Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55, and at Busan with 7 races from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) SEOPOKCHAT was ordinary on debut but a much-improved 4th at start number two over this distance on December 14th when coming from off the pace. He should be peaking fitness wise for this, and he can win. (7) MISS CHRISTIE weakened having set a strong pace on debut over this distance on December 13th. She previously ran well in a trial and is worth another chance with an experienced jockey up. (2) M.J. VICTORY was a solid 4th on debut in a filly only maiden on December 27th. She should have come on for that run and makes a quick return here. There are three first time starters and based on trials, (3) EVER THE GLORY is perhaps the most likely to make an immediate impact. Among the rest of the experience, (5) BEST URBANE the best chance of improving.
| Selections | (4) Seopokchat (7) Miss Christie (2) M.J. Victory (3) Ever The Glory |
| Next Best | 5, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 7, 8 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) CHOWOLMA returned from ten months out to run 4th over this distance on November 8th, showing handy throughout. He has had another nine weeks off but should strip fitter for that run and if he holds his form, he is the one to beat. Clear second pick is (8) TTOSUNI SEOUL. She enters off her best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on December 14th, settling midfield and running on, and a similar effort will see her firmly in this. (2) GAPJAENGI has hinted at ability across three outings with his latest a close 5th at 1200M on December 13th. He has finished off his races well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (4) LOVERMAN and (10) QUERENCIA are the other place chances.
| Selections | (1) Chowolma (8) Ttosuni Seoul (2) Gapjaengi (4) Loverman |
| Next Best | 10, 11 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 6, 11 |
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) TRICK SHOT led for part of the way around over this distance on December 5th, ultimately finishing in 2nd place. He had an even wider draw that day and if he can get an early lead, this lot shouldn’t be able to pass him. (11) MAGIC HAMMER was 3rd on debut all the way back in April and then didn’t return until December 12th when he was 4th at this trip. The same apprentice keeps his weight light, and he can strip fitter for that run. (7) PERFECT FLASH was an on-pace 4th on debut on November 21st. He too can show some natural improvement and get closer today. (1) WIND SWORD and (5) WONDERFUL PREACH others who can challenge for the places.
| Selections | (9) Trick Shot (11) Magic Hammer (7) Perfect Flash (1) Wind Sword |
| Next Best | 5, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 7, 9 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) AMOS CHEONHA was a winner on debut over 1200M in November and followed up with a 3rd place on his first try at this class at 1300M on December 13th when he was slow away but ran on well. With a better start, he should have too much here. After winning on debut, (2) GWANAKSAN CHAMP went around in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy and G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie, finishing slightly worse than halfway down the field on both. He returns to much more amenable company today and can be a threat. (3) ALIFER got her maiden win at 1300M in September and most recently ran 2nd on her first try at this distance eon December 6th when leading close to the line. She can be on pace and in this a long way. (4) BISANG BELL and (8) TRIPLE JENNY others in the hunt.
| Selections | (7) Amos Cheonha (2) Gwanaksan Champ (3) Alifer (4) Bisang Bell |
| Next Best | 8, 5 |
| Fast Start | 3, 4, 8, 9 |
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) SHACKLE TOWN led all the way on debut to record a facile eight-length win over 1200M. She comes up in class and in trip today, but the manner of that win suggests that there is more to come, and she will be favoured to maintain her 100% record. The danger is (1) OASIS WICKY. While he hasn’t managed to repeat the win he scored on debut in five subsequent attempts, he has been close with a 3rd and most recently a 2nd place on December 14th at this class and distance when almost getting up. He carries his fair share of weight but draws well on the inside and shouldn’t be far away. (8) BLUE HUNTER won at start two in November and then ran 2nd at this class and distance on December 7th. An apprentice means she has a very light weight and if she gets a lead, things could get interesting. (5) SUN JAE and (3) DORAON SAMSON the other minor chances.
| Selections | (7) Shackle Town (1) Oasis Wicky (8) Blue Hunter (5) Sun Jae |
| Next Best | 3, 2 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 7, 8 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) MYEONG POWER returned from five months out to run 3rd at this class over 1700M. He was going well before the layoff too and stripping fitter for that run a month ago, his first try at 1800M can be profitable. This is a decent race for the level though with most entering off good results. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA won her maiden victory two starts back before finishing 2nd over 1400M on her first try at this level on November 29th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but has every chance of being competitive. (10) CHOCOLATE is up in class and in distance having won at 1400M on December 6th. He too should have the tools to be a danger at this level. (5) TAENGGEURI and (7) GANGCHEOL POWER, the latter a last start surprise winner at this class and distance, are among plenty of others to consider.
