Month: October 2024

President’s Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan – Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s President’s Cup day! The penultimate Group 1 race of the year takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the likes of Global Hit, Speed Young and Naol Sniper among the leading contenders in the Billion Won race. The big race is race 7 (15:40) on the 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00 while there are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. We’ll have a full runner-by-runner guide to the big race a little later, but for now, here are the race previews:

Global Hit and Speed Young head the President’s Cup field (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (9) CUPID IT, who ran 2nd on debut in a quick race over 1000M before finishing a fair 7th of thirteen in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. Back in more amenable company today, he will be a warm favourite. (5) ECLIPSE EDGE was given a tough assignment on debut in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. He finished down the field but was in no way disgraced and having previously shown speed in his trials, he looks set for improvement today and will be second favourite. (6) STUNNING WORLD was a competent 5th on debut in a good time over 1000M and should have come on for the run. As for the first timers, (3) WORLD JOY beat three of these when 3rd in a trial on September 12th and looks best placed to make an immediate impact. (7) VOYAGER, 6th in that same heat, another.

Selections(9) Cupid It (5) Eclipse Edge (6) Stunning World (3) World Joy
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

Similar to race 1, we have a horse who ran well on debut before finishing back in the Rookie Stakes. That’s (6) MORE THAN JOKE, who only beat two home in the Rookie Stakes but like everything in that race, ran creditably. He was 2nd over 1000M on debut back in July, racing on pace, and against limited opposition here, will be expected to win. (3) GLOBAL HAMSEONG was a close 3rd to More Than Joke on debut in July before notching another 3rd when stepped up to this distance on August 24th. He draws well and can be a danger.  (1) SEMYEONG STRONG improved at start number two and from the same gate today can continue to make progress. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN and (9) ARCH DAY others in the frame.

Selections(6) More Than Joke (3) Global Hamseong (1) Semyeong Strong (10) Perfect Danaeun
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast, with six of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll go with a debut maker and (4) YOUNG SKYWALKER. He led all the way in his trial, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good having been barely asked to do a thing. If he brings that form to the races, he will take a lot of beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (7) RACE MAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they debuted together over 1000M on September 13th in what was a fast race. Both should have come on for the run and the pair shape as the main dangers to the newcomer here. Turning to the rest of those debut-makers, (6) BREEDO COMET and (9) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who hinted at ability in trials.  

Selections(4) Young Skywalker (2) Doctor City (7) Race Man (6) Breedo Comet
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(7) MARU JNGGUN got his maiden win at start number two in August over 1200M before running 4th at the same distance on his first try at this level on September 14th. HE stays under the same weight, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (4) EAST QUALITY is yet to win in six attempts but got promoted to this level following back-to-back runner0uo finishes in June and July. He showed he can compete with a 4th place over this distance on September 1st and he can be on pace here and in this a long way. (6) CHEONGUCHAT is similarly a maiden but has plenty of near misses. He is another who should be on pace with every chance. (9) MOMO K and (2) MR. POWER the other logical place chances.

Selections(7) Maru Janggun (4) East Quality (6) Cheonguchat (9) Momo K
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(3) BANGTANUI JEONSA stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 13th and beat three of these on his way to a much-improved 3rd place. It wasn’t a quick race and generally betting on a horse that ran well at 70/1 last time out is as quick a route to the poor house as any, he comes in under almost the same weight, he draws very nicely, and he could come out on top here. (4) WILD DIXIE was 4th in that race, continuing a consistent recent string of results. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he should be running on strong here. (8) USANG RYUNG came home in 6th place that day, but at the start before, she was 2nd over the same distance and that’s enough to put her firmly in the frame here. (6) I AM DREAMER has trialed well since an inauspicious debut while (10) BAEDARI BOSEOK has a 2nd place on his record which is enough to put him in the mix with this lot.

