big an issue as he can finish off well and he should be a danger late on here. (5) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL was 4th behind Chamjoeun Inyeon last time out. She is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than seven finishes between 3rd and 5th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (2) THORUI MANGCHI among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Chamjoeun Inyeon (10) Acro Marine (5) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 12)

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

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in the opening maiden with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t exactly give cause for optimism, so we’ll take a chance on one of the newcomers in the shape of (4) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE. She raced on pace in her trial, briefly leading close to home and crossing the line a close 3rd in a fair time. She draws well and if she can bring that trail form to the races, she will be close. (2) HWANGU YEOJANGGUN is the best of the experience having beaten a couple of the others here on the way to 6th place over this distance on December 15th, settling midfield and running on pleasingly. With some natural improvement here, she is a big chance and will probably start as favourite. (11) NAMHAE YEOGEOL was a dismal last in that same race but previously trialled well and we can draw a line through it and can be given another chance. (1) DAESEUNG DOLPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL RIDGE other with the potential to improve.

Selections(4) Yeonggangui Rose (2) Hwangu Yeojanggun (11) Namhae Yeogeol (1) Daesung Dolpung
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) TROUBLEMAKER ran 4th on debut and then followed up with an improved 2nd over 1200M on November 26th when coming from off the pace. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can go one better here. The main danger is the only horse drawn wider. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST trialled well and then ran 2nd on debut over 1000M back in September. He hasn’t raced or trialled since then so needs to be taken on trust, but this is a nice race to return in. (5) HI LEGEND comes in following a couple of goes around 1400M. He showed on pace in the latest of them before running 5th and a similar effort should see him closer in this company. (4) FLYING AARON and (8) ILMANG BLUE look the best of the rest.

Selections(10) Troublemaker (11) Yeonggwanguifirst (5) Hi Legend (4) Flying Aaron
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Stick a pin in this one. (10) UNJU LEGEND ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 15th having come out of the same wide gate she draws today. She settled back before running on pleasingly and second-up and with an extra furlong to play with, she has as good a chance as any. (3) OVER THE TRIPLE was slow away on debut from a wide draw before finishing off fairly. He previously won a trial in fine order and from a much better gate, can go better today. (5) SPRIT FIGHTER was an improved 2nd over this distance at start number five on December 22nd, coming from off the pace. He won’t have to improve much on that to go close again here. (7) ALICE MARINE and (8) SKY YEONGUNG among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

Selections(10) Unju Legend (3) Over The Triple (5) Sprit Fighter (7) Alice Marine
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old imports here with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) BEOLMAUI JEONSA will be a warm favourite. He led on debut on October, ultimately finishing 4th and then beat three of today’s rivals when 2nd in a very quick race over this distance on December 15th again leading before finishing a full eight-lengths behind winner Biwol, but five-lengths clear of the rest. He draws nicely here, he should be on pace again, and this time he should go all the way. (3) WOLFS KING MAN is the best of the debut makers and probably the main danger. He led all the way in a November trial before coming from off the pace to run 2nd in another heat two weeks ago. Both his times were quick, and he can put in a bold first-up showing. (7) NAYANA too won his trial, leading all the way and is sure to be popular in the market too. (5) CRAZY KHAN was 6th behind Beolmaui Jeonsa on December 15th but appears on the right trajectory. (10) FANTASTIC WORLD another contender for the minors.

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Class 1 Ratings Get New Year Overhaul

The rating scale used for class 1 races at Seoul and Busan has been amended. The new system goes into immediate effect with both tracks hosting class 1 handicaps on Sunday. The changes are as follows:

The move is intended to address the issue in class 1 where in recent months such races have frequently seen a majority of the starters being out of the handicap.