Author: gyongmaman

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 20)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies with six of the eleven racing for the first time.  We’ll take a chance on a newcomer as (6) QUEENS DRAGON went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them just last week (it was a voluntary trial so may not appear in all racecards) when starting slowly but running on strongly for 2nd in a quick time, albeit thirteen-lengths behind two-time winner Mother Road. So long as she didn’t leave her race there, she has an excellent chance. (1) FLYING MENACE ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on November 29th settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but she should have come on for that and is a danger. (5) QUEEN RACE has raced twice already, registering a 5th and a 4th. She can have the edge on these fitness-wise and can improve again. (7) PURE MARINE did nothing on debut but should have learned from the experience and draws much better this time. Returning to the debut-makers, (3) WORLD LIST CAT hinted at ability in her trial.

Selections(6) Queens Dragon (1) Flying Menace (5) Queen Race (7) Pure Marine
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

More juvenile maiden fillies although with only one newcomer this time. (12) SUCCESS GOLD has finished 4th, a 2nd and a 3rd in three starts so far, most recently coming from off the pace and running on over this distance. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to improve much to win this. (4) FANTASTIC HIT raced twice in the summer for a 5th and a 4th, both over 1000M. She’s had five months off and didn’t offer too many clues in a trial at the end of November but drawn well in this company, she can be considered. (1) B.K MAGIC will need a lone drawn through her latest two weeks ago when knocking up quickly over 1300M. Going on her 2nd place on November 10th when she led, she warrants another chance here. (2) CRUELLA and (8) ILLUSION other placing chances.

Selections(12) Success Gold (4) Fantastic Hit (1) B.K Magic (2) Cruella
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) COWBOY MAN has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two at this distance and most recently at a mile on November 22nd when he led for much of the way around. Munro returns to the ride, and he can lead again, and this time go all the way. (4) WONDERFUL JONES comes in off a smart 2nd place over this distance on November 24th when breaking fairly and settling handy. That was his best finish so far and from a good draw, expect similar tactics today. (6) DAEGIL HERO has run 3rd in both his two starts so far, both over 1200M. He has posted fast final furlong times and the step up in trip can suit. (3) OASIS GREEN hinted at improvement when 5th at start number three last time out and along with (10) PINOT POWER, shapes as the other logical chance.

Selections(8) Cowboy Man (4) Wonderful Jones (6) Daegil Hero (3) Oasis Green
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) CATCH THE DREAM was a winner on debut in an all-filly maiden over 1200M on October 18th, leading all the way, before running 4th on her first try at this class and distance on November 22nd when she showed on pace again and beat a couple of today’s rivals. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with all the early speed drawn wide, she should have enough about her to find a forward position again, and she can win. (1) GRAND DREAM enters off a 4th place at class and distance on November 9th when leading for most of the race. He draws well to get forward again and he should be in this a long way. Continuing the “dream” theme, (8) MY DREAM DAY went around in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie for juveniles four weeks ago and gets a pass for finishing last. Previously he ran 4th in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy and back in more amenable company is worth another chance. (11) WORLD HIT and (6) SKY SEUNG others in the frame.

Selections(10) Catch The Dream (1) Grand Dream (8) My Dream Day (11) World Hit
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start8, 10, 11, 12

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

(6) DONGNAM GANGTAJA will be a warm favourite here. A facile maiden winner two starts back over this distance, he then ran 3rd over 1400M on November 22nd, settling handy and running on, He can sit behind the speed here and may take some beating. After a maiden win at start number two, (5) BLUE THUNDER stepped up to this class on November 1st and ran a good 3rd, a long way behind winner Beolmaui Angel but comfortably beating a couple of today’s rivals. He draws well, Tanaka gets on, and he should be on pace and in this a very long way. (10) POWER WAGON got a long way back last time but has won at this trip and with a better start can be a factor here. (4) BEST PRIME and (2) ROAD TO THUNDER are others in contention.

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 15)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 races from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. Experience is preferred though and (11) NURI CHEONWANG came from off the pace to run 2nd on debut over this distance on November 10th, well beaten by a good winner, but showing more than enough to suggest he has potential. She should have come on for that run and can prove too strong late here. (8) DIXIE MAN ran 3rd on his debut at this distance on November 2nd, settling midfield and running on. The time was slower than that of Nuri Choegang but with Moon Se-young climbing on, he will be vying for favourite status. (2) BEOLGYO LAVA ran 4th on his first outing on November 2nd, overcoming a wide draw. He comes into a better gate today and like the other two, should have come on for the run. Among the first timers, (12) MUSKET DAY and (3) RYAN HEART looked the best in trials.

