Month: August 2025

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 31)

August concludes with daytime Sunday meetings at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

(8) WONDERFUL N.B. returned from five months out on August 17th and ran a solid 4th over this distance. He should strip fitter for that run and can score here for an in-form stable. (10) RAON THE BELMONT has two 3rd places to her name and enters off a fair 5th at this distance on August 3rd. She has a good finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she is a danger here. (2) WHITE ROMANCE has mixed her form but going on her 3rd place two outings back over this distance has to rate as a chance in this company and from a good gate she can be on pace. (4) AWESOME STEP and (5) SPICE BAND others in line for the minors.

Selections(8) Wonderful N.B. (10) Raon The Belmont (2) White Romance (4) Awesome Step
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

After running 4th on debut, (5) STORM TROOPER was a narrowly beaten 2nd at start number two at 1200M on August 3rd having led for part of the way. He comes into a better gate today, can lead again, and third-up he can be peaking. (4) CHRYSOL PEACE did nothing on debut in January but returned on August 3rd looking much better and running 3rd over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can be close here. (11) GAYA STAR has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two. He has done his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can challenge at the business end here. (6) STRONG BOSS and (10) BLACK RUSSIAN are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Storm Trooper (4) Chrysol Peace (11) Gaya Star (6) Strong Boss
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare). (3) CHRYSOL STONE looked very good when winning on debut over 1200M on July 20th, leading for most of the way. She comes up in class and in trip here, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and she will be hot favourite to make it two from two. (4) CUPID K was a smart winner at this distance on July 20th, racing handy. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she can measure up. (1) ARCH RUNNER remarkably has ten top three finishes without winning. She was 3rd at this class ahead of a couple of today’s rivals over 1700M on August 3rd and with an apprentice claiming 2kg, this is the kind of race where she can pick up a prize. (8) STUNNING STEP and (11) MIGHTY CAP other place chances.

Selections(3) Chrysol Stone (4) Cupid K (1) Arch Runner (8) Stunning Step
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 11

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

(1) HEY BROTHER was 6th on debut and then 3rd at start two on August 1st. Both of those were over 1000M but the step up in trip can suit and he can win here. (11) HOLY NIKE ran in the same two races that Hey Brother did, finishing 5th and 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he too should appreciate the step up in trip and can be a danger. (2) SILVER STONE improved to 3rd on her second outing over this distance on August 1st when she came from well off the pace to defeat three of today’s rivals. She can be running on again here. (9) JIJONSANBANG and (6) GLOBAL FORCE are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Hey Brother (11) Holy Nike (2) Silver Stone (9) Jijonsanbang
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

(3) CHOEGANG SPEED needs a line drawn through his latest ton August 3rd when he got too far back and didn’t run on.   Before that he was 2nd and 4th at this class, Moon Se-young stays on, and he can put in a better showing today. (2) GLOBAL HAMSEONG will be a warm betting favourite. He is a winner at this distance and has finished 2nd in both starts back from a five-month layoff. Third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness wise and he can be a danger. (4) RAON THE AFFIRMED enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes at this class and she can be there or thereabouts again. (5) YEOWANG SOCKS and (7) CHAMP HAMSEONG also should be in the mix.

Selections(3) Choegang Speed (2) Global Hamseong (4) Raon The Affirmed (5) Yeowang Socks
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

It’s an afternoon and evening program at Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 13:15 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) BLUE SUN has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in 2nd place when tried at this distance for the first time on June 28th. He will be a short price to go one better over this field. (6) THUNDER LUCKY has run 3rd in both his latest two starts, coing from off the pace. He is yet to finish in the top two but has seven finishies between 3rd and 5th and should be in the mix again. (2) SAVANA CHARLIE similarly hasn’t troubled the quinella in twenty-four appearances but has no fewer than fourteen 3rd to 5th finishes. He does have a 3rd to his name at this distance and can be competitive here. (7) BLACK SMILE and (3) ALPHA FEMALE others to consider.

