Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. It was very hard to pick a winner last weekend in the capita. Whether that was because of the return from the week off, the sub-zero temperatures or the relatively new sand on the track will perhaps become clearer this weekend – when there hasn’t been a holiday, the temperatures are comfortably above zero, and any track maintenance has had another week to bed in. We shall see. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Nine unraced fillies and three unraced colts open proceedings. (11) SWEET SONG is half-sister to Classic winner Betelgeuse and enters having made all to win a trial on January 9th. CC is aboard and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (1) MUNHAK FIGHTER went through two trials, running 4th and 3rd in fair times. From the inside gate, she should be on pace, and she has every chance of being in this a long way. (7) SEOUL NONGBU is another who showed on pace in his trial, leading before ultimately finishing in 4th place and he can be supported first up. (10) NUMBER ONE SOCKS and (12) BEST DREAM are others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.
Selections
(11) Sweet Song (1) Munhak Fighter (7) Seoul Nongbu (10) Number One Socks
Next Best
12, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) JOY LIGHT went back to trial after an inauspicious debut last November and was much better when returning on January 11th, leading for much of the way around over this distance and ultimately running a solid 2nd. In this company she can be on pace again and this time she can go one better. (8) GOOD FRIEND similarly ran an improved 3rd at start number two on January 18th, coming from off the pace. Kozzi climbs on and she can continue to progress. After winning a trial (11) CLAIR BIG BANG was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on January 4th. She started slowly and was at the back a long time before running on well for 5th and she can get better here. (5) RAON THE CAVIAR and (1) BEOLGYO LAVA others with potential for improvement.
Selections
(6) Joy Light (8) Good Friend (11) Clair Big Bang (5) Raon The Caviar
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) MR. STORM was 4th on debut before running 2nd at start number two over this distance in November when in the speed throughout. That led him to be sent off as favourite for his 2025 debut on January 5th but having drawn gate eleven, he had a hard time finding position and ultimately ran 5th. He comes into a much better gate today and warrants another chance. (2) CHEONJI LADY similarly has a best of 2nd place recorded two starts back when settling midfield and running on. She was 4th on her latest outing on January 4th when handy throughout and in this field and with this draw, she can be expected to be on pace and can go close. (5) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL led for much of the way around over this distance on January 11th, ultimately running 2nd to a good winner. He’ll join the other fancied pair on the early speed and can be in this a long way. (11) THUNDER MARVEL and (9) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL among plenty of other place chances.
Selections
(1) Mr. Storm (2) Cheonji Lady (5) Cheongryongui Cal (11) Thunder Marvel
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (7) RAON DESPERATE was 3rd on debut in December before getting her maiden win at start two over this distance on January 5th when always close to the pace. She comes up in class here but looks to have plenty of potential, and she can win again. (6) CHOWON DOLPUNG got her maiden win in December leading all the way around at this trip. She had an ordinary day when sent off as favourite for her first try at this class last month, bumping on jumping and finishing midfield. Moon Se-young stays on and the manner of that previous win suggests she is worth another chance. (3) HAKSAN CLEAR is a maiden but is up in class following two runner-up finishes from three starts. She draws nicely and can measure up in this company at a probable each-way price. (2) WONDERFUL PASS and (11) HAKSAN DAESE are among others to consider.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to be sure which version of (1) BLUE RACER will show up. He returned from a five-month absence in December to only beat one home with the jockey ordered not to use his stick as the horses has been extremely wayward at times in the past. He looked very well when leading all the way in a January trial and against this modest opposition, if he runs straight, he can win. (6) ELITE PEACE will also have to be forgiven his latest on January 18th when slow away and then shifting out late. A run similar to his 4th place effort over 1400M the time before will see him in the mix here. (11) HAEJE YEOGEOL enters off a 4th place at this class over 1300M last time out and while she is up 2.5kg in the weights, can match or better that here. (3) GEUMSEONG YEOJE and (4) MINT PLAY perhaps the best of a limited rest.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:25 to 18:00, Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) GREAT TOP led for much of the way around on debut, ultimately finishing in 3rd place over 1200M. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but Seo Seung-un gets on and he can have come on for that run. (5) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY trialed well but got off to a bad start on debut before running-on well enough for 5th. She’s had eleven weeks off and a stalls test since then and with better manners she can improve today. Of the first timers, (3) TEUTA trailed well in January running 2nd having been handy throughout. Times don’t mean much at the moment, so she draws well and has every chance first-up. (2) SEUNGNI YEYAK and (10) MEANINGFUL TIME, the latter another debut-maker, others who could figure.
