Author: gyongmaman

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 29)

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

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

(10) DRAGON KILLER has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd at 1200M and 1300M. He has proven able to come from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he has every chance of breaking through here. The danger is (7) MUNHAK BELL. She was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on January 5th when settling midfield and running on. She comes in fresh following twelve weeks out and will similarly be running on strong. (4) ALL NUT raced three times up until last June with a best of 3rd place at 1300M. She hasn’t raced since but looked well in a trial earlier this month and in this company can be backed on a place line first-up. (8) SUN CATCHER and (9) BITNARA others who can improve.

Selections(10) Dragon Killer (7) Munhak Bell (4) All Nut (8) Sun Catcher
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(2) SEOBU SKY could only manage 6th when sent off as favourite at start number two having bumped at the start and then got trapped wide. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on his solid 3rd place on debut and with the extended trip today possible to suit, he is worth another chance. (4) JUNMA FORCE has a 5th and two 4th place finishes from three outings so far. She has been doing her best work late on so she is another for who the slight step up in distance can favour and is the main danger. (11) DRAGON FANTASY was an improved 3rd at start number four on March 1st and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can be there or thereabouts again. (3) JILJU CHEONHA and (6) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN among plenty of others with at least place chances.

Selections(2) Seobu Sky (4) Junma Force (11) Dragon Fantasy (3) Jilju Cheonha
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) PURGE STEP was a winner on debut in a filly only maiden at 1300M in January before running a fair 4th on March 1st on her first try at this class and distance. She draws well here to sit just behind the speed, and she can return to winning ways. (10) ARCH DAY is yet to score in seven attempts and actually comes up in class here. Nevertheless, she has five top five finishes and won’t need to improve much on her showing when 2nd last time out in order to challenge here. (1) BIG BRIDGE is similarly a maiden but with no fewer than ten top five finishes from twelve starts and very nicely drawn, she can be an each-way chance. The up in class (5) FLYING LION, along with (3) HERO JILJU, who needs a line through her latest, are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Purge Step (10) Arch Day (1) Big Bridge (5) Flying Lion
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

Competitive race. (10) MR.STORM got his maiden win at start number four on February 15th when leading all the way over this distance. He is up in class and along with the wide draw, he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight drop, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come. (4) WANGCHOEGO is yet to score in eight attempts but has had plenty of near misses including as runner-up at this class and distance two outings back. On that effort he shapes as a big chance here, settling midfield and running on. (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is another maiden who has placed at this class and distance as recently as February, He has a smart finish on him and can run into the money again. (3) GOOGOO and (1) YONGBI TAEYANG are others in the frame.  

Selections(10) Mr.Storm (4) Wangchoego (2) Haksan Cairo (3) Googoo
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start7, 9, 10, 11

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 28)

The Triple Tiara gets underway this weekend with the Luna Stakes being run on Sunday. Prior to that the action gets underway with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive maiden with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) DEFENSE PLAY raced once without distinction last April but looked well when trialing in February, racing handy and running on for 3rd in a fair time. He draws nicely here and has as good a chance as any. (9) YONGBI LEGEND beat a couple of these when leading all the way to “win” a March 1st trial. That was his fourth attempt to qualify but if he brings that form to the races, then he should be a big chance here. (6) TANTAN DAERO was 2nd in that same trial, settling back and running on. In his case it was his second trial and he should be nicely fit for this. (5) ECHO CHAMP and (1) OVERSHOOTING others who can be considered first up.

Selections(4) Defense Play (9) Yongbi Legend (6) Tantan Daero (5) Echo Champ
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) WONDERFUL FORTUNE was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on February 7th when settling midfield and running on and beating a few of these in the process. The slight step up in trip can suit and she won’t need to improve much to win this. After a positive trial, (3) SWORN QUEEN ran a fair 5th on debut, settling just behind the pace and running on. She should have derived benefit from the run and can go closer here. (7) ILLUSION has hinted at ability across her six starts with her latest being her best when 4th at 1200M in a similar race to this on February 16th. She is another who may appreciate a bit more distance, and can be competitive. (4) NICE GIRL and (1) DREAMMA other chances.

