Author: gyongmaman

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (1) FOREVER HIT took two goes to qualify but did so well at the second time of asking, running 3rd behind two experienced horses having shown handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for this and can win. (12) GENERAL WIND won his trial in late September showing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate but if he brings that form to the races, he will be in the finish. (11) WALLSTREET was on pace too in her heat, crossing the line in 4th in a decent time and she too can put in a bold showing first up. (5) FANTASTIC BRO and (7) SONGDANG SKY trialed up behind Forever Hit and hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Forever Hit (12) General Wind (11) Wallstreet (5) Fantastic Bro
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) GEUMA SPLASHY won a trial and then led for most of the way on debut over 1200M on October 3rd, before being passed by Roshe. Drawn well to lead again, the cut back in trip should be in his favour and he will be a strong favourite. (7) MIGHTY CODE took three trials to get to the races but debuted well in 2nd at 1200M coming from well off the pace on August 30th.  He should have come on for it and will be finishing strongly. Of the first timers (1) GAMSAUI HIM won his trial in a decent time and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. (6) ONE DIA significantly improved in a second trial can also be considered first up. Returning to the experience, (11) SOUTHERN BEACH was a fair 4th on debut and can build on that today.

Selections(3) Geuma Splashy (7) Mighty Code (1) Gamsaui Him (6) One Dia
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 11

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

(9) POWERFUL SLEW finished midfield over 1000M on debut in September but was an improved 3rd at start two when stepped up to this trip on October 4th, coming from well off the pace. Third up he can peaking fitness wise and he looks the one to beat. (6) DDATTEUTHAN WIRO has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when a close 2nd over 1300M, running on. CC climbs up for the first time, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (4) CHRYSOL DONGHAE was 2nd on debut all the way back in January but came out of the race lame and didn’t race again until July by which time he was gelded. It was a good return, finishing 3rd at 1200M and while he had further setbacks afterwards, he came back into work in the second week of this month, and he is already a proven performer first-up. (5) PARADISO and (1) SEVEN KAISER are the other placing chances.

Selections(9) Powerful Slew (6) Ddatteuthan Wiro (4) Chrysol  Donghae (5) Paradiso
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only and we’ll take a chance on (11) CLUB Q. After a 3rd and a 2nd, she got her maiden win at start three over this distance at the end of June, coming from off the pace from a similarly wide gate. She is up in class and after seventeen weeks out match fitness must be taken on trust, but she looks worth a go at an each-way price. (2) I AM GO went a bit cold for a couple of races but came back into some form with a 3rd place at this class over 1300M when on pace. She can aim to lead here and be in this a long way. (10) WONDERFUL ALONG mixes her form but on her 2nd place at class and distance two outings back, she has to be given a chance in this company. (4) GIDAEHARA and (6) GOOD FRIEND others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Club Q (2) I Am Go (10) Wonderful Along (4) Gidaehara
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 24)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) B K. SPIRIT ran midfield on debut over 1000M on September 19th but that was in spite of a dreadful start and then laying out. She was sent back to trial, which she blitzed in a time of 60.2 seconds and if her manners are up to scratch here, she can win. (9) ONE PLUS ONE was a trial winner, on pace throughout. With a good start here, he can be in this a long way first up. (1) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE is another who was slowly away on debut, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 4th, albeit well beaten by Funny Wild who was 3rd in Listed Juvenile company last Sunday. She comes into a much better gate today and can go better. (4) GLOBAL PRINCE and (11) SUCCESS RUN among others who hinted at ability in their trials.  

Selections(7) B K. Spirit (9) One Plus One (1) Lampyojeonggeenie (4) Global Prince
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

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

Maiden fillies with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) WORLD EAGLE CAT has raced twice, following up a 5th on debut with a 3rd at start two on September 19th, both over 1000M. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) YURIM ACE was well supported on debut and did show on pace until blundering and becoming unbalanced at the top of the straight, ultimately finishing 6th of nine. Seo Seung-un is on and plenty will give her another chance. (12) BORYEONG ONE ROAD ran 4th on debut over 1000M before being given her chance in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy in September. She finished last in that but in much more amenable company today she should be better. (3) PILSEUNG WINNER looks the best of the first timers and if the trial is anything to go by, will be on pace, while (10) WOLF STEP is another who could go well first-up.