Selections
(11) Great Top (5) Yeonggwangui Honey (3) Teuta (2) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
3, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) GLOBAL HIGH has a 3rd, a 2nd and a 4th from his three starts so far, all at 1200M. He has shown both on pace and come from behind, depending on his draw so in today’s company he should be on or close to the speed, and he can get it right. (12) EAST SUN led for much of the way around at this distance on January 26th, ultimately finishing in 3rd, her second time finding just two too quick. She has to contend with the widest gate here but if she can find a handy position, she should be in the finish. (7) SUCCESS COW has picked up in his latest couple with a 3rd and a 2nd at this distance and 1400M. He has been one-paced but should have enough about him to challenge for a place again. Last start runner-up (1) HANEUL POKPUNG will be on pace and in this a long way. (11) HOUND POKER is another chance.
Selections
(3) Global High (12) East Sun (7) Success Cow (1) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) DONGBANG JEONSA has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on January 10th, when settling midfield and running on. He’ll want a forward position early so may need a touch of luck at the start from the wide draw, but he shapes as the one to beat here. (8) BABEL COME ON ran 3rd in that January 10th race, her best to date when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and she can be close again. (7) TRIPLE J has shown his best in trials so far without managing to bring it to the races. It’s sixteen weeks since we saw him in the afternoon, but he looked – as ever – well when 3rd in a January trial, and he has to be given another chance in this company. (3) ARIONUI GEOM has finished 5th in both outings so far, beating a couple of these along the way and that’s enough to expect him to improve. (5) DIVINE KINGDOM another with place hopes.
Selections
(11) Dongbang Jeonsa (8) Babel Come On (7) Triple J (3) Arionui Geom
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
6, 8, 10, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YULIM SESANG will be favourite. He got his win over this distance at start number two last November when leading all the way and has since run 3rd and 2nd in two tries at this level, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He’ll be on the speed and should return to winning ways. (10) CHEONGWAN got her maiden win at the third time of asking on November 15th when leading all the way over this distance. She comes up in class but is down 2kg in the weights and she can measure up in this company. (1) KING FIGHTER scored at this class and distance at big odds on January 17th, leading all the way. He was third-up that day so could have been peaking, and he is up 3kg in weight, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) BURUI PYEONGHWA and (2) GLORY GANGSEO others to consider.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (4) DRAGON PUNCH returned from over six months off on January 17th to run 4th over 1200M, sitting handy throughout and running on well. She should strip fitter for that run and is the one to beat here. (10) CHRYSOL HERO broke through at start eleven over this distance in a filly maiden on January 10th, coming from off the pace. She comes up in class here but is down in weight and may make for some appeal at a probable each-way price. (3) SEUNGNI GITBAL was a winner at this class and distance in a very similar race to this on January 5th, sweeping home from well back. She’s up in weight but comes into a better gate and a repeat shouldn’t be completely ruled out. (2) SEVEN QUEEN and (12) MOTHER CHUKJE others in the frame.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:35). Here are the previews:
Derby Winner Eunpa Sarang faces up and comer Wonpyeong Storm on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) AFLEET RUN ran a close 3rd over this distance on debut in December, racing on pace throughout. That led him to be sent off as favourite on his return on January 11th, but he took a bump at the start causing him to stumble and he never really recovered. We can draw a line through that and the Spun To Run gelding can be given another chance as favourite here. Debut-maker (2) DALBIT GEURIMJA may be the main danger. She showed at the front in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and from a good draw, if she brings that form to the races, she should be close. The form is patchy among the rest. (9) HERO CHOICE ran a fair 6th on debut and looks the most likely to improve. (3) YES ANGEL on trial form and (7) ECLIPSE LUCKY the others.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) GIANT BOSS ran 6th on debut in November and then led until the middle of the home straight on December 28th before ultimately finishing in 3rd place. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise, Kim Yong-geun booked is a plus, and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he is the one to beat. (3) ECO FORE did nothing in his first three starts, but since returning from a more than eight-month layoff in December, he has shown signs of figuring things out with a 5th and a 4th and from a great draw he can go even closer this time. (8) HWANGGEUM MASK and (10) ARCH DAY came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced one another over this distance on January 5th, with a couple more of today’s behind them. Both should be in the mix again in this company. (1) HYEWONYONGMA ran 2nd two starts back and on the strength of that, can be considered.