Selections(10) Wonderful Fortune (3) Sworn Queen (7) Illusion (4) Nice Girl
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

Another competitive maiden. (8) FATE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two, both over the mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 28th. He likes to settle back and come from off the pace and today can be his day. (5) CARIBBEAN BAY enters off an improved 2nd place at 1400M on February 23rd when handy throughout. He tackles 1600M for the first time and it can suit. (6) HOUDINI was a solid 4th at 1400M last time out when drawn in the widest gate and then settling back. He too steps up to the mile with scope to get better. (2) DAEJI DABONG and (9) EAGLE POWER are among plenty of others who should be in the hunt

Selections(8) Fate (5) Caribbean Bay (6) Houdini (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 11

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

We’ll take a chance on (5) MEGA PLAY here. He ran out of steam on his first try at this class when stepped up to 1400M on February 28th, but he drops back to the distance at which he got his win back in January when on pace and from a good gate he can be in this. It’s been a long time since (3) ROAD TO THUNDER got his sole win, but his recent form reads nicely, and he has finished ahead of plenty of these. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field, and he should be finishing strongly again. (6) DRAGON PUCNH returned in January from six months out and has since finished 4th and 3rd in two outings back. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can be a threat. (11) DEUMULEO and (1) TENGRE other placing chances.

Selections(5) Mega Play (3) Road To Thunder (6) Dragon Punch (11) Deumuleo
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

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

(more…)

Queens’ Tour Opener Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 23)

The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer gets underway at Seoul on Sunday afternoon when a field of fourteen fillies and mares take their chance in the Dong-a Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed). Neither of last year’s divisional standouts Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong are taking part and it looks set to be a fascinating affair. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday between 10:35 and 18:00, while there are 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong is back in training but she skips the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) ROAD TO A SPUR has been getting closer over the course of his four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on February 16th when he led until the closing stages. He draws nicely to lead again here, and he will be a short price favourite to go one better. (6) HANEUL GAMDONG was an improved 4th at start number two at the start of January, coming from off the pace. He comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and he shapes as the main danger. Those two will fill out most quinella tickets. (7) BREEDO KING STAR has been a touch disappointing in two starts back from a lengthy absence. He had previously shown ability though and third-up, he may be fitter. (2) DOUBLE NINE and (10) LASER RUN others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(5) Road To A Spur (6) Haneul Gamdong (7) Breedo King Star (2) Double Nine
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 10

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

(2) KOTAP enters off a best to date 2nd place at 1200M on February 22nd when she led for much of the way around. She has placed at this distance too and from a good draw and with Maia staying on, she can go one better today. The main danger is (3) DONGJIN THUNDER. She too enters off a runner-up finish at her latest appearance, in her case over this distance in a filly-only maiden on February 16th. She can settle handy and can run on. (10) BISANG BELL was an improved 3rd at start number two on February 23rd when ridden much further forward than on debut. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can build on that here. (6) HYEWONYONGMA and (7) CHEONJI LADY others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Kotap (3) Dongjin Thunder (10) Bisang Bell (6) Hyewonyongma
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

(6) GIANT BOSS got his maiden win at the third time of asking over this distance on February 9th when handy all the way. He is up in class but down in weight and he has every chance of measuring up in this company. (9) CHOWON DOLPUNG was a winner at this class over 1200M on February 15th in filly company. She is up 2kg in weight but that made it two from her latest three and she is not to be dismissed here. (10) ECLIPSE EDGE has a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both of them at this class and distance. His sole win came from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he shapes as a potential danger late on. The up in class last start winners (3) ECLIPSE LUCKY and (5) NAMSAN SONYEO may have a bit more to find but can be competitive.

Selections(6) Giant Boss (9) Chowon Dolpung (10) Eclipse Edge (3) Eclipse Lucky
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start2, 3,4, 9

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

(5) DONGNAM DOLPUNG has made steady progress across his four starts so far, with his best being his latest when 2nd over this distance on February 21st when, as has been his pattern, he settled back and came from off the pace. Expect similar here and he will be hot favourite to come out on top this time. (9) GLOBAL HEROINE has two 3rd places from four starts, including her last start over 1200M on February 23rd. In this company she can be on pace, and she can be in this a long way. (11) GOLDEN SPOT has been poor in his latest two but does have the fastest time among these for the distance and under a light weight could provide some each-way interest. (10) BEOLGYOUI BOM and (2) TIP TAP, the latter making his return eight months on from his debut and who trialed well, are others to consider.