Selections(11) World Eagle Cat (8) Yurim Ace (12) Boryeong One Road (3) Pilseung Winner
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

(12) CAPTAIN DRAGON didn’t do much in three starts at the beginning of this year but in two outings back following four months out, he has run 3rd and 2nd, both at a mile and most recently beating three of today’s rivals when he led on September 26th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he is the one to beat. (2) OWNER CHAMP has five top five finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 4th over 1400M from her latest two. She has a smart finish on her and the step up to the mile can suit. (11) BREEDO CAPTAIN was 5th behind Captain Dragon on September 26th but was 2nd over this distance two weeks before that and can be in the mix here. (3) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG and (7) CHAMP KING among plenty of others with chances.

Selections(12) Captain Dragon (2) Owner Champ (11) Breedo Captain (3) Neverstop Heemang
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) ACE SUN ran 2nd on debut in August and then led all the way to win by a full ten-lengths at start number two over this distance on September 12th. He comes up in class but is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well to lead again, and the manner of that victory suggests more to come. (7) FANTASTIC FORCE ground out a hard-fought win over 1000M on debut on September 26th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and in trip but is down in weight and can measure up. (10) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five runner-up finishes including all of her latest three and she will be there or thereabouts again. (1) SWEET BELLE and (11) OH FANTASTIC among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Ace Sun (7) Fantastic Force (10) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (1) Sweet Belle
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

(more…)

Chief Star, Super Aero Claim Juvenile Series Scores With Finale Just a Month Away

With a month to go, the G2 Breeders’ Cup at Busan on November 23rd is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing renewals of recent times after Seoul and Busan hosted their respective 2nd legs of the Juvenile Series this past weekend.

Super Aero (far side) gets the better of Wild Park (Pic: KRA)

At Seoul, all the attention was on a filly. Chief Star hadn’t raced since a facile victory in August’s Rookie Stakes took her to two wins from two starts but she had looked very well in a September trial and was accordingly sent off as the prohibitive 1.4 favourite in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

There was a brief scare for favourite backers and Chief Star fly jumped as the gates opened, enabling another filly, Wonpyeong Sket, 2nd in both the Rookie Stakes and the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy (the latter missed by Chief Star) to get to the lead.

Jockey Choi Bum-hyun didn’t panic and Chief Star tracked Wonpyeong Sket closely before asserting her superiority in the home straight and running on to win by three-lengths.

“She didn’t settle in the gate and was moving forwards and backwards and then she jumped as the gate opened” winning jockey Choi explained to KRBC. “I think the pleasing thing is that even with (this adversity) she still won well.”

“She is a young filly and so long as she is healthy and free from injuries then I think we will see a lot of good things from her.”

Chief Star is by Shackleford and out of Halla Chukje (by the Coronando’s Quest stallion Gottcha Gold). She is owned by Kim Gil-ri and trained by Moon Byeong-ki.

Chief Star (Pic: KRA)

At Busan, things were much closer. After narrow wins in both the Busan Rookie Stakes and in last month’s Gangse-gu Mayor’s Trophy, Wild Park was sent off as the odds-on favourite to complete a hat-trick in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed).

Once more it was close, and it looked as though Wild Park would prevail again as under Seo Seung-un, he struck the front with a furlong to run in a seesaw stretch battle with Super Aero, who he had defeated in the Rookie Stakes.

That would be to discount the heart of Super Aero, however, as with Masa Tanaka aboard, the Bart Rice trainee rallied on the inside to once more come level with Wild Park and ultimately get the decision in the photo-finish by a nose. The pair finished two-lengths ahead of Wild Park’s stablemate Funny Wild, who was making just his second appearance and also looks a prospect.

A colt by Mischievously and out of Kkeutpan Aero (by Archarcharch), the dam also having been campaigned by owner Kang Bong-han and trainer Rice, Super Aero moves on to three wins from four starts.