Selections
(11) Giant Boss (3) Eco Fore (8) Hwanggeum Mask (10) Arch Day
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) DIXIE MAN has two 3rd place finishes among three starts so far, most recently over 1300M on January 11th when settling midfield and running on. He’s drawn wide every time so far so gate nine won’t be a problem and Moon Se-young stays on. Today can be the day. The main danger is (3) YEOLJEONGMA. After running 6th on debut, he was an improved 3rd when tried at this distance on January 4th. Both times he has settled at the back before finishing strongly and he can be powering home late here. (8) WILD HAPPY was an improved 4th at start number three at 1200M on January 4th. She too has been doing her best work late in races having gone back and she may appreciate the additional furlong today. (6) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA and (2) MG FIRST among others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive opener on the south coast. (3) MEGA MACHINE should have the edge, base don his last start 2nd at this distance on January 5th, when leading into the final furlong. He draws a much better gate today and that could be enough to get him home on top over limited opposition. (2) GUKDAE LEGEND has shown signs of figuring it out in his latest two with a pair of 4th places. This seems to be the distance for him and well-drawn, he can continue to improve here. (7) BAEDARI BOSEOK too enters off back-to-back 4th places and won’t need to be much better to get closer in this company. (6) DOCTOR CURLIN and (11) HI LEGEND are others who can content the minor money.
Selections
(3) Mega Machine (2) Gukdae Legend (7) Baedari Boseok (6) Doctor Curlin
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RAON NIZHINSKII got his maiden win two starts back over this distance and then followed up with a 3rd place on his first try at this class, again over the 1300M, on December 29th, settling handy and running on and beating a couple of these in the process. A similar effort should see him home on top today. (4) MENI WIN got his maiden win last March at this distance but then didn’t reappear until November. He has a 5th in a 3rd two starts back and drawn nicely and with Johan aboard, can continue to make progress today. (8) FREE TIME won on debut over 1200M in November, making all. That led him to be favourite for his first try at this class on December 29th, but he raced wide and fiercely and ultimately finished 6th behind Raon Nizhinskii. A more fluent performance can see him closer today. (11) AUSTIN LEADER and (5) GEUMA FOREMOST are others to consider.
Selections
(7) Raon Nizhinskii (4) Meni Win (8) Free Time (11) Austin Leader
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) BEOLMA KING has a win and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far, the latest 3rd being his first try at this class on December 13th over 1300M, the same distance at which he got his win. He comes up to 1400M for the first time and from the inside gate, Jung Do-yun can pick his spot behind the speed, and he can win. (3) FLASH RUN got her maiden win at start three over 1300M on December 27th, leading for much of the way around. She comes up in class but is down in weight, draws nicely to be on pace again, and can measure up. (12) BEST PRIME is a fifteen-race maiden but has no fewer than nine top five finishes, most recently a close 2nd at this class and distance on January 17th. He is up 2kg on that, but the wide draw won’t matter, and he has the quickest final furlong among these on him. (10) TEAM SURPRISE and (9) EMPIRE DAY among plenty of others with at least place chances.
Selections
(1) Beolma King (3) Flash Run (12) Best Prime (10) Team Surprise
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only and it’s very tricky as a genuine case can be made for most. We’ll take a chance with (9) MISS CONCORD. She got her maiden win at this distance last September and since then has a 2nd, a 4th, and a 3rd in three efforts at this class, most recently on January 5th at 1300M. In this company she can be ridden on or close to the pace and has as good a chance as any. That will mean overturning the form on (7) HERO JILJU, who was 2nd in that January 5th race, continuing a very consistent run of form. An apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be competitive again. (11) ANDAMIRO enters off a solid 3rd place in a very similar race to this on January 11th, coming from off the pace and a similar effort will see her close again. (1) BISANG DAY and (8) DAESEUNGMA among plenty of other chances.
