March 1st is a public holiday in Korea and the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Quite an open maiden to start this holiday Friday with. (5) SUPREME QUEEN has shown progress across three starts so far with her latest being an on-pace 2nd over this distance. She comes into a better gate, she has the best start among these, and she can go one better today. (7) GLOBAL SPURT was an improved 2nd when sent up to this distance for the first time on February 18th, racing much further forward than in his prior efforts. That was Seo Seung-un’s first time riding him and he remains aboard here with similar tactics likely, making for a big chance. (4) GOOD KING MAN has a 2nd and a 4th among four starts so far and should be running on here. (1) WIN WIN and (2) STAR PARK the other leading candidates.
Selections
(5) Supreme Queen (7) Global Spurt (4) Good King Man (1) Win Win
Next Best
2, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) MACH MAN comes in off a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, coming from midfield on both occasions and last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company and from this gate, he can be on the pace and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, today could be the day. (9) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. he likes to settle in midfield and run on and the additional half furlong can suit. (11) MORPHEUS also has a 2nd place to his name, recorded two starts back at 1200M. He had a hard time on his latest, being slowly away before running on for 5th. He has the challenge again of the widest gate but with a better start, can be a danger. (10) WORLD WINNERS MAN and (5) STORMY DAY are the other logical placing chances.
Selections
(3) Mach Man (9) Taepungui Chukje (11) Morpheus (10) World Winners Man
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here and we’ll have a short-priced favourite. That’s (11) AMAZING BOSS who, after an ordinary debut, was a much-improved 2nd over this distance at start number two on February 2nd. She came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t pose too many issues and, returning from a lengthy holiday, Franco Da Silva can make a swift return to the winner’s circle. With an apprentice claim, (7) GEUMA REJOICE may prove to be the testing material. She did nothing in her opening two races when a long way back but significantly improved at start number three when 3rd. She has had almost four months off since then so comes in fresh and that little weight break may be key. (4) LASER GRIT has raced fairly in her two starts so far and can aim to build on her last start 5th and should be working home well. (5) BLACK JILJU and (3) GOLDMASK other potential improvers.
Selections
(11) Amazing Boss (7) Geuma Rejoice (4) Laser Grit (5) Black Jilju
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Like plenty of these (8) SANGIM BOLT remains a maiden, but he comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times. He is down 3kg in the weights and there is no reason why he can’t get on pace again here and potentially go all the way. (5) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE need s alone drawn through his latest when sent up to tackle a mile. This is a far more suitable assignment and prior to that he had demonstrated plenty of ability. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE ran a close 4th in an all-filly race at this class and distance on February 2nd when settling midfield and running on. She remains under a light weight and from a good gate can go close again. (7) GOHEUNG CLASS and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN among others in the hunt.
Seoul and Busan host their Classic trials on Sunday with both the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the South Coast. There are 11 races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Hangang Class was champion juvenile last year and starts his 3yo campaign in Busan’s Classic trial (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the worst maiden to start with and (9) CUPID MIR will be favourite. He has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest on January 20th being his best when an on-pace 3rd over 1300M. He should be on or close to the speed here and he can win. (12) RAON THE CLIPPER did nothing on debut last summer but was then put away for a few months. He trialled well in December and then ran a much-improved 3rd on his return over this distance on January 28th. He should strip fitter for that and can be a danger here. (3) MONEY TOUCH has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and should be challenging late on here. (8) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG and (4) MARU STAR others who have hinted at ability and shouldn’t be far away.
Selections
(9) Cupid Mir (12) Raon The Clipper (3) Money Touch (8) Geumak Myeongjang
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) YONGAM SESANG was 2nd on debut all the way back in May of last year but didn’t re-appear again until this January 20th when he ran an on-pace 3rd over this distance. He was favourite that day but evidently needed the run and with some natural improvement, he will be the one to beat here. That will require him to overturn the form on (12) RAON THE SPRINTER. He too returned from a layoff in that January 20th race, in his case of five-months since an underwhelming debut. He won his December trial and then was a smart 2nd on his return, two-and-a-half lengths clear of Yongam Sesang. He has the challenge of the widest gate today, but he should be close. With a 2nd and a 4th over 1300M from his latest to, (10) STUNNING MONEY looks to be the logical third pick while (1) YEJIMONG and (2) CROQUIS are others who may warrant support on a place line.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It took (2) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG a couple of goes to figure things out but on the evidence of his latest two, he is getting there. He has recorded a 3rd and a 4th over 1300M both in fast times and running through the line well. He has by far the fastest final furlong average time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) BIG WILD is getting there too. She has recorded back-to-back 3rd places over this distance and while the times weren’t quick, they were in much slower conditions than those experienced by the favourite. She has the challenge of a wild draw but should be a danger. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER will also be disputing favourite status. After running 3rd on debut, he was 2nd over this distance on January 26th, settling midfield and running on. Again, his times haven’t been quick, but he will be competitive here. (12) LUCKY HIT and (5) CHRYSOL HERO other place chances.
