Month: February 2026

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 14)

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

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

(6) RAON THE CLARA went back to trial after an inauspicious debut in November. She came through the heat well and then finished a solid 3rd on her return over this distance on January 4th. She won’t need to improve much on that to win this. There are four first timers. (8) LEGEND SHA’CARRI won her trial in decent fashion, settling midfield and running on. 1200M can suit first up and if she brings that form to the races, she will be close. (9) ONNURI BIT was an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on January 17th. She can be on pace here and in this a long way. (10) LEGEND MATCH and (5) PORTRAY MATCH others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(6) Raon The Clara (8) Legend Sha’Carri (9) Onnuri Bit (10) Legend Match
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

Three-year-old imported maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) SOUTH CARNIVAL fairly bolted up in his trial, settling handy before pulling well clear late on. If he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (9) WHIZ PERFECT ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on December 21st racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and shapes as a chance here. (6) HERO CHEETAH is another debut making trial winner. He came from well back to score in his heat and can put in a bold effort first up. (4) BARAMUI GIEOK has raced twice already, improving to 3rd in the second of them and he can have a fitness edge here. (2) GLOBAL KINGDOM was ordinary on debut but previously trialed well and can be given another chance.

Selections(5) South Carnival (9) Whiz Perfect (6) Hero Cheetah (4) Baramui Gieok
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 11

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

(2) GOLDEN DIVA has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1200M on January 3rd when coming from off the pace. She has run well from a forward position too, and from a good draw, today should be her day. (7) NUMBER ONE SOCKS was a much-improved 2nd last time out at 1200M, coming from off the pace. The same apprentice stays on, and they can go close again. (6) LOVERMAN has mixed his results so far, but he has two 3rd place finishes to his name, and he can aim to at least match that here. (10) CHEONJI LADY and (1) YONGBIGYO others in the frame.

Selections(2) Golden Diva (7) Number One Socks (6) Loverman (10) Cheonji Lady
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

After running 7th on debut, (4) JEJU PRINCESS was 2nd on debut at this distance on January 18th, leading for much of the way. CC stays on and the pair can lead again and this time go all the way. (5) POWER BEST was 4th in that January 18th race when sent off as favourite. That was based on his 2nd place at the end of December at this distance and from a good gate, he too can be on pace, and he shapes as the main danger. (10) POWERFUL PRADO comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes and the slight step up in trip today can suit. (3) K SIMON and (9) CERAD came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at this distance on January 17th and they too can be in the frame here.

Selections(4) Jeju Princess (5) Power Best (10) Powerful Prado (3) K Simon
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. A step up to two turns aside (10) GYEOUL JANGMI has been consistently around the money and was 3rd at this class and distance three starts back She has a good finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can make her breakthrough here. (7) CUPID K enters off a class and distance 4th last time out on January 18th. Her sole win came at this trip, and she shapes as a danger here. The rest of them need an uptick in form. (1) BEOLGYOWISU us netter than her latest effort suggests and from the inside gate can be closer to the pace today and is a place chance. (9) STUNNING STEP and (5) SWEET SONG perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(10) Gyeoul Jangmi (7) Cupid K (1) Beolgyowisu (9) Stunning Step
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 13)

The last weekend before the brief Lunar New Year break kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:15 to 17L55. Here are the previews:

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

(11) DOCTOR CHAMP returned from over three months out to run a close 2nd over this distance on January 30th, racing on pace. He has the challenge of a wide draw here but should strip fitter for that run and has solid claims. (1) MAGIC OF ART enters off an improved 3rd at start three over 1200M on January 23rd when she tracked the leaders and ran on well. She draws well to do similar today and this time, he can win. (5) THE POINT was similarly an improved 2nd at start four on December 28th when on pace throughout. He was found to have bled after that, but he came through his mandatory trial in fine fashion at the end of January and is a chance here. (12) CHOEGANG HAPPY and (10) HUIMANG LOGI others in the frame.