Selections(11) Nuri Cheonwang (8) Dixie Man (2) Beolgyo Lava (12) Musket Day
Next Best3, 4,
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (6) I AM GO will be the warm favourite. She registered a 4th and a 2nd in two tries at 1000M which led her to be sent off as favourite on her first try at this distance on November 9th when she was on pace early only to ultimately run 5th. She should have learned from that and can win here from the front. That will mean overturning the form on (9) B.K LOVE, who ran a significantly improved 2nd in that November 9th race, leading for much of the way around. She can be on pace again and in this a long way. (1) CHOCO BEAUTY is another with a best of 2nd place, in her case recorded two starts back at this distance when also recording the fastest time among those here who have already tackled the 1300M. From the inside gate, she can sit behind the early speed and run on. (2) UPPERHAND and (8) P N S PA are other placing chances.

Selections(6) I Am Go (9) B.K Love (1) Choco Beauty (2) Upperhand
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the seven racing for the first time. (9) WIND FREE ran 2n don debut over 1200M on November 22nd, settling towards the rear of midfield before steadily improving. She should have derived benefit from the experience, the additional half furlong can suit, and she is favoured to go one better. Of the newcomers, (1) SEOBU GAMBLE looks the best. He ran 3rd in a fair time in his trial and with franco on and from the inside gate, he can put in a bold showing first up. (4) GRAND CRU has raced twice, improving to 2nd in the second of them behind Wind Free on November 22nd. He looks to be on the right trajectory and can continue to make progress here. (2) SEOUL DRAGON and (7) DAEJI DAEBONG the other probably place hopes.

Selections(9) Wind Free (1) Seobu Gamble (4) Grand Cru (2) Seoul Dragon
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

(6) PROCEED is yet to finish in the top two in eight attempts but has no fewer than six finishes between 3rd and 5th. He comes back in trip following a 4th place over 1700M on November 9th, and from a central draw he can be on pace and should be aiming for a career to date best finish here. (5) GANDAGO came from off the pace to run 2nd in an all-filly race over 1300M on November 17th, her best so far. She has a strong finish on her, the slight additional distance can suit, and she can be a big danger late here. (8) CRAZE CHANG was well back over this distance on his return from four months out in October. He should strip fitter here and can be in the placing mix. Without a huge amount of confidence, (3) AMENO and (1) COMMANDING LEAD are possibly the best of a limited rest.

Selections(6) Proceed (5) Gandago (8) Craze Chang (3) Ameno
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

(9) MIRAGE ran 3rd on debut on October 18th before improving to 2nd at start number two on November 17th, both over this distance and both times racing handy to the speed. She comes in under the same weight, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she will be a warm favourite to make it third time lucky. (4) FAST MELODY improved to 3rd at start number two at 1300M on November 10th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she showed good early speed, and she can be challenging right from the start here. The form falls off precipitously after those two. (3) BABEL COME ON was 5th on debut over 1000M and at least managed to show on the early speed before fading second-up. Munro climbs on and that combined with a good draw is enough to make her an each-way chance. (2) GOD NIKE and (10) HANNAM QUEEN others who may – may – improve.

Selections(9) Mirage (4) Fast Melody (3) Babel Come On (2) God Nike
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(8) STUNNING PEARL ran 3rd on debut before getting her maiden win at start number two in an all0filly maiden on November 9th over 1200M when she settled handy before romping away to score by as many as she pleased. She comes up in class and slightly in distance, but neither should be an issue, and she can win again. (7) ANYANG GIPPEUM was a winner two starts back over 1200M before running a solid 4th in a similarly competitive race at this class and distance on November 16th when she led for much of the way around having got across from gate eleven. She draws slightly better this time and can be in this again. (1) BLUE RACER returns to action for the first time since his maiden win in July. He won a trial in August and while he will have to be taken on trust match fitness-wise, he was first=up for that August race and can go well again. (10) GLOBAL TIME and (4) SHINE BOLT other placing chances.

Selections(8) Stunning Pearl (7) Anyang Gippeum (1) Blue Racer (10) Global Time
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) INSIGNIA did nothing on debut over 1000M in October, slow away and always well back. She has trialed since and looked well, leading for much of it. From a good draw and with CC up, she can be a much different prospect this time around. (8) UNJU TIME looks the best of the first timers, settling midfield and running on for a close 4th in her heat in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be close. (9) WINNER GLORY ran 3rd on debut on November 9th. The time wasn’t quick but with some natural improvement, she can be a danger in this limited company. (10) SEOMDOLMORU and (11) GRACE ROUTE debuted further back in the same race but also can have come on for the run.