Selections
(2) Gwangyaeuihamseong (11) Big Wild (4) Wonderful Fever (12) Lucky Hit
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DAEMUL SOCKS comes in off a best to date 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on February 4th. He draws very nicely to be on the speed again and he can go one better this time. (9) NARAOLA enters following a 5th and a 4th from his latest two, most recently beating a couple of these on January 28th on his way to posting the quickest (it’s all relative) time that any in this field has achieved for the 1400M. In this company, he should be able to get on to the pace from the start and will be in this a long way. (10) SHOUT KURO was away slowly and never a factor behind Naraola on January 28th. Prior to that though he had been in good form with a smart 3rd place over 1300M and he can be given another chance here. (4) SHARKTEN and (2) NEXTLEVEL among other minor money chances.
Selections
(1) Daemul Socks (9) Naraola (10) Shout Kuro (4) Sharkten
Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. There was a lot of snow in Seoul on Wednesday and Thursday and while it will probably all have melted by the time racing gets underway, there could accordingly be a very wet track surface. Here are the previews:
Plenty of snow around this week
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It is the experience that will be favoured though and chief among them is (7) GIANT STEP. After winning a trial he debuted on January 20th and came from off the pace to run a solid 4th in a decent time over 1300M. He should have come on for that run, the extra half furlong can suit, and he is the one to beat. (2) MK LEE was slowly away on debut but worked home very well to run 4th over 1200M. Moon Se-young remains aboard, and he too should appreciate the extra trip. (8) TAENG TAENG BALL. He raced handy on debut, coming home in 2nd place over 1200M. In this company he should be on or close to the pace and should be in this a long way. (11) NESSUN DORMA and (9) BEAT YEONGUNG are others who hinted at ability on debut and should show some natural improvement here. All of them tackle 1400M for the first time.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
This is a very ordinary maiden with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Given the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll take a chance on newcomer (3) BARO DANAEUN. The Hansen filly only went through one trial, but she ran second in it and while the time was only fair and it was all the way back last November, she draws nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. After a poor debut, (1) MAX WEEK has finished midfield twice in better company than this. He gets a much better draw today and should be a danger. (10) SHINE BOLT similarly improved to 5th at start number two, albeit in a very slow race on January 14th. She came from off the pace and a similar run should see her closer. (5) MO CHUISLE has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before – not exactly an impressive feat, but enough to put her in the numbers. She trialled up fairly at the end of last month having last raced in September. (6) HERO GOLD another who could improve.
Selections
(3) Baro Danaeun (1) Max Week (10) Shine Bolt (5) Mo Chuisle
Next Best
6, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (8) GENERAL POWER has steadily improved across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. She has come from off the pace all three times and the additional half furlong may be what she needs to get the breakthrough. (4) STUNNING CHAMP comes in having beaten a few of these on her way to a close 4th at 1200M on January 27th. She also has a 3rd place to her name and shapes as the main danger here. (5) DIVA LAURA has raced just the once, but it was a good showing, with her finishing 2nd at 1200M in a similar race to this. The time wasn’t quick, but she should have benefitted from the experience and can go well again. (7) NATURAL SOUND and (12) RAIN STAR others to consider for the places.
Selections
(8) General Power (4) Stunning Champ (5) Diva Laura (7) Natural Sound
Next Best
12, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) CHEONGUCHAT will be a warm favourite. After a couple of ordinary showings, he has been figuring things out in his latest couple, running 2nd and 3rd at 1200M and most recently this distance on January 28th. He draws well, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today should be the day. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE led on his latest on January 7th but was ungenerous in the straight to the extent he was sent back to trial despite still finishing 4th. He passed his heat in good fashion and with slightly better manners and from a great draw, he can be a danger. (2) BAEKRYONG has a 2nd place to his name over this distance which he achieved on Christmas Day when settling midfield and running on. He led in his latest start over 1400M, ultimately coming home in 5th and he should be closer here. (10) TOJONG GLORY and (4) SAENAE PARK others in the frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) STORM GUY got his win at 1200M last November making all and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class and distance, most recently on January 13th. He draws very nicely to lead here, Moon Se-young gets on, and he can go all the way. That will mean overturning the form on (12) LAST PITCH. He ran 3rd in that January 13th race, making light of a wide draw to close strongly. He draws even wider today but his one win came at this distance in December, and he shouldn’t be dismissed here. (1) SLAM DRAGON comes up in class having won at this distance on January 21st with a front-running effort. He comes down in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can be competitive here. (5) GLOBAL MENI and (11) GUKDAE FIGHTER also both come up in class and in distance following maiden wins on their respective latest starts and both can measure up in this company.