Selections(11) Doctor Champ (1) Magic Of Art (5) The Point (12) Choegang Happy
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

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

(9) SUCCESS DAY has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, beating a couple of today’s rivals last time out on January 16th when on pace throughout. He can be on pace here and in this a long way again. (11) KISS THE RAIN has made steady progress across four starts so far with his latest his best when 2nd on his first try at 1400M on November 16th when leading for much of the way. He has to contend with the widest gate, but he won’t need to improve much to win this.  (2) DIA X has been consistent in recent efforts, and this is the kind of race he can go close in. (4) FANTASTIC BOSS and (3) OASIS RUBY are others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Success Day (11) Kiss The Rain (2) Dia X (4) Fantastic Boss
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here.  (2) DOLPHIN KICK is yet to win in ten, but she has nine top five finishes including her latest when a close 2nd at this class and distance on January 23rd when racing handy throughout. She draws well here to be on or close to the pace and today can be her day. (9) FLEX TAP has a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M and she can continue her positive run of form here, probably from on the pace in this company. (12) GRAND TREE knocked up very quickly last time out in a slow race at this class and distance at the end of December but was later found slightly lame. He’s been back in work since January 24th and can be given another chance here. (7) JOY OF QUEEN along with (11) TWO TWO FLYING are other place chances.

Selections(2) Dolphin Kick (9) Flex Tap (12) Grand Tree (7) Joy Of Queen
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

The second division of the fillies and mares at class 5 level. (8) YEOUN was an all the way winner on debut in a filly maiden over 1200M on January 9th. She comes up in class but is down in weight and has every chance of measuring up in this company. (11) ARI DRAGON was a winner on debut last summer and followed it up with a 2nd place at this class over 1400M before being out for the next almost six-months. She returned with a runner-up finish at this class and distance on January 11th and she can strip fitter today and will probably start as favourite. (3) STAY COOL was a maiden winner over 1400M two starts back and then ran a fair 5th on her first try at this class on January 18th and can get closer today. (2) BLACK TREE and (7) WONDER MOCCASIN others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Yeoun (11) Ari Dragon (3) Stay Cool (2) Black Tree
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT: FEBRUARY 6-8

SEOUL – February 9, 2026 – Luke Humphreys & Alastair Middleton

The weekend’s feature race saw potentially big Sprint Series implications while a challenger approaches on the Triple Crown trail and a young filly made an impressive return.

The very final race of the weekend was the only Class 1, and it was billed as a showdown between MAGIC POTION and WONPYEONG STORM, both with aspirations of getting a place in the gate for the Busan Ilbo Sprint, the first leg of the Sprint Series next month.

When that 1200M feature finally took place on a bitterly cold Sunday in the capital city the face off never happened as Wonpyeong Storm missed the kick and Magic Potion hovered but ultimately offered little as WOW WOW (Cowboy Cal) led from gate-to-wire to score by a length from SPEED ONE at odds of 9.1 locally. The Song Jae-chul ridden seven-year-old recorded his seventh career win on his thirty-second start. Also in the race, the 2022 Korea Sprint winner EOMA EOMA, like Wow Wow also sporting the Nasca colours, but like Wonpyeong Storm the now nine-year-old was never a factor.

In earlier races, ACE K (Cupid) tackled the 1800M for the first time at class 3 level having gone no further than1400M before, but the extra quarter mile proved no problem as he raced on the pace throughout and won by an extending 13 lengths over 2.6 favourite Tanseongui Banseok. His co-favourite FLYING CRUISER was the big disappointment, finishing a long last.

GOLD CATCHER (Cowboy Cal) bounced back to winning ways when winning race 8 (1400M Class 4) for Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi. The four-year-old filly had never missed the top four placings prior to her previous start and proved way too good with a front-running three-length victory. The previously unbeaten SAMJEONG SPIDER started a 1.4 favourite but was a never nearer 5th after not the best of beginnings.

Also on form was PERFECT DANAEUN (Freedom Child) with a six-length score in race 7 (1600M Class 4). He had taken out four in a row before coming up against Di Ne last month but under Ruan Maia, this time he was untroubled by his rivals to take his overall record to five wins from twelve starts.

MAEUM HANA (Gaon Champ) made it two victories in a row with a front-running victory for jockey CC Wong and trainer Choi Yong-geon in race 5. The three-year-old colt recorded a time of 1:20.1 in the class 5 and looks progressive going on his five-length victory.

AMOS CHEONHA (To Honor And Serve) completed a double for that jockey-trainer combination, and was the first of two winners for owner Hong Ae Ran, when coming from well back to score in the following 1800M Class 5. He missed the break for the second consecutive start and whilst it did his chances no good it didn’t make a difference as he pulled victory from out of the fire by an extending length and a half.

RAON THE PLUMA (Indie Band), GRACE DAY (Race Day) and JAZZ PURPLE (Hansen) could be horses to follow going forward on their respective victories in the opening three races on the card which were all Class 6 contests.