Selections(4) Insignia (8) Unju Time (9) Winner Glory (10) Seomdolmoru
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens and it should be competitive. (1) GANGNARU has finished 3rd in both his starts so far at 1200M and 1400M, first from off the pace and then from handy. His times at both have been good and from the inside gate, Kim Jeong-jun can pick his spot behind the speed and they can prove too strong. (2) GRAND KWAEMA has a 3rd and a 4th from his two outings, the latter in a decent time over this distance on October 27th. In this company and drawn well, he can be expected to be further forward earlier, and he can be a danger. (3) LUCKY SUNNY improved at start number two on November 3rd when 4th at this distance. He draws much better this time and further improvement can be on the agenda. Solitary debut-maker (8) ALIFER ran a close 2nd in a quick time in his trial and has to be considered first up in this field. (6) EAST GANGJEOK another in the hunt.

Selections(1) Gangnaru (2) Grand Kwaema (3) Lucky Sunny (8) Alifer
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile maidens (they have to start at class 4) with five of the twelve racing for the first time. Conveniently for us, six of the seven with prior experience raced each other over 1200M on November 10th and with (4) PALATINO finishing the best of them, he is the automatic top pick. Having trialed well, he settled midfield that day and ran on strongly for 2nd place and he won’t need to improve much to go one better. (6) BRAVAZO EMPIRE ran 4th in that race having showed close to the pace early. He has over four-lengths to find on Palatino but can be on the speed and in this a long way again. (2) ART CATCHER was 6th having also been handy early and from a good draw can be up there again. Turning to the first-time starters, (8) NAMSAN BLACK dead-heated for 1st place in a quick trial and (12) NICE FORCE ran 2nd in an identical time. Both can put in bold showings first up.

Selections(4) Palatino (6) Bravazo Empire (2) Art Catcher (8) Namsan Black
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Weak maiden. (1) JOSE led for part of the way around at her latest start before ultimately finishing 4th at this distance. She also has a 2nd place to her name at 1000M. She comes in fresh after thirteen weeks off and drawing well to lead, she has as good a chance as any. (6) DRAGON K is the other standout. He has two 4th place finishes to his name, one at this distance and he will be challenging Jose for the early lead. (4) TROLL will need a line drawn through his latest effort (and most of his thirteen) but going on his 3rd place two starts back, he can be considered for the places with an apprentice claiming 3kg. (3) MANI NODAGI and (7) MG FIRST the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Jose (6) Dragon K (4) Troll (3) Mani Nodagi
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

After winning a trial, (5) WESTERN GUN was sent off as faovurite on debut over this distance on October 6th and duly ran out a seven-length winner, leading for most of the way. He has had ten weeks off and is up in class, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and he will be favourite to score again. (2) YES MADAM was 2nd in that race back in October at class 6 and then followed up with a 3rd place, again at this distance, on November 3rd, which brings her up in class here. She is drawn well to get on pace, and she can measure up. (9) K POWERFUL got his maiden win in similar emphatic style to Western Gun two starts back before running 4th on his first try at this class on November 3rd. He is another front-runner who will be looking to get forward early and can be in this a long way. (6) JURING SKY and the up in class (11) OKCHEON WIN STAR among plenty of others with at least placing hopes.

(more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Franco Da Silva has plenty of Friday chances (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with precisely half of the field racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (7) BROWN ROOKIE ran 2nd on debut, settling midfield and running on over this distance at the end of September when well beaten by Huimang Rani, who went on to win at class 5 before coming unstuck last week at class 4. She’s had eleven weeks off so comes in fresh and can win. Also 2nd on debut was (9) EMPIRE DAY. That was all the way back in June and it was at 1000M, but it was a quick time, and she looked well enough when midfield in a decent trial in November. Of the first timers, (6) ROCK CANDY looked the best in trials showing on pace and running a close 3rd in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be close. (10) ROAD TO SPRING also hinted at ability in her trial, while (1) GREAT LUCKY underperformed on debut but previously trialed well and gets another chance.

Selections(7) Brown Rookie (9) Empire Day (6) Rock Candy (10) Road To Spring
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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

(12) SHACKLE LAUD has made steady progress across four outings so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 10th when handy throughout and running on. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he doesn’t need to lead (not that there is any early speed in this race), and he has a strong finish on him. He can go one better today. (1) HOLY RUN has finished no worse than 4th across his four starts to date and enters off a 2nd and a 3rd at his latest two over this distance and 1400M. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M and from a great draw, he has every chance. (8) CARIBBEAN BAY is the least experienced in the race but finished a fair 4th on debut at 1200M on November 8th, having been slowly away and then run on. He should have come on for that run and can get closer here. (2) GWANGSOKMA and (10) CAPTAIN KOREA among others in the frame.