Selections(3) Bangtanui Jeonsa (4) Wild Dixie (8) Usang Ryung (6) I Am Dreamer
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) MISS CONCORD ran out a five-length winner over 1200M on September 14th, registering her maiden score at the seventh attempt. She comes up in class, but the manner of that victory suggests there can be more to come, and she can go back-to-back. Kozzi Asano rode Miss Concord that day but today he is on (10) CROQUIS. She also got her maiden win at her latest start when taking a narrow victory over 1300M on August 3rd, but it was at this class. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wide gate but she can be a danger again. (1) ARCH RUNNER remains a twenty-three-race maiden, but she has an excellent record of picking up prize money in races like this and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) BEOLGYOWISU and (11) TESTA RUBY others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Miss Concord (10) Croquis (1) Arch Runner (9) Beolgyowisu
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

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

(2) DRAGON NINJA came from off the pace to win handily over 1200M on debut on September 1st. He comes up in class and in distance but neither of these should be a problem and he will be strongly favoured to make it two from two here.  (7) POWER WAGON is likewise up in class having run 3rd on debut in August before breaking through at start two on September 15th, leading from gate to wire. The step up in trip should pose no problem and he can be a danger. It took (9) ROSE DRAGON six starts to break through, which she did on September 15th. In her case, it was over this distance and up in class but down in weight, she can measure up here. (6) GOTOTHEVALHALLA needs a line drawn through his latest and along with (5) TAURUS KING, is a place chance.

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

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

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (4) GWANAKSAN JOY, who debuted over 1200M on August 31st when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing 4th, six lengths behind the winner who has since won again. She’ll be on pace here and this time can go all the way. Having won a trial, (10) HAKSAN CLEAR was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on September 8th when she led but got caught late on. She too should have come on for the run and can be a danger here. (6) CHOWON DOLPONG was a close 2nd on debut before taking her chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy on September 7th. She finished 7th of eleven in that but should be happier in more amenable company here. (7) HAENGBOKHAN SEUNGBU and (1) BEOLGYO GRAMMY others who hinted at ability on debut and may improve.

Selections(4) Gwanaksan Joy (10) Haksan Clear (6) Chowon Dolpung (7) Haengbokhan Seungbu
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 12

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

Twelve maiden imports here with six of the twelve racing for the first time.  We’ll take a chance on one of those newcomers after (4) SECRET SOCKS more than caught the eye in the last of three trials she went through. It was on September 12th, and she led all the way around stopping the clock in 60.6 seconds, nine-lengths clear of the rest. If she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) PEPPER X beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a solid runner-up finish on debut on September 14th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and with some natural improvement, he has a winning chance. (11) DREAMER WHIZ was 3rd on debut over 1000M, running on pleasingly enough. The step up in trip can suit, and he can get closer here. (5) GWANAKSAN O TWO and (1) BREEDO SIRIS others who can improve.   

Selections(4) Secret Socks (9) Pepper X (11) Dreamer Whiz (5) Gwanaksan O Two
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) ANYANG GIPPEUM is the only one in the race with a 2nd place to her name, achieved at start number two over this distance on August 17th when briefly leading close to home and only being narrowly beaten. She subsequently ran 4th on September 15th, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, on those efforts to win this. (8) DAESEUNGMA comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes, actually beating Anyang Gippeum on the latter’s debut in July before finishing behind her in that August 17th race. She can be on the speed here and in this a long way. (10) HANGANG FASHIONED also enters off a pair of 4th place finishes achieved in contrasting styles, first when leading and then from behind and she too shapes as a danger, (3) ORION ALPHA and (9) SEOHAE BADA others in the frame.

Selections(7) Anyang Gippeum (8) Daeseungma (10) Hangang Fashioned (3) Orion Alpha
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

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

(11) DANGDAECHOWOL got two 4th places from his first two outings and then ran 2nd at start three on September 14th, beating a couple of today’s rivals and posting a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled the distance. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but Kozzi climbs on, and he can go one better this time. (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back following a five-month layoff, settling back and running on both times. Third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness wise, and he will be vying for favourite status. (1) POETIC NUBI was 3rd behind Dangdaechowol in that September 14th race and can aim to match or better it from the inside gate. (3) COMMANDING LEAD and (6) WANCHOEGO others to consider.

Selections(11) Dangdaechowol (5) Éclair Power (1) Poetic Nubi (3) Commanding Lead
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

(3) MAGIC IMPACT got her maiden win on her first try around this distance on September 15th, leading for much of the way around and scoring by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class, but she draws nicely, and she can make it two in a row. (6) SINUI UNMYEONG was a beaten favourite on his first try at this class and distance on September 8th, showing on pace and coming home 4th. The start before he was a smart winner over 1400M and can be given another chance today. He gets a weight swing on (2) BIG BLED, who won that September 8th race, leading all the way. Her 3.5kg rise is softened slightly by a nice draw and she can be in this a long way again. (1) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) LEGEND TAP among others in contention in what looks a competitive race.