It’s Classic trials weekend in Korea with both Seoul and Busan hosting their respective lead up races for the Triple Crown on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Japanese rider Ueda Masashi, who rode at Seoul between 2020 and 2022, has returned and takes his first rides on the south coast.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
A maiden with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) RUBY STONE was a trial winner in December before running 3rd on debut in an all-filly maiden over this distance on January 28th when she led for much of the way. She has the challenge of a wide gate here, but she should have come on for that run and has as good a chance as any. (2) TROPHY WARE was an improved 2nd at start number two on January 21st when settling midfield and running on. The time was significantly quicker than anything else here has registered and from a great draw, she is a big danger. (1) ONES HEYDAY has progressed across three outings so far, most recently 3rd at this distance on January 26th. She likes to settle back and run on and can be pressing late. (12) SEOGWI STAR and (6) LET THEM ALL COME, the latter having knocked up fast on debut having showed on pace, others to consider.
Selections
(11) Ruby Stone (2) Trophy Ware (1) Ones Heyday (12) Seogwi Star
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
2, 6, 11, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-olds only in this maiden and it’s hard to look past (6) CHEONHA SARANG. He ran 3rd on debut over 1200M before an on-pace 2nd when stepped up to 1400M at start number two on February 2nd. The step up in trip again can suit and he should have too much for this lot, which will be reflected in a prohibitive price. (2) BABEL DREAMY has run on well for 4th and 5th in two appearances so far at 1200M and 1300M. She has recorded fast final furlongs and should relish a bit more distance to get stuck into. (8) STEALTH MODE was a fair 6th of twelve behind Cheonha Sarang earlier this month and can get closer in this company. (9) LEMON DRAGON and (11) UNJU LEGEND others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) MAX THE CAT has been getting closer across four starts culminating in a 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on January 26th flashing home from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go one better here. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS was 5th in that January 26th race, also coming from a long way back. He already has two 3rd places to his name at this distance and should be in the mix again today. (8) WONDERFUL KAYLAN enters off a to-date best of 2nd place over 1400M then racing handily. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (12) NANGMAN DAERO and (9) SEOBU CAPTAN are other potential improvers.
Selections
(11) Max The Cat (4) Yeonggwanguiclass (8) Wonderful Kaylan (12) Nangnam Daero
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Eleven imported maidens with four of them racing for the first time. Most of the ones with prior racing experience raced against each other on January 12th at this distance with the best of them being (1) WOLFS KING MAN, who settled handy and ran on for 2nd place. He had been sent off as favourite on what was his debut having impressed in trials and he will be a short-priced favourite to go one better. (2) CONNECT MARINE ran 3rd in that race, coming from well off the pace. He has three-lengths to find on Wolf’s King Man but can have the beating of the rest. The only one to have raced twice already is (10) WINNABLE EDITION. He has been fancied in both having won a trial and he did improve in the second of them to finish 5th of eleven. He comes up in the weights but can continue to get closer. (6) AKARAKA was 5th on debut in the January 12th race and can improve. (5) CHOEGOUI KKUM looks the best of the debut-makers.
Selections
(1) Wolfs King Man (2) Connect Marine (10) Winnable Edition (6) Akaraka
The 2024 Stakes program gets underway on Sunday as the long road to the Korea Sprint starts with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Daehan Jilju (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) STUNNING FLATTER didn’t catch the eye in trials but instead saved it for races, running a good 3rd on debut on January 7th over this distance, settling back and running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he is the one to beat here. (12) STAR CHANGER has made progress across four starts so far and enters off a close 3rd place in a slow race over this distance on January 14th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer this time. (4) SOLAIRE has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has the best finish on him among these and can be a danger late. (10) BLUE RACER and debut-maker (3) MR. TROT others who may feature.