Selections(4) Blue Sun (6) Thunder Lucky (2) Savana Charlie (7) Black Smile
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (9) EVERY TIME ran a close 2nd in his trial, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (10) DANAEUN RUBY is the first runner to make the track by 2018 Champion Juvenile King Socks. She too looked good in her trial showing on pace and running 2nd. Her sire was a nine-length winner on debut and Danaeun Ruby can get him off to a good start here. (5) BEST PITCH went through two trials and in the second of them clocked the fastest time of all of these. He came from off the pace both times and should be a big danger late on.  He may start as the betting favourite. (3) SEVEN KAISER led his heat and can do the same again while we shall assume the sole one with experience, (8) CLUTCH MAN, can improve.

Selections(9) Every Time (10) Danaeun Ruby (5) Best Pitch (3) Seven Kaiser
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Maiden for imported northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern hemisphere three-year-olds with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) SMILE DAY was ordinary on debut but ran a much-improved 2nd at start two at 1000M on July 13th, leading for most of the way and beating three of today’s rivals. He draws well to lead again, and this time can go all the way. (4) EAST BEACH went through two July trials winning them second of them when leading all the way. If he brings that form to the races, he can be a chance. (11) CRAZY STAR debuted behind Smile Day on Jul 13th and while he was well back he has since gone through two trials in fine order and can be a different proposition this time around. (8) NARO MA STAR and newcomer (5) MY MUNNINGS others to look out for.

Selections(3) Smile Day (4) East Beach (11) Crazy Star (8) Naro Ma Star
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) SMILE NAMSAN ran 2nd on debut in a very similar race to this on August 3rd, racing handy for most of it. She should have come on for that run and she will be the one to beat here. (10) JISAN FRIEND seems to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both in similar races to this. Today’s company is no more taxing and she should be there or thereabouts again. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP ran 4th behind Smile Namsan on August 3rd coming from off the pace. She comes into a better gate today and can continue to make progress. (9) RAON FINAL has won a trial since her underwhelming debut and can be given another chance. (2) MUNHAK DAESE another who can improve.

Selections(1) Smile Namsan (10) Jisan Friend (3) Wonderful Tune Up (9) Raon Final
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(10) GHOST CHRYSOL is yet to win in seven attempts, but he has three runner-up finishes including his latest on July 13th at this class and distance when only narrowly beaten having led close to home and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. CC stays on and he can go one better. (11) FASHION STAR was a class and distance winner on July 27th, coming from well off the pace. He comes up 3kg in weight, but the wide draw should be no problem and a repeat isn’t impossible. (6) WONDERFUL TECHNO is three starts into a comeback following almost a year out. He stepped up to two turns for the first time on August 3rd, running 2nd over 1700M, and he can be in the mix today. (5) MAGIC WITH YOU and (1) GRATITUDE other place chances.

Selections(10) Ghost Chrysol (11) Fashion Star (6) Wonderful Techno (5) Magic With You
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 29)

The twilight schedule begins at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the ten racing for the first time. (3) LEGEND HIT beat two of today’s rivals when 4th on debut of July 18th. It wasn’t the most fluent of performances as he laid both in and out throughout to the extent that he was sent back to trial, which he came through in good style. With better manners today, he is the one to beat. (7) TRICK SHOT also finished 4th on debut, in his case over 1000M on July 4th. She should have come on for the run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. Among the first timers (4) TOHAMSAN DRAGON was a front-running 2nd in his trial and from a good draw, he can be in this a long way. (1) DEIMOS and (10) MUJEOKYI are others who can improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(3) Legend Hit (7) Trick Shot (4) Tohamsan Dragon (1) Deimos
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

(6) K ROYAL had eight months between his first and second starts but o his 3rd in June, he was 2nd over 1200M, well beaten by a good winner but showing improvement. The step up to 1400M can suit, and third-up he can be peaking fitness wise. (2) WORLD TAEYNAG is yet to finish in the top two after fourteen attempts, but she has run 3rd to 5th on six occasions. She has got a decent finish on her and in this company, she can be aiming for a best to date placing. (4) FAST QUEEN has a 2nd place to her name at this trip and hinted at a return to some kind of form when 4th last time out and she can be in the mix from off the pace here. (10) GRACE CAL and solitary debut maker (7) OASIS RUBY are others to look out for.

