Month: August 2026

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 9)

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 prviews:

Oaks winner Catch Race is back on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. The only southern hemisphere runner is (2) VICTORY LIFE. He looked good when 2nd in her trial in a decent time having been handy throughout. A concern is that was at the end of the April, and he has been lame since, but he has been back in work since the end of June and is worth a chance in this company. (5) A.K JUN looks the best of the experience. He raced handy on debut over 1000M on June 28th, ultimately running on for 4th place, albeit a long way behind a good winner. He beat two of today’s rivals in the proves and he will probably start as the betting faovurite. (8) ESSENTIAL FORCE is another debut-maker who looked well when an on pace 2nd in his trial and can go well first up while (4) NAREUSYA LUCKY went through two heats improving in the second and should be nice and fit for this. (1) BULTAOREUNE was a fair 6th of nine on debut and is the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Victory Life (5) A.K Jun (8) Essential Force (4) Nareusya Lucky
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(9) STAR PLAY was sent off as the longest shot on the board on debut over 1000M on July 4th but made a mockery of that by coming from well off the pace to run a close 2nd. The additional furlong can suit and with some natural improvement, he can go one better. After an eye-catching trial, (4) BEAT STAR was sent off as the long odds-on favourite on debut on June 27th but while he led, he knocked up quickly and finished 4th. He should have learned a bit from that and can be given another chance here. Sole debut-maker (7) MAGIC TOUCH went through two trials and was much improved in the second of them (be aware that as a “voluntary” trial, it won’t appear in all race cards, but it was on July 9th) leading all the way and stopping the clock in 62.2 seconds. If he brings that form to the races, he is a big chance first-up. (8) BLITZ CARA was 5th on debut and then 3rd behind Star Play on July 4th. Third-up he can be peaking and he can be close. (2) K SOCKS can improve on an ordinary debut.

Selections(9) Star Play (4) Beat Star (7) Magic Touch (8) Blitz Cara
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the nine racing for the first time, but it’s the experienced ones who most will go for. (6) OASIS HEUIMANG has raced twice before, finishing 3rd on debut at the end of May and then 2nd when starting the odds-on favourite over 1200M on July 17th. He’ll be on pace here and will be an even shorter price to make it third time lucky. (8) HERO HIT came home in 4th place on debut over 1000M on June 26th, having shown on the speed. She previously won a trial, and she is the main danger here. (9) MORNING ARIA completes the trio wit prior experience. She too ran well on debut for 3rd place over 1000M on July 3rd and with some natural improvement, she can be in the mix again. Of the first timers, (2) ACE LOVE and (7) TWOTWO SPACE showed the most in trials.

Selections(6) Oasis Heuimang (8) Hero Hit (9) Morning Aria (2) Ace Love
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

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

(3) BREEDO EPIC didn’t do much on debut on May but was a much-improved 3rd at start number two over 1300M on June 21st. She comes up significantly in trip here but third-up she can be nice and fit, and she can make her breakthrough here.  (7) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been ordinary across seven starts so far but she returns to the distance at which she registered her best result to date at when 2nd – well beaten by a good winner – in May. She can settle midfield and will see out the trip. (10) CLUB MAN has almost identical form with his best also being 2nd over this distance two outings back. He can overcome the wide draw to be handy and can be competitive. (5) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (4) SINCHEON HEART both picked up in their respective latest outings and can continue to make progress.

Selections(3) Breedo Epic (7) Powerful Arctic (10) Club Man (5) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

(3) MAGIC TREE was anonymous on debut all the way back last July and then didn’t reappear until this May wen a fair 6th of nine over this 1300M. She returned on June 28th to run 2nd over this same trip when handy throughout and she’s favoured to go one better today. There is one debut-maker. (9) HEAR WE GO originally trialed last October but didn’t make it to the races. She looked a much better prospect when winning a heat in early July, showing on pace throughout and if she can bring that form to the races, this is a nice even to debut in. (2) SPEED BUMP was 2nd over 1200M two starts back and would have run better than 4th in her latest outing on July 5th were it not for a bad start and then laying in, as is her habit. She has been back to trial since and with better manners today, she can be a danger. (6) MAGIC OF ART and (8) MISS COCO are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Magic Tree (9) Hear We Go (2) Speed Bump (6) Magic Of Art
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

(8) ROYAL HOPE K was a winner on debut over 1000M on June 27th, settling handy before taking things up late on and winning comfortably. He comes up in class and in trip today, but neither should be a problem, and he is favoured to repeat. It’s not a strong race for the level so (7) COMPLETE FUTURE can measure up too. After a 3rd place in March, he got his maiden win in at the end over April over 1300M when on pace throughout. He hasn’t raced since but he has been in consistent work since mid-July and under a light weight, he can measure up. (4) AFLEET RUN is yet to win in nine but has been knocking at the door and looks a strong place chance in this company. (1) P N S NALA and (6) YEONGGWANGUI SKY are others who can trouble the scorers.

Selections(8) Royal Hope K (7) Complete Future (4) Afleet Run (1) P N S Nala
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 8)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

Twilight racing starts on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) HWANSANGUI LUNA was a trial winner on June 4 which led her to be sent off as an odds-on favourite on debut sixteen days later. She got terribly upset in the gate and delayed the start that day but was passed fit to run and finished third which was not a bad effort under the circumstances. Seo Seung-un rides and if she behaves better and does not use up all her energy before the gates crash, she can do better at attempt two. (1) GWANAKSAN WINDY has trialled once for a half-length second to (4) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA on June 11. The former gets a weight swing whilst the latter has had a race since but could only manage seventh. (4) POWERFUL MR. was third in a trial before a fifth on debut and is best of the rest over (10) NAMGYEONG SPINNING and (3) FULL STRIKE.

