Month: July 2024

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 28)

With no Busan this weekend, there is a bumper 14-race program at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seirene returns for the first time since a shock win in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the very first time. (5) SEOUL BULCHUNGGAK is a half to multiple Group winning filly Jeulgeounyeojeong. It took her two goes to qualify but she looked accomplished at the second attempt, crowing the line in 3rd place in a quick time and the 1200M can suit first-up. The one with prior experience is (1) ECO WORLD, who came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M in June 22nd. Experience often counts for a lot in races like this and from a good draw, she can be dangerous. Returning to the first timers, (3) ECLIPSE THE KING overcame gate eleven to run 2nd in a trial on July 4th. The time wasn’t quick, but Moon Se-young being booked will tempt plenty. (9) CHOWON DOLPUNG and (2) NAMCHON TOWN were others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(5) Seoul Bulchunggak (1) Eco World (3) Eclipse The King (9) Chowon Dolpung
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) KHAN NUT was sent off as favourite on debut on July 6th after running 2nd in a good time in a trial. Ultimately, he could only manage 5th place, but he took a bump at the start and ran fairly. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can be better today. (6) ANDAMIRO Similarly ran 5th on debut, which in her case was over 1000M in an all-filly juvenile maiden on June 22nd. She ran on pleasingly enough and the step up in trip can suit. (10) SILVER MOON could only manage 6th when well supported at start number two at this distance on June 22nd but going on her 3rd place on debut in May, can be competitive in this company. (5) JERAQUEEN and (11) OPUS PURPLE among other placing chances.

Selections(2) Khan Nut (6) Andamiro (10) Silver Moon (5) Jeraqueen
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

Tricky maiden. (2) BLUE RACER appears for the first time since running an improved 3rd over 1200M back in March. He looked well when leading for much of the way in a trial on July 11th and from a good draw, he can lead here too, and they may not get past him. (3) CLAIR GOLD has been showing progress across her latest couple culminating in a runner-up finish last time out on June 22nd when coming from off the place. She looks nicely in here and a similar run could see her go one better. (9) FLYING LUCKY also comes in off a 2nd place at her last start. In her case it was at 1400M, and the time wasn’t quick, but she can be competitive again in this company. (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA will need a line drawn through his latest but was a close 2nd two starts back at this distance and can place. (10) JEONGSANG HIT another in the hunt.

Selections(2) Blue Racer (3) Clair Gold (9) Flying Lucky (4) Nonstop Yeolcha
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) WONDERFUL TECHNO ran 3rd on debut over 1300M on June 9th before running 5th at start number two on July 7th when he was slow away before starting to run on late. He was later found to be slightly lame in both forelegs but was quickly back in work and coming up to two turns, has as much chance as any. (10) HANGANG CAPTAIN comes out of the same July 7th race when he had an even worse time than Wonderful Techno, bumping at the start and then racing keen laying inwards in the closing stages. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on his runner-up finish two starts back on June 16th which warrants him another chance. (9)  NATURAL SOUND and (3) TROLL came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other at this distance on June 29th and both can be in the mix to match or better here. (1) MARUBYEOL another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Wonderful Techno (10) Hangang Captain (9) Natural Sound (3) Troll
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

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

Busan is on vacation this weekend so Seoul goes it alone. There are 9 races on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A

Maiden juveniles in the opener with four of the nine racing for the first time. (1) SILVER RAIN was slow away on debut over 1000M on June 15th but rain on very pleasingly for 3rd place, beating a couple of today’s rivals He should strip fitter, he draws well, and the additional furlong can suit. (5) CHEONGSAN JILJU debuted in the same race and was better fancied having run well in trials. He performed adequately, running on for 4th and he too can be better for the experience. (6) WONDERFUL NORTHERN was relatively well supported on debut following a promising trial but was slow away and a long way back over 1000M. With a better start and an extra furlong, he can be given another chance. Among the first timers, (9) BEOLGYOUI STAR was the best in trials showing close to the front and stopping the clock in a fair time. (2) EUNPA MUSIC another who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Silver Rain (5) Cheongsan Jilju (6) Wonderful Northern (9) Beolgyoui Star
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(3) COING has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, showing on pace in both, although last time out two weeks ago, he was wayward in the home straight to the extent that he got sent back to trial. They didn’t hang about with him, putting him through a heat last week which he completed without expending much effort and he is quickly in again here with winning chances. The favourite will be (7) TRIPLE ACE. After an inauspicious debut, she overcame gate elven at start number two on July 7th to run 3rd over this distance, well beaten by a good winner but showing great improvement. She comes into a slightly better gate and can continue to make progress here. (8) ULTRA HIT has a pair of 3rd place finishes to her name at this distance and if we draw a line through her latest over 1300M, she can be in the mix here. (6) FLYING RED and first-timer starter (10) IRON LEG are others to consider.

