Month: August 2024

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 1)

Sunday sees daytime meetings at both Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (7 races from 11:25 to 17:00). Here are the previews:

It’s Just a week until the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Small field of imported maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. We will side with experience though and (7) NAVY CAPTAIN was 2nd on debut over 1200M on July 28th racing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time, albeit well beaten by the winner. That should stand him in good stead here and with some natural improvement, he will take some beating. (4) CHEONDUNG LION debuted at this distance on July 13th and ran well, settling handy and running on for 4th, again a long way behind a very quick winner, but showing potential. He should have come on for the experience and be close. Of the debut makers, (1) M G BEST looks the best. He was slowly away in his trial but gathered up speed and ran on well for 4th in a decent time. If he gets away a bit better, he can put in a bold showing. (2) DREAMER WHIZ and (5) WORLD PEOPLE the others who hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(7) Navy Captain (4) Cheondung Lion (1) M G Best (2) Dreamer Whiz
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

Two standouts here. (10) ASSI JANGGUN has been knocking at the door in her latest few and while she hasn’t shown much in the way of speed, she isn’t alone in that regard. She can race on pace or settle midfield and grind her way on and she will be in the mix. The danger and probable betting favourite is (9) K POWERFUL. After an inauspicious debut, the Shackleford juvenile ran an improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on August 3rd, leading for much of the way around. He will aim to lead here and can go all the way. (7) IRON LEG may not be the greatest name of hoping for some speed, but he ran fairly for 5th place on debut at 1200M at the end of July and should have come on for the run. (3) NONSTOP YEOLCHA and solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL ENERGY are others to consider.

Selections(10) Assi Janggun (9) K Powerful (7) Iron Leg (3) Nonstop Yeolcha
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. The limited experience is positive though and we will have those three on top. (4) SAENAE HUNTER went through two trials, improving in the second and then ran well for 3rd place on debut over this distance on August 2nd when on pace throughout. The winner of that race won by fifteen-lengths in a Korea Sprint-esque time, but it was an assured debut and with some natural improvement, he is the clear favourite. (2) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was 4th on debut over this distance on August 2nd having settled midfield and run on. He finished off well, the step up in trip can suit, and he is a big danger. (7) WIND KINGDOM rounds out the experience. He debuted in the same race as Saenae Hunter on August 2nd and ran 5th having been in midfield throughout. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can build on that here. Among the debut-makers, (8) DRAGON NINJA was the best in trials, with (12) ASTRE also showing potential. 

Selections(4) Saenae Hunter (2) Kyungnam Dragon (7) Wind Kingdom (8) Dragon Ninja
Next Best12, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) HANGANG CAPTAIN stepped up to this distance for the first time on July 28th and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a solid 3rd place finish, settling midfield and running on. Coming in under the same conditions today, he will be a short price to come out on top. (1) MARUBYEOL was 4th in that race and came back out two weeks ago over 1400M when she could only manage 7th but did beat a couple of these. From the inside gate she can be on or close to the speed and is a big chance. (10) DAEMYEONGJANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record, and he steps up to two turns for the first time. He has got a solid finish on him so it may well suit and while one-paced, he can stay on. (8) OPUS PURPLE and (2) SPEED HERO others in the frame.

Selections(7) Hangang Captain (1) Marubyeol (10) Daemyeongjang (8) Opus Purple
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

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

(5) LIME TREE ran 5th on debut over 1000M on July 5th before improving to 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 2nd, fifteen-lengths behind an excellent winner, but ahead of Saenae Hunter who we should have seen in race 1 and who may give us a marker. Third-up he can be peaking, and he is under a light weight. The rather unkindly named (2) FAT BOY (who is actually on the light side) comes in off a useful 4th place in a good time over 1200M on August 10th. He draws nicely and can be a danger. (1) STORMING MAGIC has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 2nd two starts back and beating Fat Boy. She followed up with a 4th place on August 11th and she can be in the mix again. (8) DREAMING BOY and (9) STORM FIGHTER among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 31)

The short night race program continues this weekend on Saturday at Seoul where there are 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with just three of the twelve having raced before. We will side with one of those in (4) WANGCHOEGO, who did nothing on debut in June, but returned on July 20th and ran 2nd over this distance. He was miles behind an eye-catching winner but showed enough to be backed to go one better here. Among the first timers (8) HYEUKMUSANG led all the way to win a trial on July 25th stopping the clock in a good time. He can be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) MIGHTY RUSH and (7) BEST JOY both clocked the same time in their respective heats with the latter winning his and they can be supported first up too. (1) KARA K another who hinted at ability in trials and can go well.