Selections(5) Dongnam Dolpung (9) Global Heroine (11) Golden Spot (10) Beolgyoui Bom
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

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

(2) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win from six attempts, but he has never been worse than 5th and comes in having run a very close 2nd at this class over 1300M on February 9th. His other runner-up finish came on his only previous try at this trip, and he looks to be the one to beat here. (9) GANDAGO comes in having run on from a long way back for 3rd place at 1300M on February 22nd. She is one for one at this distance and under a light weight, she is the main danger here. (11) LUCKY SUNNY could only manage midfield when tried at 1700M for his first go at this class on February 16th. At the start before he was a good maiden winner over 1300M and can appreciate the drop back to one turn. (3) B.K. BELLE and (6) YES MADAM are the other main placing chances.

Selections(2) Geuma Foremost (9) Gandago (11) Lucky Sunny (3) B.K. Belle
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 22)

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

CC Wong has plenty of chances this weekend (Pic: KRA)

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

Nine maiden fillies and one gelding in the opener. (6) GEOLJAK HAPPY is one of only two in the field to have a top three finish on her record, something she managed last September over 1000M. She returned from three months out on February 23rd to run a fair 6th of eleven and stripping fitter today, has as good a chance as any. (9) NURI JILJU has run 6th in both her starts so far at 1300M and at this distance. She has demonstrated a decent start so in this company, she can be on pace and be a threat. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST is the other to have placed in her case when 3rd three starts back at 1300M and that’s enough to have her in contention here. (7) JISAN FRIEND and (2) GEUMGYEPORAN others who could potentially improve in a weak field.

Selections(6) Geoljak Happy (9) Nuri Jilju (5) Semyeong Ghost (7) Jisan Friend
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

Imported maidens with two standouts. After a positive trial (9) NICE FORCE was well supported on debut when he overcame the widest gate to sit handy and run on for 4th. That was back in December so he comes in here fresh after fourteen weeks out, Ruan Maia climbs on, and he can win. The danger is (5) TANSEONGUI BANSEOK. After a slow start, he rattled home from a long way back to beat three of today’s rivals when 2nd on debut on February 22nd. He comes into a much better gate this time and if he can be a bit closer a bit sooner, he can go one better. (3) GLOBAL COMPUTING did nothing on debut in January, but he has since been back to trial, which he came through well finishing in 2nd place in a decent time. CC being booked suggests he can be better this time around. (10) GLOBAL PHAROAH and (11) CALM IN STORM are potential other ones who can improve.

Selections(9) Nice Force (5) Tanseongui Banseok (3) Global Computing (10) Global Pharoah
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(5) KARA K will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. She has three top five finishes from four starts so far with her best being a 2nd place two starts back over 1200M. She enters off a 4th place at 1300M on February 16th and while up to this trip for the first time, she won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) HERO CHOICE comes in off an improved 3rd place at start number three on February 22nd, coming from well back at 1300M. The slight increase in distance can suit and he can go close again here. Veteran maiden (9) TRES VITE is yet to finish in the top two in twenty-eight starts but he has no fewer than fourteen finishes between 3rd and 5th and this is the kind of company he can pick up a cheque in again. (7) LADYBIRD and (4) GRAY PHANTOM other place chances.