Selections
(8) Stunning Flatter (12) Star Changer (4) Solaire (10) Blue Racer
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
3, 7, 10, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) CHEONMA BULPAE comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to a to date best finish of 3rd over this distance on January 21st when racing handy throughout. He is under the same weight today and comes out of the same gate and with Breux climbing up, he can make the breakthrough. (5) FLYING KING has been getting steadily better across four starts, culminating in 3rd place last time over 1300M. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time today and should be on pace and in this a long way. (1) BLOOD MOUNTAIN was 4th behind Cheonma Bulpae in that January 21st race, coming from off the pace. That was his best finish so far and he should be there or thereabouts again. (6) CRAZE CHANG and (12) TONNERRE others in at least the placing frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three first-time starters in this field and we’ll take a chance on one of them (1) THE GREY MAN ran 2nd in a quick trial two weeks ago, running on pace. He draws nicely to be on pace and the apprentice engaged means both a light weight and probably a slightly better price than otherwise. (9) WORLD MAID CAT will probably jump as the favourite. She came from well off the pace to run 2nd over this distance on debut on January 12th with a couple of today’s opponents behind her. She should have come on for that run and can be a big danger late on here. (6) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE ran 4th behind World Maid Cat in that race having led for much of the way. She should be on pace, and she too should show some natural improvement. (4) MR.KEYMAN and (12) MASTER ROAD are others who have hinted at ability and can be considered.
Selections
(1) The Grey Man (9) World Maid Cat (6) Yeonggwangui Rose (4) Mr.Keyman
Next Best
12, 10
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Weak maiden here. (4) ASSI JANGGUN has a 2nd place to her name over 1200M in a decent time back in December when coming from off the pace. She wasn’t completely horrible when 6th on her return on January 14th and won’t need much improvement to win this. (5) YEONGWON POTEN overcame a wide draw and a slow start to run on for a midfield finish on debut on January 6th. With a bit more experience, a better draw and hopefully, a better start, she can get much closer here. (3) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has a 3rd place to his name over the distance and while he has been ordinary in two subsequent starts, that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. (2) AWESOME BRAIN did nothing on debut on New Year’s Eve but has since been back to trial and looked better. (6) FEDERAL PRESS another who may improve.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and it features the first real heavyweight clash of the season as promising four-year-old colt Nut Play faces filly Wonderful Slew in the class 1 finale. Here are the previews:
Nut Play (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with all tackling the 1400M for the first time. Of two debut-makers. (7) MIGHTY BOM was an improved 2nd at start number two on January 13th over 1200M, settling midfield and running on but unable to get to the winner. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and the step up in trip should suit. Debut-maker (10) GLOBAL GUNJU won a trial, racing handy throughout and finishing off well. In this limited company, he has to be given a chance first-up. (6) SPACE RUBY came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1200M. She should have come on for the run and she may well appreciate the additional furlong here. (11) SEGWANG JILJU and (3) ÉCLAIR POWER among others with the potential to improve.
Selections
(7) Mighty Bom (10) Global Gunju (6) Space Ruby (11) Segwang Jilju
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (8) CHANIGO has raced three times and was an improved 2nd in the latest of those, over this distance on January 21st when on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. She can be on the speed here and this time can go one better. It’s a competitive race though. (11) MAGIC IMPACT looks a good debut-maker. She got quicker over the course of three trials, winning the latest at the start of this month in a good time and racing on pace. The draw does her no favours, but she can put in a bold showing first-up. (2) THUNDER STORM came from off the pace to run 4th on debut. She gets a better draw here and with some natural improvement can get closer. (9) LADY HANABI and (5) HERO JILJU others with claims for improvement.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) JEONGSEONGTIGER has improved across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on Christmas Eve when, as has been her style, she raced handy throughout. She draws nicely here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she can go one better. The big danger is (1) PASALUBONG. He also has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance. He likes to race on pace, so he gets a great draw to be on speed and he could well lead all the way. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella as the rest of the form is very patchy. (6) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG has hinted at ability, while (2) TURN TABLE and (4) GRATITUDE look to be others with the most chance of challenging for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) SEOBU TEUKSONG obliged as favourite at start number two over 1200M on January 6th, settling handy and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but she carries a nice light weight, and she could repeat. (4) HAKSAN MACHO is yet to win in seven attempts but has plenty of near-misses and was 4th on his first try at this class over 1300M on January 21st. He can race on pace or from the back and he can be a danger here. (5) VIVA CHEONGSU is also yet to win but comes up in class having run 2nd in both her first two races over 1200M She has been doing her best work late on so the step up to 1400M may well suit and she comes in under a light weight. (8) BEAT RACER and (10) HANGANG POWER, who is back in trip and has been back to trial since his latest effort, are among others to consider for the places.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Small but competitive field. (2) LEGENDSUN was thought highly enough of to be given his chance in a Listed race for juveniles last autumn. That didn’t go well, but he has more than held his own at this class with back-to-back 3rd places at this distance and while he carries his fair share of weight here, he will surely be in the finish again (9) DONGJIN BULPAE was a winner at start number two over this distance on January 20th when he began fairly before being ridden to the pace and ran on to score well in a time considerably quicker than any of the others here have achieved. He comes up in class today but won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (6) BEOLGYO VERITAS was a convincing winner on debut over 1200M before running a close 4th on his first try at this class and distance on January 6th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. The wildcard is (8) GHOST WOLF, who won her only start to date all the way back in July 2022. She offered few clues in her December trial but is worth keeping an eye on. (5) ARCH RUNNER among plenty of others with claims.