Selections(4) Wangchoego (8) Hyeukmusang (6) Mighty Rush (7) Best Joy
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) TRIPLE ACE enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this distance, racing close to the pace both times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a good gate she should be on the speed again and with Moon Se-young on, today can be the day. She will vie for favourite status with (10) CHEONGUNG STORM, The Shackleford colt raced on pace for much of his debut over 1000M, ultimately coming home 2nd in a fair time. He should have derived benefit from that experience and while up in trip and with the challenge of a wide draw, he can be a big danger. (8) YEONGWONHARA was a much-improved 2nd at start number four on July 27th, leading for much of the way and beating Triple Ace. Expect her to be on pace again and in the mix. (1) TALITHA CUMI and (6) ELDORADO HEUNGBU others who can improve.

Selections(5) Triple Ace (10) Cheongung Storm (8) Yeongwonhara (1) Talitha Cumi
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

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

Fillies only here and (10) KHAN NUT shapes as a short-priced favourite. After running 5th on debut, she was an improved 3rd over this 1200M on July 28th, when she led for much of the way around and beat a couple of today’s rivals. Despite the wide draw, she can be on pace here and offers jockey Ruan Maia a good chance of opening his Korean account. (6) SILVER MOON ran 4th behind Khan Nut in that July 28th race. She also has a 3rd place on her resume already and can be in the mix again here. (11) SKY TEN beat Khan Nut on the way to 2nd place two starts back on July 6th in a similar filly maiden to this. She led in her latest over this distance on   August 3rd but from the wide draw here can be ridden a bit more patiently and challenge late. (3) DONKEY PLAY and (7) MISS CONCORD others in the frame.

Selections(10) Khan Nut (6) Silver Moon (11) Sky Ten (3) Donkey Play
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) SAMAEBEONJJEOK got her maiden win at start number nine at this class and distance on August 3rd when racing handy and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She comes up 3.5kg in the weights but draws well and a repeat isn’t impossible. (6) MINT PLAY remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but enters with recent form reading consistently well at this class. She has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this class and distance and under a light weight, she should be a big danger. (11) FINAL GO got his maiden win three starts back over this distance and enters off a smart runner-up finish at this level on June 9th. He comes in fresh after twelve weeks out and the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem. (8) MO CHUISLE and (1) ULTRA MANGCHI the other main placing chances.  

Selections(2) Samaebeonjjeok (6) Mint Play (11) Final Go (8) Mo Chuisle
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

The weekend program gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race afternoon and evening program which runs from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile imported maidens in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. (6) SAENAE MOON went through two trials, winning both and leading all the way both times (the second of those on July 20th was voluntary so may not be in all race cards). If he brings that form to the races, he can win. That equally applies to (9) GEUMA GUTTY.  He has been through four trials in total – the only mandatory one was on June 8th, which was won by Saenae Moon, but he has since finished 2nd and then won two trials of his own, all of them in quick times. The jockey and trainer were hot last weekend, and he may start as favourite. (1) CLEAN ONE qualified in a fair time on July 6th but then went through another heat (again, voluntary so be aware, it won’t be in a lot of race cards) on July 20th, coming from off the pace to win in 61.8 seconds.  From the inside, he can be a danger. (5) ASABIYYA trialed up behind Geuma Gutty and hinted at ability. The sole one with experience, (4) DRAGON REVENGER didn’t stand out on debut but may come on for the run.

Selections(6) Saenae Moon (9) Geuma Gutty (1) Clean One (5) Asabiyya
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) CRAZY LEO. After a positive trial, he was sent odd as third favourite on debut over this distance on August 2nd, and duly finished in 3rd place, settling midfield and running on in a time much faster than any of the other experienced ones here have achieved. He won’t need to improve much on that to win this.  There are four first time starters, and among them (8) BIG JAWS is the pick. He raced handy in his trial, crossing the line in 2nd place in a decent time and can put in a bold showing first up. (7) SHASHA similarly raced handy on her trial and came home a close 2nd in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll go close. (9) RALLY MAN has been back to trial since his somewhat inauspicious debut, and he can improve. (4) BARAMSOK another trial 2nd-placegetter who can be in the mix. 

