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
Three-year-old maidens and (9) SEVEN KAISER will be the hot favourite. In four starts, he has never been worse than 4th and he comes in off his best finish when 2nd over this distance at the end of November. He has led in all his races so far and should do the same here and this time he probably won’t be caught. (7) DELTA DAECHEON was an improved 5th at start number two on December 14th, settling handy and running on. She still has scope for more progress and can be closer here. (4) THUNDER RUN was a close 4th having led on January 3rd over 1300M. He has been in promising positions in almost all his races without managing to quite see them out so coming back to 1200M and into a good gate can be a benefit, as can Kozzi getting back on. (6) RAON THE BEONGAE and (2) CHEONG WOL others who could challenge for a place.
| Selections | (9) Seven Kaiser (7) Delta Daecheon (4) Thunder Run (6) Raon The Beongae |
| Next Best | 2, 1 |
| Fast Start | 4, 7, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) EUNBIT YUHOK has made steady progress across her four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on December 28th when settling midfield early before being ridden up to the speed on the turn. In this company he can sit just behind the early leaders and can go one better. (4) CHEONJI TANK has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and with clear improvement in his second. Third-up, he should be nice and fit and he is a danger. (6) BLAZING ENGINE was a solid 2nd on debut over 1200M on December 27th and while it wasn’t a quick race, CC staying on will tempt plenty. (1) FLYING THUNDER and (3) X-TEN are other place chances.
| Selections | (2) Eunbit Yuhok (4) Cheonji Tank (6) Blazing Engine (1) Flying Thunder |
| Next Best | 3, 7 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 6, 9 |
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts. (10) OASIS YOUNG was 2nd on debut over 1000M in August and then returned at the end of November to run 3rd at this distance, leading both times. He comes in relatively fresh again following eight weeks off, and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can win. The danger draws better in the shape of (4) SOMETHING ELSE. After a solid 4th on debut in June, he didn’t race again until December and has recorded a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts back, most recently at this distance in a slow race on January 4th. Third up he can be very fit and has every chance. (11) FLYING SHOOTER beat Something Else when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at this distance on December 5th and while the former has raced twice since without doing much, he must be given a chance in this company. (2) OVER RAINBOW and (1) MORE QUICKLY others in the hunt.
| Selections | (10) Oasis Young (4) Something Else (11) Flying Shooter (2) Over Rainbow |
| Next Best | 1, 8 |
| Fast Start | 5, 8, 10, 11 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) JISAN LABEL has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M. He did his best work late both times so the significant step up in trip can be in his favour and with CC Wong climbing on for the first time, he can win. (9) MANGEUM CROWN ran 3rd on debut before finishing well back in Listed juvenile company in October. He then dropped back into shallower waters and up to 1700M for the first time on November 30th and ran 3rd again when ridden further forward than in his opening two appearances. That should stand him in good stead here and he is a big danger. (3) LUCKY JOY seems to be figuring things out with a 5th and a 4th from his latest two and beat a couple of today’s rivals in his most recent outing at 1400M. He comes up to two turns for the first time, and it may suit. (5) THE SUN COMING and (6) BLACK SUN are the other main chances.
| Selections | (10) Jisan Label (9) Mangeum Crown (3) Lucky Joy (5) The Sun Coming |
| Next Best | 6, 8 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 10, 11 |
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(11) ROAD TO ACE was going well in the first half of last year before a setback kept him out between June and December. Newly gelded he won a trial in November and then led on his return on December 19th over 1300M before weakening late on and finishing 7th. He comes back to a trip over which he has placed or won at every time and stripping fitter for that run a month ago, he can win. (9) DAEROUI BIT ran a close 3rd on her November debut before winning at start two on December 19th, leading all the way. She is up in class but carries a light weight and she can measure up. (10) BLACK JILJU beat three of today’s rivals on her way to a class and distance 3rd on January 2nd and she can be in the finish again. Veteran (2) DAEHOMA along with (1) JJAK SARANG are also in place contention.
| Selections | (11) Road To Ace (9) Daeroui Bit (10) Black Jilju (2) Daehoma |
| Next Best | 1, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 5, 9 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) CLUTCH MAGIC was a winner at start two at the end of November before running 3rd behind Reverence, who almost broke the track record for 1300M on December 20th. He is up 2.5kg in weight, but he draws very well to lead, and he can win. The big danger is another up and comer. (10) HOLLY TIARA was a very close 2nd on debut before running out a four-length winner on December 13th at 1200M. She comes up in class and in distance here, but the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as she has already dealt with it before, and under a light weight and with Maia up, she can win. (7) MACHEON WORLD remains a maiden but is up in class following a runner-up effort on December 20th at this distance. She is down 2.5kg in weight and can be competitive. (11) ECO WORLD and (1) HYEOKMYEONGUIJILJU are others to consider on a place line.