| Selections | (2) Myeong Power (9) Hwansangui Nara (10) Chocolate (5) Taenggeuri |
| Next Best | 7, 1 |
| Fast Start | 4, 6, 9, 11 |
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) GOOGLE CAR used up plenty of energy from a wide draw when well fancied last time, ultimately finishing in 6th place. Prior to that he only very narrowly missed out when 2nd at this class over 1200M. He comes into a better gate today and with Seo Seung-un on, today can be the day for the only colt in the race. (6) ARI DRAGON was a winner on debut in late June before running 2nd in a filly only race at this class over 1400M in July. She hasn’t raced since but looked well in a trial at the end of November, and she can put in a bold showing here. (3) HOLIDAY QUEEN has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at 1200M and 1400M, both at this class. She is under a light weight today and having drawn well, she can place. (4) LOILOI and (7) SINCHEON FREEDOM the other minor money chances.
| Selections | (5) Google Car (6) Ari Dragon (3) Holiday Queen (4) Loiloi |
| Next Best | 7, 8 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) STORM TROOPER has held hie own in three starts at this level since his maiden win over 1400M in September. He likes to race on pace and was a bit further back than ideal when 4th at this class and distance on December 21st, but he still beat a couple of today’s rivals. He will be on pace here and is favoured to go all the way. (11) FLASH MOVE was an all the way winner on debut back in July last year but didn’t run again until December 6th. She made a solid return in 4th place over this distance and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, she can be more match fit today and get closer. (7) CHAM BBAREUN MAL comes back in distance today after struggling around two turns last time out and that should bring him into contention. (10) DONGBANG FORCE and (6) BUNDANG TSUNAMI are the best of a somewhat limited rest.
| Selections | (4) Storm Trooper (11) Flash Move (7) Cham Bbareun Mal (10) Dongbang Force |
| Next Best | 6, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 4, 6 |
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) HAEUNDAE POWER hasn’t yet repeated the win he registered all the way back on debut but has come close including a 2nd place at this class over 1200M three starts ago. He only managed a midfield finish last time out but an apprentice claims 4kg this time and that could be enough to get him home on top. The danger is (8) DREAM RACER. He too comes off a slightly underwhelming last start, but he was a good maiden winner at 1200M in November, and with Seo Seung-un, who rode him to that win, returning, he is a big danger. (4) SUCCESS GOLD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes and under a light weight and from a good gate, she should be there or thereabouts again. (1) COME ON GLORY and (11) BLACK TREE other place chances.
| Selections | (9) Haeundae Power (8) Dream Racer (4) Success Gold (1) Come On Glory |
| Next Best | 11, 7 |
| Fast Start | 4, 6, 7, 9 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) RAON SILENCE won back-to-back filly only races at class 5 level over 1300M in September and October, before finishing a close 2nd in a quick race at this distance on her first try at class 4 on November 29th when close to the pace throughout. She stays under a light weight, and a similar effort can see her win this. (4) ULTRA MANGCH overturned the form on a couple of these to run 2nd at 1400M on December 13th when on pace. He draws well to lead again and should be in this a long way. (5) HERO CHOICE mixes his form but did het a win at this distance at class 5 level two starts back and may offer some each way interest. (1) NAEGILUI YEOJEONG and (7) GEOSEN POKJU others in the placing frame.
| Selections | (9) Raon Silence (4) Ultra Mangchi (5) Hero Choice (1) Naegilui Yeojeong |
| Next Best | 7, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 9 ,10 |
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) HEY BROTHER finished down the field in Listed Juvenile company in October but has since made all twice to win at 1200M and 1400M, the latter at this class on December 14th He comes up a full 5kg in weight, as well as up to the mile for the first time, but he can complete his hat-trick. (2) STRAWBERRY QUEEN registered back-to-back wins at 1200M and 1300M to get rapidly promoted to this level. She stepped up to this class and distance on December 7th and was a front-running 2nd and with a nice draw and a big weight advantage over her main rival, she has every chance. (8) JEONGMUN FAPPIANO is similarly up two classes in two races following wins at 1400M and 1300M. He tackles a mile for the first time, but his racing style suggests it can suit. (10) WORLD HIT and (5) TAMARKUZ KING are others in the frame.
| Selections | (4) Hey Brother (2) Strawberry Queen (8) Jeongmun Fappiano (10) World Hit |
| Next Best | 5, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 4, 10 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) CHOEGO BELT came from midfield to run a solid 3rd on debut at this class over 1400M on December 14th. He should have come on for that run, the 1700M can suit, and he can win. He will need to overcome the probable market elect in (5) PURGE STEP. He has three wins from seven starts, most recently at this class on his first try at 1700M on November 30th when he led grom gate to wire. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but still looks nicely enough in, and from a good gate, he can lead again. (6) SOUL BEAT was an improved 4th over 1400M last time out and may well be figuring things out, (9) THEME TANSAENG and (10) GIPPEUM HAMSEONG others who can come into the equation.