Selections(3) Coing (7) Triple Ace (8) Ultra Hit (6) Flying Red
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

(3) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but based on her latest effort on June 23rd when 2nd on what was her first try at this distance, she is getting here. In this company and from a good draw she can be expected to be ridden forward, and she can win. (7) STORM GUY has mixed his form, but he comes in following a close runner-up finish at this class and distance on June 30th when he led for much of the way. He’ll be on pace again here and will be in this a long way. (8) LEGEND TAP is yet to win in eight attempts and is up in class here. However, he comes down in the weights and his last start 2nd was in a time that will be competitive at this level. (6) EUREKA and (2) GREEN FEELSTAR others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Sansameun Hamyang (7) Storm Guy (8) Legend Tap (6) Eureka
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) JANGBI DAEUN got her maiden win in fine style at stat number two over 1200M back on May 19th pulling away to win b a full thirteen-lengths in a quick time. She comes up in class and races for the first time in ten weeks, but the manner of that victory makes her hard to oppose here. (2) NAVY CHROME got her maiden win three starts back and has since run 2nd in two tries at this class, both over the 1400M. From a great draw, she can be expected to set the pace here and can be in the finish again. (4) DANGCHAN NANGBO is finally up in class after fifteen goes around in class 6. Her latest three have seen her place at this distance and under a light weight, she can be coming from off the pace and running into the money again. (1) SMART CAT and (9) THUNDER BRAVO other placing chances.

Selections(8) Jangbi Daeun (2) Navy Chrome (4) Dangchan Nangbo (1) Smart Cat
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(more…)

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

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Raon The Point (centre) won the Busan Ilbo Sprint in March and goes in Seoul’s Sunday feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden fillies in the opener. (8) KYLIE has been slowly figuring things out and comes in off her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance on June 30th. She races on pace or handy and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (7) FLYING LION has three 5th places to her name which is enough to put her in contention in this company. One of those was her most recent outing on June 15th when she raced a little more forward than usual and with CC climbing up, she should be aiming for a best finish so far here. So too should (2) HAKSAN DAESE. She has also finished no better than 5th but she draws nicely here and should have the beating of most. (10) CHALLANHAN NALGAE and the debut-maker (11) GANDAGO are perhaps the best of the rest of an uninspiring bunch.

Selections(8) Kylie (7) Flying Lion (2) Haksan Daese (10) Challanhan Nalgae
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

(7) DAEMYEONGJANG ran 2nd two starts back over 1200M before following up with a 4th place at this distance on June 22nd when going right back and running on. He has a runner-up finish to his name over this trip as well and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, has every chance here. (5) GREEN CONCORD has been making progress lately and enters off two 4th places and most recently a 3rd over this distance on June 15th when coming from off the pace in a filly only maiden. She will probably settle back again here and will be challenging late. (6) MR. POWER used up plenty of energy to get on pace from a wide draw on his latest outing on June 16th before weakening but two starts back he came from off the pace for a smart 3rd and that’s enough to put him in contention here. (1) JURING SKY and (11) MODERN DANCE others in the frame.

Selections(7) Daemyeongjang (5) Green Concord (6) Mr. Power (1) Juring Sky
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) BABEL DREAMY has six top-five finishes from her seven starts so far and enters here having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two, both over a mile and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and comes from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she’ll be a warm favourite. (3) MUNMAK USANG and (1) SEONGSILCHAMPION came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 1400M on June 21st, both coming from off the pace and running on well and both may be ready for another crack at a mile. (9) SUPER KANEL is a twenty-four-race maiden, but his recent form reads relatively well, and this is the kind of company in which he can pick up some minor prize money. (7) ILNYEOM SINHWA is the other placing chance.