Selections(6) K Royal (2) World Taeyang (4) Fast Queen (10) Grace Cal
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) DOCTOR CHRIS went through plenty of trials, but it was worth the wait as he was a solid 2nd on debut over 1300M, overcoming a slow start to run on strongly. He should have come on for that run, the mile looks good for him, and he can win. (5) SEOBU GAMBLE was 5th in that same race following on from a 3rd place at the start before. He tackles the mile for the first time and is third-up this preparation. (6) CAPTAIN DRAGON races for the first time since finishing a fair 6th at this distance back in April, coincidentally with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He looked well when 3rd in a quick trial two weeks ago and can be a factor here. (7) REMENT and (4) SEATTLE DREAM are the other main contenders.

Selections(8) Doctor Chris (5) Seobu Gamble (6) Captain Dragon (7) Rement
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

(1) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA is yet to win in fourteen attempts, but he has placed in three of his last four including last time out at this class over a mile. He draws well, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (4) GOOD DADDY enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class and distance. He likes to race on-pace, and from an excellent draw can be the early leader and be in this a long way. He will need to overturn form on (8) SWORD WING who beat Good Daddy when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance on August 1st. He likes to settle right back and run on and he can be a danger again late. (5) BABEL DREAMY and (10) FLASH RUN among plenty of other place chances.

Selections(1) Boryeongjeoktoma (4) Good Daddy (8) Sword Wing (5) Babel Dreamy
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 24)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) CHAM BBAREUN MAL was a very close 2nd on debut over 1000M on July 27th, racing handy throughout and almost getting up. He finished off very well so should have no problem with the extended trip, and he can win. (2) MY RUNNER was beaten by a bigger margin when 2nd on his debut at 1000M on July 5th, but he came from well off the pace to run on well. He too should have benefitted from the run and 1200M can suit. (9) KING MASTER beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place when debuting at this distance on July 20th, overcoming a wide draw to get to the speed. He will need to do similar here but should be in the finish. Of the debut-makers, (1) AMOS STAR and (12) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY look the best at this stage.

Selections(5) Cham Bbareun Mal (2) My Runner (9) King Master (1) Amos Star
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Maiden fillies. (6) UNJU TIME has four top four finishes from five starts so far and enters off her best to date when 2nd in a very similar race to this on July 19th when close to the pace throughout. She won’t need to improve very much at all to win this. (4) TRIPLE PALMETTO has made steady progress across her four appearances, culminating in a last start 4th at 1200M. She has come from well off the pace every time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) TIGER ROAR also finished well on debut with her performance being better than the 7th of twelve finish suggests. She should have come on for that run and can go closer this time. (5) SMART MINK and (1) DAEHAN COCOS are other place chances.

Selections(6) Unju Time (4) Triple Palmetto (9) Tiger Roar (5) Smart Mink
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(7) ECLIPSE TANGO has been getting closer across his five starts and enters having run 3rd at this distance on July 12th when he led for most of the way around. Moon Se-young stays on, they should lead again in this company and this time they can go all the way. It isn’t a strong set of rivals. (1) X-FACTOR was only ordinary last time out but draws better this time around and with a good start, should be in this a long way. (3) GANGCHEOL POWER got his best finish in eighteen attempts when 2nd at this distance on July 27th, settling back and running on, and that’s enough for him to be in contention here. (5) SUN GALLANT and the returning (3) HANMADIMALDO are others to consider.

Selections(7) Eclipse Tango (1) X-Factor (3) Gangcheol Power (5) Sun Gallant
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

After running 7th on debut (5) CHAMP SIDAE was a much-improved 2nd in an all-filly maiden over this distance on July 18th, racing further forward and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Franco stays on, third-up she can be peaking, and she is the one to beat. (3) WONDERFUL WIND has made progress across each of her four starts so far with 4th behind Champ Sidae in that July 18th race being her latest and best. She has a bit to find on the favourite but can get closer. (11) META V was 5th in that same race in what for her was her racing debut and she can have come on for the experience. (10) SPEED BUMP and (6) BREEDO GALLANT others who can improve.

Selections(5) Champui Sidae (3) Wonderful Wind (11) Meta V (10) Speed Bump
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

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

(2) GOLD CATCHER won back-to-back races in June and early July before running 3rd at this class and distance on July 26th when she raced more forward than in previous starts. Johan knows her well, they draw well, and they can return to winning ways. (9) CLAIR BIG BANG was only ordinary on debut back in January but since coming back in June, has been excellent, winning twice from off the pace at 1300M and at this distance. She has a very quick final furlong on her compared to her rivals here and so long as she is withing striking distance, she will be a big threat late on. (6) WANGCHOEGO will need a lone drawn through his latest at 1200M on July 26th, but he has placed on both tries at this distance and can at least do so again. (4) JOY CHOENHA and up in class (11) BULGEUNTAEYANG are other chances.