Selections(1)  Crazy Leo (8) Big Jaws (7) Shasha (9) Rally Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Competitive maiden. (8) THE WIND has raced just twice improving from 6th on debut to 4th at start number two on August 2nd, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick and he was a long way behind a good winner, but he has a smart finish on him, Munro climbs on, and third-up he may be peaking. (2) GOLDEN NICE is yet to finish in the top two but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th. She has been a bit far back in most of her starts but from a good draw, if she is in touch at the business end, she will be a danger. (7) B.K. MARON has been knocking on the door in his latest few outings and should be there or thereabouts again. (1) BACK TO THE HUNTER and (9) GRATE WORLD, the latter having beaten Golden Nice when a much-improved 4th last start, are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) The Wind (2) Golden Nice (7) B.K. Maron (1) Back To The Hunter
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) JULGEOUN DONGHANG ran 3rd om debut over 1000M before winning at start number two on July 19th, when settling just behind the speed and steadily improving over 1200M, striking the front just over a furlong from home and running on well. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but with Munro up, she can measure up. (2) RAID HIT took a couple of goes to figure things out at this class but enters off a smart 2nd place over 1200M on July 21st. She is up 3kg in the weights, but she draws nicely, and Hye-sun is one for one on her. (4) UNION CHAMP was a winner on debut over 1000M on August 2nd. She is up in class and in distance but can be competitive. (1) HYPER FORCE and (8) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA others to consider.

Selections(7) Julgeoun Donghang (2) Raid Hit (4) Union Champ (1) Hyper Force
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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ANARCHIST FIRST ARRIVAL AHEAD OF REMAKE, CROWN PRIDE SPRINT & CUP DEFENCES

American Sprinter Anarchist is the first of the international runners to arrive for the OBS Korea Sprint (1200M G3) and OBS Korea Cup (1800M G3) which will be run at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday September 8th. The Doug F. O Neill trained speedster checked into the quarantine stables on Thursday morning. Six Japanese runners, including defending champions Remake and Crowd Pride are scheduled to touch down over the next few days ahead of the races which for the first-time carry “Win And You’re In” status for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar in November.

ANARCHIST was runner up in the 2023 G1 Bing Crosby Stakes and won the G2 Pat O’Brien Stakes, both at Del Mar. Having run 5th in this year’s Bing Crosby, Anarchist has skipped a defence of his Pat O’Brien to take his chance in Seoul and his front-running style may be very well suited. Aiding his chances will be rider Edwin Maldonado, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s best on pace jockeys as they bid to win the Korea Sprint and gain automatic entry into the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Anarchist at Seoul Racecourse

Koichi Shintani’s REMAKE is the headliner and the now five-year-old has maintained his form in three starts since triumphing in last year’s race, most notably winning the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint on the Saudi Cup undercard in February before finishing 4th in the G1 Golden Shaheen on Dubai World Cup night. The Seoul Racecourse track record holder for the 1200M will take some stopping. Yuga Kawada will be up.

JASPER KRONE is perhaps best known this year for unsuccessfully ploughing his own furrow on the opposite side of the Meydan straight course to the rest in the Al Quoz Sprint. He is a two-time Group 3 winner in Japan and has plenty of speed.  Regular rider Taisei Danno travels to Seoul to ride for trainer Hideyuki Mori.

KEIAI DORIE took in Riyadh and Meydan earlier this year, finishing in midfield in both the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and the Golden Shaheen. An eight-time winner, including at Listed level in Japan, he comes in having run 3rd in the Listed Cluster Cup at Morioka in August. Takeshi Yokayama will be in the saddle for trainer Akira Murayama.

Remake (Pic: KRA)

Among the local sprinting contingent, 2023 runner-up BEOLMAUI STAR will be a danger. He had an unsuccessful trip to Dubai earlier this year, but on his return to Korea won the local Group 3 SROA Chairman’s Sprint. He mixes his form but as he proved a year ago, at his best he can be right up there. 2022 Korea Sprint winner EOMA EOMA is also set to return. Now seven-years-old, he was a close 2nd to Beolmaui Star in the SROA and showed his versatility with 3rd place in the local G3 Busan Owners’ Cup over a mile in June. GANGSEO GIANT, who broke the track record at Busan for the 1200M earlier this month, also holds an entry.

The Korea Cup winner will gain automatic entry to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. CROWN PRIDE scored a comfortable win in the 2023 edition of the Korea Cup, ahead of compatriot Gloria Mundi and 2022 victor, Winner’s Man, but then went on an indifferent run of form, including when well back in the Saudi Cup. Ominously though, he returned to the winner’s circle in the Mercury Cup over 2000M at Morioka in July. Takeshi Yokayama is set to be in the saddle for the Koichi Shintani trained defending champion.

Crown Pride (Pic: KRA)

Last year, Crown Pride was ridden as part of a double success by jockey Yuga Kawada, but this time around, “King” Kawada will be among those aiming to prevent a repeat as he partners WILSON TESORO. The Hitoshi Kotegawa trained five-year-old is a two-time G1 runner-up and ran 4th behind Laurel River in the Dubai World Cup in March, He enters off a runner-up finish under Kawada in the Teio Sho at Oi in June and will present a formidable challenge.