“He has high cruising speed, and we used the barrier to full advantage today” winning jockey Tanaka said of Super Aero. “(Wild Park) went in front a half neck at one stage but (Super Aero) fought so hard to get his nose back in front.”

“He’s gained 40kg since his first trial, so he’s growing well. Today’s Seoul winner looked pretty impressive but at 1400M (in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie), it can be a very competitive race.”

Tanaka was of course talking about Chief Star but there is another Seoul juvenile who is three for three. Mujehan Geup has kept out of the way of the filly but in her absence, he was a very impressive winner of the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in September, with Wonpyeong Sket again 2nd. He came back into training two weeks ago and can add another layer of intrigue in Busan next month.

Not Nearly Anymore! Speed Young Races To Group 1 Glory in President’s Cup

Speed Young, Korean racing’s nearly horse, finally tasted Group 1 glory with victory in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. The five-year-old held out Gangpungma by just under a length with Success Baekpa and the defending champion Global Hit 3rd and 4th. The top four in the market dominated and beat home the rest of the field by a full nine-lengths.

Speed Young is Group 1 (Pic: KRA)

Despite having missed the Korea Cup through lameness discovered after being beaten by Success Baekpa in August’s KRA Cup Classic, Global Hit was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite for the richest open age race in the country that is restricted to local bred horses.

While settling fairly under Kim Hye-sun and taking up a good position coming into the home straight, Global Hit never threatened to win and was beaten a long way from home.

Instead, it was Speed Young who, having raced handy throughout with Jung Do-yun on board, took things up with just over a furlong to go and ran on to hold off the fast-finishing Gangpungma with plenty to spare.

“I think we won because we rode a confident race plan today. I wanted to get forward and not to have to worry about what any other horse was doing” winning jockey Jung Do-yun told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

It was the jockey’s first Group 1 win. “When you choose to be a jockey as your profession, winning Group 1 races is your ultimate goal and now I have done that I am so happy I can’t express it in words…I really want to thank the owner for trusting me with the ride, the trainer for his guidance and the fans in Seoul for their support whenever I come here.”

Speed Young won three of his first five races and was champion juvenile in 2022 but won only another three in his next twenty-one starts with the biggest coming in last year’s G3 Owners’ Cup at Busan.

Always running in Graded Stakes company though he had amassed a slew of top four finishes at distances between 1200M and 2300M. Demonstrating his versatility and reliability – “Swiss army knife” is one of his many nicknames – Speed Young was the best locally trained finisher in the 2024 Korea Sprint and the 2025 Korea Cup.

“I am very happy.” Park Nam-sung, who owns Speed Young through his D R M City group and also, under his own name, Gangpungma and therefore had a very good day, smiled to KRBC. “Of course, the victory had absolutely nothing to do with me but all the staff who made it happen.”

“Finally, it’s a victory. I bought Speed Young for 100 Million Won and since then he has lots of top two and three and four finishes, the occasional win, but always in the best races. He was 4th in the Korea Cup and now he makes a statement by winning the President’s Cup.”

As for what is next, Park didn’t mention the  Dubai Carnival but instead said “Let’s try and win the Korea Cup next year.”

Trainer Bang Dong-suk saddled both the winner and the beaten defending champion and he admitted to KRBC that it was an unfamiliar sensation. “Global Hit was below my expectation, which was disappointing, but Speed Young winning is a new feeling.”

“I was so disappointed with the last race (KRA Cup Classic), not to take anything away from Success Baekpa who beat us, but today Speed Young looked much more loosened up and Jung Do-yun said he wanted to go for it.”

“With Global Hit, I will review the race again, talk to (jockey) Kim Hye-sun, and obviously have the horse checked for his condition and hopefully we can go again.”

Later in the evening, the stewards reported that the post-race vet examination noted the same conditions Global Hit was diagnosed with in August – desmitis of the suspensory ligament and synovitis of the fetlock joint, both chronic if manageable ailments. He will need to be cleared by the vets before being permitted to race again.