Selections
(9) Miss Concord (7) Hero Jilju (11) Andamiro (1) Bisang Day
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here and it’s hard to go far past (4) PARANG ENERGY. A winner at this distance on debut, she has a 3rd and a 4th in her two subsequent starts at the same distance at this class, with only a spin around 1400M being disappointing. She draws nicely to be on pace and Franco, who won on her is on. (12) B.K MAGIC comes up in having got her maiden win at 1200M on January 12th at this distance from a similarly wide draw. It was at this class so she comes up 3kg in weight but can be competitive again. (11) BROWN ROOKIE had a poor day at the office in that January 12th race, but prior to that was a good winner at this distance in December. She stays under a light weight and can be given another chance. (6) NEW LEADER and (5) THIS WAY, 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced each other on January 5th, are the other main place contenders.
Selections
(4) Parang Energy (12) B.K Magic (11) Brown Rookie (6) New Leader
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
4, 7, 11, 12
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) ÉCLAIR POWER came from off the pace to run 3rd over 1400M at this class on January 12th. His win came when making all at 1300M last October and he does come up to race at 1800M for the first time. He has prior experience at 1700M (finishing 5th) and from a good draw, he can be in the mix today. The danger is (8) DAZZLE RUSH. He is yet to win in four starts but enters off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently at this class over 1700M on January 5th, when he beat several of today’s opponents. He comes up 2.5kg in weights but if anything, the slight step up in trip can suit, and today could be his day. (6) CHOEGANG HYEONMA was 3rd in that January 5th race. He is yet to win in twelve but has finished in the top five on no fewer than ten occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) GOLDEN BALL and (11) COSMO KING, 4th and 5th in that same race, are others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(3) Éclair Power (8) Dazzle Rush (6) Choegang Hyeonma (10) Golden Ball
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
There’s no real need to go further than (1) BIG MUSICAL STAR. He’s won two of his latest three, most recently at this class and distance on January 12th when scoring comfortably despite racing ungenerously with his head up and pulling wide to the finish to the extent he was sent back to trial. He came through the trial easily a couple of weeks ago and while he has the steadier of an additional 4kg, that’s balanced by a better draw, and he should win again. (8) AMAZING WORLD has only raced twice, improving to 3rd at start two over 1400M on January 3rd when he led. He comes up in trip and can continue to make progress. (2) NICE BIG GUY enters off a class and distance 2nd at the start of December. He is in fresh after ten weeks off and can be a factor. (11) BACKTOTHECHAMPION and (7) BEST CHAMP, the latter a class and distance winner just two starts back, are the others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Big Musical Star (8) Amazing World (2) Nice Big Guy (11) Backtothechampion
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) SAINT LUCCA may not win out of turn, but he is very dependable with fifteen top five finishes. His latest victory was only two starts back so he arguably enters in the best form of his career and while he carries 4kg more than he did that day, he draws well, Ruan Maia is on, and he can win. (9) BAEKRYONG was 4th behind Saint Lucca back in December and while he was a well beaten favourite last time out when he pulled hard and raced with his head up before tiring, his previous form earns another chance here. (10) TIZ ENERGY took thirty-one starts to get his maiden win, but it was at this class and distance, and he followed it up with a runner-up finish to New Dolkong on December 21st. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be in the mix. (11) SINUI UNMYEONG and (8) SEONGEUN CROWN are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Saint Lucca (9) Baekryong (10) Tiz Energy (11) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 1
Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(10) AREUMDAUN INYEON was a class and distance winner on December 22nd when settling right back and running on to pass them all. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights but has every chance of repeating here. (11) GRAY BOSS has an excellent record at 1800M with a win at class 4 level and two 2nd places at this class, most recently on January 3rd when racing on pace and beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He only comes up 1kg in the weights. and has run well from gate eleven before. (12) DOCTOR CAPTAIN had a poor day at the office in that January 3rd race but prior to that scored back-to-back wins over this distance and can ne given another chance here. (9) GREAT ONE and (8) STAR DAERO others to consider.