Rounding out the Japanese challenge in the Korea Cup is the experienced LIGHT WARRIOR. The Katsuyoshi Uchida-trained seven-year-old is a nine-time winner, most recently at Listed level in April and travels overseas for the first time in his career. Hiroto Yoshihara is booked to ride.

Local hopes are headed by GLOBAL HIT. The four-year-old won the Korean Derby in 2023 and has gone about establishing himself as the best horse in the country, with three wins from four starts this year, all in Group company and with his only defeat being a photo-finish with TUHONUI BANSEOK, who is also set to go in the Cup. Global Hit avenged that defeat with victory in the KRA Cup Classic, the main domestic warm up race for the Korea Cup, over 2000M in early August.

The wildcard though is WINNER’S MAN. The 2022 Korea Cup winner and 2023 3rd placegetter hasn’t raced since successfully defending the Grand Prix Stakes last December – when he beat Global Hit. An international race first-up is going to be a very big ask, but Winner’s Man trialled up very well earlier in August and if he is in the gate, can never be ruled out.

Final declarations and the barrier draw for both the OBS Korea Cup and OBS Korea Sprint will be on Wednesday September 4.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 25)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (12 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (5 races from 12:45 to 16:05). Feature is the Rookie Stakes at Seoul, the first big race of the year for juveniles. Busan’s equivalent did not attract the minimum number of entries required. Here are the previews:

A certain Lala K won last year’s Rookie Stakes at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. The pick from trials is (4) LALA GIRL. She failed to qualify in her first attempt in June but looked much more assured at the second time of asking on July 11th, leading her heat for much of the way before crossing the line in 3rd in a decent time. She should be on pace and can go all the way. (11) SWITCH POWER qualified at try number one but went through another trial on July 25th (voluntary so be aware it won’t show in some racecards). She was much better in the second showing on pace and if she shows similar improvement here, she will be close. (6) DUSON OPEN led her trial and was a very close 2nd in a fair time. (12) STUNNING WORLD and the sole one with experience, (2) BEAT DOKKAEBI are other chances.

Selections(4) Lala Girl (11) Switch Power (6) Duson Open (12) Stunning World
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

(3) CLAIR GOLD enters off a fair midfield finish over 1300M last time out, but if we go on her 2nd place two starts back on June 22nd at this distance, she has to be firmly in the mix. In this small field she can be on or just behind the pace, and she has a smart finish on her. (7) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL hasn’t done much across ten starts but perked up a bit last time out on August 3rd when 4th in an all-filly race over 1300M. She won’t need to improve much on that showing to be in the finish here. (8) TRES VITE has finished in 4th or 5th place on no fewer than nine occasions, but never any better. She came from off the pace to run 4th over this distance last time out and could go one better here. (1) JEWELRY FASHION and (2) EVER THE CROWN others potentially in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Clair Gold (7) Seongsil Yeongeol (8) Tres Vite (1) Jewelry Fashion
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) KYLIE has been getting closer across seven starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place finish over 1200M on July 21st when racing handy throughout. She was a fair margin behind a good winner, but she draws well, Moon Se-young gets on, and today could be the day. (10) THUNDER STORM has two 3rd places to her name, including at her latest outing on June 29th when coming from off the pace and finishing strongly at this distance and she can be a danger here. (8) MAGIC IMPACT ran once, somewhat anonymously back in January and then didn’t return until July 13th when she ran a fair 5th over 1400M, showing close to the pace. She can strip fitter for that experience and be close here. (7) CHOCO BEAUTY and (11) LEGAL LAHUI other place chances.

Selections(4) Kylie (10) Thunder Storm (8) Magic Impact (7) Choco Beauty
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) GANGCHEOL DRAGON enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1300M and most recently this distance on June 22nd when he had a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the fastest time among these for 1400M and against this limited set of rivals, he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (1) GANGCHEOL BUDAE does have a 3rd place on his resume and third-up this preparation after six months off, may be at his peak here. (7) FLYING LION is slow but has managed to get three top five finishes and should be aiming for a career to date best in this company. (8) CHEONJI MARKET beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place over this distance last time out and can beat a few again. (3) ELITE BOSS another minor money possible.

Selections(6) Gangcheol Dragon (1) Gancheol Budae (7) Flying Lion (8) Cheonji Market
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(9) WATER DRAGON has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M first from handy and second leading. In this company, he can be expected to be on the speed and if he didn’t already get it on Friday, it should surely be Kim Young-kwan’s 1500th career win here. (6) WONDERFUL TEAM has mixed her form across four starts so far, she enters off a solid 3rd place at this distance on June 30th. She likes to settle back and come form off the pace and she can be a danger here. (3) DIA MATE beat a couple of these on her way to 6th pace over this distance on July 19th. The time was fair and that’s enough to put her in the mix. (8) GUKDAE LEGEND and (5) LUCKY HIT other placing chances.