The President’s Cup is part of the Korea Premier Series and while it was restricted to Korean bred horses, the final leg, the Grand Prix Stakes (2000M KOR-G1) on November 30th is open not only to foreign bred, but also foreign trained horses and Japan’s Yumeno Honoo, 3rd behind Global Hit and Speed Young in May’s YTN Cup, is expected to return to Korea for another go.

Speed Young and Gangpungma may now have the best chance of preserving honour for the home side.

Global Hit Returns To Mount President’s Cup Defence

Korea’s best horse returns from the injury that kept him out of the Korea Cup to defend the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1), the country’s richest open age race restricted to locally bred runners. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

A year ago, Global Hit won the President’s Cup on his way to securing the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. That particular streak of wins had begun with the KRA Cup Classic, but Globa Hit came unstuck in that race this time around in August when from a wide gate, he struggled to settle under jockey Kim Hye-sun and ultimately finished a well-beaten 2nd.

It’s perhaps a sign of the esteem Global Hit is held in that there has been scarcely any talk of his injury in the build up to the race. After the KRA Cup Classic he came back lame, but it wasn’t as serious as first feared and he returned to work on August 29th and hasn’t missed a planned session since. The layoff – and missing a very taxing Korea Cup – may work in his favour.

There’s a familiar supporting cast. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG can run well at any distance at the highest level but almost always runs into one too quick, be it Global Hit or latterly SUCCESS BAEKPA, the KRA Cup Classic winner. If the favourite doesn’t perform on his return, those two are the most likely beneficiaries.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GANGPUNGMA – Enters in great form having won three of his last four, all at class 1 and all at 2000M. He likes to settle back and run on and while he was well back in this race a year ago, he is a better horse now and while maybe not a winning chance, he will have backers on an each-way line.

2. MY DREAM DAY – Won the final leg of the Triple Crown at this distance in Seoul in June but was 2nd to Oasis Red at class 3 level over 1800M on his return. Enters off a class 2 win at 1800M on September 14th when handy throughout. Big step up in terms of opposition but potential.

3. GLOBAL HIT – The defending Champion, he placed in Group 2 company at Meydan in March. He won her first two starts back in Korea in the Stayer Series but then suffered a reverse to Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic when failing to settle from a wide draw and coming back lame. He has been back in work since late August and has had no problems first-up in the past. Much better draw than the Classic and the one to beat.

(more…)

President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 19)

Global Hit returns to defend his crown in the Billion Won G1 President’s Cup in Seoul and there are also bug Juvenile Series races both in the capital and at Busan on a huge Sunday of racing. 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 President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) DI NE ran 3rd on debut at 1000M in July before finishing a very fair 6th of thirteen in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th. He steps back into more amenable company here and third-up, he should be ready to claim his maiden win. (10) JEONGSANG HERA exceeded expectations on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, showing handy throughout and running on for 2nd. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (7) REFLECT ran 5th on debut at this distance on September 14th, starting slowly but finishing off well. He too can come on for that run. (8) CHOEGO GOLD and (4) SAEROUN BISUL are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Di Ne (10) Jeongsang Hera (7) Reflect (8) Choego Gold
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M and then 3rd in the Rookie Stakes in August. That led her to be given a crack at the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th and while she finished back in the pack, she didn’t run badly and coming back into shallower waters today, she is the one to beat. (11) TIGER ROAR was only ordinary in her first two outings, but she found form at start three on September 21st when only beaten a neck over this distance. Ruan Maia stays on and she shapes as a danger again. (6) TRIPLE PALMETTO enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently at this distance on August 24th and coming in fresh after eight weeks off, can aim to get closer. (1) DONGBANG FORCE returns to action for the first time since January but looked well in a September trial. (3) OMENO TIME another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Hwansangui Nara (11) Tiger Roar (6) Triple Palmetto (1) Dongbang Force
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) RAON FLORENCE has finished 2nd in all three starts so far, most recently only beaten a head over 1200M on his first try at this class on August 21st. From a good draw, he will be on pace, and he can go one better. (1) KING OF DRAGON was a promising juvenile a year ago running 4th in Listed company but not running again after being well back in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He finally returned to action in August and while he only finished midfield, he can strip fitter here and get closer. (6) CHEONMAHORYEONG returned from a similarly lengthy absence to run 4th at this class and distance on September 28th. He should have derived benefit from the run and be in the mix here. (3) DAEWONYONGMA and (10) UNIVERSAL are other chances.