Selections(5) Kara K (6) Hero Choice (9) Tres Vite (7) Ladybird
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

(7) PASA KING is very much the one to beat here. He broke his maiden at start two last November and has since raced twice at this class and distance, running 3rd both times. He comes in under similar conditions and among slightly softer company, he can win. (1) ROYAL BEST doesn’t win out of turn but has plenty of minor money finishes and from a good draw, this is the kind of race in which he can be on pace and in things a long way. (4) HAKSAN DAESE will need a line drawn through her latest when she struggled from a wide draw. Harry climbs on here and he can be a danger. (5) SSANG OK RU and the up in class (10) LADY BLUE are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Pasa King (1) Royal Best (4) Haksan Daese (5) Ssang Ok Ru
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 21)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a first timer, and (3) QUEEN SPICY, who ran a solid 3rd in her trial, showing on pace. She draws nicely to lead here and can put in a bold showing first-up under Franco. (2) WINNING TREE raced handy on debut over 1300M on February 14th, ultimately running 2nd. He should have come on for that experience and similarly well drawn, can be firmly in this. So too (10) WIND VAIN. She came from off the pace on her debut at 1200M in January and entering here fresh off ten weeks off can be challenging late again. (12) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE ran a fair 4th on debut and can have come on for the experience while returning to the first-timers, (8) SHOOT FOR THEMOON was 2nd in the latter of two trials and can go well first up.

Selections(3) Queen Spicy (2) Winning Tree (10) Wind Vain (12) Apdojeok Numberone
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 12

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

(6) WIND TIME has made progress across three starts so far, with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this distance and in contrasting styles from on pace and from behind. She has also registered the fastest time among these for 1200M and is the one to beat here. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (2) JEONGMUN FELIX has hinted at ability across three starts with a best of 5th. He draws nicely here and in this company, he should improve. (5) LION MAGIC ran a fair 5th on debut at this distance in February, coming from well off the pace. He should have derived benefit from the experience and be closer here. (7) FLYING SHOOTER and (12) YONGBI THUNDER are others who may improve.

Selections(6) Wind Time (2) Jeongmun Felix (5) Lion Magic (7) Flying Shooter
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(3) BEOLGYO MABEOPSA hinted at figuring things out when 3rd over 1300M on February 14th, coming out of gate ten and finishing strongly. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time, he draws better, and he can win here.  (12) DIVINE KINGDOM enters in the best form of his career with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both times coming from well back. The wide draw won’t matter, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (6) MEGA MACHINE need a line drawn through his latest but if we go on his 2nd place at this distance two starts back then he has to be firmly in this. (4) BRAVO SINHWA and (7) CRUELLA are other minor money chances.

Selections(3) Beolgyo Mabeopsa (12) Divine Kingdom (6) Mega Machine (4) Bravo Sinhwa
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

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

(3) FLEX ENGINE was a front-running winner on debut before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1200M on February 21st, having led for much of the way. He draws very well to be on pace here and he can potentially go all the way. Veteran (4) DAEHOMA has won just once in fifty-three starts but his recent form has been strong with his latest yielding his seventh runner-up finish on March 2nd at this distance. Franco stays on and they should be close again. (8) FANTASTIC HUMOR enters off 2nd place at 1300M at the beginning of December. He has had fifteen weeks off since so he comes in fresh, and he can be a danger. (5) MONSTER DRAGON and last start winner (6) MAGIC ELEVEN are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Flex Engine (4) Daehoma (8) Fantastic Humor (5) Monster Dragon
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(more…)

Herald Business Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 16)

The Stayer Series – and Road to the Korea Cup – gets underway at Seoul on Sunday with a super looking renewal of the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won last year’s Herald Business Cup but is currently in quarantine hacing returned from Dubai on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) POWER BAND did nothing on debut but was a significantly improved 3rd at start number two in an all-filly maiden over this distance on February 15th racing handy throughout. She’ll be on pace here and third-up, she can be peaking. (3) CRAZY MANGO similarly got better on his second start, in his case on February 16th at this distance when settling midfield and running on. He too draws well and again, third-up, can be better. (4) BLACK SMILE has hinted at ability across seven starts so far with her best being 5th. Ruan Maia stays on and in this company she can sit behind the speed and be aiming for a much better finish. (11) DIA ROOK and (9) SOMETHING DARK others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Power Band (3) Crazy Mango (4) Black Smile (11) Dia Rook
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

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

(6) WORLD JOY has made steady progress across five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on February 15th when settling midfield and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. Expect similar tactics here and he won’t need to improve much to go one better. (1) PURGE RUBY was 4th behind World Joy in that February 15th race, coming from well off the pace after a slow start. She comes into a better gate here and can be finishing off strong again. (9) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from three outings. In this company, he may be ridden a bit further forward a bit earlier and he should be in the finish. (2) THUNDER MARVEL and (11) WHITE ROMANCE others to consider.