Selections(9) Water Dragon (6) Wonderful Team (3) Dia Mate (8) Gukdae Legend
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 24)

It’s an afternoon and evening schedule at Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens here with four of the nine racing for the first time. The race also marks a first Korean race ride for former New Zealand based Kozzi Asano, and it could be winning one as he partners (4) BEOLGYOUI STAR. The colt debuted over this trip on July 27th and ran on pleasingly enough for a midfield finish in a well-run race. He should have come on for the run and is firmly in the mix here. (7) HANSEN BRACING ran a solid 4th in debut in a decent time over 1000M on July 6th, coming from off the pace. With some natural improvement and a step up in trip, he is the danger. (8) SPLENDID took a while to get going on his debut at 1000M a month ago. He ran through the line very well though and he too should benefit from the additional trip. Among the newcomers, (6) YONGAM KANTHAKA and (9) RAON ECLIPSE looked the best in trials.

Selections(4) Beolgyoui Star (7) Hansen Bracing (8) Splendid (6) Yongam Kanthaka
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

After two trials, (4) GLOBAL HAMSEONG put in an accomplished effort on debut over 1000M on July 20th, settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have benefited from that experience, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) HANGANG FASHIONED was well fancied on debut over 1000M but stumbled at the start and then weakened late on. We’ll give her another chance here and with Moon Se-young getting legged up, she will have plenty of backers. (7) SOFT POWER has a 3rd place on her record and while that was in a slow race, she should be able to compete with this limited set of opposition. (5) GOOD FIGHTER and (8) WONPYEONG NURI others who may improve.

Selections(4) Global Hamseong (3) Hangang Fashioned (7) Soft Power (5) Good Fighter
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 8, 6, 11

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) MR. POWER here. He comes in off his best effort to date when 2nd over this trip on July 21st, when settling midfield and running on. From the inside gate, Moon Se-young should have plenty of options, and he won’t need to improve much from last time to win here. (5) MAX TANGO was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on July 28th when racing handy throughout. She stopped the clock in a time quicker than any of the others here have managed and he shapes as the main danger. Harry Kasim is back from a short trip to ride at Kranji one last time and he returns on the consistent (4) CUPID MIR. He has two 3rd places and five 4th place finishes from eight starts so far and should be there or thereabouts again. The form drops off rapidly after those three. (11) YONGAM GIPPEUM and (6) AMENO are perhaps the most likely to improve.

Selections(1) Mr. Power (5) Max Tango (4) Cupid Mir (11) Yongam Gippeum
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only here and plenty enter with recent form reading well. (5) PHOENIX CLASS returned on July 14th for the first time since last Christmas Day and ran a strong 3rd place over 1200M. She can strip fitter for that run and can be on the pace and go all the way here.  (1) BELOTERO was a close 2nd in a quick race at this class and distance on July 14th, coming from off the pace. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but can be going close again. (7) BEOLGYOWISU is racing for the first time since March. Before her layoff she was a winner at this distance and also placed at this class so while she didn’t offer many clues in her trial, she can be considered first-up. (10) ARCH RUNNER and (6) CHANIGO are the other place chances.

Selections(5) Phoenix Class (1) Belotero (7) Beolgyowisu (10) Arch Runner
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 10

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

(9) MAGIC PRINCE got his maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on July 17th, leading for much of the way. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, and he can go one better today. (6) CAMP DAVID was 3rd in that same race, having raced close to the pace throughout and briefly touching the front in the stretch. He was favourite that day having already won at 1700M at class 6 level and he is the main danger – and very probably favourite again – here. (2) HERO QUEEN has loads of experience at this level but stepped up to this trip for the first time on July 14th and took to it well, running 3rd. She can aim to match that here. The up in class (3) LIGHT A BLUE, along with (8) DONGHAENG FIRST are among others with at least placing claims.

Selections(9) Magic Prince (6) Camp David (2) Hero Queen (3) Light A Blue
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 23)

For the next four weeks up until the Chuseok holiday, racing on Fridays will switch to a late afternoon/evening schedule. Sunday meetings will remain daytime only. The action kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Night racing returns

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) FANTASTIC VALUE is one of the three with experience, and she looked very useful indeed, running a close 2nd on debut over this distance on July 19th racing on pace throughout. She should be on pace again here and probably won’t need to improve much to win. (10) SWORD WING ran 4th on debut in that same race coming from off the pace. He had previously shown speed in a trial and can be a danger here. Among the first timers, (1) MEGA MACHINE was the quickest in trials, running an on-pace 2nd. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll go close. (7) BEOLGYO WANGCHO was similar a front-running 2nd in his heat in a good time and merits consideration. (5) DERBYEUI GGUM improved in the second of two trials and with similar improvement can go well first up.