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

It’s President’s Cup weekend. The penultimate Group 1 race of the season is at Seoul on Sunday, but the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the owner with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (8) FLY TO THE MOON led on debut over this distance on September 27th, ultimately running 5th. She should have come on for that run and makes a quick return with every chance of coming out on top. (12) HWARYEOHANJOMYEONG was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 18th before tackling the Gangseo-Gu Mayor’s Trophy over 1200M on international day on September 8th when she stumbled and lay in and was never a factor. In more amenable company, she can be given another chance. (1) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK won her trial leading all the way and that puts her automatically in the frame first-up from a good gate. (2) QUEEN TYCHE and (11) SUCCESS GOLD other newcomers who hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(8) Fly To The Moon (12) Hwaryeohanjomyeong (1) Nakdong Myeongjak (2) Queen Tyche
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

(5) GALLOP QUEEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far with her latest being her best when 3rd over 1200M on September 13th. Tanaka stays on, she is nicely weighted and from a good gate she should be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) STORM FIGHTER was slow away at start number two, ultimately finishing back in the pack over this distance. Instead of that, we’ll go on his 4th place in a quick race (a long way behind a very good winner), showing promise. With a smoother trip this time, he should go close. (8) NICE GIRL was an improved 3rd at start number two over 1400M on September 15th and a similar effort should see her in the mix here. (11) ROAD TO WIN and (1) RAON FLATTER others to consider for improvement.

Selections(5) Gallop Queen (4) Storm Fighter (8) Nice Girl (11) Road To Win
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(10) HOLY RUN ran 4th on both his first two starts before running 2nd, a long way behind a very good winner, at start number three over 1300M on September 8th. The slight step up in trip should suit, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he will be favourite to go one better here. (1) DIA MATE is yet to finish any better than 5th, but she has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1400M already and from a good draw, she may surprise at a probable each-way price. (9) RICH TREE was an improved 3rd at start number two over 1200M on September 8th. He has finished off very well and may appreciate the step up in trip here. (11) WONDERFUL JONES and (4) MISS CROW other sin at least the placing frame.

Selections(10) Holy Run (1) Dia Mate (9) Rich Tree (11) Wonderful Jones
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) MORNING DEW has improved across three starts so far, most recently a strong 2nd place at this distance on September 13th, leading for most of the way before being passed late by a good favourite. He will be on pace here again and will be a short-priced favourite, who may take some beating. (6) SHACKLE LAUD got sent back to trial after his first two starts. He looked very well when leading all the way around in a heat in early September, and if he brings that form to the races, he should be much improved. (7) DAESUNG FLY did nothing in two starts in the final quarter of last year and then had surgery for a chip fracture. She returned to training in June, and she looked very well when 2nd in a quick trial in July. It has taken her a few more months to get to the races so she has to be taken on trust, but she may be worth a try in this limited company. First-timer (9) YULIM SESANG, along with (5) GREAT MARU others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Morning Dew (6) Shackle Laud (7) Daesung Fly (9) Yulim Sesang
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

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Farewell, Baekgwang – “Korea’s Seabiscuit” 2003-2024

Baekgwang has passed. The “White Light”, Korea’s first “Idol Horse” died at the Anseong Retired Racehorse Park on September 30th, aged 21.

When it comes to Baekgwang, I am going to quote verbatim from an article I wrote almost exactly 13 years ago, after Baekgwang’s last race. It is one of the very few things that I wrote then back in those naive days that still largely holds true and most of that article is now reproduced in full (with some edits):

“When lists of the greatest racehorses are compiled, Baekgwang [The Groom Is Red-Grey Crest (Gold Crest)] likely won’t be on them. Not even in Korea. But there is something about a closer – a horse who can run from the back of the field to the front in the closing stages of a race to score a last gasp victory – that makes the heart beat faster. And when that horse is small in stature, a striking grey colour, and when he has overcome injury to be around for the best part of six years, it is something that shines a light on the drama of a sport whose beauty is so often masked behind a game of numbers. Ask a Korean racing fan to name their favourite horse and it is likely to be Baekgwang.