Selections(6) World Joy (1) Purge Ruby (9) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (2) Thunder Marvel
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

(4) ECLIPSE BLACK has been through two trials since parting company with his jockey on his latest start back in January. Prior to that, he had recorded his best finish to date when 2nd over 1400M at the end of December. He looked well enough in those trials and the step up to 1700M may allow him to settle into his racing a little better. (7) ILINX beat three of these on his way to 2nd on his first try at this distance on February 22nd, racing on pace throughout. He’ll be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (1) BEST KINGDOM stepped up to this trip for the first time on February 8th and ran a solid 3rd pace from off the pace and can be close once more. (3) CHAMPIONS FIELD and (2) SANBANG BOMNAL are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(4) Eclipse Black (7) Ilinx (1) Best Kingdom (3) Champions Field
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(7) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL has made steady progress across three starts with her latest her best when 2nd at 1300M on January 26th. There isn’t much speed here so he may well be ridden on pace, and he can go one better. (4) FLYING RACE has a 2nd and a 3rd from his lates two, most recently when coming from well back on February 21st. He has the fastest time among these for the distance by a considerable margin, and he shapes as the main danger. The rest will need to lift. (8) DOCTOR MATTERS will need a line drawn through her latest but if we go on her 4th place two starts back over this distance, then in this company, she has to have a chance. (1) ZETTA PRINCE and (6) SEOBU DANCING others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (4) Flying Race (8) Doctor Matters (1) Zetta Prince
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) RED DRAGON was a winner on debut in December before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on January 19th. Both times she settled back before showing strong late speed, and she should have too much for her rivals here. (2) BEOLGYO LAVA is up in class having secured her maiden win at the fourth time of asking at 1200M on February 15th. She is up in trip too but down in weight, she draws well, and with Moon Se-young riding for the first time, she can measure up here. (1) MAX TANGO is yet to win but had three runner-up finishes among six starts including last time out at this class and distance. That was at the end of November so she comes in here fresh, and she can be in the placing mix again. (11) GROW and (7) GRACE ROUTE others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(8) Red Dragon (2) Beolgyo Lava (1) Max Tango (11) Grow
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) GOOGLE CAR got his maiden win at start three over 1200M last November and while it took him a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level, he stepped up to 1400M and ran an on-pace 2nd on February 14th. He comes up 3kg in weight from that, but he can be on pace again and can go one better. The danger is (11) MR.WOLF.  He is yet to win in eight attempts, but has placed twice at this class, most recently when 3rd over 1200M on February 21st. He can run well from the front or from behind and given the lack of early speed he can defy the wide draw to get forward early. (2) MATONGNYEONG was well back behind Google Car last time out but ran 2nd at this distance in January at class 6 level and drawn well with Munro on, can get closer. (7) JET SUN and (3) SHANGHAI THUNDER other place chances.

Selections(9) Google Car (11) Mr.Wolf (2) Matongnyeong (7) Jet Sun
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(more…)

Seoul; Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 15)

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

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

Small field but it’s competitive and four of the eight race for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut maker and (6) WHITE CARLA, who went through two trials (the latter was voluntary and may not be in all race cards) improving to win the second of them running on pace and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance first-up. Of the experienced ones, (2) AWESOME QUEEN was 2nd on debut over this distance on January 25th, coming from off the pace. She should have come on for that run and can go close again. (5) QUANTUM K put in a solid 5th on her first start, and she too can have benefitted from the experience. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN trialed behind White Carla and Moon Se-young’s booking will tempt some. (9) BODY CHECK can improve.  