Selections(2) Gold Catcher (9) Clair Big Bang (6) Wangchoego (4) Joy Cheonha
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s hard to go past (4) NICE BUDDY here. She got her win at start two over 1200M in June and has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this class, both times racing on pace. She draws well to lead again, and she will be expected to go all the way. (2) ROSE DRAGON returned from six months off to run 2nd at this class and distance in June. She has had a further eleven weeks off since then, but she should be fitter, and she can be close. (8) OASIS WICKY won on debut back in January but hasn’t been seen since. He appears to have been gelded in his spell away from the track and he looked well enough in a trial two weeks ago to suggest he be a danger first-up. (11) PLUTO and the up in class (3) LION MAGIC others in the frame.

Selections(4) Nice Buddy (2) Rose Dragon (8) Oasis Wicky (11) Pluto
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 23)

There are 10 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

After 10 months out injured, jockey Lim Gi-won makes a welcome return to Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile fillies only with all but two racing for the first time. We will favour the experience. (5) STEEPLE ran a solid 4th on debut over this distance on July 12th, settling midfield and running on. She should have come on for that run and is the one to beat here. (1) DREAM DIA ran 6th debuting in that same July 12th race. Drawing the inside and with Moon Se-young, who rode her in trials but not on debut, will give her plenty of backers. (11) GEOLJAK TIARA looked marginally the best of the newcomers in trials, settling handy and crossing the line a close 2nd. Maia booked is a plus. (7) CATCH RACE and (10) ILLUSION FORCE are other first-timers who can make an impression.

Selections(5) Steeple (1) Dream Dia (11) Geoljak Tiara (7) Catch Race
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

(8) JIJON BULPAE ran a fair 5th on debut over this distance on July 20th, settling back and running on. He should have come on for that run and he can win here. (10) SILLAUI FIGHTER has run twice, finishing in 4th and 5th at 1300M and at 1200M, racing on pace both times. He has the challenge of a wider draw this time but with a bit of luck at the start, he can find a forward position and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (5) YONGBI STORM ran 5th on debut over 1000M on July 27th. He was doing his best work late so with the step up in trip and some natural improvement from his debut, he can get closer. (1) BEST DREAM and (9) ACE MATCH are others who can improve.

Selections(8) Jijon Bulpae (10) Sillaui Fighter (5) Yongbi Storm (1) Best Dream
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

(6) THUNDER FIGHTER has a 4th and a 2nd from his two starts to date, both at 1200M, most recently on July 12th when he led for much of the way around. He should lead again and this time he can go all the way. (10) THE EXCELLENT ran 5th on debut and then 4th at start number two over 1200M  on July 20th when coming from well off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. The slight step up in trip should suit and he can be a big danger. (11) SAINT WINNER is a bit more experienced and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over 1400M on July 26th. He may need some early luck from out wide, but he can be in the finish. (8) SMART NOTION and (1) DDATTEUTHAN WIRO others in the frame.

Selections(6) Thunder Fighter (10) The Excellent (11) Saint Winner (8) Smart Notion
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

(3) SONE SONJABGO comes in with recent form reading very consistently, most recently when 2nd at this class and distance on July 27th when ridden a little closer than usual. Expect similar tactics here and he can go one better. (7) KING OF DRAGON was 4th in a juvenile Listed race last autumn but hasn’t run since finishing down the field in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie at Busan last December coming in and out of work in the intervening time. He trialed up well in July and while his match fitness must be taken on trust, he could make a winning return. (2) WHITE CARLA hasn’t yet kicked on from a debut win but second-up after a couple of months off, she may be sharper today. (6) ROYAL SOCKS and (9) J ONE POWER the other main chances.