“Of course, while not being the greatest, Baekgwang was still a very fine racehorse. After failing to win any of his three starts as a two-year old, he finished third in the 2006 Korean Derby but went on to win the final three-year old Classic of the year, The Minister’s Cup, after picking up back-to-back Stakes wins in the Munhwa and Donga-Ilbo Cups earlier in the summer.

“He continued this form into his four-year old season, winning three consecutive races before the end of April. However, it was then that injury struck for the first time in the shape of a ligament injury and he ran only once more that year. In the meantime, his younger half-sister Baekpa (Revere) has become a star in her own right, winning the 2007 Korean Oaks. A grey herself, although less striking than Baekgwang, her big brother was brought out of his recovery to pose for pictures with her after her Oaks triumph. Eventually, after treatment and a lengthy spell of recuperation in the Korean countryside, Baekgwang himself returned to Seoul Racecourse and made his comeback in the Ttukseom Cup in April 2008.

“He was sent off as second favourite and, putting in his customary late run, looked to have a chance in the final furlong. However, in the final strides he was just headed by the even faster finishing Namchonuijijon (Concept Win) who, were it not for being unfortunate to have been born in the same year as the great J.S. Hold, may have become a Classic winner himself. After the race though came the news he had suffered severe ligament damage.

Baekgwang underwent stem-cell treatment to repair his damaged knee with cells from his back. It would be a long lay-off. During his time out, little sister Baekpa would go on to defeat the seemingly invincible Myeongmungamun in the SBS Cup of 2008. It would be in this race a year later in July 2009 that, remarkably, Baekgwang would return once again. (*2024 note: In retrospect, this may not have been a good thing, but luckily there was a happy ending).

“He ran fourth but it was a display full of promise. A month later he finished second in a handicap. Then in September, he finally made it back where he belonged; in the winner’s circle having run down a class 1 field in the home stretch to record a narrow victory. Next up was the President’s Cup and, true to form, he pushed eventual winner Nice Choice all the way, despite giving him four kilos, to finish in a brave second. He closed out 2009 on a high, skipping his way through a blizzard two days after Christmas, once more mowing down the field in the home straight.

“However, 2010 would see just one appearance, a second place in February before injury took hold again. Although he race-trialed sporadically it wasn’t until August this year (2011) that he finally made it to a race, finishing fifth behind Ace Galloper. Of course, it would be behind that horse, Seoul’s highest rated Korean bred, that he would make his final appearance., in the KRA Cup Classic on October 9th. For the first and only time in his 25 races, he would not take home any prize money yet, even while going lame once again, he was only just beaten out of the fifth and final moneying place by Dongbanui Gangja, the double Grand Prix winner. He never, ever gave up.

“Baekgwang had suffered a fracture in that final race, but happily, it was not fatal. He will return to Jeju Island, this time permanently, as perhaps it should have been last time. He will be registered as a stallion and will live out his retirement in peace. His career outlasted that of almost all his rivals such as Nice Choice and Namchonuijijon and sister Baekpa who was retired last year – Baekpa is at the same farm as the pair’s mother, Grey Crest (died 2016 aged 25).

“Some have lamented that Baekgwang – “Korea’s Seabiscuit” as he was described by the Korean Racing Journal last weekend – will not be given a retirement ceremony. It’s not necessary. Racing fans have enough memories of Baekgwang doing what he did best – be it in that Ttukseom Cup or dancing through the snow at Christmas or on all the other occasions he produced that thrilling stretch run. Baekgwang means “White Light” and he was a horse who with a turn of his head in the paddock was acknowledged by even the most hard-bitten punter as something special. We were lucky to have him.” (End of the 2011 article).

We were indeed lucky to have him. And while his lack of Group 1 wins meant he didn’t fulfil the criteria for a retirement ceremony of the likes that Winner’s Man was afforded last week, his fans, with connections and the KRA’s blessing, actually gave him one anyway, on a Friday afternoon when Seoul Racecourse didn’t have any live racing, but was open for simulcasting from Busan and Jeju. Pictures and video from that still unrepeated afternoon – are preserved here: https://blog.naver.com/uijeongbu4u/110123253086

Baekgwang’s return to Jeju Island wasn’t permanent, and after a short but not unsuccessful stallion career, he lived out his days as one of the first intake at the newly founded Korean equivalent of “Living Legends” back on the mainland in Anseong, not that far from the Seoul Racecourse.