Selections(2) Raon Florence (1) King Of Dragon (6) Cheonmahoryeong (3) Daewonyongma
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not the strongest of maidens. (8) SUN LIGHT enters off a 2nd place at this distance on September 14th when albeit nine-lengths behind a good winner, she raced well. That made it four top four finishes from seven starts and she has as much chance as any here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL ran 4th in both his first two starts before improving to 3rd over a mile on August 26th when handy throughout. He will be on or close to the pace here and is a big danger. (5) DELEKOOMDA looks to be figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on September 21st when coming from off the pace. He can be challenging late again. (3) HOLY NIKE and (1) SPEED BOY are other place chances.

Selections(8) Sun Light (4) Somanguigil (5) Delekoomda (3) Holy Nike
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

(7) RAON THE AFFIRMED got his maiden win at this class and distance on August 31st when he led from gate to wire, scoring by four-lengths. He comes up 3kg in weight, but that win was impressive, and he can follow up. (4) EODIDEUNJI was a winner over 1200M at start number two on September 20th when settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (9) BREEDO TROPHY comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1200M, working home well both times, and he can be in the finish again. (10) HIT FLY and (3) YEONGGWANGUI SKY, the latter getting a 4kg apprentice claim, are among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Raon The Affirmed (4) Eodideunji (9) Breedo Trophy (10) Hit Fly
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(12) SCYTHAI remains a maiden after nine attempts, but she has five top three finishes including her latest two when 2nd and then 3rd at this class and distance. She carries a light weight, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem as she has a strong finish and today can be her day. (5) SHACKLE SUN is likewise yet to win but only missed out by a nose when 2nd two starts back and was within a length of the winner when 4th last time out on August 24th. He can settle handy again and can be a danger. (11) DAEGIL HERO continues the trend of non-winners with a big chance of breaking through. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance coming from off the pace and he can be running on strong again. (2) SMART SMILE and (7) HEAVY DUTY are previous winners who should be in the frame.

Selections(12) Scythai (5) Shackle Sun (11) Daegil Hero (2) Smart Smile
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) CHARMING QUEEN will be a warm favourite here. After finishing 2nd on debut, she got her maiden win over 1300M at start number two in May and has since then finished as runner-up on both her tries at this class, most recently over 1400M on September 14th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit. The vastly experienced (not always a great thing at class 5) (8) BITNANEUN JILJU has raced thirty-six times since he last won but he enters following back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance and he can be in the finish again. (4) MIGHTY BOM is a non-winner of twenty but has eleven top three placings and this is the kind of race he can score a money finish n. (11) HEEMANGBAND and (6) WITH DIS KURO others to consider.

Selections(2) Charming Queen (8) Bitnaneun Jilju (4) Mighty Bom (11) Heemangband
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

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

It’s President’s Cup weekend so it’s an excuse to bring out Triple Nine pictures

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. It looks competitive so as a tie-breaker we shall side with the one with experience in the shape of (6) SEONGSIL WINNER. After a couple of trials, she ran a fair 4th on debut over this distance on September 6th, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time. That can give her the edge here. (3) HAKSAN SWORD went through two trials, improving in the second of them (it may not appear in all race cards but he clocked 62 seconds). He should be nice and fit for his debut and draws well. (4) ECHO STAR similarly completed two trials (62.9 seconds in the most recent of them). She will be on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) WORLD VICS and (5) MYUNG BRACING are the others that hinted at ability in their respective heats.