Selections(3) Sone Sonjabgo (7) King Of Dragon (2) White Carla (6) Royal Socks
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(3) GANGCHEOL DRAGON returned from a six-month absence to run a strong 3rd over 1400M on August 2nd, settling midfield and running on. His sole win to date came at today’s trip and stripping fitter for that run three weeks ago, he can win. (9) RAON NORTHERN DANCE is yet to score in nine attempts, but he has seven top four finishes, including his last start 4th place at 1400M. He tackles two turns for the first time and under a light weight, it can suit. (2) BEOLGYO D Y got his maiden win three starts back at this class and distance and is much better than his subsequent two runs suggest. Drawn well again, he is worth another chance. (5) THUNDER STORM and (8) NASSAU CHAT among more in line for the minors.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 22)

The final weekend before racing switches to an afternoon and evening schedule to run through September sees the action kick off at Busan on Friday with 8 races between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll just about side with the experience and (7) TWIN RAINBOW ran 4th on debut over this distance on July 11th, overcoming a slightly slow start to run on. She should have benefited from the experience and Seo Seung-un getting on will attract attention. Given that the other one who has raced before didn’t do much, we head to the trial videos and (2) WORLD EAGLE CAT beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd in her heat and from a good draw and with Franco on, must be a chance. (9) GRAND TREE posted a decent time when 3rd in her trial and if she brings that form to the races, she can be in the finish. (3) HUIMANG SARANG and (11) NICE POWER, 3rd behind World Eagle Cat in their trial, others who can make an impact.

Selections(7) Twin Rainbow (2) World Eagle Cat (9) Grand Tree (3) Huimang Sarang
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

Small field and (2) VICTORY STORY gets the nod. He has mixed his form but his last start 3rd place on July 13th when settling midfield and running on is enough to suggest that he is ready to win here. (7) GAMDONGUI DOLPA has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place finish at 12000M on June 13th. She comes in fresh after ten weeks off and shapes as the main danger. (3) BAEKPAL BOEUN is yet to finish any better than 3rd in twelve starts but this is not exactly a tough race and if she can get off to at least a fair start, she can be in the finish. (4) FINAL HIT and, given it is such a weak race, newcomer (5) OASIS CHAMP, are others to consider.

Selections(2) Victory Story (7) Gamdongui Dolpa (3) Baekpal Boeun (4) Final Hit
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(6) MUHAN NAREUSHA ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on July 18th, coming from well off the pace. That was his style in trials too, so we are going to be very superficial and assume that the additional half furlong is what is required to get him home on top. The sole debut-maker is (3) EXCELLENT RUN. He was an on-pace 3rd in a fair time in the second of his trials and in this limited company, that’s enough to make him a chance. (8) EOKSAE has hinted at ability with an improved 4th place last time out, (1) BLUEORCHID and (7) TOP BLUE others in line for the places in what is a very ordinary race.

Selections(6) Muhan Nareusha (3) Excellent Run (8) Eoksae (1) Blueorchid
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(9) BEOLMA WINNER raced twice last autumn and showed promise but then didn’t return until this August 2nd when he beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1300M. He should strip fitter for that run and is favoured to go one better today. (6) HWANHUI BANK was 3rd in that race, coming from off the pace to score his best finish to date. The slight step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (8) HEAVY DUTY has a 2nd place to his name and comes back in trip after recent work at a mile and he can be on pace and in the finish. (7) CRUELLA and (1) GANGSEO GENIUS are others who can contend for the places.

Selections(9) Beolma Winner (6) Hwanhui Bank (8) Heavy Duty (7) Cruella
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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“Don’t I Know You From Somewhere?” Kozzi Asano Realized he Once Breezed his Seoul Winner in a Different Hemisphere

That the racing world is small isn’t new, but on Sunday it was smaller than ever. The hitherto somewhat ordinary New Zealand bred four-year-old Super Thunder, who entered race 9 at Seoul on Sunday with a record of one win from fifteen prior starts, bolted in by a full eleven-lengths, downing an odds-on favourite in the process. It wasn’t until after the race that his jockey, Kozzi Asano, realized that he had already sat on him long ago.

Pic: Kozzi Asano’s instagram (1st picture Sirius Photos, 2nd picture Karaka Sales Screencap)

While a native of Japan, Asano learned his craft as a jockey in New Zealand, riding almost 350 winners across eight seasons before taking up a license in Korea in the summer of 2024. Like compatriot Masa Tanaka, “Kiwi Kozzi” speaks with a New Zealand accent and is very much a product of that nation’s racing industry.