The short Lunar New Year break is over and racing returns to Koralea this weekend. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.50 to 1800. Here are the previews:
Magic Hands: Masa Tanaka is back (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (1) RED JASPER has looked as though she is figuring things out at last with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and recording a time significantly quicker than any of the others here have managed. She draws nicely, You Hyun-myung is aboard, and today can be her day. The main danger is (6) CHIMING RUN. After a positive trial, she looked assured on debut on December 15th, running 2nd over 1200M when racing on pace. She has had a couple of months off since, but she should have come on for the experience and has every chance here. (3) BARADEON BADA has drawn wide and got a bit far back in both her two starts so far but she has hinted at ability and has a much better gate this time. (11) BORAM and (7) TWOTWO MONEYGUN the other placing chances.
Selections (1) Red Jasper (6) Chiming Run (3) Baradeon Bada (11) Boram Next Best 7, 9 Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts here. (3) LOLLY has shown steady improvement across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when stepped up to a mile on January 14th, and closing from midfield with three of today’s rivals behind her. She should have derived benefit from that experience, and she can go one better today. She maintains a weight advantage over (8) LEMON DOKKI, who came home in 4th place in that January 14th race when ridden slightly further forward than in previous outings. He too looks to have further improvement in him and should go close here. Masa Tanaka returns to Busan this weekend and in (6) FLYING DIA, he rides a live chance. The filly has mixed her form across seven starts to date but comes in off a smart 3rd place over 1300M and the step up to a mile can suit. (1) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (5) CLOUD LOVE among others in the hunt.
Selections (3) Lolly (8) Lemon Dokki (6) Flying Dia (1) Ilnyeom Sinhwa Next Best 5, 4 Fast Start 3, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) WILD SERVE ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 5th, settling midfield and running on well. She should have come on for that run, the step up to 1400M can suit, and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat. (7) POWER BANK wasn’t quite so impressive on his debut on January 14th, but he raced handy throughout and finished a fair 3rd. He too should have derived benefit from that and can be a danger here at what will probably be each-way odds. (1) DAESEUNGNIJA enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M. She has been doing her best work late and from a good draw, she can benefit from the slight step up in trip today. (6) SEOBU VISION and (11) GRAY BOSS others firmly in the hunt in a competitive maiden.
Selections (4) Wild Serve (7) Power Bank (1) Daeseungnija (6) Seobu Vision Next Best 11, 2 Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
This is a competitive race. We’ll go with (4) OVER THE TRIPLE who, after getting a long way back on debut, was a front-running winner at start number two over this distance on January 12th. He comes up in class here but comes slightly down in the weights and draws a good gate. He can repeat. (10) SINCHEON FIRST was an emphatic winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back, before running a fair 3rd at 1300M on his first try at this class three weeks ago. He is another who likes to be on pace and while he has to contend with a wide draw, he should be in this a long way. (2) YEONYEIN ran 3rd on debut before winning at start number two over 1300M on January 19th when racing handy. His times haven’t been spectacular, but he carries a light weight here and can measure up in this company. (8) MONSTER DRAGON is up in class and distance having won on debut over 1200M and along with (12) WONDERFUL CUTIE – a maiden but placed at this class in both her latest two – is not without a chance here.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). It’s the last racing in Korea until February 16th because of the Lunar New Year holiday next week. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and (8) PINK GOLD is the pick and probable favourite. She showed on pace on debut over this distance on January 6th, ultimately coming home in 5th place. She should have come on for that run and this time can go all the way. (5) ROYAL PLUS has raced twice already, improving to 4th at the second time of asking. Her times have been slow but that seems to be a trend at the moment, and she shapes as the main danger. The exposed form drops off significantly after those two so it really is taking your pick as to who might improve. (7) HERO NARA wasn’t horrible on debut and along with (3) TAP DIA and (2) SEMYOUNG GHOST, the latter 6th on debut in a fair time, seem the most likely.