Selections(10) Babel Dreamy (3) Munmak Usang (1) Seongsilchampion (9) Super Kanel
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

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

(10) EAST QUALITY has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on June 15th when racing handy. He has the challenge of a wide draw, but should prove equal to it, and can win here. (11) BREEDO GIRL has had a wind op since her disappointing run when favourite on her third start back in April. She previously ran 2nd over this distance and while she may need this, she can be considered. (2) SINUI UNMYEONG raced on pace last time out over this distance on June 22nd, ultimately finishing 4th. He draws nicely to get forward again and can be in this a long way. (3) YONGBICHEON ran 5th behind East Quality last time out and along with (6) WHIZ LOVER is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) East Quality (11) Breedo Girl (2) Sinui Unmyeong (3) Yongbicheon
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (9) ARI DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M on June 28th when settling handy and running through the line well. She comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be a problem, Munro climbs on, and she can go two for two. (10) DAESEUNGNIJA is yet to score in ten tries but has plenty of near misses including last time out on June 21st when she led for most of the way around only to be ultimately passed by a good winner late on. She doesn’t need to lead, so the wide draw shouldn’t be a concern and while she comes up 2kg in the weights, she is the clear second favourite. (1) DAEHO NARA enters off a front-running 2nd place over 1400M at this class on June 23rd and from a great draw can be in the mix again. (3) MASTER ROAD and (6) AWESOME SUNRISE among plenty of others with placing claims.

Selections(9) Ari Dragon (10) Daeseungnija (1) Daeho Nara (3) Master Road
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

(7) AMAZING ROCK obliged when favourite to get her maiden win over 1700M on June 29th, leading all the way around. She comes up in class but down in the weights, and she can win again. She probably won’t be favourite though. That’s likely to be her fellow three-year-old filly (9) MYUNGJINBULLPAI who comes out of a spin around in the final leg of the Triple Tiara. That didn’t go well but it was at 2000M, and she comes back to a distance at which she has the fastest time among these and a level at which she has placed three times. She’ll be firmly in the mix. (3) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL was winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. She followed it up with a 3rd place at the same distance a month ago and is in the placing frame again here. (8) P N S CAR and (5) RAIN STAR others to consider.

(more…)

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

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Eleven previously unraced two-year-olds make their debuts here and (7) REAL DEAL will be the hot favourite. He went through two trials, qualifying in the first of them but then completing another voluntary one (which may not appear in all race cards so be aware) on June 20th when leading all the way and stopping the clock in a time significantly superior to what any of the others here clocked. If he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (5) GLOBAL HAMSEONG also went through a couple of trials, improving in the second and he can go well first up. (2) BEOLGYO D Y was on pace in the second of his trials (also voluntary so again, be aware) and with a good draw and Moon Se-young booked, will have backers. (10) MORE THAN JOKE and (11) HWANGGEUM MASK others who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Real Deal (5) Global Hamseong (2) Beolgyo D Y (10) More Than Joke
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Not the strongest of maidens so we might as well take a chance on solitary first-time starter (4) MARU JANGGUN came from midfield to win his trial two weeks ago, stopping the clock in a fair time. He draws nicely here and the 1200M may well suit first-up. (5) CHRYSOL MAJOR ran twice as a three-year-old without distinction and returned on June 16th following six months out and was an improved 5th over 1300M having overcome a wide draw. He should strip fitter for that run and can be close here. (9) RUNNING ARTIST has made progress across three starts so far, most recently a 4th place at this distance on June 23rd. She draws wide here but there is no early speed so she may well go forward herself and she has as much chance as any. (6) CHOCO BEAUTY and (2) ÉCLAIR STAR others who may improve.

Selections(4) Maru Janggun (5) Chrysol Major (9) Running Artist (6) Choco Beauty
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) CHEONGRYANGSAN is yet to win in seven attempts but has no fewer than six top-four finishes and registered back-to-back runner-up efforts at this class in February and March. His worst was his latest on June 1st, but he can have a line drawn through that as he was slow into strode, took a bump, and was later found slightly lame. Back fit today and with Moon on, he can win. (7) INFINITE HONOR got his maiden win over 1400M in April and, following a shaky effort in May, confirmed he can compete at this level on June 23rd, when a front-running 5th, again at 1400M. The slight step back in trip can suit and he looks the main danger. (9) BIG BRIDGE is winless but has finished no worse than 5th in five starts. She carries a light weight here and can be finishing strongly. (1) DOWN THE ZONE and (6) EDENUI DONGJJOK other place chances who are perhaps better than their respective latest efforts.