HIs sister Baekpa, one year his junior, is still alive and she produced the 2024 KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner Success Baekpa, as part of a successful broodmare career. Success Baekpa has suffered injury setbacks himself but is entered for this coming weekend’s President’s Cup.

While earlier horses such as Ka Shock Do and Pogyeongseon are definitely remembered, and near contemporaries Subsidy and Bally Brae are too, Baekgwang was a gamechanger in terms of the horse as superstar. Unfortunately his popularity wasn’t built upon in terms of building a narrative for Korean racing beyond betting. Baekgwang’s passing reminds us that it is urgent we get one. Rest well, Baekgwang.

Baekgwang (KOR) [The Groom Is Red-Grey Crest (Gold Crest)]
Foaled: March 19, 2003
Debut: September 24, 2005
Retired: October 9, 2011
25 races, 11 wins, 8 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: 817,614,000 Korean Won

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 6)

There are Sunday meetings at both Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). Here are the previews:

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

Small field but a competitive maiden, at least among the top two. (3) SAEROUN GUY has come progressively closer across four starts to date, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on July 13th when slowly away and running on to beat a couple of today’s rivals. He’s had twelve weeks off since then so comes in fresh and has as good a chance as any. (5) GOLDEN JACKPOT ran a fair 4th place on debut at 1200M on July 14th, settling back and running on from a wide gate. He also comes in following twelve weeks out and shapes as the danger. (6) JILPUNG JAZZ has been only ordinary in his latest couple, but he does have a 3rd place on his recent record and that’s enough to put him in the minor money hunt here. (1) TALITHA CUMI and the second up after a spell (7) NEOMANEULWIHAESEO others who may improve.

Selections(3) Saeroun Guy (5) Golden Jackpot (6) Jilpung Jazz (1) Talitha Cumi
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(6) LUCKY FAMOUS ran a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on September 8th, overcoming a wide gate and running on well. It wasn’t a quick race, but he should have derived benefit from the run, and he can be a big factor here. (10) CHOCO BEAUTY is yet to finish any better than 4th but she has now done that three times in her latest four outings. She likes to come from off the pace and she will be charging home late here. (9) OPUS PURPLE will need a line drawn through her latest on September 3rd over 1700M. She has since been back to trial which he won on September 12th, and back in trip today, she can be given another chance. (1) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG and (3) THUNDER LUCKY are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) Lucky Famous (10) Choco Beauty (9) Opus Purple (1) Beautiful Hwaseong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

A very competitive maiden opens things on the south coast. (3) MR. WOLF didn’t do much on debut in July but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on August 23rd, racing on pace. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he can go one better himself. (2) BEOLMAUI ANGEL has run 3rd in both of his two starts so far, at 1000M and most recently at this distance on August 11th. He has raced on pace both times and draws well to do the same here and he may well start as the betting favourite. (4) CRAZY LEO has a 3rd and a 2nd from his two appearances to date, only narrowly going down over 1200M on August 30th. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and has as good a chance as any. (5) CANCAN STEP and (6) SAENAE HUNTER the others in the frame.  

Selections(3) Mr. Wolf (2) Beolmaui Angel (4) Crazy Leo (5) Cancan Step
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

This could be anyone’s, even (7) APPLE STYLE. He came from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1200M before running on too late at start number two over the same distance and only making it up to 7th. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and the additional trip may be just what he needs. Solitary debut-maker (5) WESTERN GUN looked well when winning a trial in July. It has taken a while for him to get to the races, but if he brings that form, he can go close first-up. (1) PROCEED has been steadily figuring things out across his latest couple of starts with a 4th and a 3rd at 1300M and 1400M. He draws nicely and can be getting closer still today. (9) CHEONJI MARKET and (2) YES MADAM among plenty of other placing chances.