“Super Thunder is an ok horse, not a star, but it wasn’t a strong race and he ran well. I was familiar with the dam (Glasgow) but I didn’t make the connection right away” Asano said on Wednesday. “Then on Sunday evening I talked on the phone to my wife, and she said ‘you know, you have ridden Super Thunder before’, I said ‘yeah, I rode him last start too’ and she said ‘no, even before that!'”

“Even before that” was at the Karaka Sales Centre, thirty minutes outside of Auckland, New Zealand in November 2023. The Karaka “Ready to Run” sale involves breeze-ups (where the horses about to be auctioned put in a timed work under racing tack for the cameras). Like many jockeys Asano participated as a rider for the breeze-ups and one youngster he was assigned was Lot 49, a “brown or grey gelding” by Reliable Man and out of the Testa Rossa mare Glasgow.

The juvenile who would become Super Thunder clocked 11.08 seconds for 200M under Asano and that was sufficient for the Seoul Racehorse Owners’ Association (SROA) to purchase him for NZ$25,000. HIs breeze-up, with Asano aboard, can be found here: https://www.nzb.co.nz/sales/23rtr/49.

What makes the coincidence even more remarkable is that while thirty years ago, most imported racehorses in Korea originated from Australia or New Zealand, these days, more than 90% of imports are from the United States, with their dirt pedigrees so beloved of Korean owners. Super Thunder touched down in Korea in January of 2024, one of just nine race horses imported from the country the entire year.

Super Thunder is owned by Yang Dong-hui and is trained at Seoul by Choi Yong-geon. It took him eleven tries to get his maiden win, which he did in March of this year having been dropped back to class 5 from the initial class 4 that all imported racehorses start at in Korea. That took him straight back to class 4 and he had been very much figuring things out with a 3rd and a pair of 5ths followed by a 2nd when Asano rode him for the first time on July 27th. When winning on Sunday, he was the 5.0 second-favourite.

“Amazing, really” said Asano. “I’d love to think he remembered me, both of us so far away from home. Like all the horses I ride, I told him before the race to trust me and let’s take a chance, and we claimed it.”

Asano (full name Asano Kazuya) has 38 winners from 324 rides in Korea, operating at an 11.7% win rate and 34.9% show rate. He is provisionally booked to ride Black Musk in the international G3 Korea Sprint at Seoul on Sunday September 7.

Rookie Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17)

Juveniles headline both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with each track hosting its “Rookie Stakes”, the first step towards this autumn’s Juvenile Series. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Did someone say Rookie Stakes? (Pic: KRA)

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

Anything could win this maiden. (10) NAMSAN MINYEO was a fair 5th on debut over this distance on July 19th, racing handy throughout. She previously showed well in a trial and with some natural improvement has as good a chance as any at probably an each-way price. (4) RAON THE BIG RED did nothing on debut but since has a 3rd and a 2nd. He was well beaten by a good winner having led in the latest of those but won’t need to improve much to be very close here. (11) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG also has a 2nd place on his resume and most recently ran 4th at 1300M on July 26th. He’ll be in the mix again. (9) EAST SKY and (8) JILPUNGA are among plenty of others in with a chance.

Selections(10) Namsan Minyeo (4) Raon The Big Red (11) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (9) East Sky
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only. After a decent trial, (8) VOSTOK ran 4th on debut over 1200M on July 19th, settling back and running on strongly. She should have come on for that run, the step up to 1400M can suit, and she is the one to beat.  (6) BLACK SUN similarly hinted at ability on debut, in her case over 1000M on July 12th. She was doing his best work late and with some natural improvement, she can get closer this time. (9) FOX TROT is more experienced with nine races in the bank. Her latest two have been her best with a 3rd and a 5th and tackling the 1400M for the first time, she can keep that momentum going. (1) SPICE BAND and (7) AMENO, the latter a last start runner-up, are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Vostok (6) Black Sun (9) Fox Trot (1) Spice Band
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) MIGHTY BOM is yet to win in eighteen attempts, but he has no fewer than ten top three finishes, and his recent form reads very pleasingly. He has placed on all three tries at this distance and new overseas rider Diego De Gouveia has a chance to break his Korean maiden here. (9) WORLD JOY does have a win to his name and has also performed well around two turns. In this company he can settle just behind the speed and can be a big danger late on. He will though need to overturn the form on (11) GRATITUDE, who ran 3rd to World Joy’s 5th when they met at this class and distance on July 13th. Gratitude has subsequently put in a disappointing effort but is not to be dismissed. (5) YEONGWON GIANT and (6) STUNNING SERVE among others to consider.