THERE WAS A SEVEN-RACE CARD AT BUSAN ON SUNDAY AND CLEARLY WINNER (Hansen) resumed from five months away from the races with a stress fracture to win impressively in race 6 (1400M Class 4). 

The Park Jae-i ridden Kim Hye-sun prepared three-year-old filly raced on the pace throughout before roaring away in the straight to record a facile five-length success. 

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 8)

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:

2022 Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma is back for a campaign as a 9yo (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden. (8) CALL ME SKY ran 2nd on debut to Holly Tiara in a quick similar filly maiden over this distance on December 13th. She’s had eight weeks off since but she can improve for the run and will be a short-price favourite to win here. (1) STUNNING POINT was an improved 5th at start two over this distance. She continues under an apprentice claim and from a better draw than in her first two outings, can get closer. (5) MISS CHRISTIE and (4) RAON THE PLUMA similarly improved to 5th on their respective second appearances and both can be fitter here. Continuing the theme of finishing 5th, (6) BEAT CODE did that on debut and can have come on for that effort.

Selections(8) Call Me Sky (1) Stunning Point (5) Miss Christie (4) Raon The Pluma
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (7) BANK LINE has made steady progress across three starts so far with her close 2nd last time out over this distance being her best. She led that day and from a fair draw, she can lead again and this time go all the way. (1) GRACE DAY has similarly raced three times and comes in following a 2nd place last time out when he was slower away than in his first two but ran on well. He shapes as the main danger here. (11) SEOPOKCHAT came from well off the pace to run 3rd on January 11th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can challenge late. (9) HAKSAN HENNY and (3) BEOLGYO EMPEROR among plenty of others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Bank Line (1) Grace Day (11) Seopokchat (9) Haksan Henny
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) TRICK SHOT has led in his latest two for 2nd and 3rd at this distance, most recently beating three of today’s rivals on January 11th. He should get an easier run to the front here and will be favoured to go all the way. (11) MAGIC HAMMER was 4th in that race on January 11th. He has the challenge again of the widest gate and doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, but third-up he can be peaking and he can run on strongly. (9) QUEEN WIND was an on pace 2nd at start number two over this distance on January 9th. She can show on pace again and once more be in this a long way. (2) BRAVE RUN and (10) MOST WANTED are the other main chances.

Selections(1) Trick Shot (11) Magic Hammer (9) Queen Wind (2) Brave Run
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG will need his latest forgiven which was the worst of his four starts to date. Before that he registered three top four finishes, coming from off the pace each time, and similar efforts to those can see him win this. (9) K N STORM ran 4th over 1200M on January 3rd, coming from a long way back to beat a couple of today’s rivals. The same apprentice keeps his weight light and he can challenge here. (4) JAZZ PURPLE hinted at an uptick in form with a front running 5th at 1300M at the end of December. He is up to 1400M for the first time but can be on pace again and in this a long way. (7) TRIPLE S and veteran (1) P N S PA in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Sangim Yeongung (9) K N Storm (4) Jazz Purple (7) Triple S
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 7)

The temperature has plunged again just in time for the weekend’s racing. There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on experience and (6) SEOUL BIHAENG, who after a quick trial led on debut over 1200M on January 10th before ultimately running 2nd. He should have come on for that run and has every chance here. (5) GWANAKSAN SKY will probably be the favourite. He was a strong trial winner, leading all the way and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (4) BREEDO AQUA ran 3rd in her trial in a decent time while (3) RACE DIVA was a very close 2nd. Both can put in bold showings first up. (8) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU is the next best going on trial efforts.  

Selections(6) Seoul Bihaeng (5) Gwanaksan Sky (4) Breedo Aqua (3) Race Diva
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

(2) WITH DORTIE didn’t do much on debut in December but she was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1300M on January 3rd when settling midfield and running on. Third-up she can be peaking and the extra half furlong can be what she needs to get over the line. (9) GLORY JOY was only 6th in his latest appearance but before that registered a 2nd and a 3rd and with the former having come at this distance, that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (4) DOUBLE BLADE and (5) BROWN SUGAR look to be figuring things out having both finished 5th at their respective latest starts and similar efforts can see them closer in this company. (1) AMOS CHOEGANG another who can improve.