Selections(6) White Carla (2) Awesome Queen (5) Quantum K (8) Cheongryong Giun
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) UNJU TIME has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently beating a couple of these on January 12th when settling midfield and running on. She had a wide draw that day too and third-up she can be peaking. (6) MUNHAK FIGHTER was a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on February 15th, stalking the leader throughout but unable to get by. She should have come on for that run and she can be in this a long way too. (10) UPPERHAND enters off an improved 2nd place over this distance in a similar all-filly maiden on February 8th. That continued a positive trajectory of results, and she is another who can be coming home strong here. (7) RACE ROSE and (9) CRAZY MARI among others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Unju Time (6) Munhak Fighter (10) Upperhand (7) Race Rose
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

(2) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL will be a hot favourite here. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times racing on pace. He draws well to get a soft lead, and he should prove too good. (6) STUNNING STEP has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a very close 2nd place over 1200M on February 9th when settling back and running on. In this company he may be ridden further forward, and he can be a danger late. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has been well supported in both starts so far, most recently an improved 4th place on February 8th. Moon Se-young stays on and they can settle just behind the speed and run into some money. (7) RAON THE CAVIAR and (1) JOY CHEONHA others who can be in the mix.

Selections(2) Cheongryongui Cal (6) Stunning Step (3) Gyeoul Jangmi (7) Raon The Caviar
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(11) HAKSAN SPEED got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2nd on his first try at this class on February 15th having led almost the entire way over 1400M. He comes up 2kg in weight and he has the challenge of the widest gate, but Maia stays on and he can return to winning ways. (5) HYEUKMUSANG was a winner at this class and distance on January 12th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has the steadier of an additional 3.5kg today, but he draws well, and a repeat isn’t impossible. (3) CANVASEN GO got his maiden win two starts back before running a fair 4th on his first try at class 5 on February 8th when slow away and coming from a long way back. With a better start he can get closer.  (2) HANGANG FANTASTIC and (4) CAPTAIN RISE among others to look out for.                                                                                                                                                          

Selections(11) Haksan Speed (5) Hyeukmusang (3) Canvasen Go (2) Hangang Fantastic
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 14)

We’re set for an absolute treat on Sunday when the Road to the Korea Cup gets underway with the G3 Herald Business Trophy at Seoul as in the absence of Global Hit, arguably the sixteen next best horses in the nation all line up in what should be one of the most competitive races in a very long time. Before that though, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa will be one of the Busan raiders at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden fillies. (4) QUEENS DRAGON has raced twice, improving to 2nd place in a similar race to this on February 23rd when on pace throughout. She draws well to be on pace again, she can be peaking third up, and she can go one better. There are three debut-makers and (11) OH FANTASTIC was the best in her trial, leading every step of the way and crossing the line plenty of lengths to the good in a fair time She has the challenge of a wide draw, but if she brings that form to the races, she will be close. (7) TWOTWO PERFOR showed on pace on debut, ultimately running 4th over this distance. She should have come on for that run and can be in the mix here. (6) HOLIDAY QUEEN came through the same heat as Oh Fantastic and while eight-lengths adrift, showed enough to suggest ability. (5) QUEEN RACE another in the frame.

Selections(4) Queens Dragon (11) Oh Fantastic (7) Twotwo Perfor (6) Holiday Queen
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

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

Tricky maiden. (8) THE NOMINATE did nothing in one appearance last May and didn’t run again until January when a solid 3rd place over 1200M. She could only manage a midfield finish when well supported on February 16th, but she looks nicely in here and can be fitter for those two runs. (1) SPEED BOY came from well off the pace to run a much-improved 4th over 1400M on February 9th. He comes into a much better gate and in this company can match or better that today. (11) SUN JAE was similarly significantly better on his most recent outing, in his case his third, on February 16th when settling back and running on for 4th. He too can come on for that run and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue. (4) GWANGPUNG STAR and (7) HOUND POKER look best of a mediocre rest.

Selections(8) The Nominate (1) Speed Boy (11) Sun Jae (4) Gwangpung Star
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 12

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

(1) CHAMP SONNY ran 5th on debut in January before beating a few of these on his way to 3rd place at start number two over 1400M on February 16th. He has been doing his best work late, the step up to a mile can suit, and third up he can be peaking. (12) BARBELL MOMO has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at a mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 21st. (4) INDY GHOST was 6th behind Champ Sonny on February 16th but came into that race having run 3rd in both her previous outings. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and she will have plenty of backers to get closer today. (5) BAEDARI BOSEOK and (10) PINOT POWER are among plenty of others with at least placing hopes in a competitive race.