Selections(2) Cheongryangsan (7) Infinite Honor (9) Big Bridge (1) Down The Zone
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (1) BEST THOR got his maiden win three starts back over this distance and has since run 2nd and 4th in two tries at this level, most recently coming from off the pace to beat a couple of today’s rivals on June 8th. He has the fastest time among these for the 1400M and he may be available at an each-way price. (9) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG is yet to win but enters with recent form reading well and only went down very narrowly on his first try at this class on June 22nd. In this company he can be close to the place and is a big danger. (8) GLOBAL JINGYEOK also comes in following a last start class and distance runner-up finish. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be in the mix again. (2) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG among others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Best Thor (9) Geumak Myeongjang (8) Global Jingyeok (2) Wonderful Wells
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

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

After getting his maiden win at this distance in January, (11) SAHARAMOND didn’t race again until May when finishing midfield on his first run back over 1300M. That was followed by a close 2nd place on June 22nd and while he comes up in the weights and has the challenge of the widest draw, he can be peaking fitness-wise here and is the one to beat. (4) BEAUTYWONDERFUL is yet to win in seven attempts but comes in off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently at this class over 1300M on June 16th. She is lightly weighted here and can be a danger. (1) GLORY AND HONOR can mix her form, but she looks nicely in here and was 3rd last time out at this class and distance. (8) ELITE ROYAL and (7) GEOSEN YEOJE others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Saharamond (4) Beautywonderful (1) Glory And Honor (8) Elite Royal
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

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

It’s been a wet week in Korea as the monsoon season is in full flow and that could continue across the racing weekend. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener, with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (6) ARION TAEYANG is the only one in the field to have raced twice, running 4th on debut over 1000M at the end of May before finishing a very close 2nd at start number two on June 28th, racing on pace and finishing in a quick time. Third-up she can have the edge fitness-wise on these and she can go one better.  (5) JULGEOUN DONGHANG didn’t have the smoothest of trips on debut over 1000M on June 21st, but she overcame it to run on well for 3rd. She should have benefitted from the experience and the step up in trip can suit. (10) MORE AND MORE debuted in the June 21st race, running 4th just over a length behind Julgeoun Donghang. Franco climbs up and she too can improve. Among the debut makers, (2) SWORD WING and (9) SHACKLE SUN look to have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Arion Taeyang (5) Julgeoun Donghang (10) More And More (2) Sword Wing
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 11

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

Maidens (of any age) with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) WATER DRAGON looked green in his trial, but he still won it with dismissive ease in a decent time with minimal urging. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) BACK TO THE LADY has raced twice, finishing 4th on debut on June 16th and then improving to 2nd at start number two on July 5th, both at this distance and in the latter, racing on pace. She makes a quick return here and from a good draw it can be a winning one. (6) RUN TO QUEEN enters off a smart 3rd place in a good time over this distance on June 28th when racing handy. She also has a 2nd to her name and will probably be the betting favourite. Among the debut-makers, (7) DONGNAM GANGTAJA won a trial last November but never made it to the races. He has been in consistent work since April and returned to trial again in July, running 2nd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests hopes are high first-up. (5) WHO IS NEXT another first-timer to look out for.

Selections(8) Water Dragon (3) Back To The Lady (6) Run To Queen (7) Dongnam Gangtaja
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

Fillies only here. (11) RAON THE LEGEND has made progress across three starts so far with her latest being her best when 3rd over 1300M on June 26th. The slight step up in trip can be in her favour, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win this. (8) WE LIKE MONEY was a very close 2nd two starts back over 1300M before running 5th on her first try at this distance on June 21st. She has a smart finish on her and can be a danger late on here. (2) NEW LEADER was an improved 4th at start number three over 1200M on July 5th when coming from midfield. She makes a quick return here and from a good gate and with Munro up, she can get closer again. (9) GOLDEN NICE has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places to her name and should appreciate the step up in trip. (10) LUCKY HIT, who beat Raon The Legend when 2nd last time out, is another to consider.

Selections(11) Raon The Legend (8) We Like Money (2) New Leader (9) Golden Nice
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Strong race for the level with no fewer than four up in class following last start maiden wins. Not among them is (10) WONDERFUL BIDDER, who was a winner on debut over 1200M in May before running 3rd when favourite for his first try at this class and distance on June 21st. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as he has demonstrated he has a strong finish, and he can win here. That will mean overturning the form on (7) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG, who ran 2nd in that June 21st race having settled behind the speed and then run on. That continued a consistent run of form, and he can be in the finish again. (2) KING DRAGON may be the best of those up in class having won at start number two over 1200M back in April. He hasn’t raced since but looks nicely in here from a good gate and with Franco up. (3) BIG MUSICAL STAR and (4) CHEONHA SARANG among others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Wonderful Bidder (7) Gwangyaeuihamsung (2) King Dragon (3) Big Musical Star
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

