Month: January 2026

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 10)

The forecast snow didn’t arrive with warm temperatures overnight but it is a damp Saturday morning in Seoul where there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the nine racing for the first time and with the exposed form not being impressive, two first timer starters will top the market. (7) CONCORD BLUE was a front-running trial winner, stopping the clock in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (1) SEOUL BIHAENG posted an even quicker time the same day, albeit well back in 6th place. Nevertheless, he showed enough to suggest he has some ability and should be the main danger. (8) MR. KAI didn’t do much on debut but has since won a trial and should improve here. (5) GEUMA ON POINT and (9) BEOLGYO EMPEROR the others with experience who are perhaps the most likely to improve.

Selections(7) Concord Blue (1) Seoul Bihaeng (8) Mr. Kai (5) Geuma On Point
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old imported maidens with six of the ten racing for the first time. (3) PARISUI BULKKOT didn’t manage to qualify last July but caught the eye when tried again in November, winning his heat in a quick time, leading all the way, and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. If he runs like that here, he can win. One of these behind him that day was (8) TAEKWON V. He trialed once more after that and then debuted on December 21st, running fairly for 5th of twelve over 1200M. He should have come on for that and is the danger. (7) MUCHO MACHO RAPIDO was a touch below expectations on debut having previously won a trial but is worth another chance here. (10) BREEDO CHAMPION and (4) WHIZ STAR are other newcomers who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Parisui Bulkkot (8) Taekwon V (7) Mucho Macho Rapido (10) Breedo Champion
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 10

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

Competitive maiden. (1) GOLD SPINNING was a much-improved 2nd at his latest over this distance on December 14th when on pace throughout.  On pace seems to be the way to go for him, Johan stays on, and the pair can go one better today. (4) FIVE STAR was 3rd in that December 14th race, having come from well off the pace. That was his first try at this distance and it seemed to suit, and he can be finishing strongly again. (3) PNS GONGJA returned from five months out to run 3rd at 1200M on December 13th. He should have come on for that run and can be in the finish here. (6) SANGIM YEONGUNG has a 2nd, 3rd and a 4th from three outings to date and with an apprentice claiming 4kg, will sure be in the mix. (10) BEOLGYO ALADDIN another to look out for.

Selections(1) Gold Spinning (4) Five Star (3) PNS Gongja (6) Sangim Yeongung
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) POWERFUL IMPACT beat four of today’s rivals on his way to an improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on December 7th, settling just behind the speed and only going down narrowly. Asano stays up and if he has held his form, he can go one better today. (11) GLORY JOY 3rd in that December race having been sent off as second in the market. He races best on the front and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, if he can find a position early, he is a chance. (3) WILD MAGIC has two 3rd places among three starts so far and she can maintain the positive start to her career here. (9) FIGHTER and (5) BLUE DRAGON others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Powerful Impact (11) Glory Joy (3) Wild Magic (9) Fighter
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) RAON THE TONY was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M on December 7th, showing close to the pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and she won’t need to improve very much in order to win this. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes in similar filly maidens at 1300M and 1400M. From a good gate, she can be on pace and looking to improve. (6) BANK LINE has two 5th places and a 4th from three outings to date and looks to be on the right trajectory. She is another who should be seeking to get forward early and who can be in this a long way. (9) HAPPY TOGETHER and (8) ENERGY POWER others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Raon The Tony (3) Wonderful Tune Up (6) Bank Line (9) Happy Together
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 9)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 9-race meeting from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (12) VICTORIA CHUKJE was 2nd on debut over this distance on November 28th, settling midfield and finishing off well in what was a slow race. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but should have come on for the run and can go one better. (10) DUBAI CANDY was a fair 3rd on debut, running on. It was an even slower race than Victoria Chukje’s, but she too should have derived benefit. Turning to the first-timers, (2) NORTHERN QUEEN was a handy 4th in her heat and from a good draw can be on pace here. (4) YEOUN and (7) NINETEEN NINE WON others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(12) Victoria Chukje (10) Dubai Candy (2) Northern Queen (4) Yeoun
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Small but useful field. (1) DOCTOR CHRIS has finished in the top three in all five starts so far and was an all the way winner over this distance at class 5 level in October before running 3rd on his first try at this class on November 28th. He can lead here and this time got home in front. (5) FLYING THE KHAN has a win and three placings at this distance, most recently 3rd on December 12th when racing three of today’s rivals. He is under a light weight, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and he has to rate as a chance. He will need to overturn the form on (8) BACKTOTHECHAMPION, who was 2nd in that December 12th race at big odds on his first start since September. He can strip fitter for that effort and warrants respect. (4) BLUE POINT and last start winner (7) TRIPLE DREAM others to consider.