Selections(12) Shackle Laud (1) Holy Run (8) Caribbean Bay (2) Gwangsokma
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

(8) RALLY MAN comes in having run 2nd on his first try at this distance on November 22nd when close to the pace throughout and beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He also has a 3rd and a 4th on his record and in another race with no early speed to think of, he can get a soft run to the front and can go all the way. (2) USANG RYUNG also has a 2nd place to her name over the mile, recorded back in August. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two and from a good draw, can be a danger here. (7) FATE ran a fair 5th on debut over 1300M on November 17th, settling midfield and running on. He steps up in trip but should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can compete in this company. (1) GOLDMASK and (9) GOLDEN NICE are other placing chances.

Selections(8) Rally Man (2) Usang Ryung (7) Fate (1) Goldmask
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) WATER DRAGON has never finished outside the top five and has a 2nd at this class over a mile. He ran 5th of twelve in a decent time on his only try at this distance last time out coming from well off the pace but in this company, he should be further forward, and he has every chance. (4) MAENGNYONG has run 2nd in both outings to date at 1300M, leading both times. He is up in class but down in weight and from a great draw he can lead again and potentially go all the way. (8) TRIPLE SINHWA has been the beaten favourite in both his starts so far, both times finishing as runner-up over this distance having led. He comes up in class here, but his times have been more than competitive for this level and coming down in the weights, he can lead again, and this time get it right. (3) TAMNA SUPER is up in class after a solid maiden win and can be competitive. Second-up (12) ASTIN MARINE among plenty of others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Water Dragon (4) Maengnyong (8) Triple Sinhwa (3) Tamna Super
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

(more…)

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

There are 17 Sunday races across Seoul and Busan on Sunday with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Seirene goes around at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (2) VINCERO CUE, who ran 3rd on debut over this distance on October 13th, a long way behind winner Cupid It, who ran 2nd at class 5 last week, but showing enough to suggest he has potential and from a good draw, he can win here. (1) CRAZY MARI was a fair 5th of eleven at this distance on debut all the way back on August 31st. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks off and while her race sharpness must be taken on trust, she draws well to lead. (6) TURBO CHARGE and (11) YEONGGWANGUI SKY ran 4th and 5th when they raced one another on the latter’s debut on November 2nd. Both can build on that here. As for the first-time starters, (3) AFLEET RUN was the best in trials and from a good draw can be in the market.

Selections(2) Vincero Cue (1) Crazy Mari (6) Turbo Charge (11) Yeonggwangui Sky
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

(5) LEMON K went around in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for her second start but came into much more amenable company to run 3rd at this distance on November 3rd when on pace throughout. She’s evidently highly thought of, and she can make her breakthrough here. (1) PURGE RUBY ran 4th behind Lemon K in that November 3rd race, settling back and running on. She has shown gradual improvement across her four starts so far and can continue to make an impact here. (2) GLOBAL SERVE will need a line drawn through his latest when favourite over this distance on November 9th but finished well back. His previous two outings showed plenty of promise though and from a good gate and with CC climbing on, he is worth another chance. (9) IRISH MAN and (6) BEAT DOKKAEBI the other main hopes.

Selections(5) Lemon K (1) Purge Ruby (2) Global Serve (9) Irish Man
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(7) MORNING DEW will be hot favourite to score in the opening maiden on the south coast. He has a 2nd place on his record and enters off a 3rd place at this distance on November 10th, when always close to the pace and leading for part of the way. In this company, he can get to an early lead and will take some passing. (10) FLASH DAY returned from five months out to run 5th od ten over this distance on November 17th. He should strip fitter for that run and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can be a danger. (6) BEOLGYO WANGCHO improved to 3rd at start number two on October 25th and can maintain that momentum here. (4) DORAON SAMSON and (9) BLACK WAVE are the other placing chances.

Selections(7) Morning Dew (10) Flash Day (6) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Doraon Samson
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