Selections
(8) Pink Gold (5) Royal Plus (7) Hero Nara (3) Tap Dia
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. After running 6th on debut in November, he overcame gate eleven to race handy and finish 3rd in a good time over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. He comes into a better gate today, the additional half furlong can suit, and he should have too much. (8) EUNPA JOY has shown progress in his latest couple with a 5th and 4th, both at 1200M. He has the fastest final furlong among the field, and he can be a danger late on here. (10) FLYING COMMAND has a 3rd place to her name and while it was recorded two starts back in restricted filly-only company, it is enough to put her in the placing frame here. (11) LONDON BISANG and (5) LONDON GOLD are others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(7) Yeonggwangui World (8) Eunpa Joy (10) Flying Command (11) London Bisang
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
1, 7, 10, 12
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) SPRIT FIGHTER has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over this distance on January 12th when racing handy and running on. He can sit just behind the speed here and has as good a chance as any. (11) MIRACLE MARINE won a December trial before finishing 3rd over 1200M on debut on January 5th. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement he will be in the mix. (8) AWESOME SUNRISE has three top-five finishes from five starts so far, including his latest over this distance on January 7th. That was a monumentally slow race, but she had previously gone quicker over this distance and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (10) HEUIMANG FLYING and (7) HI LEGEND others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) BAEDARI HYANGGI comes in off a 5th and a 4th from her latest two, over 1200M and 1300M, both times coming from well off the pace. She draws nicely here and as such, she may be ridden a little further forward than in those races, and stepped up to 1400M for the first time, she can win. (4) WONDERFUL SPIRIT has raced just three times and enters off her best so far when 3rd at 1200M. She has been doing her best work late on each time and she should relish the additional furlong that she has to play with today. (8) JECHUK ILHO is a bit more experienced. He was 3rd on his latest start, which came over this distance on January 7th when settling midfield and a similar performance should put him in the mix again. (10) STUNNING SERVE and (3) DAEMUL SOCKS other placing chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating with a runner-up finish over this distance on January 5th when handy throughout. She draws very nicely here and today could be her day. She’ll be disputing favourite status with (7) NONSTOP DUTY. She too has improved, in her case over the course of five starts, and her times have been superior. Most recently, she ran 3rd over 1200M on December 29th when she was on pace throughout, and she is sure to be a danger here. (4) UNJU TOP has a 3rd place over this distance to her nae and then ran 5th from a wide gate over 1200M last time out on New Year’s Eve. From a better draw, she can go close. (1) CHEONHA GEONGANG and (9) BROWN FALCON among others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) PURGE KING has five top-five finishes from seven starts so far, with his win coming at 1300M at class 6 level. He enters off a 4th place at class and distance in a fair time on January 13th when he settled midfield and ran on and in this company, he looks to be the one to beat. (5) GANGHAN NURI comes up in class after two runner-up finishes. The most recent of those was in one of the slowest 1300M races in history, but on a quicker track he had shown speed on debut. He is down in the weights and there is no reason he can’t measure up in this company. (12) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE was a winner on debut and has since registered a 6th and a 5th at this class, both at 1300M in fair times. He has better early speed than most of these so despite the wide draw, he may well be on pace and in this a long way. (8) HEART K was a winner at this distance on January 7th and comes up in class and he, along with (7) SEMYEONG LADY, who has won at this class and distance, are others in the hunt.
Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (9) BREEDO GIRL ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 2nd, having been slowly away before making up good ground late. She should have come on for the run and has as good a chance as any here. It’s a similar story with (8) SEOBU CHAMP, who was also slowly away on debut on December 30th before running on well. For 4th place. She went through a lot of trials before that so she should be fit, and she too should have derived benefit from that experience. (5) SHARKTEN didn’t do much on debut last summer but was then put away and returned to action on January 7th to run a solid 5th over 1300M. He is another who should strip fitter this time and can appreciate the slight step up in trip. There are two first time starters and of them (2) DRAGON KINGDOM looks to be the best. He won a trial last September although never made it to the races and trialled again in fair fashion last week. In a race with no obvious early speed, he should join (1) CHOGANGBULPAE, another potential improver, on the pace.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BELOTERO will be a hot favourite here. She has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on January 6th when she settled midfield and ran on well behind Goldberg. Moon Se-young climbs up for the first time today and she won’t need to improve much – if at all – to win this. (7) HERO JEONSA stepped up to this distance for start number four on January 6th and was an instant improver, racing much handier than he had before and finishing a close 2nd. He can sit close to the speed here and can go close again. (4) GOLDEN BALL is another last start improver, coming from off the pace to run 2nd over 1200M. She can be there or thereabouts in this company. (3) SEOUL DOLPUNG and (9) CROQUIS others to consider.