Selections(1) Champ Sonny (12) Barbell Momo (4) Indy Ghost (5) Baedari Boseok
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

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

(3) GREAT TOP ran 3rd on debut over this distance on January 10th before getting his maiden win at start number two at 1300M on February 14th, leading pretty much all the way having overcome gate eleven. He comes up in class but is down in the weights, he comes into a better gate and with Seo Seung-un as ringmaster, he can win again. (8) SIX HERO has five top five finishes from seven starts with his best being a 2nd place at this distance two outings back. In this company he should be on or close to the pace and he shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after those two. (1) BROWN ROOKIE has finished midfield in both starts at this class since her maiden win in December but draws nicely here and can be a place chance. (7) SINHAE MANGCHI and (5) TENGRE, the latter who can at least be replied upon to be on the speed, others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(3) Great Top (8) Six Hero (1) Brown Rookie (7) SInhae Mangchi
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Fillies only and it is a very good race. (10) CHRYSOL HERO got her maiden win two starts back and then ran 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on February 14th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She comes up 2kg in weight but had little trouble with gate ten last time and she should win again. (8) SUCCESS GOLD got her maiden win at start four having gone progressively closer in the previous three. She’s up in class but fairly weighted and she looks to have more to offer. (5) BLACK TREE is also up in class after a maiden win, in her case over 1200M on February 23rd when racing handy. She comes down 2.5kg in weight and can measure up here. (2) CANCAN STEP and (11) MUSKET GIRL among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(10) Chrysol Hero (8) Success Gold (5) Black Tree (2) Cancan Step
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(more…)

Road To Korea Sprint Kicks Off Sunday at Busan

The first Group race of the Korean season finally takes place on Sunday as the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) kicks off the Sprint Series on the South Coast, and with it the road to September’s International Korea Sprint. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN.

It’s been a while since Eoma Eoma prevailed (Pic: KRA)

Thirteen will take their chance at Busan on Sunday, and there could be a changing of the guard at last in the speed division with BLACK MAMBA set to be the warm favourite. Although already five-years-old, he has had an interrupted career, finishing down the field behind Global Hit in the 2023 Korean Derby and then not racing again until April of the following year.

Black Mamba has assembled a record of eight wins from thirteen starts and was 2nd in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M last November before putting together back-to-back one-turn class 1 wins. The son of With Distinction is in pole position in gate one to get his first Group race success.

At the start turn of the year VINCERO CAVALLO was set to be the next big thing over the shorter distances. His stock took a hit somewhat when only managing 8th of twelve on last month’s Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul but the Seo In-seok trainee will have backers to return to form here.

Meanwhile, the old-guard is represented by 2022 Korea Sprint winner EOMA EOMA, who may have lost a yard of pace or so still has plenty of quality as well as the in-form CC Wong returning to the mount.

The wildcards are WINNER CLEAR, a two-time Listed winner in juvenile races at this distance last autumn, and CHOEGOUI KKUM a winner of five from six who races for the first time since last September.

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is the final race on the 6-race Sunday card at Busan with a local post time of 16:30.

1. BLACK MAMBA (KOR) – Emphatic class 1 winner at this distance in December and 1400M in January and beat plenty of these when 2nd in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November. Great draw and big chance.

2. LEEWOLMA (KOR) – Well back behind Vincero Cavallo and others last start but is a solid class 1 campaigner. Comes in fresh after thirteen weeks out but first time in Group company and others favoured.

3. VINCERO CAVALLO (KOR) – Multiple class 1 winner at this distance but disappointed in the Listed Segue Ilbo Trophy at this distance on February 16th and other than a bump at the start didn’t have many excuses. Well worth another chance today from a great draw.