Selections(6) Seongsil Winner (3) Haksan Sword (4) Echo Star (1) World Vics
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

A maiden with five of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those debuts is eagerly anticipated. (4) SAMJEONG SPIDER looked great in a February trial but never made it to the races. He came back with another impressive trial performance on September 18th, showing on pace and running 2nd in a quick time and if he brings that form to race day, he will win. The exposed form isn’t great so other first-timers (1) RAON KINGSMAN and (7) POWERFUL KNIGHT, both of whom posted quick times in the second of their respective two trials look to be the main dangers. The former came from off the pace while the latter was on the speed (Powerful Knight’s second trial was voluntary so may not appear in all race cards, but the time was 62.1 seconds) and both can be competitive. Of those who have raced before (3) PASA QUEEN and (2) CHRYSOL STEP are perhaps most likely to improve.

Selections(4) Samjeong Spider (1) Raon Kingsman (7) Powerful Knight (3) Pasa Queen
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(7) LIVE STAR has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times running through the line well. The step up in trip today can suit and he looks to be the one to beat. (4) GEUMBIT POWER came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over this distance on September 13th. He should have derived benefit from that run and can build on it here. That will mean overturning the form on (5) SUN GALLANT, who ran 2n din that September 13th race, coming from a long way back. That was his best finish in twenty-three attempts and while he may not be a winning chance, he can be in the finish again. (8) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI and (1) THUNDER RUN other placing chances.

Selections(7) Live Star (4) Geumbit Power (5) Sun Gallant (8) Hwarangsan Jeonggi
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 6, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) WHIZ DREAM was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 13th, making all and scoring handsomely. She comes up in class and in trip, but the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come and she can measure up. (3) BISANG BELL got her maiden win over this distance three starts back and has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this level, most recently over this distance on September 7th. She got a bit far back in both those races but if she can be ridden more prominently from a good draw, she will be a danger. (10) RAON SILENCE and (8) SEOMDOLMORU finished 1st and 2nd in that September 7th race, the latter at big odds. They can both be competitive again although Raon Silence must contend with a 3kg weight rise. (4) VOSTOK another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Whiz Dream (3) Bisang Bell (10) Raon Silence (8) Seomdolmoru
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 10, 11

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

(6) BEOLGYO DESTINO has run 4th in both starts back since returning from a six-month layoff, both times settling back and running on well. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise and he has every chance of coming out on top here.  (9) HANMADILMALDO is similarly third-up following a lengthy absence. He is yet to win but ran 4th on his first try at this class over 1300M on September 20th and with CC climbing aboard for the first time, he can be a big player here. (4) MUSKET CLEAVER did nothing on debut before running out a 40/1 winner at start number two on September 7th. He is up in class but down in weight and drawn nicely enough to be competitive here. (3) SAENAE KHAN and (8) GRAND PARK are other place chances.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

Racing returns to Korea after the Chuseok break with an 8-race Friday card at Busan between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan is back (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile filly maidens with all but one racing for the first time. That experienced one is (2) GOLDEN EMPIRE and after winning a trial, she was sent off as favourite on debut in a very similar race to this on September 19th when settling midfield and running on to not miss by much. That experience should stand her in good stead, and she can go one better. Plenty of the first timers hinted at ability in trials. (7) ROAD TO CLEO showed on pace and finished a close 2nd in her heat and if she brings that form to the races, she will be in the mix. (3) WIDAEHAN HEART was similarly on pace before running 3rd in her trial in a good time. (1) SUCCESS QUEEN and (5) PISTOL CUT among others who caught the eye.

Selections(2) Golden Empire (7) Road To Cleo (3) Widaehan Heart (1) Success Queen
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

Lots of chances here. (8) GEUMSEONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both over 1000M and both times racing handy. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and the step up in trip can suit. There is one debut maker. (6) JEONGMUN FAPPIANO was only steadily away in his trial but ran on well to cross the line 3rd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un aboard means that plenty will take note. (2) SHINING ONE beat a couple of these on his way to an improved 2nd at start number two on September 7th when racing on pace. Expect similar tactics here and he can be in the mix again. (4) AIR CITY and (10) VORTEX among others who can improve.