Selections(2) Fantastic Value (10) Sword Wing (1) Mega Machine (7) Beolgyo Wangcho
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(10) WHO IS NEXT looked good in a trial and then looked good at the races when 2nd over this distance on debut on July 19th, running handy throughout. He has the challenge of a wide gate here but should have come on for the run and is very much the one to beat. As for who is next, (6) HOLY RUN put in fair performance for 4th on debut at the end of June. He should have come on for that run and eight weeks down the line can be ready to improve. From a central gate, expect him on pace. (9) GWANGSOKMA has achieved mixed results across eight starts so far, but he has a 2nd place to his name and comes in having run 4th behind Who Is Next in that July 19th race. He should be there or thereabouts again. (1) DAEGIL YEOWANG and (5) BORA CHAMP other placing chances.

Selections(10) Who Is Next (6) Holy Run (9) Gwangsokma (1) Daegil Yeowang
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

Competitive race for maiden fillies. (1) ROAD TO WIN put in a solid shift on debut over 1200M on July 12th, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough. She should have derived benefit from the experience and from the inside gate can be ridden forward today with every chance of winning. She will dispute favourite status with (6) TEAM SURPRISE. The juvenile filly has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place in a similar race to this over 1300M on August 3rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and she could go one better. (8) JET SUN was 4th in that same race having been in that position all the way around. She has a runner-up finish to her name and should be in the mix again. (5) DOCTOR ERICA and (9) GOLDMASK others to consider.

Selections(1) Road To Win (6) Team Surprise (8) Jet Sun (5) Doctor Erica
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(2) OPEN SKY was an eased down winner on debut over this distance on June 2nd to the extent the jockey got a reprimand for downing tools. He won doing handsprings though and while he hasn’t raced since, he went through a trial on August 9th in which he dawdled early before cruising through to cross the line 1st in a fast time. He can make it two from two here. (10) BEOLMAUI ACE is the main danger. He got his maiden win at start three over 1300M on July 12th and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class at 1400M on August 10th. He makes a quick return here and has claims. (3) OUR DESTINY returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1400M on August 11th having led early. She too makes a quick return and under a light weight and back in trip she can be a threat. (7) HELLO SUNSHINE races for the first time since January. He got his solitary win at this distance and having trialled up fairly, he may offer some interest an each-way price. (11) SANGIM BOLT mixes his form, but the steadying presence of Alan Munro can bring the best out of him.

Selections(2) Open Sky (10) Beolmaui Ace (3) Our Destiny (7) Hello Sunshine
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

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

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

Ater a good trial, (6) MARU JANGGUN was unruly in the preliminaries prior to his racing debut on July 20th, parting company with his jockey on two occasions. Regardless, they ran well for 3rd place over this distance. He has since been sent back to trial which he came through in good order and with better manners today, should take some beating. (7) DANGDAECHOWOL put in a fair effort in his debut on June 16th, coming from off the pace to run 4th at 1300M. He has had nine weeks off since and can be a danger here. (1) BEATRIZ is more experienced with four top four finishes from six starts. At her latest on June 29th her apprentice jockey gave up his leading position somewhat tamely, something he won’t do again after suitable chastisement, and his apprentice claim puts her right in this. Solitary debut-maker (8) NAMSAN MINAM looked well in two trials and can go well first-up. (4) ÉCLAIR POWER another in the placing frame having trialled well.

Selections(6) Maru Janggun (7) Dangdaechowol (1) Beatriz (8) Namsan Minam
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile maidens here including one from the southern hemisphere, and six of the twelve make their racing debuts. After trialling well, (4) LUCKY FRANK was sent off as third favourite on debut over this distance on July 28th and he promptly came home in 3rd place having led for much of the way. He should have come on for the run, he can lead again, and this time can come out on top. (11) DREAM HONOUR beat three of these on his way to 2nd in a quick race over 1000M on debut on July 13th. He finished off with a remarkable final furlong time and he should be charging down late again with every chance.  (7) GWANAKSAN STORM won a trial before running 4th behind Lucky Frank on debut in that July 28th race. He too should have some natural improvement here. Among the debut-makers, (8) KONGNAMUL and (3) MATTERHORN K look the most promising at this stage.