Selections
(6) Belotero (7) Hero Jeonsa (4) Golden Ball (3) Seoul Dolpung
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG did nothing on debut back in October but after going back to trial, he looked a much better prospect when returning on January 6th and running 3rd over this distance, settling midfield and running through the line well. He comes into a much better gate today and Moon Se-young being engaged will probably be enough to make him the favourite. (10) BUNDANG TSUNAMI has raced on pace in all four of his starts so far with his best finish being 2nd over 1000M. Despite the wide draw he should be on the speed again and can be in this a long way. (6) SPINNING BOOM and (9) WONDERFUL PASS have identical form each having a 7th and a 4th from their two respective starts. Both should be in the mix here too. (7) SUNNY ROAD another with the potential to improve.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) TAENGGEURI has been getting progressively closer and ran a very close 2nd when stepped up to two-turns for the first time on Christmas Day. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but doesn’t need to lead so with a patient ride, today can be his day. The main danger is (7) VICAR NAREUMA, who has two 5th places and a 3rd from three starts so far up to 1300M. His times have been good and running style suggests the step up in trip can suit and he will be vying for favourite status. (2) NATURAL CLASS races for the first time since last June. She had hinted at ability in coming from off the pace in her first couple of starts and she looked well when running 2nd in a trial three weeks ago. 1700M is a hard ask first up but there is not a whole lot to fear in this company. (4) NEXTLEVEL and (1) MAGIC K other placing chances.
Selections
(12) Taenggeuri (7) Vicar Nareuma (2) Natural Class (4) Nextlevel
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) URUS KHAN was a winner on debut over 1200M in November before running 2nd on his first try at this level over 1300M on New Year’s Eve when he raced handy throughout. He draws nicely here to be on pace again and he can go one better. (1) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA will be the second favourite. His debut was the only time in seven starts that he has finished outside of the top four and he is already a winner at this class having scored at 1200M in December. He carries 3kg more than he did that day, but he should be more than competitive in this company. (2) CHADOL RUN has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin and her recent form reads fairly. She can sit behind the early speed and looks a decent chance on a place line at probably a good price. (11) ARGO MUJEOK and (5) CLOUTER among plenty of other minor money hopes.
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) SSEULMO is yet to win in nine attempts, but he came very close in his latest, at this class over 1200M on January 6th when he settled midfield and almost got there. He is third-up this preparation so he should be peaking fitness-wise and today can be his day. The main danger is also a maiden. (1) HWASANGWIHWAN was similarly promoted to this level following too many near-misses and he comes in following a solid 3rd place over 1200M on January 6th when he led for much of the way. He draws very nicely to be on pace again and he may take some getting past. (12) MYEONGJINBULLPAI had been working towards a win and she got it at start number four on December 30th over 1300M, coming from well off the pace. She comes up in class here but is nicely weighted and can measure up. (8) RAON AIR FORCE and (11) SINUI HAMESONG are others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(9) Sseulmo (1) Hwasangwihwan (12) Myeongjinbullpai (8) Raon Air Force
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) DOKKI DRAGON is a winner of two from five and is up in class after a comfortable score over 1300M on January 7th when he settled just behind the speed and proved too strong. He draws nicely, the mile can suit, and he has every chance of winning again. (4) DREAM PLAY comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two starts at this class at 1300M and 1400M. He has posted some very good final furlong times, and he is another for whom the step up in trip should be ideal. (2) MY KHAN has won his latest two at 1300M and 1400M to get rapidly promoted to this level. He comes down in the weights and looks to have plenty of scope for more development. (8) MEGA DRAGON and (1) GEUMBIT CHEONHA, the latter just one of two who have tackled the mile already, are among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(3) Dokki Dragon (4) Dream Play (2) My Khan (8) Mega Dragon
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 9
Seoul Race 8: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) GEOLJAK SKY will be favourite having won over this distance at class 6 level in October before recording back-to-back 4th place finishes in two attempts so far at this class. In this company she will probably settle on or close to the speed and she should be too strong at the business end. (3) GOLDBERG is up in class having registered her maiden win at start number four over this distance on January 6th when she beat Belotero, who we saw in race 2. That win had been coming and she should be able to measure up in this company. (10) LADY TAEPUNG defied big odds to run 2nd at class and distance on December 9th and is this company rates as a place chance again. (12) GEUMAK STAR and (4) GEOMIBULU are among others who shouldn’t be far away.