Selections(8) Geumseong (6) Jeongmun Fappiano (2) Shining One (4) Air City
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) GREAT STAR took a few goes to figure things out but she has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently on September 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals over this distance. She won’t need to improve much on that to be very close here. There is one first timer. (7) WORLD DANCER CAT ran 2nd in what was a very quick trial on September 13th, showing on pace throughout. She draws fairly enough here and if she brings that form to the races, she is a chance. (6) I AM HAPPY has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far and can be in the mix again. (10) SINCHEON FREEDOM and (2) SWORN QUEEN among others to consider.

Selections(1) Great Star (7) World Dancer Cat (6) I Am Happy (10) Sincheon Freedom
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(8) DIA X has improved in his latest two, most recently 2nd over 1300M on October 4th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here, has as good a chance as any. (5) LIKE DRAGON has been knocking on the door in her latest few with a 2nd place and most recently a 4th when beating a couple of today’s rivals at 1300M on August 2nd. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance previously and she can be a danger late here. (7) MUHAN NAREUSHA has a 3rd and two 5th places from three starts so far. He has been doing his best work late on each occasion and can finish strongly again. (4) DOCTOR ACE and (10) JEJU STONE are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Dia X (5) Like Dragon (7) Muhan Nareusha (4) Doctor Ace
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

(more…)

Saturday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 4)

There is no racing on Sunday as the Chuseok holiday starts so Saturday sees racing at both Seoul and Busan. 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:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the nine racing for the first time. (9) MYEONG DREAM may only have been 7th of eleven on debut over this distance on September 7th but the margins weren’t huge, and she ran fairly enough in a decent time. She should have come on for the run and Ruan Maia getting on means she goes on top. Both (4) GEUMJEOKSAN and (5) WILD MAGIC showed promise in their respective trials, both of them settling midfield and running through the line well and both can go well on debut. (8) B.K. DEVIL was a fair 6th on debut over 1000M on August 23rd and along with (3) HAENGBOKAN JILJU, the latter having raced twice, can be considered for improvement.

Selections(9) Myeong Dream (4) Geumjeoksan (5) Wild Magic (8) B.K. Devil
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) MUJEOK HAMDAE has shown progress across his three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 7th. He has come from off the pace each time so the slight step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (4) ROAD TO STAR was an improved 4th at start number two in that same September 7th race. Third-up he can be fitter, and he can be the main danger. There is one debut-maker. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG went through two trials, improving to 2nd in his latest one when he came from off the pace to finish well and stopped the clock in a fast time. The 1300M can suit first up and he can go close. (10) GLORY JOY and (9) RAON THE BIG RED are others who can compete for the places.

Selections(8) Mujeok Hamdae (4) Road To Star (5) Sangim Yeongung (10) Glory Joy
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(3) BEST DREAM came very close to breaking through over 1200M on August 23rd when she led for most of the way only to be taken down late by a narrow margin. She comes up to 1400M for the first time, but she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (11) JILPUNGA has four top five finishes from his first five starts including two 3rd places over 1300M. The wide gate shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be challenging late here. (6) THUNDER LUCKY is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than nine finishes between 3rd and 5th. An apprentice takes 4kg off his back and that can bring him into placing contention. (5) CHRYSOL PEACE and (1) RAON THE BELMONT others in the frame.

Selections(3) Best Dream (11) Jilpunga (6) Thunder Lucky (5) Chrysol Peace
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (1) DAESEONG GOLD was a front-running trial winner on August 30th posting a good time. He draws the same gate for his debut and can win. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on September 12th. (12) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU was the best of them, showing on pace and ultimately finishing 3rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be close. (8) ART TREE went through two trials, improving in the second of them on September 13th when coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un being booked means he will have plenty of first-up backers. (6) COWBOY LOOK and (9) SINCHEON JUSTICE are the other two coming out of that September 12th race finishing 4th and 5th respectively and while they have plenty to make up on Cheongchuneunjayu, both should have come on for the experience.