Two standouts here. After finishing 5th on debut, (2) DAZZLE RUSH was 2nd at start number two over 1300M on November 3rd at this distance, settling, as he did on debut, well back and running on very well. Third-up she can be peaking, and she can go one better here. (4) ECLIPSE THE KING similarly improved on his second start on October 27th, coming home 3rd over this distance. Previously an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes, Moon Se-young stays on, and drawn better, he can be expected to be on or close to the speed today and may well start as the betting favourite. (8) RUNNING ARTIST is clear third pick. She was 3rd behind Dazzle Rush in that November 3rd race, her second consecutive 3rd place and in this company should be targeting at least that again. The form falls off rapidly after those three, with (6) ARCH DAY and (10) YONGAM STAR perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Dazzle Rush (4) Eclipse The King (8) Running Artist (6) Arch Day
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) NONSTOP DUTY got her maiden win seven starts back but she has been working towards another and her recent form reads very pleasingly with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. She has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and in this company, she can settle behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (4) SWEET BEOMHAN returns to action for the first time since landing her maiden win at start number three all the way back in April. She looked very well when 3rd in a trial two weeks ago, Franco is up, and she will have plenty of first up backers. (9) MAGIC ELEVEN beat Nonstop Duty when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd in a very similar race to this on November 15th. That was the closest she has come in seventeen outings to date, but she can be expected to be on pace and in this a long way again. (10) SAMAKUI KKOT and (1) BACK TO THE LADY others to keep safe.

Selections(8) Nonstop Duty (4) Sweet Beomhan (9) Magic Eleven (10) Samakui Kkot
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) BEST RACE was 2nd on debut before winning comfortably at start number two on October 27th when leading all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and he is the one to beat here.  (4) HAKSAN DAESE did nothing for her first eleven starts except finish 5th every other race. She has really picked up in her latest two though, with a 2nd and then a maiden win bringing her up to this class. The 2nd place came on her sole try so far at this distance and she can keep her good run going here. (3) EUMSEONG POWER arrested a run of slightly cold form with a 2nd place at this class and distance on October 26th and can go well again. (2) APPLE STYLE and (11) HAENGUN BARAM among others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Best Race (4) Haksan Daese (3) Eumseong Power (2) Apple Style
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

Competitive race with plenty entering with recent form reading very well. (9) STORM FIGHTER got his maiden win in fine style at start number four on November 11th when he settled fairly before quickly making his way to the front and going on to win by as many as he pleased. He comes up in class here, but his time was quicker than any of the others have posted over 1400M, and he can win again. (4) GALLOP QUEEN did beat Storm Fighter when the pair ran 1st and 3rd over 1300M at class 6 level. She came up to this class on November 8th and finished a close 2nd at this distance, racing handy throughout. Given her draw, she will be on or close to the speed again and has every chance. (3) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG and (10) WONDERFUL BIDDER came home 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance on November 1st and both can be in the mix again. (11) AWESOME SUNRISE another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Storm Fighter (4) Gallop Queen (3) Gwanyaeuihamseong (10) Wonderful Bidder
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

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

There are 11 Saturday races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) RAON DESPERATE was the fastest of the newcomers in trials, coming from off the pace to run 4th behind the experienced Daesari. 1200M should suit first up. (4) BEOLGYO DESTINO took two goes to qualify but looked good in the second of them, similarly settling back and finishing off strongly. The time was good, he draws well here, and he can be a threat. (11) ROPPONGI DRAGON went though plenty of trials, getting it right on November 14th when overcoming the same gate as he draws here. He should certainly be race fit and can be in the mix. (Of the ones with experience (2) NICE WINNER and (6) WILD HAPPY are the most likely to improve on modest debuts.

Selections(9) Raon Desperate (4) Beolgyo Destino (11) Roppongi Dragon (2) Nice Winner
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 7

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

(2) CANVASEN GO comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times having been ridden on pace. Last time out he recorded the fastest time among these for the 1200M by a full 1.6 seconds and from a great draw, he can lead here and will be a hot favourite to go one better. (3) DONGBANG FORCE has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on November 2nd when leading for much of the way. She will be challenging Canvasen Go for the lead right from the start, and she can be in this a long way again. (1) LEGEND TANSAENG was 5th behind Canvasen Go on November 3rd. He comes back into the same gate from which he finished 3rd two starts back and he can be a danger. (4) SPARTAN and (6) WANGCHOEGO are the others to consider.

Selections(2) Canvasen Go (3) Dongbang Force (1) Legend Tansaeng (4) Spartan
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

(3) SEMYEONG STRONG has shown promise across four prior starts with her best being a 2nd place two starts back over 1200M. She does her best work late on so the slight step up in trip can suit and she will be on pace and the one to beat here. Second favourite will be (9) QUEEN DIA. She enters off a close runner-up finish when stepped up to this distance for the first time on November 10th, settling midfield and running on. In this small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be in the finish again here. (8) MARUBYEOL is yet to finish in the top three in twenty-eight starts but has a lot of minor money finishes including two 4th places and a 5th from his latest three and in this limited company, should be there or thereabouts again. (4) BEOLGYO D Y and (6) SANGIM DAEPYO are others who can place.