Selections(7) Apple Style (5) Western Gun (1) Proceed (9) Cheonji Market
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

Nine maiden imports go around here. (5) GEUMA GUTTY won two trials and then beat three of today’s rivals on debut on August 30th when a touch slow away but then running on very strongly for 2nd behind an excellent winner over 1200M. Munro stays on, he should have come on for the run, and he may take some beating. There are three debut makers and a couple of them showed big potential in trials. (3) FLYING CROWN ran 2nd in a very fast hear on September 14th, coming from off the pace. The 1200M first-up should suit and he can be a danger. (1) SMART BOSS is a rare Japanese-bred here but went through two trials and was very good in both, finishing 3rd on both occasions in quick times. He draws very nicely and is another who can put in a bold first-up performance. (9) DRAGON REVENGER and (6) EOHWADUNGDUNG others with experience who may improve.

Selections(5) Geuma Gutty (3) Flying Crown (1) Smart Boss (9) Dragon Revenger
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) LOVE MUNMAK took part in two legs of this year’s Triple Tiara, finishing 5th in the Korean Oaks and then 7th (of eight) in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She returned to regular company on August 31st, finishing 5th of eleven over 1700M but today she comes back to the distance at which she secured her only victory to date, and she can win again. (6) BIG BRIDGE is yet to win in seven starts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest two, both at this class over 1300M. She comes up to this trip for the first time and she is the danger. (10) WHIZ LOVER got her maiden win at this distance two starts back before finishing 5th on her first try at this class on August 25th. She only comes up 1kg and should be right in this. (3) GREEN FEELSTAR and (11) BRIGHT KAI may make for some appeal at probable each-way prices.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 5)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 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 with all but one of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with the newcomers and (3) PALO ALTO qualified at the second time of asking, leading all the way to win a heat on September 5th in a fair time. He draws nicely, the 1200M should suit first up, and he has every chance. (2) BEST RACE was 2nd in his trial but it was in a quick time, settling handy and running on If he brings that form to the races, he will be firmly in the mix. The solitary one with experience is (4) GEOLJAK HAPPY and she has raced twice. She improved to 3rd in the second of them on September 9th when briefly touching the front in the home straight. She comes up in trip for the first-time and should have the edge on plenty of these in terms of fitness. (8) LUCKY SUNNY and (11) TAEGISAN KING others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(3) Palo Alto (2) Best Race (4) Geoljak Happy (8) Lucky Sunny
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

(2) YUSUBUJAENGSEON has steadily improved across four starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on August 18th when racing close to the pace throughout. The time he recorded was significantly faster than any of the others here have achieved for the 1200M and he will be a warm favourite. The main danger is (5) WONPYEONG NURI. He has a 4th and a 5th from his latest two and in this company should be on the speed and can be in things a long way. (8) MG FIRST has mixed his form across three starts so far, but he does have a 3rd place to his name at this distance and that’s enough to put him in the placing frame here. (3) CHALLANHAN NALGAE and (1) RUNNING ARTIST may be the best of a limited rest.

Selections(2) Yusubujaengseon (5) Wonpyeong Nuri (8) MG First (3) Challanhan Nalgae
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) FUNNY TAP was 4th on debut in a quick time on September 12th when she settled midfield and ran on very pleasingly. She should have come on for that run, the additional half furlong can suit, and she is the one to beat here. (1) BEATRIZ has been knocking on the door over her latest few. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be on the speed from the start. (6) AMAZING STAR actually has a win on her record back in June. She was stripped of the rating points from that after a post-race test (hence why she is still in a maiden) and a subsequent outing in August didn’t go well. She has been back to trial since and looked good when winning a heat last week. Her interesting career can continue here. (5) GREEN CONCORD and (2) GANDAGO others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Funny Tap (1) Beatriz (6) Amazing Star (5) Green Concord
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) MAGIC PRINCE has two 2nd places and a 4th in three attempts at this class and distance, most recently when a very close runner-up on September 15th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but his running style hasn’t been to lead early, and he can go one better today.  (9) GEUMSEONG REVERE similarly beat two of today’s other rivals on her way to 2nd place at this class and distance on August 31st when leading for much of the way around at big odds. She will warrant more respect here. (7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG has been ordinary in his latest couple over 1400M, but he comes up to the two turns for the first time and it may suit. (1) DANGCHAN NANGBO and (10) CHADOL RUN others in the frame.