(more…)

Sprint Series Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (March 9)

The Sprint Series gets underway on Sunday with the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) on the south coast. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 (with the big race being the last) and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the Busan Ilbo Sprint a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) AFLEET RUN has a 3rd and a 5th among three starts so far, all at this distance. He was a beaten odds-on favourite last time out when racing handy, but in this company, will be well-backed again. (11) SECRET WOLF ran a solid 4th place on debut over this distance on February 15th, settling midfield and running on. She should have come on for that run and can break through.  (4) RYAN HEART was a fair 3rd on debut when leading before being a touch disappointing when fading at start two over 1300M on February 8th. He draws better to lead here and can be given another chance. (2) COMPLETE TOUCH, who beat Afleet Run when 3rd at start number two on February 9th, along with (1) BEST RAZI, who has won a trial since a couple of underwhelming efforts, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Afleet Run (11) Secret Wolf (4) Ryan Heart (2) Complete Touch
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 1

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) SUHYANG MIIN has four top five finishes among her five outings including a 2nd, and she was beaten favourite when 5th last time out when failing to get on pace and dropping right back. She has a better gate today, Moon Se-young gets on, and she is worth another chance. (3) MORNING WONDER has a 4th and a 3rd from her first two, the latter at this distance on February 8th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. Third-up she can strip fitter, and she can be a danger. (9) FASHION STAR has similarly hinted at ability with a 3rd and a 5th from her first two appearances. She is half-sister to a Korean Group winner, and she can continue her progress here. (6) YEONGWON POTEN and (7) GLORY DAY other chances.

Selections(2) Suhyang Miin (3) Morning Wonder (9) Fashion Star (6) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

(9) GINSHARI BOY was a winner at start number two on January 26th, racing on pace throughout over 1200M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but is slightly down in the weights, and he can win again. (10) CHUPUNGNYEONG is also up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three over 1200M when coming from well off the pace on January 11th. Also up in trip but down in weight, his running style suggests the further the better at this stage and he can be a big danger late on. (11) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in six attempts, but has never finished any worse than 5th. He enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 16th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he can be in the mix again. (5) BEOLGYO D Y and (3) WONDERFUL SWEET, the latter hopefully stripping fitter second-up after eight months out, are others to consider.

Selections(9) Ginshari Boy (10) Chupungnyeong (11) Haksan Cairo (5) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

Fillies only in the South Coast opener. It took (9) HOMYEONG SHINHWA a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has picked up considerably in her latest two with a 3rd and a 2nd, most recently at1200M on February 7th and coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un climbs on and the slight step up in trip can be what she needs to make the breakthrough. (2) SCYTHAI has made good progress across three starts, culminating in 2nd at this distance on February 7th when settling midfield and running on. She was well beaten by a good winner, but a similar effort will see her in the frame here. (6) BAEKPAL BOEUN was 5th behind Scythai in that race and with a 3rd place at the outing prior and Munro staying on, it’s enough to put her in the mix. (12) GOD NIKE and (7) HWARYEOHANJOMYEONG others to keep safe.

Selections(9) Homyeong Shinhwa (2) Scythai (6) Baekpal Boeun (12) God Nike
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two over 1400M in October and was well fancied for his first try at this class on December 1st. He only managed 6th – although a couple of these horses who beat him have gone on to do well – but came back lame in the off foreleg. He looked well enough when trialing in late January and he can go well first up here. (1) DANAEUN KINGDOM got his maiden win at start two over this distance on February 9th, settling midfield and running on well. He is up in class but down in weight and from a good draw he will probably start as favourite. (3) JEONGSEONG VICE enters off a 3rd place last time out at class and distance and that’s enough to put him in the placing mix again in this company. (6) CAMP DAVID and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others to consider.

Selections(4) Useung Jinli (1) Danaeun Kingdom (3) Jeongseong Vice (6) Camp David
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

(3) BARBELL TROFEO was disappointing when favourite two starts back but bounced back to run 2nd at this distance on February 16th, racing on pace. While that January capitulation is a concern, he draws nicely here, Franco gets on, and he will be a warm favourite to oblige. There are two first-timers and (9) THUNDER PASSION will have plenty of supporters. It has taken him an age to get to the track having first trialed back in 2023. His latest heat was at the end of December when he ran 2nd in what was a slow time but Seo Seung-un’s booking and the weak company will mean he can be given a chance. (7) ASTRE comes in off a 4th place over 1300M on February 14th and a similar effort can see him go better here. (4) USANG RYUNG and (12) HOUDINI perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Barbell Trofeo (9) Thunder Passion (7) Astre (4) Usang Ryung
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(more…)