Selections(8) Mighty Bom (9) World Joy (11) Gratitude (5) Yeongwon Giant
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SHACKLE LAUD finally got off the mark at start eleven on July 20th when handy throughout and running on. The win had been coming, and it was at this class and distance so while he is up 3.5kg in weight, there is no reason why he can’t repeat today. (2) CHEONHAJIYU is yet to win in eight attempts but has placed twice at this distance and enters off a fair 4th on August 1st. He draws well, an in-form Franco is on, and he can be a danger. (7) HAEUNDAE POWER was a winner on debut on May and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this level, beating Cheonhajiyu in the former. He’ll be on pace and can be in this a long way. (5) ROAD TO WIN and (6) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG, the latter a bit of a wildcard as he returns from over a year out, others to look out for.

Selections(4) Shackle Laud (2) Cheonhajiyu (7) Haeundae Power (5) Road To Win
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

(2) KING WARRIOR got his sole win to date three starts back but has since managed a 3rd and a 2nd in two tries at this class over 1400M and 1300M, leading for much of the way both times. He draws nicely to get a soft run to the lead and while he carries his fair share of weight, he can win. (7) NAMCHON TOWN returned from seven months out to score his maiden win over 1200M on July 6th. He is up in class but down in weight and stripping fitter for that run, he can measure up in this company. (3) HANEUL GAMDONG enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class, coming from well off the pace both times and he can be running on again. (11) LASER RUN and (9) ÉCLAIR can also have a say.

Selections(2) King Warrior (7) Namchon Town (3) Haneul Gamdong (11) Laser Run
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

(4) TUHON FIGHTER was a good class and distance winner on July 13th, taking things up at the top of the straight and running on strongly. She is only up 2kg in weight and in tis company, she can win again. (1) LADY OF WIN took just two goes to be exactly that, scoring over 1200M in dominant fashion on July 11th. She is up in class here but down in weight, Seo Seung-un gets on, and the manner of that win suggests that she can more than measure up at this level. (8) SEUNGNI CHANSA was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner at a mile on July 18th. He carries a feather weight here and can be in the finish. (5) SEOBU CAPTAIN and (2) OAK RIDGE are the other main chances.

Selections(4) Tuhon Fighter (1) Lady Of Win (8) Seungni Chansa (5) Seobu Captain
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all twelve racing for the first time. A few stood out in trials with (4) PANGPANG DAERO chief among them. He led for much of the way around in his trial ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd and looking assured. Maia is a plus and he draws very nicely.  (12) STUNNING SKET went through two trials, showing close to the pace in the second of them. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but will have plenty of backers. (11) EODIDEUNJI was 2nd in his trial also having shown on the speed. He too may need a bit of luck to find a position but has every chance. (3) LUCKY JOY and (10) DONGGANGUI STAR the others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(4) Pangpang Daero (12) Stunning Sket (11) Eodideunji (3) Lucky Joy
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 11, 12

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

Imported maidens with six racing for the first time. (4) NAMSAN BELT went through two trials and significantly improved in the second of them (it was voluntary so may not appear in all racecards, but it was on July 31st posting a time of 62.2). From a good draw she should be on the speed, and she can go all the way. (10) HAENGUNUI YEOSIN won her trial in good order a month ago and while she draws wide, she can be in the mix. Among the experienced ones, (8) WASSOIDA was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on July 13th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and can match or better that here. (1) MY EMPIRE and (7) K N ROSE others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Namsan Belt (10) Haengunui Yeosin (8) Wassoida (1) My Empire
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

After an indifferent debut, (3) COMPLETE BRO was a much-improved 3rd at start number two on July 13th when racing handy throughout. Third up he can be peaking and from a good draw he should be on pace and can win. (2) CHEONGRYONG GIUN’s latest two over 1300M have seen him weaken late but he has a 3rd place to his name over this trip and Moon Se-young keeping faith means we will too. (10) MUNHAK DANCE enters off a runner-up finish at this trip on August 2nd when coming from well off the pace and she can be charging home late again here. (7) NURI EUTTEUM and (9) HWANGGEUM MASK are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Complete Bro (2) Cheongryong Giun (10) Munhak Dance (7) Nuri Eutteum
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