Selections(4) Lucky Frank (11) Dream Honour (7) Gwanaksan Storm (8) Kongnamul
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

After two nice looking trials, (2) DONGNAM GANGTAJA was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on July 19th, but after a slow start and settling at the back, she never really threatened before running on for 5th. She should have come on for that run and ridden further forward here, she looks a winning chance. (9) ARION TAEYANG has a 4th, a 2nd and a 3rd from three starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and he will be there or thereabouts again with any top three finish giving him a rating and sending him to class 5. (7) BACK TO THE LADY was truculent on the way to the gate last time out on July 19th and then didn’t have the smoothest of trips on her way to 6th place. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 2nd place two starts back which puts her in the mix here under the in-form Franco. (3) BLACK WAVE and (8) BINNANEUNGIL others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Dongnam Gangtaja (9) Arion Taeyang (7) Back To The Lady (3) Black Wave
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) SCALE KING will be favourite here. That’s based on his last start close 2nd place over 1300M on July 14th when he was close to the pace throughout. There isn’t much speed in this race so he can lead, and this time can go one better. (6) MARUBYEOL enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance and a mile. A twenty-one-race maiden, he may not be a winning chance here but in this company, he can be aiming for a best to date finish. (1) POETIC NUBI has shown progress across three starts so far with her latest her best when 4th behind Scale King in that July 14th race. She may be ridden further forward today and can continue to get better. (8) SINUI UNMYEONG and (9) TROLL among others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Scale King (6) Marubyeol (1) Poetic Nubi (8) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

(4) WONDERFUL BIDDER was a winner on debut over 1200M in May before running a smart 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on June 21st. That led him to be sent off as favourite at 1300M on July 19th but from gate ten he found himself back and then wide, only managing to finish 7th – albeit ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He comes into a better gate here, and with Munro aboard, he is worth another chance. (2) DOCTOR MEGA looks the main danger. After running 5th on debut, she got her maiden win in fine style at start number two over 1000M, leading all the way and doing the proverbial handsprings. She is up in class but caries a light weight, draws well, and can measure up. (6) SEOBU FLAME did nothing on her first two starts before running out a 40/1 winner at start number three on July 19th. It was over this distance, she led all the way, and the time was fair so while up in class, she’ll warrant more respect this time. (1) QUEEN AND SERVE and (5) RAINBOW ROAD, the latter whose last disappointing start was in the same race as Wonderful Bidder, are others who may place.

Selections(4) Wonderful Bidder (2) Doctor Mega (6) Seobu Flame (1) Queen And Serve
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

(3) BUGANGJILJU shapes as a warm favourite. He got his maiden win at start number two in March before having three months out and then returning with a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts at this class, both over this distance. He likes to race on pace and is drawn very well to do so here and to go all the way. (9) WONDERFUL LORD similarly got his maiden win at the second time of asking and then ran 2nd in a fast race over 1200M on July 6th. He too should be challenging for the lead right from the start and has every chance here. (7) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE comes in off a win over this distance on July 14th. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and can be competitive at a probable each-way price. (5) CHEONGUCHAT and (8) MOON DUST are others to consider.

Selections(3) Bugangjilju (9) Wonderful Lord (7) Heunghaeng Bulpae (5) Cheonguchat
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17)

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

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

Juvenile maidens. (1) DAESEUNGMA has run twice, improving to 4th in the second of them over 1000M on July 13th beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely to be on pace here and today can be her day. (7) TAEPYEONG LEGEND debuted in a very quick race over the minimum distance on July 6th, running on for 5th. HE should have derived benefit from the experience and is probably the main danger. (4) FOX TROT was 5th behind Daeseungma in that July 13th race. That showed improvement from her debut effort and if she continues to make progress, she can get closer again. (9) ANYANG GIPPEUM and (5) BREEDO TROPHY are others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Daeseungma (7) Taepyeong Legend (4) Fox Trot (9) Anyang Gippeum
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

(2) STUNNING SERVE has shown signs of figuring things out in his latest two with a 4th and a 3rd, most recently at this distance on July 13th when settling midfield and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and today can be his day. (7) AMAZING STAR crossed the line first having led for much of the way over this distance on June 29th. It wasn’t an especially quick time, and her post-race test came back above a permitted threshold (for flunixin), the latter being why she finds herself still in class 6 without a rating. Nevertheless, she is yet to finish outside of the top four and can be a danger. (1) MONEY TOUCH ran 3rd on her latest effort on July 21st, coming from off the pace. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but that’s balanced somewhat by a better gate, and she can place again. (6) YEONGWON POTEN and (11) HIPPODROME others to consider.