Selections
(5) Geoljak Sky (3) Goldberg (10) Lady Taepung (12) Geumak Star
Next Best
4, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 10, 11
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) FARCIARZ was a super winner at class and distance on New Year’s Eve, settling just better than midfield before running on well and stopping the clock in a quick time. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but don’t rule out a repeat here. (8) GLOBAL POWER also comes in off a class and distance win on January 7th. He too is up significantly in the weights but nevertheless shapes as the main danger. (3) COWBOY TANGO may be something of a veteran now abut he enters in arguably the best form of his career with two wins from his latest three appearances. That means a class rise but he is down in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can continue his good run of form. (4) GIANT KILLING and (12) MY CENTER, the latter another last start class and distance winner, are among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(9) Farciarz (8) Global Power (3) Cowboy Tango (4) Giant Killing
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
5, 10, 11, 12
Seoul Race 10: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) META BLADE has just the one win from eleven starts so far but has likewise only finished out of the top-five on one occasion. In two starts at this class and distance, she has finished in 4th both times, most recently when favourite on Christmas Eve when she led for much of the way. She remains lightly weighted, she should lead again, and she has every chance here. The big danger is (7) POWER GUNJU. The Ghostzapper import go this maiden in at start number three over 1400M on December 30th, running on well for a narrow victory in a good time. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but the two turns can suit, and he can go back-to-back. (3) ORAEDAHAMKKE comes up in class having won over 1700M on January 7th when settling handy. That was his first try at two turns and he comes down 3kg in the weights which should being him into contention. (9) KING SIMBA and (8) SKY HAMSEONG among others to keep safe.
Selections
(4) Meta Blade (7) Power Gunju (3) Oraedahamkke (9) King Simba
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(3) RAON THE GOLD was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before running 4th last time out on Christmas Day when unable to get to the lead. She remains under a light weight here, she draws very nicely, and she has won at this distance in the past. She is a big chance. (8) SOMETHING LOST ran 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile last April before running 7th and 5th in the two subsequent legs of the Triple Crown series. He races for the first time since the Minister’s Cup last July, but he looked very well in a trial two weeks ago and he can go well first-up here. (2) WONDERFUL KITTY doesn’t win out of turn but placed at this distance in filly and mare Group company last September. She is beautifully weighted and drawn here and should be close. (11) FLYING GOLD and (1) BEOLMAL DAEJANG among others in contention for the minors.
Selections
(3) Raon The Gold (8) Something Lost (2) Wonderful Kitty (11) Flying Gold
The final weekend of racing before the one-week Lunar New Year holiday gets underway at Busan on Friday when there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A
Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s hard to go past (2) CHEONHA SARANG. He debuted on January 5th and ran a very good 3rd place over 1200M racing handy throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. He won’t need to improve very much on that to win here. The main danger could be a first timer. (8) PINE BLUE didn’t qualify at his first attempt at the end of last year but looked much better when tried again on January 13th, settling midfield before running on to win his heat in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he can put in a bold showing first up. (3) RAID HIT and (9) STEALTH MODE both hinted at ability in their respective debut efforts, and both can be considered for improvement here. (11) BLISS MARINE another who can improve.
Selections
(2) Cheonha Sarang (8) Pine Blue (3) Raid Hit (9) Stealth Mode
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden. (12) MORPHEUS comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over 1200M on January 5th when leading for much of the way around and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He is done no favours by the wide draw here, but he has shown plenty of speed at the start so if he can get a bit of luck and a good position, he could be the one to beat. (4) MACH MAN has shown steady progress across five starts to date and was a close 3rd behind Morpheus in that January 5th race. He gets the better of the draw this time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) SANGIM BOLT improved to 2nd on his latest over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t a quick race but a similar showing here, should see him in the finish. (8) RAON TAIVA is the only debut maker and he acquitted himself well enough in his trail when 3rd in a fair time alongside some experienced horses, to suggest he should be kept safe first up. (10) JUMBO ROCKET another in the hunt.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GREEN CHIEF returned from eleven months out to run 2nd and 3rd in two December outings, both over 1200M. They were in restricted filly only company, but both the times and the performances were good. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and from a good gate, she looks to be the one to beat. (10) RAON STROKE has shown improvement over three starts, culminating in a runner-up finish at 1300M on December 31st when coming from off the pace. She had got a bit far back in her previous two, but she should be doing her best work late again here. (12) VALHALLA weakened late having led over 1400M last time out. He does have a runner-up finish to his name though and can be given another chance here. (7) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG and (9) AMAZING BOSS among others who can go close.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (11) TEAM PERFECT comes out of the Listed Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy for juvenile fillies at the start of December where she only beat one home. She is though a winner at this distance and has placed at this class as well. She likes to race on pace so if she can get a forward position from the wide gate, she should be very much in the frame. (8) ROAD STAR went much better in that Listed race, finishing a decent 3rd behind Baekduui Kkum. She did struggle in one subsequent appearance but is worth another chance here. (12) UNJU JILJU raced a couple of times without distinction last summer. She looked a much better prospect when winning on her return from almost six months out in December, making all over 1200M. She is up in class here but should stirp fitter for the run, and she shouldn’t be dismissed. (7) B.K. ZENA and (1) PIMI among other placing chances.
Horse Racing in Korea 