The only juvenile in the race, (1) OASIS RED got his maiden win at start number two on June 28th, leading for most of the way around over a mile. He comes up in class and up to two turns, but his trainer has a track record of successfully sending youngsters around 1800M very early, and he can win again here. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but has plenty of near-misses with six to-three finishes. That includes his latest three, all at this class and distance and beating a few of today’s rivals, and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he should be finishing strongly here. (7) THEIA is a winner of just one from twenty but has been getting progressively closer in her latest few and she should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class pair of (11) GOAT KING IJI (beaten by Oasis Red last time) and (10) SUNCHEON YEOWANG may offer some each-way value.

(more…)

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

Sunday sees 17 races across the country with 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 8 at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

World Dragon (purple cup) was 2nd in the Derby – he runs Sunday at Busan (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

It’s juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener. (9) ECHO CHAMP is among six of the nine coming racing for the first time. She was the best of these in trials, racing on pace and running home 4th in a quick time. If she can bring that form to the races, she can win. She is the first by her sire, Champ Line, who was also trained by Thomas Gillespie, to make the track. (4) OWNER CHAMP also impressed in her heat, coming from off the pace to run 2nd in a good time. She draws nicely and can be a danger. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race on June 21st over this distance and it was (1) DOCTOR MEGA who came out the best of them, racing handy and finishing 5th. (3) FANTASTIC HIT was 7th in that race but had previously shown well in trials and can improve. (2) GREEN SHARPEY the best of the other first-timers.

Selections(9) Echo Champ (4) Owner Champ (1) Doctor Mega (3) Fantastic Hit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) JEONGSEONG VICE has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off a close 3rd place over this distance on June 2nd when on pace throughout. He draws well here, Johan remains aboard, and he can make it ninth-time lucky. (2) HANGANG PERFECT was well fancied on debut over 1000M having previously shown well in a trial, but he got quite a long way back and only ran on for 6th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (3) CRAZY SHAH completes the top line of favourites with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. She can be on pace here and in things a long way. The form drops off after those although (11) GROUPER also has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record and along with (10) GOLDEN JACKPOT, who looks the better of the two first-timers, can be considered for the minors.

Selections(1) Jeongseong Vice (2) Hangang Perfect (3) Crazy Shah (11) Grouper
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

(5) DREAMING BOY ran 3rd on debut over 1200M in May but put in a disappointing effort second up at 1300M on June 7th when awkwardly away and colliding with the adjacent horse and then seemingly getting caught in kickback. We’ll draw a line through that and with Munro climbing on, give him another chance. (7) UNJU GUY was a solid 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 16th, settling right back and working home well. He didn’t get anywhere near the very good-looking winner, but he should have come on for the run and the extended trip should surely suit and he will probably start the betting favourite. (6) PURUEN YEOLJEONG has perked up considerably in her latest two and may be a racehorse after all. She was on pace last time and in this company, should be again. (2) NEOM CITY and (4) SIMON STAR among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Dreaming Boy (7) Unju Guy (6) Puruen Yeoljeong (2) Neom City
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) COING made most of the running on debut over 1200M on June 16th only to be passed late but holding on for 2nd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go one better. (6) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished no worse than 5th in any of his eight starts so far and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a best so far runner-up finish over this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on. He shapes as the main danger here. Those two will make up everybody’s quinella such does the form drop off after them. (4) HERO CHAMP does have a couple of 3rd places on his record which despite recent form being poor, is enough to make him a money chance here. (2) SCALE KING and (7) GEUMSEONG YEOJE other minor contenders.

Selections(1) Coing (6) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Hero Champ (2) Scale King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