Selections(1) Doctor Chris (5) Flying The Khan (8) Backtothechampion (4) Blue Point
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) PISTOL CUT’s maiden win had been coming, and it arrived at start number three over this distance on December 12th when she led all the way. She is up in class here, but she draws well to lead again, she is down in weight, and she can go back-to-back. (3) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this class and distance on December 12th, settling back and running on. Leaving himself a bit much to do has been a characteristic but he gets a 4kg claim and should be in the finish. (2) DAEHOMA runs every couple of weeks and while perhaps not a winning chance, can match his 3rd place on Boxing Day with a better gate to boot. (6) CRUELLA and (5) ILLUSION are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Pistol Cut (3) Apdojeok Numberone (2) Daehoma (6) Cruella
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4

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

Imported three-year-old maidens with five of the eleven making their racing debuts. (4) EUNHASU is the only one who has raced twice, following up a 5th place on debut with a close 2nd at this distance on December 12th, coming from off the pace and almost getting up. He may have a fitness edge on his rivals here and he can go one better. (3) TRIBAL WAR led all the way to win his trial in a fair time. The Mineshaft colt draws nicely here and with Franco booked, can put in a bold showing. (2) ONE LAST MARGARITA went through two trials, winning the second of them (it was voluntary so may not be in all racecards – he came out of gate 10 to score in 63.5 seconds). He can be nice and fit for this and be a danger. Returning to the experience, (1) GYEONGBOK STREGA and (10) TYCANTHUNDER debuted together on November 28th, and both have potential.

Selections(4) Eunhasu (3) Tribal War (2) One Last Margarita (1) Gyeongbok Strega
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) DOCTOR ACE has made progress across his six starts to date with his latest his best when 2nd to Pistol Cut (who we should have seen in race 3). He was beaten six-lengths, but in this company, he should be on or close to the pace, and he can win. (8) YONGBI SHARK hasn’t yet managed to match the 2nd he managed on debut, but he comes in off a decent 4th place on December 19th over this distance and can shape as a danger here. (4) FANTASTIC SANTA ran 5th on debut, also on December 19th, running on pleasingly enough and with some natural improvement, can get closer. (6) ROYAL CRYSTAL, and the solitary first time starter (1) WONDERFUL MUD, are other place chances.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 4)

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:

Mujehan Geup is among a number of promising up and comers racing on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) TIGER BULPAE has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, most recently when racing handy over 1200M on December 7th. In this field she’ll be on pace and she will be favoured to go one better today. The solitary debut-maker (10) SUNGLASS may prove to be the biggest danger. It took her three trials to qualify but she ultimately did it in fine style, leading all the way in an early December heat. She has the challenge of a wide draw, but if she brings that form to the races, she has a real chance. (11) BINNALEEDS was a trial winner before running fairly for a midfield finish on debut and she can improve here. (3) GEOSEN MUJEOK and (5) GOLDEN WARRIOR are others who can get better.

Selections(6) Tiger Bulpae (10) Sunglass (11) Binnaleeds (3) Geosen Mujeok
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

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

(8) UNJU PRINCE was an underwhelming 8th on debut but was much improved when 2nd at start number two at 1300M on November 30th. The slight step up in trip again can suit and he won’t need to improve much to win this. (4) BEST FREEDOM was well beaten by Unju Prince at the end of November but has since run again for a decent midfield finish. He draws well to lead and can be in this a long way. (1) KIA ORA returned form five months out and was a significantly improved 3rd over this distance on November 9th. She can have come on for that run and be in the finish again. (7) DALBIT SONATA and (6) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN are other place chances.  

Selections(8) Unju Prince (4) Best Freedom (1) Kia Ora (7) Dalbit Sonata
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(2) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN was 3rd on debut over 1000M at the end of October before beating plenty of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1200M on December 7th when handy all the way. He comes into a great gate, Tanaka stays on, and he should win. (3) SOMETHING ELSE debuted in 4th place all the way back in June. He didn’t reappear until December 5th, but it was a solid return in 3rd place over 1300M, albeit a long way behind a good winner. He can strip fitter here and be close. (1) DOCTOR CHAMP could only manage 6th behind Boryeong Ultra Man last time out but draws much better here and if he can get to the lead, he has a chance. (10) DIA X and first time starter (4) CHOEGANG CHEETAH are others who can be in the mix.

Selections(2) Boryeong Ultra Man (3) Something Else (1) Doctor Champ (10) Dia X
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

After winning on debut In August, (2) JD GANGJA ran 4th and 5th in Listed Juvenile races before finishing well back in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He returns to shallower waters today and with an apprentice claiming 4kg, he can return to winning ways. (9) G FLEX was an all the way winner over 1200M on debut on November 29th. He is up in class and in distance but is down in weight and he can measure up. (11) SAINT WINNER and (4) HAKSAN PRINCE are both long time maidens but enter in consistent form and can aim to repeat their 2nd and 3rd places when they raced one another at 1300M on December 7th. (7) MASTER KWAIGON another in the hunt.  