| Selections | (3) Clutch Magic (10) Holly Tiara (7) Macheon World (11) Eco World |
| Next Best | 1, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 3, 10 |
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) WINNERS ROOKIE is the “full” sister of the great Winner’s Man and while she hasn’t quite lived up to big brother, she is a decent horse in her own right. She has taken well to 1800M, finishing 2nd in both her tires at it, which have been her latest two outings, and from a good draw and under a fair weight, she looks well positioned to go one better here. (11) SUN LIGHT is still a maiden after eleven tries but has eight top five finishes. They include her 5th place on her first try at 1800M two weeks ago and with Seo Seung-un returning to the ride, she will have plenty of support. (1) NINETY PLUS returned from almost a year out to run 5th on December 19th at 1400M. As a juvenile he ran 2nd to Winner Clear in Listed company and second up he can strip fitter. (7) YURIM SKY and (6) BEAT BOY among others in the hunt.
| Selections | (4) Winners Rookie (11) Sun Light (1) Ninety Plus (7) Yurim Sky |
| Next Best | 6, 5 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A winner on debut, (9) GEOSEN DAERO then went round in two Listed juvenile races before finishing last in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He returned to more amenable company on December 27th when he won over 1300M at this class and while he comes up a full 4kg in weight, he will be favoured to win again. (11) GLOBAL CHAMP was an eye-catching winner on debut over 1200M on December 20th scoring by nine-lengths over Yeongwonhan Soleo (who was in race 1 on Saturday) He is up in class and slightly in trip but is down in weight and can measure up. (10) REFLECT was a maiden winner at this distance two starts back and then ran 5th behind Geosen Daero on December 27th. He gets a weight swing today and should be closer. (3) BROWN MAMA and (1) LUCKY SUNNY others who can be in the placing frame.
| Selections | (9) Geosen Daero (11) Global Champ (10) Reflect (3) Brown Mama |
| Next Best | 1, 4 |
| Fast Start | 5, 6, 7, 11 |
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
We’ll take a chance on the two debut-makers here. (2) BARAM DAERO trialed for the first time last summer but didn’t make it to the races but he came back through on January 3rd and led pretty much all the way around, stopping the clock in a decent time. He draws well to lead and can put in a very bold showing first-up. (10) VEGAS JEONTU was an all the way winner of his try in a faster time than Baram Daero. The Lexingtonian colt has a tougher draw but can be close. (3) GREAT TOP has six top three finishes from nine starts so far. He was only very narrowly beaten on his first try at this class on January 4th when contending with the widest gate. He is up 3kg today but draws much better and he is a big danger to the newcomers. (8) MEGA PLAY and (7) GRAND MORE are others in the frame.
| Selections | (2) Baram Daero (10) Vegas Jeontu (3) Great Top (8) Mega Play |
| Next Best | 7, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 7, 9, 10 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) JJARITHAN HAENGBOK has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both over 1200M, both on pace and most recently on December 21st in a quick time. He comes up slightly in trip but is down in weight and with similar tactics, he can go one better today. (6) MOVING VOLCANO was an improved 3rd at start number four when stepped up to this distance on December 28th and beating three of today’s rivals. He may well be available at an each-way price again and can match or better last time. (5) GEOSEN BIGMAN is yet to win in ten tries but comes in after close 2nd and 3rd places at this class and should be there or thereabouts again. (7) GRAY GO and (2) SEOUL BINGO others in at least the placing frame.
| Selections | (8) Jjarithan Haengbok (6) Moving Volcano (5) Geosen Bigman (7) Gray Go |
| Next Best | 2, 1 |
| Fast Start | 2, 5, 8, 9 |
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) FLASH PARK missed the kick when favourite on December 19th and subsequently was unable to get properly into the race. He was a class and distance winner in November and if he breaks well today, he should have too much. (6) BURUI TONGCHI was the winner of that December 19th race, overcoming the widest gate to get on pace and score at odds of 36/1. He is up 4kg in weight and lightning may not strike twice but he draws better, and he warrants respect. (12) LEMON TREE enters off a 4th at this distance and a 3rd over 1400M, both at this class. He has run well from a wide draw in the past and can be a threat here. Up in class last start winners (4) FANTASTIC BOLT and (11) BEST BOY are capable of measuring up at this level.
| Selections | (2) Flash Park (6) Burui Tongchi (12) Lemon Tree (4) Fantastic Bolt |
| Next Best | 11, 10 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(6) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL won a good race at this class over 1400M on December 20th, showing on pace throughout. He tackles the mile for the first time, but an apprentice claiming 4kg means he is down in weight and from a central gate, he can win again. He has mixed his form a bit though and (4) PASA SPURT looks a promising up and comer. After a 4th and a 2nd from his first two, he registered his maiden win at start three over 1200M on December 6th, coming from off the pace. He is up in trip here, but his running style suggests it can suit. (1) RAON NIZHINSKII is up in class following an on pace score over 1400M on December 13th. He is down 3.5kg in weight and can measure up. (8) JACHE BALGWANG and (2) WONDERFUL WELLS other place chances.