Selections
(10) Areumdaun Inyeon (11) Gray Boss (12) Doctor Captain (9) Great One
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 6
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
We’ll give (6) WHIZ IMPOSSIBLE a pass on his latest when he was well fancied but stumbled at start and then brushed the rail a couple of times before coming back slightly lame. He only missed a week of work and prior to that had shown good promise with a 3rd place at this distance. (11) YEONGWON BIG MAN returned from six months off to run a solid class and distance 3rd on December 29th. He should strip fitter for that run, and while he has to contend with the widest gate, he has a strong late turn of foot and can be a danger. (4) MIGHTY JOY has a win and three 4th place finishes to his name. He draws well to be on or close to the pace and while he has 57kg to contend with, he can be in the mix. Last start class and distance winner (10) SOARA TO TO along with (1) WINNING CHAMPION are others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Whiz Impossible (11) Yeongwon Big Man (4) Mighty Joy (10) Soara To To
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
(6) DAEAM JANGGUN comes in having run 3rd behind the excellent Black Mamba over 1200M on January 12th with a few of today’s rivals behind him. He comes up 3kg in the weights but Franco partnering for the first time is a plus and he can return to winning ways for the first time in a long time. (4) FANTASTIC KINGDOM was among those beaten by Daem Janggun in that January 12th race, having previously been an also-ran in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy. At the start before, he was a very quick class and distance winner and while he has the steadier of 58.5kg on his back, at his best he can be formidable. That pair will top most quinellas. (8) DAEJI CHOICE ran 4th behind Daem Janggun in that January 12th race and is a class 1 winner as recently as November. (9) JEONGMUN COBIT and (1) CATCH THE VICTORY other each-way prospects.
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) DRAGON BULPAE got his maiden win at start three last March and then didn’t race again until this January 4th. He made a very positive return, coming from off the pace to finish a close 2nd at this clas over 1200M. He carries 3kg more but should have derived plenty of benefit from the run and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) SPALTA was sent off as favourite to snap his streak of five consecutive 2nd place finishes on January 12th. He duly did precisely that, unfortunately though it was in finishing 5th, rather than winning. He was, believe it or not, 2nd on his only previous try at 1400M, and normal service can resume today. (2) NAVY CAPTAIN is up in class following a win at this distance on December 14th. He draws well to be on pace and under a light weight, can measure up. (3) GUKDAE FIGHTER won in a double-quick time at this class and distance on January 4th, and despite an additional 5kg shouldn’t be dismissed. (1) PALATINO another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(1) WONPYEONG STORM is one of the hottest prospects in Korean racing, having won all four of his starts so far, including one at Listed Juvenile level last November. He kicked off his three-year-old campaign with a comfortable win over a mile at class 2 level on January 5th, and while he is up 4.5kg in the weights and makes a big jump up in trip, he is the one to beat. He faces last year’s Korean Derby winner (9) EUNPA SARANG. The latter returned to winning ways at this class and distance on November 30th in a quick time for the 2000M, and while he too is up in weight to the tune of 4kg, that’s balanced by CC climbing on and he can be a danger to the favourite. (3) ZIGGURAT was 3rd behind Wonpyeong Storm over the mile a month ago and 2nd to Eunpa Sarang at this distance two starts back and should be in the mix again. (5) GEOLJAK ONE along with (7) HIGH GRAND are others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 11: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
Competitive Class 1 with a ratings cap of 100. (9) I’M JJANG won three in a row before a long layoff that kept him out from last March until December. He ran a fair 5th on his return over 1200M on December 8th, looking like he needed the run. He should be better here and with Moon Se-young aboard as part of the 52kg he carries, he has an excellent chance back over the distance those aforementioned wins came at. (6) RAON FOREST enters off a win and two runner-up finishes from her latest two. Her target is probably the Queens’ Tour races that start in March she gives weight away here but isn’t to be underestimated. (11) VICS GO has plenty of quality and while he seems to bounce up and down the distances, he looks to have landed in this race nicely and Maia aboard is a plus. (3) FOREVER DREAM and (10) BOLT MAN the other main chances.