Selections(1) Daeseong Gold (12) Cheongchuneunjayu (8) Art Tree (6) Cowboy Look
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 11, 12

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

(8) TIGER K is yet to win but has had several near misses including runner-up finishes from his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on August 30th when he led for most of the way. He is up 2kg, but he can lead again here and this time, he can go one better. (10) WONDERFUL SOCKS wasn’t fancied at all on debut over 1000M on September 6th, but she came from off the pace to snatch the win. She is up in class and in trip today, but she can measure up. (5) HERO CHOICE is up in class following a maiden win at this distance on September 6th when leading all the way. He is down in weight and drawn well to be on the speed again.  (2) TURBO SOCKS and (6) JUNMA FORCE are others in the frame.

(more…)

Holiday Friday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

We’re racing at Seoul this holiday Friday with 11 races from 12:50 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Final evening meeting of the year (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t’ catch the eye so (7) MANGEUM DAON is the pick. He settled midfield in what was a strong trial, crossing the line 4th in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he may be hard to beat. (4) SUNGANUI FIGHTER went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (3rd in 63.3 seconds from the widest gate on September 18th. Of the experienced ones, (11) GOOD MORNING COME was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 2nd and while he only managed 6th on his return at 1200M on September 7th, it’s enough to have him in the frame here. (1) SMART HAESEONG ran 5th on her debut on August 30th and can have come on for the run. (10) DAEHAN SIDAE another who hinted at ability in his trial.

Selections(7) Mangeum Daon (4) Sunganui Fighter (11) Good Morning Come (1) Smart Haeseong
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

Ten imported maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (1) WHIZ WIN led all the way to win a trial on September 18th. He draws nicely and with a good start he can lead again and will take some catching. (2) GEUMA SPLASHY similarly led from gate to wire to win his August trial and while the time wasn’t so quick, he looked nice and competent. (6) WHIZ FIGHTER went through two trials finishing 4th in both but was much quicker in the second of them (62.0 seconds on September 4th. After those two he should be nice and fit and can go close. (10) SOUTHERN BEACH and (5) CHOEGANG BELT are others who hinted at ability and can be in this.

Selections(1) Whiz Win (2) Geuma Splashy (6) Whiz Fighter (10) Southern Beach
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Five first-timers among the eleven here. (7) FLASH RAY has gone through a whole heap of trials dating back a year but is finally ready to race. He was 2nd in a trial on September 18th when handy throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He won’t need to improve much on that to win. (6) AMOS BULPAE didn’t qualify when trialed in April but looked much better equipped when close in a quick time in September. He too has every chance first-up. Among the experience, (10) YONGBI STORM is the best with a 5th and a 6th in fair times. He should have an edge fitness wise and can be in the finish. (1) SAMJEONG WINNER ran twice at the start of the year including a 4th place. She returns for the first time since February and along with debut-maker (5) ECLIPSE BAY, rates as a minor money chance.

Selections(7) Flash Ray (6) Amos Bulpae (10) Yongbi Storm (1) Samjeong Winner
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) POWERFUL PARTNER has raced just three times and with a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, she seems to be figuring things out. She steps up to 1400M for the first time, but she has a strong finish on her, and it can suit. (10) TRIPLE JENNY has finished between 3rd and 5th four times from her five starts. Her best came at this distance at the end of June and she shapes as the danger here. (6) BLACK SUN ran well for 3rd at 1000M on September 6th and while a previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, she can be in the mix here. (1) P N S ME and sole debut-maker (2) ECLIPSE MARVEL are others in the frame.

Selections(11) Powerful Partner (10) Triple Jenny (6) Black Sun (1) P N S Me
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) MANI NODAGI got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2nd in a quick time on his first try at this class on September 14th. He is versatile inthat he won from the front but last time came from the middle of the pack, and he can win here. (1) SOMETHING DARK enters off a 3rd place at this class over 1300M on September 14th. His win came at this distance and under a light weight, he can be a danger. (10) YONGAM SARANG got her maiden win two weeks ago when making all at this trip. She took full advantage of the inside draw that day so this isn’t so straightforward, but she is down 3kg in weight and she can be competitive. (2) EXCELLENT HANSEN and (5) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the frame.

(more…)