Selections(3) Semyeong Strong (9) Queen Dia (8) Marubyeol (4) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

(6) AMAZING STAR got her maiden win (having already been thrown out once after crossing the line 1st earlier this year) on November 2nd when leading from gate to wire over this distance. Thay beings her finally up in class, but she is down in weight and should be able to more than measure up in this company. (4) BIG BRIDGE will need a line drawn through his latest when he was the beaten favourite over 1400M. The beaten margin wasn’t huge and if we go on his form coming into that race, then he warrants another chance and Moon Se-young climbs on. (9) MARU JANGGUN also needs to be forgiven his last start when he led but knocked up fast. At the outing before he was a winner at this class over 1400M and needs to be taken seriously. (1) GREEN CONCORD and (3) HERO CHAMP are other place chances.

Selections(6) Amazing Star (4) Big Bridge (9) Maru Janggun (1) Green Concord
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 6)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juveniles with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) BARBELL TROFEO ran a fair, if unspectacular, 5th on debut over this distance in October. He has since been back to trial where he ran 3rd to Tuhonui Banseok, a long way behind but stopping the clock in a good time and if he brings that form to the races, he has a good chance. (9) ARION KING CAR has also been back to trial since his inauspicious debut. He led every step of the way in requalifying and similar to Barbell Trofeo, if he can bring that on race day, he will be a big danger. (10) ROAD TO HEUIMANG looks the best of the first timers. He led his trial, crossing the line in 2nd in a good time and while he has a wide gate to contend with, should be in the mix. (8) FLYING RACE and (5) GLOBAL HEROINE are the others who will be backed.

Selections(7) Barbell Trofeo (9) Arion King Car (10) Road To Heuimang (8) Flying Race
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Maiden fillies here. (1) FLY TO THE MOON has shown progress across three outings so far with back-to-back 3rd places in her latest two, most recently a similar race to this on November 15th over 1200M when she beat a couple of today’s rivals. She draws a much better gate to get to the lead and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) B.K MAGIC was a much-improved 2nd at start number three at this distance on November 10th when leading for much of the way around. She’ll be on pace again and can match that finish here. (4) SIMON STAR has six top five finishes from nine starts and should be in the mix again. (9) STAR FORCE and (11) EAST SUN are others in the mix.

Selections(1) Fly To The Moon (5) B.K. Magic (4) Simon Star (9) Star Force
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

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

(6) CHRYSOL HERO returned from more than six months off to run a creditable 3rd over 1200M on October 4th, settling in midfield and then running on. He should strip fitter for that run and can go closer here. (11) MEGA MACHINE was an improved 4th at start three on November 10th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but Franco climbing on is a plus and he can be in the mix here. (2) MISS CROW has hinted at ability over her seven outings to date, five of them finishing between 3rd and 5th. She has got a bit far back in most of her races before running on, but from a good draw, Munro can pick his spot, and she can be a danger late on. (5) FAIRY and (9) FLYING ICE others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Chrysol Hero (11) Mega Machine (2) Miss Crow (5) Fairy
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

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

(3) YULIM SESANG was an all the way winner at start number two over 1200M on November 3rd. He is up in class and slightly in trip today, but the manner of that win suggests that there’s more to come and he can repeat. (4) GLORY GANGSEO was a winner on debut in April, but struggled on his first try at this class in July before rebounding with a 4th place at this distance in September. She comes in fresh after ten weeks out and can go close here. (6) SHASHA is yet to win but is up in class following a 3rd place and two 2nd places from three starts. She carries a light weight here, she should be on pace, and she has every chance of measuring up. (12) MR.WOLF and (9) FANTASTIC HUMOR others who should be in the hunt.

Selections(3) Yulim Sesang (4) Glory Gangseo (6) Shasha (12) Mr.Wolf
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 12

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

(6) BABEL DREAMY is yet to win, but he has three runner-up finishes at this distance, most recently on November 8th. He likes to settle back and run on but in this company, he may be a little further forward early, and today can be his day. (11) BLACK SPEED made all to win over 1400M on October 27th. That was just his fourth start and while he is up in class and in trip today, he should be competitive again, (9) FLYING THE FORD beat a couple of these on his way to victory at this class over 1400M on November 10th. He comes up 4kg in the weights but warrants respect. (4) MASTERY MAN and (10) PURPLE STAR among plenty of others in the placing frame.

(more…)

Global Hit Wins Grand Prix, Next Stop Dubai!

Global Hit wrapped up Horse of the Year honours and sealed his passage to Dubai with a display of home straight dominance to secure a comfortable victory in the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon, the horse and jockey Kim Hye-sun both sealing the biggest wins of their respective careers.  