Selections(2) With Dortie (9) Glory Joy (4) Double Blade (5) Brown Sugar
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) POWERFUL IMPACT has taken very well to 1700M, registering a 2nd and a 3rd in two outings since being stepped up to the trip. From a great draw he can sit on the speed or handy and today should his day. (7) STORM LIGHT was an improved 2nd at 1400M at start number three on January 10th. She steps up to two turns for the first time, and it can suit. (6) ECLIPSE BAY enters off a 6th and a 5th from his latest two, both over this trip and both times behind Powerful Impact. He led in those races and can lead again here and be in things a long way. (10) GOLDEN MAKER and (11) SPICE BAND are other place chances.

Selections(4) Powerful Impact (7) Storm Light (6) Eclipse Bay (10) Golden Maker
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG is yet to win in four, but he has three 2nd places to his name with the latest coming at this class and distance on January 3rd when handy throughout and beaten by a good winner. He only comes up 1kg in weight and can sit handy again and this time go one better. (2) TIGER BULPAE is similarly a maiden but has a 3rd and two 2nd places from three outings so far at 1000M and 1200M. She comes up in class but is down in weight, she draws nicely, and she can measure up. Continuing the maiden theme, (5) MIRACLE SOCKS has four runner-up finishes but weakened when tried at 1400M last time out. Back in trip and with Maia staying on, he is a chance. (4) RAON SNIPER and (1) CRAZY MANGO others to consider on a place line.

Selections(9) Cheongsan Dolpung (2) Tiger Bulpae (5) Miracle Socks (4) Raon Sniper
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-by-Race Preview (February 6)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday 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 with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) NICE MYEONGGA went through two trials, showing decent pace in both and a bit more maturity in the second when she overcame a wide gate to beat a couple of today’s rivals. From a great draw she can be on pace and she can win. Of the experience, (4) BULBIT YEONGMA was longest shot but one on the board on debut over 1200M on January 9th but he outperformed expectations to settle behind the speed and run on for 4th. With some natural improvement, he can be closer here. (5) DONNAEKO and (1) WILD JUMP hinted at ability in their respective trials and can be competitive first-up. (8) HELLO GOOD was well back in a painfully slow race on debut but can improve.

Selections(2) Nice Myeongga (4) Bulbit Yeongma (5) Donnaeko (1) Wild Jump
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(9) KING BLACK didn’t do much on debut in October but has since run 4th in two starts at 1200M and 1400M. The times haven’t been quick, but he has been competitive and in this company he can settle just behind the speed and has as good a chance as any. (8) FLYING SHOOTER ran 2nd over this trip in December and comes in off a 4th place when drawn widest on January 25th. He makes a quick return here and with a 4kg claim can be close. (2) BREEDO QUEEN STAR has a pair of 5th places and a 3rd from her latest three and with Franco on for the first time can be in the mix from a good draw. (12) DOCTOR CARRY and (10) HIGH LEVEL other place chances.

Selections(9) King Black (8) Flying Shooter (2) Breedo Queen Star (12) Doctor Carry
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

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

(10) BAMTORI BAMBAM has made progress across three starts so far with a 4th, 3rd and most recently a 2nd place at this distance on Boxing Day. Despite the wide draw expect to see him on pace and he can win here. (11) FANTASTIC SANTA was 5th in debut and then 2nd at start number two over this distance on January 9th when racing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he can get forward early and has every chance. (9) SEONGSIL WORLD beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a much-improved 2nd place on January 2nd and he can build on that here. (3) BIROE SERVE and (5) GAMDONGUI BAKSU others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Bamtori Bambam (11) Fantastic Santa (9) Seongsil World (3) Biroe Serve
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 11

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

(1) OASIS WICKY was a winner back on debut and has been close to following up with two 3rd places and a 2nd from his latest three, all at 1300M and last time beating a couple of today’s rivals when not far away at all from the same gate he has here. He can settle behind the speed and will be favourite here. (5) FLASH RUN was 5th in last year’s Korean Oaks but hasn’t raced since August. She looked well when a close 2nd in a January trial, showing on pace throughout, and Seo Seung-un being booked suggests confidence first-up (7) BULBIT GANGJA got his maiden win at start number four over 1200M on January 2nd, racing on pace throughout. The win had been coming and while he is up in class today, he can measure up. (11) GAMDONGUI DOLPA and the veteran (12) DAEHOMA others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Oasis Wicky (5) Flash Run (7) Bulbit Gangja (11) Gamdongui Dolpa
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

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