Competitive race. (6) POWER BAND enters off a 2nd place last time out at this class and distance on August 2nd when settling midfield and running on. She has a very smart finish on her and if in the mix late, she will take some holding off. (3) YEOWANG SOCKS is in good form with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes from his latest three. In this company and from a good gate, he can be on pace, and he should be in this a long way. (4) JERAQUEEN came from off the pace to win at this class and distance on July 5th. Under today’s conditions, she stays under a light weight and can be close again. (8) RAON SPILETTA and (2) FLYING LION among plenty of others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Power Band (3) Yeowang Socks (4) Jeraqueen (8) Raon Spiletta
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

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Holiday Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 15)

Friday is a Korean public holiday and there are 8 races at Busan from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (5) WORLD GOAT took two goes to qualify but was significantly better in his second when runner-up in a quick trial on July 19th settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he should go close. (7) GEUMSEONG similarly took two trials to measure up but when he did, he showed some style. Franco is on and he will be a threat. The sole one with experience is (6) SAENAE HILL and he ran fairly for 5th of eight over this distance on August 1st. He makes a quick return here and surely comes on for the run. (8) DREAM RACER and (2) TIGER UPPERCUT are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(5) World Goat (7) Geumseong (6) Saenae Hill (8) Dream Racer
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden.  We’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker as (1) I AM HAPPY looked good in her trial, settling midfield and running   on. 1200M should suit first-up and in the absence of any impressive exposed form, she has as good a chance as any. (2) GUREUM BIT has two ordinary outings sandwiching a 3rd place at this distance at the end of June. That 3rd is enough to have her in the mix here. (8) HIT WINNER comes in off an improved 4th place last time and may still have some progress in the tank. (5) WORLD BLUE PIN CAT has a complicated name but has suggested some ability and along with (4) MOTHER WONDERFUL is probably the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) I Am Happy (2) Gureum Bit (8) Hit Winner (5) World Blue Pin Cat
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GLORY ALPHA enters off a best to date 2nd at this distance on August 1st, settling midfield and running on. Hye-sun stays on, she draws nicely, and she won’t need to improve much to go one better. (8) PERFECT HAN beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this distance on July 18th. He has mixed his form over his five starts so far but on that evidence, he is figuring things out and should be in the mix again. (5) DIA MATE was 4th in that July 18th race, having been sent off as favourite. He is yet to finish in the top two in fifteen attempts but has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th and he should be there or thereabouts again. (3) HIGH LEVEL and (7) CHAMP KING others in the frame.

Selections(2) Glory Alpha (8) Perfect Han (5) Dia Mate (3) High Level
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) ROAD TO PARTY returned from seven months off in June to win at class 5 level in a quick race at this distance and then followed up with a 3rd place in a similarly fast race. That brings him up in class today but he is down 4kg in weight and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (1) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1300M, racing on pace both times. He has won at today’s trip and from the inside gate, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (6) DOCTOR KAREN was 2nd at this class and distance on August 1st. She makes a quite return here and is another who should be on or close to the speed. (4) HAPPY TAEYANG and (5) ROAD TO THUNDER are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Road To Party (1) Nakdong Myeongjak (6) Doctor Karen (4) Happy Taeyang
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) YONGBI PAEWANG was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May but after a couple of months off, he returned to shallower waters on July 20th and came from off the pace to score over 1400M at this class. He comes up 4kg in weight but having finished 3rd at this distance in the KRA Cup Mile earlier this year, he will be a hot favourite to win again here. (2) BEOLMAUI ANGEL is a four-timer winner and looks to be coming back into form with 2nd place at this class over 1200M last time out a month ago, He was 7th in the KRA Cup Mile and should be closer today. (4) AMAZING KHAN was 3rd behind Yongbi Paewang on July 20th and can be in the hunt again. (5) MUDEUNGSAN and (7) PEGACORN others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Yongbi Paewang (2) Beolmaui Angel (4) Amazing Khan (5) Mudeungsan
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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