Global Hit goes clear of Tuhonui Banseok, Success Baekpa, and Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

With the snow that was piled high at the side of the track following the record-breaking snowfall earlier in the week rapidly thawing as temperatures rose, Global Hit was sent off as the 1.4 favourite among the fourteen-strong field in the time-honoured final Group 1 of the season, a race in which he was beaten just a nose by Winner’s Man a year ago.

Under jockey Kim, Global Hit settled in the front of midfield as the field made their way through the first part of the race with the pace being set by stablemates American Gold and Black Belt with Naol Sniper and Tuhonui Banseok prominent.

It would stay that way until turning for home when Bart Rice’s Tuhonui Banseok, the only Korea-based horse to beat Global Hit this calendar year, struck the front and laid down the gauntlet. Once unleashed in the home straight though, Global Hit proved far too strong breezing past to run on and score by just under two-lengths on the line.

Global Hit, Grand Prix 2024 (Pic: KRA)

Tuhonui Banseok, racing for the first time since finishing as runner-up to Global hit in August’s KRA Cup Classic, was 2nd once more, with three-year-old double Classic winner Success Baekpa running on for a big 3rd place. Global Hit’s stablemate Speed Young was 4th.

“Actually, my goal was to win the Grand Prix last year.” Winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC after the race. “But we came 2nd, and I still blame myself a lot for that and thankfully today I was finally able to resolve it.”

“I have to thank Global Hit” she continued, “but I also have to thank the owner (Kim Joon-hyun) for sticking with me when there are so many qualified and skilled male jockeys. It would have been easy for him to change (after last year) but he stuck with me, and I am so grateful for his trust and to pay him back today,”

Global Hit and connections in the Grand Prix winner’s circle (Pic: KRA)

Jockey Kim also paid tribute to trainer Bang Dong-suk and his staff. “I feel like the trainer and assistants at stable 26 (Bang Dong-suk) are a perfect match and I’m really honoured to work with them.”

Global Hit will, all being well with his post-race vet checks, immediately enter pre-export quarantine before flying to Dubai and taking his chance at the Carnival in in the new year. He has a high international rating, which means he will probably need to compete in Group company at Meydan. The owner has selected Kim Hye-sun to also travel to ride him and the jockey said they are ready.

Hye-sun receives the acclaim – and the roses – from the crowd (Pic: KRA)

“I have high expectations. As a rider, it will be a great experience, and it is also amazing that (Global Hit) has the opportunity to go. I have always felt that I am riding a truly great horse, but I felt it even more this time and I am looking forward to working with him in Dubai.”

Global Hit [To Honor And Serve – Tammy’s Victress (by Yankee Victor)] moves on to ten win from seventeen lifetime starts. Bred by the Yeonhak Agricultural Co., he is owned by Kim Joon-hyun and trained by Bang Dong-suk.

GLOBAL HIT HEADLINES GRAND PRIX

Sunday at Seoul Racecourse sees the 42nd running of the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1), the final Group 1 race of the season and while with the advent of the Korea Cup, it is no longer the most valuable race on the calendar, in the eyes of many connections, it remains the most prestigious. SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE BY RACE PREVIEW FOR ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

This year, all eyes are on GLOBAL HIT, who has assumed the mantle of best horse in Korea. A year ago, he was beaten in this race by a nose following a final furlong duel with the now retired defending champion Winner’s Man, but he has been in imperious form since, going down to defeat just twice in 2024 The first of those was by a nose to TUHONUI BANSEOK in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) and then behind Crown Pride and Wilson Tesoro in the Korea Cup (1800M G3), preventing a Japanese clean sweep of the places by running 3rd.

Global Hit comes into the Grand Prix having won the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) by five-lengths in October and he will be a short-price favourite to claim what would be the biggest win of both his and jockey Kim Hye-sun’s respective careers before, all being well, the pair head for an overseas campaign in Dubai.

Can he be beaten? Moon Se-young is an eight-time champion jockey in Korea, but he hasn’t won this race since partnering Bally Brae to victory all the way back in 2007. If Global Hit comes up short, then Moon is well placed on NAOL SNIPER, 3rd in the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) and 2nd in the President’s Cup, to take advantage.

TUHONUI BANSEOK is there as well and while he races for the first time since running 2nd to Global Hit in the KRA Cup Classic in August, his quality is not in doubt. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG is a Group winner and having run 3rd in the President’s Cup, is not to be dismissed.

The new generation is represented by Classic winning SUCCESS BAEKPA, while fellow three-year-old AMERICA GOLD is an exciting up and comer and one of two in the race for trainer Luigi Riccardi.

The Grand Prix is race 7 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40:

1. MONTAUK CHAT – 6th of ten in the KRA Cup Classic and then 7th of eleven in the Korea Cup. Two ordinary class 2 handicap performances since, which is his level. This is very hard.