| Selections | (6) Cheongryeongui Cal (4) Pasa Sput (1) Raon Nizhinskii (8) Jache Balgwang |
| Next Best | 2, 9 |
| Fast Start | 4, 6, 7, 9 |
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(5) KNICKS GO WON is two for two having scored in contrasting styles, first from midfield and running on over 1200M, and then leading all the way at 1400M. He comes up in class today but is down 3.5kg in weight and he can make it three from three. This is a tougher assignment though. (3) BRUG KINGMAN beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place behind Magarita on Boxing Day, leading for much of the way around. He is up 2kg in weight but draws well to be on pace again and can be a big danger. (9) COLOMBIA CHAMP and (2) RAON VIBE MAN came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on January 9th. Both make a quick return with claims on at least a place. (8) WIND BULLET, 3rd behind Brug Kingman on December 26th, another in the frame.
| Selections | (5) Knicks Go Won (3) Brug Kingman (9) Colombia Champ (2) Raon Vibe Man |
| Next Best | 8, 1 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 5, 6 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(1) FASHION STAR found herself a bit overmatched in two Queens’ Tour races last autumn, but she was a fair 4th at this class and distance on December 27th. She is a three-time winner over 1800M, and she has as good a chance as any here. It’s been a while between drinks for (2) AWESOME QUEEN, but barring a 6th place two starts back, she hasn’t been outside the top three since her last success. She enters off a narrow 2nd place at this class over 1700M on December 21st, and she is a danger. (8) BLACK SATANG races for the first time since running 3rd to Awesome Queen’s 2nd in October. She was a class and distance winner in September and under a light weight, a winning return would be no real surprise. The form drops off after those three with (10) WORLD JOY and (5) CHUPUNGNYEONG, the latter with a 4kg apprentice claim, probably the best of the rest.
| Selections | (1) Fashion Star (2) Awesome Queen (8) Black Satang (10) World Joy |
| Next Best | 5, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 5, 7, 9 |
Busan Race 7: Class 1 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
A hybrid Class 1 and Class 2 for horses rated between 75 and 100. (11) ACE HIGH comes out of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter, where she was a big price runner-up in the G3 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup over 2000M and then won the Listed Breeders’ Cup Queen at 1800M on November 23rd when on pace throughout. She has only missed the top two once and under a light weight, she can win this. (3) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST was an also-ran in the G1 Grand Prix at Soul at the end of November but was a solid 2nd at “full” class 1 over 2000M on December 28th. Under today’s conditions, he has to contend with 59kg but can be equal to the task. (1) ONEULISUNGAN mixes his form but is a winner of seven from fifteen. He was only 6th behind Yeonggwanguifirst in that December 28th race but gets a weight swing and he is two for two at 1800M. (8) DOCTOR KINGDOM and (10) B.J. CHIEF others in line for the minors.
| Selections | (11) Ace High (3) Yeonggwanguifirst (1) Oneulisungan (8) Doctor Kingdom |
| Next Best | 10, 9 |
| Fast Start | 1, 4, 6, 11 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(3) GEUDAEMANIDDAMYEON was beaten on debut but went on to conclude his two-year-old campaign with three wins in a row, including at juvenile Listed level. His latest was a double-quick effort over 1400M on December 21st and while he is up to class 2 and up to two turns, he looks a talent and he will be hot favourite to win again. He is though up against some accomplished older horses. (1) DRONE KILLER has a lot of experience at this level including a win at it two starts ago over 2000M. An apprentice claiming 4kg brings him right into this. (4) ZETTA MASTER was a class and distance winner on December 27th, coming from well off the pace to beat three of today’s rivals. He only comes up 1kg in weight and can be in the finish again. (8) UMAPOY and (10) MAGLE DAY others in the frame.
| Selections | (3) Geudaemaniddamyeon (1) Drone Killer (4) Zetta Master (8) Umapoy |
| Next Best | 10, 11 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 8, 9 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Competitive finale. (5) DRAGON KINGDOM was a winner at this class and distance last September and has registered a 3rd and a 6th in two starts since, that latter being when slowly away. He carries 4.5kg more than that September win, but Johan returns to the ride, and he has as good a chance as any here over a trip at which he has won three times. (2) IMRO enters having run (a distant) 3rd behind Geudaemaniddamyeon (who we should have seen at class 2 level in race 9) at this class and distance on December 21st. He has nine top four finishes from eleven starts and shapes as a big danger here. (4) SINUI YEOJE was a very close 2nd in a quick race at this class over 1200M on November 29th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. He is up 3kg but that’s balanced by a better draw. (6) EAST GANGJEOK and (9) PALO ALTO others who can at least compete for a place.
| Selections | (5) Dragon Kingdom (2) Imro (4) Sinui Yeoje (6) East Gangjeok |
| Next Best | 9, 3 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 9, 11 |
Horse Racing in Korea 