It’s been a cold and snowy week in Seoul. Saturday sees an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Two standouts. (9) SALVADOR ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 4th when slow away and settling a long way back before rapidly closing late. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can be in his favour, and he can go one better. (4) JECHUK LOG IN similarly ran 2nd n debut, well beaten by a good winner but doing plenty right, settling handy and running on. He draws a better gate and has every chance. (5) VINCERO CUE is the only one in the field who has raced twice already, securing a 3rd and a 5th, both at 1200M. He has raced on pace both times and should do the same here, with every chance to be in it a long way. (7) RYAN HEART, and (10) SONEULNAEMILEO, both 3rd on their respective debuts, are the others who will be in the market.
Selections
(9) Salvador (4) Jechuk Log In (5) Vincero Cue (7) Ryan Heart
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (11) TEUKGEUP PARTY led for much of the way around on debut on December 29th ultimately to succumbing to a good winner but posting a decent final furlong time herself. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a bit of luck at the start she can find a position and can go one better. (5) SAMJEONG LADY has raced twice, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance. She can sit just behind the speed here and third up can be peaking fitness wise. (1) GYEOUL JANGMI didn’t do much behind Teukgeup Party on debut, but she previously trialed well and the jockey booking will focus minds. (3) RACE ROSE, along with debut maker (10) JISAN FRIEND, are others to consider.
Selections
(11) Teukgeup Party (5) Samjeong Lady (1) Gyeoul Jangmi (3) Race Rose
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ater running midfield from a wide draw on debut, (3) ROPPONGI DRAGON ran an improved 2nd at start two over this distance on December 29th, sitting behind the speed and running on strongly and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. Expect similar tactics here and he will be a short price to prevail over a limited set of opponents. (1) YEONGWON POTEN has picked up a little in her latest couple, most recently a very close 2nd place at this 1300M on January 4th. She tries the two turns for the first time, and it may suit. (4) MARUBYEOL is a thirty-two-race maiden but comes in off her best ever finish when 3rd at this distance two weeks ago. This race is no harder. (10) BEST KINGDOM and (8) GRAND FLYING are others who may contest the money finishes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YEONHUI HERO remains a maiden having got promoted to this class with two close runner-up finishes over 1200M. He ran 4th on his first try at this level at 1300M on December 29th when slow away and always on the back foot but with a better start, he can be on pace here and can go all the way. (7) LEMON K got her breakthrough win at start number five on January 4th when leading all the way. That win had been coming and while she comes up in class today, she comes down in weight, she draws well, and she can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) CANVASEN GO is another last start maiden winner and in similar circumstances with that win having been coming for a while. He draws well and can measure up in this company. (11) NAMSAN MINAM and (10) GANA POWER others in the hunt.
Selections
(9) Yeonhui Hero (7) Lemon K (3) Canvasen Go (11) Namsan Minam
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
We’re back after the Lunar New Year break and there is a 9-race card at Busan on Friday. Here are the previews:
The actual Champion jockey at Busan (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Among those first timers, (8) VANGIE went through two trials running 4th in the first of them on January 11th and then a much quicker 3rd on January 25th (the latter may not be in all race cards). The dam was a winner of six from ten, reigning actual champion jockey Franco Da Silva is on, and in this company, he has every chance first up. (9) HOMYEONG SHINHWA was an improved 3rd over this distance at start four on December 27th, overcoming a slow start to run on and she can go close again. (4) HANEUL GOLD was an on-pace 4th on debut a month ago over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but the track was slow in January, and he can go closer here. (10) OVER THE ALLIE and first timer (7) RAON THE MASKE, are others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Vangie (9) Homyeong Shinhwa (4) Haneul Gold (10) Over The Allie
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) ACE HIGH ran 2nd on debut over this distance on December 27th, having previously won a trial. She sat handy throughout, she draws nicely again, and with some natural improvement, she can win this. She will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (2) DREAMMA is yet to finish in the top two in ten attempts but has no fewer than eight finishes between 3rd and 5th. She likes to sit midfield and run on and from a great draw she can aim to at least match those finishes today. (11) WONDERFUL FORTUNE has finished 5th in both appearances so far. This looks weaker and third-up she can be peaking. Tanaka climbs on and she can be a threat late. (6) NICE GIRL and (4) BAEKPAL BOEUN others who can challenge for places.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) DAEJI DAEBONG stepped up to this distance for the first time on January 10th and beat three of these on his way to a very close 2nd place. He draws well, Franco stays on, and he can go one better today. (1) DREAM TREE hasn’t raced since October 25th when she was 3rd over this distance having been slow away and having an awkward trip and adding to a 2nd on her first try at the mile in September. She had a slight setback after that but has been in regular work since the end of December and while her fitness must be taken on trust, she is a chance. (4) OASIS GREEN has picked up in his latest two with a 5tha dn a 4th and the step up to a mile for the first time can suit. (11) FAIRY and (12) HOUDINI have hinted at ability and may improve.