| Selections | (7) Choego Belt (5) Purge Step (6) Soul Beat (9) Theme Tansaeng |
| Next Best | 10, 1 |
| Fast Start | 1, 5, 9, 10 |
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(6) MATONGNYEONG has nine top three finishes from ten starts and has won three of his last four, including last time out when leading almost the entire way around over this distance. He comes up in class but is down 2.5 kg in weight and he can win again. He has already beaten (3) INDY GHOST, who is the main danger. All of her four wins have come over 1800M including her latest at this class on December 12th when from on the pace, she beat three of today’s rivals. She must contend with an additional 4kg today, but another win would be no shock. (2) DANGDAE STAR struggled in that December 12th race but placed at this class over a mile in November and can be given another chance. (10) COW LINE and (8) SEOBU VISION are other place chances.
| Selections | (6) Matongnyeong (3) Indy Ghost (2) Dangdae Star (10) Cow Line |
| Next Best | 8, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 6, 8 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(6) WONDERFUL NORTHERN won back-to-back races over 1800M in October and November, the latter at this class. He had a hard time when ridden to the lead from the widest gate at class 1 level on December 28th but there is no shame in finishing 6th behind Gangpungma, Wonpyeong Storm and three other very good ones. He drops back into class 2 for a quick return and while that means he bounces right back up in the weights, he can win. (9) ÉCLAIR POWER races for the first time since running 2nd to Ziggurat in the Listed Ilgan Sports over 1800M at the end of September. He hasn’t trialed in the interim so his match fitness must be taken on trust, and he is up to 2000M for the first time, but his form before the layoff was strong. (10) EAST WEST was overmatched in the Grand Prix last time out but should be happier today. (4) DAESEONG STAR and (7) ACE GUNJU other chances.
| Selections | (6) Wonderful Northern (9) Éclair Power (10) East West (4) Daeseong Star |
| Next Best | 7, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 5, 6 |
Busan Race 7: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
(7) WINNER CLEAR was 5th behind Munhak Boy in the G3 Kookje Shinmun over 1400M in October before winning the new KRA Sprint over this distance on November 30th, a race that was essentially at class 2 level. This is class 1 but has a rating cap of 100 and having finally started to live up to his early promise, Winner Clear should have too much. (3) FANTASTIC KINGDOM was an also ran in the Kooje Shinmun but comes in having run 2nd to Gangseo Giant in a very quick class and distance race in November with a few of today’s rivals behind him. From a good draw he can be on pace and can be a danger. (8) DESPITE WIN hasn’t raced since finishing well back in the International Korea Sprint at Seoul last September. He was 2nd at G3 level over a mile in the summer and having looked well in a late December trial, can be in this first up. (10) CHOEGOUI KKUM won that late December trial. Since winning his first five on the bounce, he hasn’t managed to repeat but there is talent and speed there and he is a place chance. (6) CONTROLLER another in the minor money frame.
| Selections | (7) Winner Clear (3) Fantastic Kingdom (8) Despite Win (10) Choegoui Kkum |
| Next Best | 6, 1 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 6, 10 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
It took (9) RAON THE AFFIRMED eight goes to get her maiden win, but she evidently enjoyed it as she promptly followed up. She then ran 2nd to Saenae Khan on her first go at this class on November 16th having led for much of the way. She comes back slightly in trip to the distance both those wins arrived and she can lead all the way here. (2) GOOD MORNING COME is up in class having scored well at this distance on December 7th, racing handy throughout. He carries a light weight, he draws well, and he can measure up. (8) VICTORY SOCKS was a big price winner at start two over 1200M on December 6th, coming from well off the pace. Under today’s conditions, he carries 2kg less and can be a danger. (1) CAROLCHAT and (11) YONGBI HERO are others in the frame.
| Selections | (9) Raon The Affirmed (2) Good Morning Come (8) Victory Socks (1) Carolchat |
| Next Best | 11, 7 |
| Fast Start | 6, 7, 9, 10 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) PRIME CROWN has had an interrupted career to say the least. He raced twice as a two-year-old in 2024, winning once, and then didn’t return until July this year, when he won again. He hasn’t raced since but he won a December trial, and he can repeat what happened this summer by winning first up here. (3) WONDERFUL LORD has finished in the top three in each of his last five starts, with two wins among them. Most recently he was 3rd at this class and distance, and he can be in the mix again. (2) ENDING FIRE and (8) DOKKI DRAGON came home 3rd and 5th respectively when they raced one another over 1200M on December 20th, and both can be in the placing frame again. (1) DREAM ISLE another to consider.
| Selections | (9) Prime Crown (3) Wonderful Lord (2) Ending Fire (8) Dokki Dragon |
| Next Best | 1, 6 |
| Fast Start | 1, 7, 8, 9 |
Horse Racing in Korea 