This is a really nice-looking race for the level. (3) LEMON BULPAE has placed at this class and distance and has finished 4th in two starts back since returning from a four-month layoff. He carries his fair share of weight, but he draws nicely, he has the fastest time among these for the distance, and third-up, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (4) MORPHEUS was slightly disappointing last time out in early May but was later found to be slightly lame and to have cast a plate. He has won at a mile and placed at this class at 1200M and is a big danger. So too is (9) WONDERFUL FEVER. He is yet to win in five attempts but has never finished worse than 5th and placed twice at this distance at class 6 level. (2) QUEEN’S FLETAR and the up in class (6) POMPEII among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(3) Lemon Bulpae (4) Morpheus (9) Wonderful Fever (2) Queen’s Fletar
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Decent race but it’s hard to go far past (1) BUGANGJILJU. He got his maiden win at start number two in March before stepping up to this class and distance on June 15th and almost leading from gate to wire, ultimately getting passed late on by a good winner. He comes up in the weights but that’s balanced by a good gate, and he can go all the way this time. Neither (5) EUREKA nor (9) DREAM SKY win out of turn, but both are ultra-experienced at this level, and both enter with their recent form reading well. The latter gets a nice weight drop with an apprentice climbing on, putting her back below the mark she won at over 1200M three starts back, and both can be competitive here.  (4) GANGHAN NURI and (7) SMART WORLD among others in the pacing frame.

Selections(1) Bugangjilju (5) Eureka (9) Dream Sky (4) Ganghan Nuri
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

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

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies with six of the ten racing for the first time. Conveniently, the four with experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on June 22nd and with (4) JOSE coming out the best of them that day, she is hard to oppose here. She led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 2nd and shouldn’t need to improve too much to go one better. A couple of the debut-makers showed potential in trials. (7) MISS DORTIE came through two heats, winning the first, but going faster in the second, both times overcoming a wide gate. She should be nice and fit and is a chance first-up. (10) OKCHEON WIN STAR ran 3rd in her trial having shown on pace. Her time was fair, and she offered enough to suggest she can go well first-up. (6) I AM GO was 4th in the June 22nd race and along with (8) FOX TROT, who was 6th, can improve.

Selections(4) Jose (7) Miss Dortie (10) Okcheon Win Star (6) I Am Go
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Ten young imports make their racecourse debuts. Based on trials, (5) MIRACLE HANAM is the one to beat. He qualified only at the second time of asking, but he did it well, showing at the front and crossing the line five-lengths in front of the rest in a decent time. That was in early May but presumably he has been kept back for this race, and in that form, he can win. (3) DREAM HONOUR also came through two trials, winning the second of them on June 7th (it was a voluntary trial so may not appear in all racecards). His times have been good, he draws nicely to be on the pace, and he can be in this a long way. (4) CHEONDUNG LION registered a time as fast as any of the others here in his second heat (another voluntary one so be aware; it was on June 13th) and merits consideration. (9) A PURE GOOD WOMAN and (8) GLORY CITY are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Miracle Hanam (3) Dream Honor (4) Cheondung Lion (9) A Pure Good Woman
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

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

Having first trialed back in the summer of 2023, it took an look time for (6) PHANTOM DRAGON to get to the races, but it looks to have been worth the wait as the Federalist colt ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on May 18th, showing on pace throughout. That day’s winner has gone on to run 2nd at class 5 and Phantom Dragon can be going one better today. (5) SAEROUN GUY is the only one who has shown enough to suggest he can challenge the favourite having made steady progress across three outings so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on June 16th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and with some more natural improvement, he can be a danger. There are four first-time starters and while none really convince in their trials, (11) SHINING CHARM did show a bit when finally qualifying on June 7th and in this limited company can be given a chance first-up. (10) HERO NARA and (7) TALITHA CUMI are others likely to be in the placing market.

Selections(6) Phantom Dragon (5) Saeroun Guy (11) Shining Charm (10) Hero Nara
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

Small but competitive field (it’s a split race with Sunday’s race 2). (5) GOOD FIGHTER didn’t do much on debut last November but finally returned to trial twice in good fashion in May and then ran a solid 5th of eleven over 1200M in an all-filly race on June 22nd. She should strip fitter for that run, CC climbs up, and she has as good a chance as any. (3) SHINE BOLT has four top-five finishes from five starts so far with her best being a 3rd place two starts back over 1200M. She comes up slightly in trip today and her running style suggests it can suit. That will mean overturning form on (6) STUNNING SERVE, who finished 4th to Shine Bolt’s 5th when they raced one another at 1200M on June 2nd. That equaled Stunning Serve’s best result to date, but he can get as close or closer this time. (8) MAX PARTY and (4) JILPUNG JAZZ others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Good Fighter (3) Shine Bolt (6) Stunning Serve (8) Max Party
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(more…)

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

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

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Eleven previously unraced juveniles debut here so we head for the trial videos. (10) BIG OWNER went through two trials (the second may not appear in all racecards because it was a voluntary trial) and in the second of them overcame a wide draw to race on pace in his heat and crossed the line 1st in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be dangerous. (1) NINETY PLUS came through the same trial, which was on June 22nd. He settled back but ran through the line well also in a good time. He draws nicely and can be considered. (5) EMPEROR qualified at the second time of asking and did it in fine front-running style. (7) LEMON TREE and (9) BEOLMAUI ANGEL among others who caught the eye among what looks a promising set of youngsters.