Selections(11) Magic Prince (9) Geumseong Revere (7) Seongsil Yeongung (1) Dangchan Nangbo
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) GLORY AND HONOR should have won at this class and distance three starts back when 3rd but she has maintained her form with another 3rd and then 4th in two subsequent outings. She draws well, carries a very light weight, and back in filly only company, she is the one to beat. (7) EXCELLENT MATTA comes in off a smart 4th place over 1300M on August 13th/ She is yet to win but in this company, she can be on the pace and can be in this a long way. (1) HAENGBOK YEOJEONSA made all to win over this distance and class 6 level three starts back. She enters off a last start 4th and from a better gate today can get closer. (9) FINAL JILJU and (10) HAEJE YEOGEOL among others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 4)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. It took (6) D’LOVELY KING two goes to qualify but he did it in fine order at the second time of asking on September 7th, blitzing his trial in a quick time and winning it by as many as he pleased. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some stopping. Of the three with experience, (3) BLUE THUNDER is the best. After winning a trial, he debuted on September 8th and sat handy before running on for 5th over this distance. He should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (10) MEGA MACHINE also put in a fair effort on debut and with some natural improvement can go close here. (8) BEOLMA KING and (12) ALL ROUND ONE are other newcomers who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(6) D’Lovely King (3) Blue Thunder (10) Mega Machine (8) Beolma King
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

Maiden fillies here. After a good trial, (2) SHASHA was a very solid 3rd on debut over this distance on August 30th, racing on pace throughout. She draws very nicely here to be on the speed again, and she won’t need to find much improvement to win this. (3) NAMHAE YEOGEOL needs a line drawn through her latest when she used up plenty of energy from a wide draw to get to the front before fading. Instead, we can go on her 2nd place two starts back when stopping the clock in a quick time and she shapes as the main danger here. (11) BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far, most recently beating a couple of these over 1000M, and she can be close again here. (1) MIGHTY RUBY and (4) ROMANCE BLUE others to look out for.

Selections(2) Shasha (3) Namhae Yeogeol (11) Boryeonglightqueen (1) Mighty Ruby
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

Competitive race. (2) HANEUL SINHWA has mixed his form across ten starts so far, but he has five top five finishes. That includes his latest on August 30th when he beat a couple of today’s rivals when 2nd with a front running effort over this distance and from a good draw, if he brings that form, he can go one better today. (4) DIXIE WINNER was ordinary on debut but was much improved at start number two on September 1st when settling right back and running on late for 2nd place over 1300M. The slight step up in trip should suit and she may well start as the favourite here. (11) CAPTAIN KOREA was 4th behind Haneul Sinhwa in that August 30th race and while she has the challenge of the widest gate here, she can be close. (7) SIMON STAR and (8) GOLDMASK are others who can be in the frame.

Selections(2) Haneul Sinhwa (4) Dixie Winner (11) Captain Korea (7) Simon Star
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 11

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

(3) HIT DAY comes up in class having won at start number two over this distance on August 30th when she led from gate to wire. She comes down in the weights, she draws well, and she can measure up in this company. (4) HWARANG ACE is a five-year-old veteran, and he enters with recent form reading very well, most recently recording a close 3rd place over a mile on August 10th. Both of his wins have come at this distance, and he should be a major player here. (1) DONGBU CHOEGANG is yet to win in ten starts and he is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M. He carries a very light weight though and could make for some interest at a probable each-way price. (5) BLACK JILJU and (9) SAENAE HIT among plenty of others to consider.

Selections(3) Hit Day (4) Hwarang Ace (1) Dongbu Choegang (5) Black Jilju
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

We’ll take a chance on (9) GREAT BOY here. A previous try at this distance didn’t go well, but his win came over a mile and he comes in here off a smart 4th place over 1400M. Tanaka climbs on and with no real early speed in this race, he could well get to the lead and take some catching. A few of these raced each other at class and distance on August 30th and (1) CHRYSOL SIERRA came from well off the pace to run a solid 4th. Expect him to be a bit closer a bit earlier today and he can be a danger. That will mean overturning the form on (4) FUERTE, who ran 3rd in that August 30th race and has appeared again since, finishing 4th over a mile on September 13th. He is another who does his best work late and can be finishing strongly. (6) EONJENA YEONGUNG and (10) STAR DRAGON among others in the placing frame.

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