Selections(2) JD Gangja (9) G Flex (11) Saint Winner (4) Haksan Prince
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 10

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

This looks a bit more open. (6) VICTORY STORY is yet to score in ten but has six top four finishes. His best was 2nd three outings back at the star or November but Seo Seung-un climbing up for the first time catches the eye and is enough to put him on top. (3) CAPTAIN WARRIOR has raced twice for 6th and 4th at 1000M and 1200M. He has been doing his best work late so the step up in trip can suit and he can be a danger. (8) LIKE DRAGON enters off three consecutive 4th places (and a trial in which he finished, of course, 4th). He gets a 2kg apprentice claim and can be on pace here with chances of going better than 4th. (1) DELEKOOMDA and (12) DOCTOR CARA are others in the frame.

Selections(6) Victory Story (3) Captain Warrior (8) Like Dragon (1) Delekoomda
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

It’s fair to say that (1) MUSKET CLEAVER has mixed his form across four starts so far but he was a very good winner at 1200M in September and then a close 2nd at this class and distance on November 15th.  In this company he can be on pace and a similar effort to last time can see him win. (9) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win but has placed on six occasions, including his latest at this class and distance on December 6th when coming from well off the pace. This is the kind of race he can place in again. (4) MIGHTY SHINE enters off her first win at start four in a filly over this distance on November 30th. She is up in class but down in weight and she can be competitive.  (11) RAIN STAR and (10) HAEMAJI other place chances.

Selections(1) Musket Cleaver (9) Geuma Foremost (4) Mighty Shine (11) Rain Star
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(9) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 5th from the widest gate on her first try at this class on December 5th, settling back and running on. The step up to 1400M for the first time can suit, Seo Seung-un, get son, and she can win. (8) BREEDO KELLY is yet to win but returned from five months out to run 5th and then 2nd, the latter on December 7th over 1300M when she came from well off the pace to beat a couple of today’s rivals. Like Crystal Mulgyeol, the increase in trip can suit, and she can be a big danger. (12) WORLD BLUE PIN CAT was 4th in that December 7th race behind Breedo Kelly. She has won at this distance and can be in the mix. (10) BEOLGYOUI HIM and (4) BLUEORCHID others in the frame.

Selections(9) Crystal Mulgyeol (8) Breedo Kelly (12) World Blue Pin Cat (10) Beolgyoui Him
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 3)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the Previews:

Chief Star goes in the 9th (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the nine racing for the first time. (5) GOLDEN DIVA is the only one in the race who has appeared twice already, following up a 5th place on debut in November with a 3rd place at 1300M on December 12th, that time racing on pace. She should have a fitness edge over these, and she can win. The danger is (6) SURPRISE. He came from midfield to run 2nd at 1200M on debut on November 23rd and while it was a slow race, he showed enough to suggest he has some potential. (7) GEUMSEONG QUEEN and (3) SUN RISE KING are debut-makers who hinted at ability in their respective trials. (8) LAVITA has been back to trial after a poor debut and gets another chance.

Selections(5) Golden Diva (6) Surprise (7) Geumseong Queen (3) Sun Rise King
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start5, 6

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

(4) YONGBIGYO is just about the pick here. At start two. She was an on pace 3rd over 1200M before running a close 4th at the same distance on November 29th. There is some other early speed in this race, but she draws well to get forward, and she can go all the way. (11) PARAIBA and (9) GRACE DAY come in having run 3rd and 5th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on December 7th. For both it was their second career start and while they have to contend with wide draws, they shape as the main dangers to the favourite here. (10) HAKSAN TAEPUNG was well back behind Yongbigyo at start number two but was previously 2nd on debut and that’s enough to have her in the numbers. (1) B.K. DEVIL another who can improve.

Selections(4) Yongbigyo (11) Paraiba (9) Grace Day (10) Haksan Taepung
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

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

(3) RAON SAPPHIRE defied a slightly slow start on debut to run on for a close 2nd over this distance on November 30th. She should have come on for that run, she draws well, and she will be a short-price favourite to go one better today. (1) SMART HAESEONG has a 5th and two 3rd places from three outings so far, most recently in a filly maiden at this distance in November. Drawing the inside, she can be on pace and can be in this a long way.  (4) WITH DORTIE didn’t do much on debut at 1400M but had previously trialed adequately and may improve for that run. (6) DAJEONGHAN and (11) THUNDER RUN are others who will have some support.