Selections(10) Big Owner (1) Ninety Plus (5) Emperor (7) Lemon Tree
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Maidens with three of the eight racing for the first time. (8) CHEONHA GEONGANG did nothing in three starts across the turn of the year. She was spelled for four months, returning to training in early June and easily won a trial on June 29th leading most of the way and positing a quick time. She won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (5) HWANHUIUI MOON debuted without distinction last October and then had surgery to remove bone chips. For good measure he was gelded before returning to training and he looked very well when 2nd in a good time in a June trial. He can be on pace and can go well first-up.  (4) CHRIS MORE returned from almost five months out to run an improved 5th on June 21st. He should strip fitter here and can be closer. (1) GOTOTHEVALHALLA and debut-maker (6) DORAON SAMSON others in the mix.

Selections(8) Cheonha Geongang (5) Hwanhuiui Moon (4) Chris More (1) Gotothevalhalla
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

Having run 5th on debut last November, (3) BEOLMAUI ACE didn’t race again until June 2nd, but he looked in very good order, running 2nd over 1200M, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can go one better second-up today. (7) MISS CROW has got a long way back in both her outings to date but she ran on well for 4th place at start number two over 1200M on June 21st. She is another for who the step up in trip can be a benefit and third up she can be peaking fitness-wise. (10) FAT BOY has made good progress across his latest couple of outings (which came eight months after his first), with a solid 4th place at 1200M on June 28th when racing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but should be in the mix. (4) WHITE OIL and (8) FLYING ICE other place chances.

Selections(3) Beolmaui Ace (7) Miss Crow (10) Fat Boy (4) White Oil
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) GLORY GANGSEO was a winner on debut over 1200M back on April 12th, settling midfield before improving and pulling away from the field in the closing stages. He’s had thirteen weeks off since and is up in class and slightly in trip, but he can win again. (3) CAPTAIN EVERYTHING has been working towards a second win, most recently scoring a runner-up finish over this distance in a quick race on June 23rd. He comes up slightly in the weights, but he draws nicely, Franco remains aboard, and he is a danger. (5) BREEDO PELL was well backed for his first try at this class over 1400M on June 7th but having led, weakened. He was later found to have a respiratory issue but with a clean bill of health and back at the distance he won over in May, he can be given another chance here. (8) GRAY BOSS and (4) TAURUS KING among others in the frame.

Selections(7) Glory Gangseo (3) Captain Everything (5) Breedo Pell (8) Gray Boss
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

(more…)

“Special Breux” – David Bids Au Revoir

David Breux’s time in Korea came to an end on the last day of June, the French jockey returning home to Chantilly after a successful six and a half years based in Seoul.

David Breux (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Across that time which included the Covid-ravaged 2020 and 2021 seasons, Breux, now 35-years-old, amassed 167 winners from 2227 rides. He registered a further 378 finishes in the top-three.

“For a European jockey, riding in Korea is good because there is no travelling and you are racing just twice a week. In France you need to travel every day and sometimes you will be riding at two racecourses in the same day!” Breux said after his final Korean ride on June 30th.

Popular on the back stretch and widely regarded as one of the nicest people in racing, Breux had only good things to say about his experience. “In Korea I have been very happy, with some very good moments across my 6 years, meeting many people from many different countries.”
An early off track highlight was winning the ANZA Korea Melbourne Cup “Fashions on the Field” event in 2018 (Pic: A beaten competitor who didn’t make the final).

Breux arrived young and carefree but leaves as a husband, having married long-time partner Alexia, and as a father, with a daughter about to reach school age. “I’ll be back home in Chantilly on July 19th and then I am taking a long holiday until August 15th. Then it is back to work as a jockey in France. I don’t yet have a stable confirmed but I have a manager and I will be ready to go.”

(Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

When asked what was his favourite horse in Korea to ride, he was unequivocal: “Definitely Choego Money” he said, referring to the Simon Foster trained runner who Breux had early successes on.

When pressed on whether there was something he wouldn’t miss, Breux characteristically demurred before finally conceding: “I won’t miss racing on the dirt.”