2. NAOL SNIPER – 3rd in the KRA Cup Classic and then an excellent 2nd in the President’s Cup, five-lengths behind Global Hit. Can lead or run on from behind, he steps up to the distance for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. Will be among the favourites.

3. SO MUCH GO – The seven-year-old enters in the form of his life having won his latest three, all at class 1 level and most recently at 2200M. He should relish the additional half furlong, and he will be running on strong. Not impossible he could get close.

(more…)

Grand Prix Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 1)

It’s the big one. The final Group 1 of the year, the Grand Prix Stakes is at Seoul on Sunday. We’ll have a full guide to the big race soon, but in the meantime, here is the race by race for the 11 race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and the 6 race card at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05:

Last year’s Grand Prix had quite the finish with the now retired Winner’s Man holding off this year’s favourite Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time.  We’re going to go with that one though and the delightfully named (8) WONDERFUL FAPPY. She didn’t run on when debuting over 1300M on October 27th but previously looked very goof when winning a trial. She should have derived benefit from that debut run and with a bit more maturity here, is worth another chance. (4) TAPDINE took a couple of goes to qualify but when he did, he looked very well, leading every step of the way in a trial on November 1st and stopping the clock in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will go close and Moon Se-young aboard means he will probably start as favourite. (2) MUNHAK BELL improved in the second of two trials while (5) SSOARA STAR and (6) NURI EUTTEUM are other first-timers with claims.

Selections(8) Wonderful Fappy (4) Tapdine (2) Munhak Bell (5) Ssoara Star
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Maiden fillies here and (11) CHOWON DOLPUNG will be the warm favourite. She debuted with a 2nd place before taking her chance in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo which was perhaps a bit much a bit soon. She then bounced back with a very close 4th place in a blanket finish in a filly maiden over 1000M on October 12th. Despite the wide gate, she should be on pace here and may take some beating. (3) SWITCH POWER has two 4th places among three starts so far most recently at 1200M on November 9th. She has finished off her races well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) KOTAP raced three times without distinction this Spring. She was then off for five months, returning to action on November 2nd with a solid 3rd. She should strip fitter for that effort and can go close here. (10) RAON THE BELMONT and (4) P N S PA others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Chowon Dolpung (3) Switch Power (2) Kotap (10) Raon The Belmont
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(5) YOUNG SKYWALKER was a beaten favourite on debut when 2nd over 1200M on October 13th and then a beaten favourite at start two when 3rd over 1300M on November 17th. He has raced on pace both times and in this company, with very little early speed, he can get to the front and the force really should be with him this time. (1) ANN BUNNY was a promising 3rd on debut over this distance on November 1st. She should have derived benefit from that, she draws well, and she can be in the mix here. (6) BREEDO COMET was 3rd behind Young Skywalker when they debuted together on that October 13th race, settling back and running on. He has had seven weeks off since and should have benefited for the run. (3) FLYING THE KHAN and (4) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who can improve.

Selections(5) Young Skywalker (1) Ann Bunny (6) Breedo Comet (3) Flying The Khan
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Very tricky maiden. We’ll go with (3) LUCKY SUNNY who, after an ordinary debut, was an improved 4th at start two over 1300M on November 3rd, racing handy. She draws nicely to sit behind the speed again here and third-up she can be peaking. (2) FLASH GOLD had a poor day at the office when well supported over this distance on October 27th, slowly away and never a factor. Instead, we go on his effort two starts back when on pace and a good 2nd then he is right in this from an in-form stable. (1) NAMCHON TOWN had a hard time in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy at start two in October, but he had posted a good time when 5th on debut back in July. That Listed race was his first outing since then and he should have come on for it. Munro is up. (11) JISAN FORCE and (8) TAEGISAN KING are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Lucky Sunny (2) Flash Gold (1) Namchon Town (11) Jisan Force
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (7) BIG JAWS has shown steady progress across three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over 1400M on November 1st when he raced close to the pace. Expect similar tactics today and back in trip, he has as good a chance as any. (3) SIX HERO will also be challenging for the lead early. His best finish so far is a 3rd place which came over this distance on October 6th. Franco climbs on and from a good gate he should be right in this. (11) WIND TIME was an improved 3rd at start number two at this distance on October 27th when she briefly led close to home and stopped the clock in a quicker time than any of the others here have achieved. She has the challenge of the widest gate but with a bit of luck at the start can find a good position and can be a danger. The form drops off significantly after those three. (10) HANEUL POKPUNG and debut-maker (4) BARBELL MOMO are perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(7) Big Jaws (3) Six Hero (11) Wind Time (10) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)