Selections(6) Hwansangui Luna (1) Gwanaksan Windy (8) Tongkwaehanseungja (4) Powerful Mr.
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6, 10

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

(9) MIGHTY CHAMP was last throughout in his first trial on May 14 but won a trial on July 2 beating a subsequent winner and that form clearly looks the best on offer in what looks a winnable maiden for this three-year-old colt by Girolamo on debut. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG has been in consistent in four runs and has been getting closer so on that basis he looks the best of the raced brigade. (2) KATARINARA was beaten seventeen-lengths into sixth when a 3.0 favourite on debut. She had run second in a trial prior however and rates next over (7) GUNJU MINSU, a debutante by Peace Rules with Seong Sang-hyun, (3) YEONDONG STAR and (5) GOSANBONG.

Selections(9) Mighty Champ (4) Dareuri Yeowang (2) Katarinara (7) Gunju Minsu
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / August 15 Liberation Day Commemoration / KRW 30 Million

(4) DUSON LIFE came the closest he has come to winning last start with a second place although he did not actually come close to winning at all in the scheme of things as he was beaten sixteen-lengths behind an impressive winner. However, that rates as good form and with Ruan Maia riding once again he can go one better. (1) CHEONMA NUBI has been getting closer and from a low draw rates as an each-way chance whilst from the opposite barrier (11) PNS WORK has been just behind the placegetters in two of her past three. (8) LOVING PURPLE is the only other hope with (6) AREUMDAUN BIT and (9) GOD SPEED best of the roughies.

Selections(4) Duson Life (1) Cheonma Nubi (11) PNS Work (8) Loving Purple
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10

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

(11) CHALLENGE SOCKS has been much improved at her last two starts and is worth an each-way investment at value in an extremely competitive race. She has a half-length to find with (3) BANK LINE from June 6 but a slight weight swing goes in her favour. The latter has raced subsequently finishing third behind the unbeaten Major Fury on July 5. (6) FLASH JUDE won her maiden three back and has been close in two runs at this grade whilst (7) ECLIPSE SUNNY broke her duck on June 14 before only managing fourth as an odds-on chance when running at this class for the first time. (8) TIGER REVENGER and (10) MIGHTY CAP are other chances along with (5) GLOBAL LAND, (1) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK and (9) MUNHAK FIGHTER.

Selections(11) Challenge Socks (3) Bank Line (6) Flash Jude (7) Eclipse Sunny)
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 7)

There are 8-races this Friday at Busan starting from the later time of 12:50 and finishing at 19.25. Here are the previews:

Into NiGHTS into Dreams (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut-maker.  (8) SUNNY WILD is a “full” brother to this year’s KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild, he looked very good in his trial, cruising around under a hold and crossing the line with an experienced racehorse who was asked for more. He can win first up. (3) GAME MAKER came from well back in his trial and again on debut over 1000M on July 24th when he finished 4th. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong should suit, and he will probably start as favourite. (11) OASIS ANGEL was 3rd behind Seraph on debut in a quick race over 1000M on June 26th. He too should have come on and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) LAVENDER CROWN ran on pleasingly in his trial despite getting kickback and can go well first-up. (5) GEORGE PRINCE another with experience who can improve.

Selections(8) Sunny Wild (3) Game Maker (11) Oasis Angel (1) Lavender Crown
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

(9) LOGIST QUEEN did nothing on debut but was much better when a very close 2nd on July 5th having led for most of the way over 1200M. Third-up, she can be peaking and from on pace again, could go one better in what looks a race of many chances. (10) ART TREE was 3rd on debut last October and didn’t run again until this July 17th when as the 1.3 market-elect, he got a long way back before finishing 5th getting a warning for laying out and the jockey commenting that the slow start and kickback were to blame. He can strip fitter for that run and is worth another chance. (3) OASIS KINGDOM also has a runner-up finish on his record over 1200M in June. That was sandwiched between 5th placings and from a good draw he can be on pace again and be in this a long way and will certainly be a short price. (4) HUIMANG SPEED and (8) FANTASTIC ONE are the main others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Logist Queen (10) Art Tree (3) Oasis Kingdom (4) Huimang Speed
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

(11) GIROL SIDAE was very ordinary in her first three starts but since being sent up to a mile, she has figured things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her two tries at the distance, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on July 10th when leading. Her draw is wider than ideal, but she had gate ten when 2nd two starts back so it shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win. (6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN was 4th in that July 10th race when ridden further forward earlier than in previous efforts. That continued a consistent run of form, and he should be aiming for best-to-date finish today. (2) STRONG WINNER has a best of 4th from six starts so far but he has finished off his races well enough and the step up in trip can suit. (9) LUXURY CHOICE and (8) FANTASTIC HONEY others who can be in the mix.

Selections(11) Girol Sidae (6) Yeonggwangui Green (2) Strong Winner (9) Luxury Choice
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(7) AEGIS CROWN was a second-up winner at this class and distance on July 10th, racing handy to the speed throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight today, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he will have plenty of supporters to go back-to-back and will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (6) HUIMANG TAYO returned from eight months out at the end of May and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class. He races best on pace so he comes into a much better gate today and third-up he can be peaking. (9) REIGN QUEEN was 3rd behind Aegis Crown when the latter got his maiden win in May and then beat a couple of today’s rivals when 4th on his first try at this class on June 28th and that makes him the logical third pick here. (3) SEONGSIL WORLD and (8) SAENAE HILL perhaps the best of a less than intimidating rest.

Selections(7) Aegis Crown (6) Huimang Tayo (9) Reign Queen (3) Seongsil World
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

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