Breux’s departure leaves three overseas jockeys at Seoul with his childhood friend Johan Victoire still flying the tricolour for France alongside former Singapore based Jimmy Wong and Harry Kasim and Turkey’s Furkan Yuksel. At Busan Franco Da Silva, Ueda Masashi and Masa Tanaka have now been joined by the returning Alan Munro, who kicked off his latest stint in Korea with a win last Friday.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 7)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (8 races from 11:25 to 18:00) and Busan (9 races from 10:35 to 17:30). Here are the previews:

Gangpungma won the Sports Chosun Trophy and returns in Sunday’s Seoul feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) QUEEN OF DRAGON will be the hot favourite. Having put in two good trials she was well supported on debut over 1200M on April 19th and finished 2nd to the favourite, King Dragon. She has had eleven weeks off since then but should have come on for the run and from a good draw and against modest opposition, can win. (8) HAERANG JINJU has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times racing handy. She shapes as a potential danger here. (5) GUKDAE MIRACLE has raced twice, finishing 3rd on both occasions in similar all-filly fields and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) SPECIAL MATE and (4) GREEN BULLDOZER others who can improve.

Selections(2) Queen Of Dragon (8) Haerang Jinju (5) Gukdae Miracle (9) Special Mate
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(10) SEOBU CAPTAIN has done most of his recent work over a mile including a last start 4th place on June 7th that suggests he is coming into some form. His solitary place was a 3rd over this distance, and he has as good a chance as any in this competitive affair. (4) B.K. MARON comes in off a best to date 4th place on May 31st over this distance when overcoming gate eleven to work home very well. He gets a better draw here, Franco climbs on, and he can be aiming to get closer this time. That may mean overturning the form on (8) AMAZING MOVE, who ran 2nd in that May 31st race when handy throughout. Tanaka remains aboard and he can be in the mix again. (6) OAK RIDGE mixes his form but going on his 2nd place at 1300M two starts back has to be a live contender here. (11) RAON STROKE another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Seobu Captain (4) B.K. Maron (8) Amazing Move (6) Oak Ridge
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Tricky opener in the capital with not a huge amount of form to go on. (4) SERGEANT LIGHT perhaps has the most upside after back-to-back 5th places from his first two starts, both over this distance and in fair times. Both races were in probably tougher company than this and from a good draw, he can sit behind the early leaders and can prove too strong. (2) MAGIC SOUND has three consecutive 5th places from her latest three and while up in the weights, she draws well and in this modest company can be going better. Continuing on the theme of finishing 5th, that’s where (5) CAPTAIN MUSIC was on his debut on April 13th, having raced handy over this distance. He has had twelve weeks off since but should have derived benefit from the experience and can be in the mix here. Without a huge among of confidence, (6) YUSUBUJAENGSEON and (7) ARCH ROCKET are other possibles in a race that something has to win.

Selections(4) Sergeant Light (2) Magic Sound (5) Captain Music (6) Yusubujaengseon
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(1) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH has been working his way back towards a second win and enters off a runner-up finish in a quick time over 1300M on June 7th when coming from well off the pace. He previously has a 2nd place at this distance too and with Masa climbing up, he can go one better today. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG is up in class having secured his maiden win at start number eight at 1300M on June 7th when leading all the way around. That was his first start since February, and he can strip fitter for it. Down in the weights, he is firmly in the hunt. (11) GUKDAE STAR was 3rd behind Yeonggwanguitouch in that June 7th race and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can go close again. (3) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (10) HANEUL HAETSAL others in the minor money frame.

Selections(1) Yeonggwanguitouch (9) Haerang Youngung (11) Gukdae Star (3) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(8) YEONGUNG JARYONG ran 4th on debut in May before following up with a 2nd place at start number two over 1200M on June 8th, racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays up, he should be on pace, and it can be third time lucky. (4) HANGANG CAPTAIN did nothing in his first two starts but reappeared in May after four months out looking a much better prospect, winning a trial before running 5th and 2nd in two starts back with the latter coming over this distance on June 16th. In this company and from this gate, he can be expected to be on or close to the speed, and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) WONDERFUL TECHNO was a promising 3rd on debut at this distance on June 9th, coming from off the pace, and should have derived benefit from the experience. (10) POSEIDON BLUE and (3) RAON THE KLAMMER among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(8) Yeongung Jaryong (4) Hangang Captain (2) Wonderful Techno (10) Poseidon Blue
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

(more…)