Selections
(3) Daeji Daebong (1) Dream Tree (4) Oasis Green (11) Fairy
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. Regardless that there are four last start winners, we’ll go with a maiden and (4) MAENGNYONG. He was 3rd in each of his first three starts up to this class and 1400M when he led. At his latest he took an early bump and then came home lame in the off foreleg having run 5th on January 10th. He only missed a week of work and fully fit he can win here. (2) SHASHA is the main danger. She was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 5th over 1200M on January 5th. She comes into a better gate today and should be close. (7) ROAD TO ACE got his maiden win at start two having led all the way over 1200M. He is up in class but looks to have plenty of scope for more development and should measure up. (1) HANEUL BOSS is one for one having led all the way on his debut on January 3rd and down in weight and drawn well, can be in this a long way again. (6) FLASH DAY another in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Maengnyong (2) Shasha (7) Road TO Ace (1) Haneul Boss
Next Best
6, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) THE WIND has just the one win from eight starts but comes in having been 4th on each of last three starts, the latest two at this distance. He tends to get a long way back, but he comes into a much better gate today having drawn gate twelve in both his latest two. That means Tanaka can perhaps pick his spot a little easier and he can come through late – but in time – today. He will vie for favourite status with (6) FLYING THE LUCKY. He enters off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times beating a couple of today’s rivals. He too likes to come from off the pace and is a danger. (7) HWANHUIUI MOON got his maiden win two starts back at 1400M before running 5th when drawn wide over 1400M on his first try at this level on January 10th. He comes up to 1800M for the first time and in this company, there is no reason why it can’t suit. (10) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (1) STAR PARK are perhaps better than recent results suggest.
Selections
(2) The Wind (6) Flying The Lucky (7) Hwanhuiui Moon (10) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) ALL TIME LEGEND stepped up to this trip at start number four on January 3rd, and having already registered two runner-up finishes and a 3rd, secured his maiden win with a front running effort. He is up in class but slightly down in weight, he draws well to be on pace again, and he can go back-to-back. (7) WATER DRAGON for his second win two starts back and then ran 2nd when favourite on his first try at this class on January 10th also at this distance having led until close to home. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he will almost certainly start as favourite again to get it right this time. (5) NAEPYEON came from off the pace to run 2nd at this class and distance on December 27th. He has a smart finish on him and can be doing his best work late again here. (12) THUNDER FURY and (9) SANGSANGGEUISANG among others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) All Time Legend (7) Water Dragon (5) Naepyeon (12) Thunder Fury
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 8
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) SAMAKUI KKOT comes in off a gutsy victory over this distance at the end of December, giving trainer Peter Wolsley his last Korean winner. That’s meant an enforced stable change, but he’s landed on his feet with Bart Rice and while up in class he is down in weight and third-up after a lengthy absence, he may have more to give. (1) LEMON TREE is also up in class, in his case following a win and a runner-up finish in his latest two, both at this distance. The win came from a low draw when he was able to get on pace and he gets another here. That, in addition to a big weight drop to the tune of 4.5kg, puts him firmly in with a chance. (8) BEOLMA BROWN mixes his form but based on his last start class and distance 2nd on January 3rd when settling midfield and running on, must be considered here. (5) BINNANEUNGIL and (10) FLYING DANU others in the hunt in another competitive race.