Selections(2) Stunning Serve (7) Amazing Star (1) Money Touch (6) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden and the favourite will be (7) OKCHEON WIN STAR. That’s based off her debut effort on July 13th when she settled midfield before running on for 3rd place over 1000M. She should have come on for that, the additional furlong can suit, and she is the one to beat. (4) META debuted on July 13th without high expectations but ran nicely for 4th place over this distance showing on pace and beating a couple of others who return here. She too can have some natural improvement and go close here. (2) MEGA STEP was an improved 3rd at start number two back on May 19th when coming from a long way back She comes in fresh here following thirteen weeks out and can go well first-up. (9) GANDAGO and (10) SHINING CHARM others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Okcheon Win Star (4) Meta (2) Mega Step (9) Gandago
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

It’s been a long time since (5) ELITE ROYAL’s solitary win, but her recent form suggests she is ready for another. She comes in having run 2nd at this class and distance on July 20th having shown on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but that shouldn’t be a problem and from gate five, she can get an easy run to the front and lead all the way. (8) SONE SONJABGO won back-to-back races in March and May, with the latter at this class. She didn’t run on in her latest effort on June 15th but comes in fresh after two months off and can be given another chance here. (4) NAOL INDY is an on-pace runner who struggled over 1700M last time out but should appreciate the step back in trip here. (2) RAON THE CLIPPER and (6) JEONGSEONG VICE are the other major placing chances.

Selections(5) Elite Royal (8) Sone Sonjabgo (4) Naol Indy (2) Raon The Clipper
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

Normal racing service is resumed this weekend and the action kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here with all but three racing for the first time. The three with prior experience debuted together over this distance on July 14th and it was (10) GREEN SHARPEY who was best, finishing in 3rd place having raced close to the pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. That’s enough for us to put her on top here. Turning to the first timers, (5) WIDAEHAN YAKSOK took three goes to qualify but when she finally did, she did it well with 4th place in a good time, settling midfield and running on. If she brings that form to the races, she can be a danger. (1) ILLUSION ran 7th on that July 14th race behind Green Sharpey and should have come on for the run to the extent that she can get closer here. (6) LIKE DRAGON and (8) B.K DREAM are other newcomers who hinted at ability in trials.  

Selections(10) Green Sharpey (5) Widaehan Yaksok (1) Illusion (6) Like Dragon
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) DREAM RACE has appeared twice, finishing 4th and 2nd, most recently at this distance on August 2nd when close to the pace throughout. In doing so she recorded the fastest time among these for the distance by a considerable margin and from a good draw, she will be a hot favourite to go one better today. (1) WE LIKE MONEY has been threatening to make a breakthrough across nine starts so far which have featured six top five finishes. She draws nicely here and while she may once again find one too quick, she should be close. (8) CHEONGMAUI JILJU has been making progress in recent outings and enters off a smart 4th place at a mile last time out. She should be there or thereabouts again. (9) PINE BLUE and (7) BEOLGYOUI HIM others in the frame.

Selections(2) Dream Race (1) We Like Money (8) Cheongmaui Jilju (9) Pine Blue
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(6) DREAM TREE has raced twice and finished 2nd twice, both over the 1300M and both times having settled back and run on. The slight step up in trip can suit, Munro gets on, and today can be her day. (4) SEONGSILCHAMPION has shown improvement in his recent few and comes in here off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over this distance and at a mile, beating a couple of today’s rivals on his latest start on July 21st. In this company, he can settle behind the speed and be a big danger late on. (11) HANEUL SINHWA comes in off a 3rd place at this distance on July 14th when racing on pace throughout. He set the fastest time among these for the distance and while he has the challenge of the widest gate here, that’s enough to put him in the mix. (7) PRIME JOY and (5) BACK TO THE HUNTER others in the mix.

Selections(6) Dream Tree (4) Seongsilchampion (11) Haneul Sinhwa (7) Prime Joy
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

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

(1) FANTASTIC DREAM got his maiden win at this class three starts back over 1200M and has since run 4th and 3rd in two outings, coming from off the pace both times. With Seo Seung-un taking over today, another win can be on the agenda. (3) RAON THE CHEONHA got his maiden win over this distance in January before running a very close 2nd on his first try at this class in March. He hasn’t raced since but he looked well in a July trial and can be a danger first-up here. (6) WORLD WINNERS MAN got his maiden win when leading all the way over a mile two starts back but was slowly away on his first try at this class in July. With a better start he can be much closer here. (5) AWESOME SUNRISE and (8) ILCHUL GOLD are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Fantastic Dream (3) Raon The Cheonha (6) World Winners Man (5) Awesome Sunrise
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

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