Selections(3) Raon Sapphire (1) Smart Haeseong (4) With Dortie (6) Dajeonghan
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) GEOMEUN SUP. He’s made steady progress across four outings to date, culminating in 2nd on his firs try at this distance on December 6th. He has been racing on pace, so expect similar today, and he should be going one better. (10) TRIPLE PALMETTO has been nothing if not consistent of late with four consecutive 4th place finishes coming into this. She finishes off her races well and should be going closer in this company. (4) CHEONGRYONG GIUN comes into a better gate than he has had of late and can show some improvement. (2) EUNHA KALAS and (3) M J VET are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Geomeun Sup (10) Triple Palmetto (4) Cheongryong Giun (2) Eunha Kalas
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(1) RAON FINAL was a winner at start two but has only been ordinary at two subsequent tries at this class. Both of those have been from the widest gate and she’s had to use up plenty to find a good position. She should get a much easier run today and can return to winning ways. She will have to overturn the form on (4) BREEDO TROPHY who was 3rd to Raon Final’s 6th when they raced each other at this class and distance on November 30th. He too is better drawn and while he has six 3rd places to just the one win, he can be in the finish again. (11) YONGBI SHINHWA is up in class after a pair of runner-up finishes. Both or those could easily have been wins and down in weight, he can measure up. (9) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG and up in class last start winner (8) NAREUSYA NOVA others in the frame.

Selections(1) Raon Final (4) Breedo Trophy (11) Yongbi Shinhwa (9) Cheongsan Dolpung
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 9 ,11

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 2)

The 2026 racing season gets underway on Friday at Busan with 9 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens kick off the 2026 racing year with five of the twelve racing for the first time. After a decent trial, (8) OASIS STAR ran fairly enough for 5th on debut over 1300M on December 5th despite laying out from the 800M. He should have come on for that run and a little less green today, he can win. (6) SEONGSIL DREAM was a solid 4th on debut over this distance on November 23rd, sitting behind the speed and running on. He too should have come on for the run and is a contender here. After a good start. (4) POWERFUL RUBY knocked up very quickly on debut, finishing well down the field. She previously won a trial and gets another chance here. Of the debut makers. (7) TAESAN SHINHWA and (9) GRAND HERO perhaps look best.

Selections(8) Oasis Star (6) Seongsil Dream (4) Powerful Ruby (7) Taesan Shinhwa
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

(9) BULBIT GANGJA has made progress across three starts so far, with his latest his best when 2nd at 1200M on November 23rd racing much further forward than in his previous two starts. Expect similar tactics today, and he can go one better. (6) JEONGMUN SKIP raced once in July without distinction. He looked well when an on pace 4th in a quick trial two weeks ago, and he couldn’t have asked for a better race to reappear in. (5) YEOSU LOOK AT STAR was an improved 4th at start number eight on December 7th and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN and (3) MY BEST perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(9) Bulbit Gangja (6) Jeongmun Skip (5) Yeosu Look At Star (4) Hwaryeohan Sungan
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) SO GOOD has placed at this distance and enters off a 4th and a 6th, the latter over 1800M, in two starts back since a couple of months off. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise and from a good draw and under a light weight, he can win. (5) QUEEN AND SERVE was a somewhat surprising winner two outings back at this class and distance. She couldn’t back up in her latest when laying out abruptly in the home straight but while she loses an apprentice claim here, she gets Tanaka’s experience, and she can be a danger. (1) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG mixes his form, but this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in under a 4kg claimer. (9) LEMON TREE and (6) DRAGON DEVIL are other chances.

Selections(4) So Good (5) Queen And Serve (1) Gwangyaeuihamsung (9) Lemon Tree
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

(6) ACE SUN had a difficult day at the office when well supported over 1400M on December 5th, stumbling at the start before using up plenty of energy to get forward and then not seeing out the trip. Prior to that, he had registered a win and two 2nd places and back in trip today, he is worth another chance. (7) HANNAM QUEEN similarly needs a line through her latest when scarcely being involved over 1300M on December 7th. She was on a run of three consecutive placings at this class and distance before that and she too can be better today. (5) JJAK SARANG beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 5th place at class and distance two weeks ago and that’s enough to have him in the mix here. (4) WHITE STAR and (10) WONDER MOCCASIN other place chances.

Selections(6) Ace Sun (7) Hannam Queen (5) Jjak Sarang (4) White Star
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

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

Competitive race. After finishing 3rd and 2nd in two runs in the summer, (11) BEOLMAUI GANGJA returned to action on December 5th and got his maiden win, racing on pace all the way. He comes up in class and does have the challenge of the widest gate, but he can strip fitter for that run and can win again. (8) AEGIS CROWN is up in class having scored his maiden win over this distance on November 30th. He is down in weight and can measure up in this company. (1) GWANGSOKMA is more experienced and while he has won just one of twenty-two starts, his recent form has been consistent, and he can be in the finish here. (2) TIGER MONSTER and (10) HOLY RUN the other main chances.

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