Selections
(2) Samakui Kkot (1) Lemon Tree (8) Beolma Brown (5) Binnaneungil
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(11) SKY ROJO beat four of these on his way to victory at this class and distance on January 17th when settling just behind the speed and proving too strong. He comes up a full 4kg in weight, but he is third up this preparation so may be even better, and he can win again. (6) BEOLMAUI ANGEL was rapidly promoted to this class with three consecutive wins between October and December, all at this distance and making all in each. He stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on January 3rd, leading but ultimately weakening to 5th. Back in trip and drawn well, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (2) FINAL SEVEN has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on December 29th. He comes up a full 4kg but can be close again. (5) DRAGON REVENGER and (10) TAEWANG SINGI, the latter 3rd behind Sky Rojo last time, among others in the frame in a very competitive race.
Busan Race 9: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
Super finale for Friday. (10) BANG BANG BANG is up in class having won over 1800M at class 3 level on January 3rd. She comes up in class and in distance here but looks to be getting better with each run and under a light weight and with Munro at the controls, she may still have some upside. (5) BEOLMAUI MONSTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1800M on December 27th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the steadier of 58kg this time, but is not to be dismissed. (3) LOVE KING IJI was a winner over 1800M two starts back and was then a desperately close 2nd on his first go at this class and distance on January 19th, racing 2nd the whole way around and beaten by a longshot winner. He once more carries his fair share of weight, but he draws well and has every chance of going one better. (9) B.J. CHIEF and (6) GEUMA HUGE HIT others to keep safe.
Selections
(10) Bang Bang Bang (5) Beolmaui Monster (3) Love King Iji (9) B.J. Chief
With the short Lunar New Year holiday now over, the 2025 Korean racing season gets underway in earnest in February with racing returning from its one week break on February 7th at Busan and with the first big race due to be run the following weekend.
Those aforementioned big leagues get underway with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M at Seoul on Sunday February 16th, a lead up to – if not an actual part of – the Sprint Series. Currently thirteen remain entered, chief among them Speed Young, winner of the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan last summer and notably the best placed local finisher in the international G3 Korea Sprint over 1200M in September.
Vincero Cavallo was 6th in the Korea Sprint in 2024 and has won three out of four subsequent starts, most recently an impressive score after getting a long way back over 1200M at class 1 level on January 12th. An intriguing entry is Naol Sniper, who boasts a rating lower than only Speed Young. Were he to take his place in the gate, he would be tackling 1200M for the very first time (although he did win at five furlongs as a juvenile in 2022). Solid sprinters Raon The Point and Saenae Queen are also among the entries.
The following week, the Triple Crown picture is scheduled to start to take shape with the running of Classic trials over 1400M at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday February 23.
Group racing commences with the speedsters in the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on Sunday March 9th while the route horses get their first chance for a big prize a week later at Seoul in the Herald Business Cup (2000M), the opening leg of the Stayer Series, on March 16th.
That latter race would normally have marked the seasonal debut for Korea’s top-rate horse, Global Hit. However, last year’s winner remains in Dubai where after a luckless opening effort at Meydan at the end of January, he will take his chance in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic on March 1st.
March 23rd sees the opening leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares with the DOnag Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-L) at Seoul. As it was in 2024, the series is split into Spring/Summer and Fall Winter with the three-year-olds expected to join the latter on the conclusion of the Triple Tiara.
This year’s Triple Crown series kicks off at Busan on April 6th with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) before moving to Seoul for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) on May 11th and finally the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) on June 15th.
For the three-year-old fillies, the Triple Tiara starts with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at Busan on March 30th, followed by the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), also on the south-coast on May 4th, concluding with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on June 8th.
International invitational races, the Korea Cup (1800M G3) and Korea Sprint (1200M G3) will be run on September 7th while eight other races are Listed in the International Blue Book, including the season finale Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) on November 30th.
Thoroughbred racing in Korea takes place on 50 weeks of the year, usually at Busan on Fridays and Sundays and at Seoul on Saturdays and Sundays.
Horse Racing in Korea 