The last Triple Crown season may only just have entered the books less than three months ago but we’re already just over a month away from the 2022 renewal and on Sunday, Seungbusa and Man Of The Year staked their claims by winning the main Classic trials at Seoul and Busan.
Seungbusa & Jang Chu-youl return to scale after winning the Sports Seoul Cup (Pic: KRA)
At Seoul, the 2021 Champion Juvenile, Complete Value, unbeaten in five starts last term, including the Breeders’ Cup championship race, was favourite for the Sports Seoul Cup, the capital’s principal trial. Also lining up were Nonghyup Chairman’s Cup winner Aspen Taeyang and Nonghyup and Breeders’ Cup runner-up Double Edge, among a ten-strong field.
It would be 5/1 chance Seungbusa who got the jump on the pack though, bounding out of gate eight under jockey Jang Chu-youl and into an early lead in the 1400M Listed test and from that moment on, the rest never looked like getting to him. The margin on the line was just over a length from the fast-finishing Complete Value, who got a little far back and was then wide around the turn. Aspen Taeyang was a further half-length back in 3rd.
Complete Value, perhaps caught a bit far back early and then a little wide around the turn, finished well and while he suffered his first defeat, there was nothing about the run that suggested he won’t still be a leading contender for the first leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile, in April.
Seungbusa is a colt by Mischievously and out of the Flatter mare T P Mc G. Bred by Bae Eun-jeong, he is owned by Kim Gwang-myeong and trained by Jung Ho-ik. He has now won five of seven starts in total and never finished worse than 3rd.
Trainer Jung Ho-ik was winning his first Listed or Stakes race of any kind since 2009 and he was understandably delighted although the gameplan was simple: “We needed to get in front of Complete Value and make him come past us. When Complete Value was gaining in the last part of the race, I was nervous but confident in our horse. He didn’t quite manage to get a big race win as a two-year-old, but he had been training well and we will carefully prepare him for what’s next.”
For jockey Jang Chu-youl, it had also been a long time between Stakes winning drinks. “I won my first big race in 2012 (Cheoneun in the G3 Owners’ Association Trophy), when I had only been riding for two years, and I admit I really didn’t think then that it would take ten more years to get back here. I know now just how hard it is and how much work is required to get here again.”
At Busan, Rookie Stakes winner and Gimhae Mayor’s Cup runner-up Man Of Year was sent off as favourite for the south-coast track’s Classic trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup.
And Man Of The Year duly obliged, sitting handy early before asserting his authority as the field turned for home and running on to win by a full three-lengths from Captain Yankee, with Beomi Naeryeo Onda a further four-lengths away in 3rd.
Man Of The Year is a colt by Federalist and out of the Menifee mare Over Speed. He was bred by Ko Seok-hoon and is owned by Shin Yoon-gyeong and trained by Kim Byung-hak. It was his trainer’s first Listed or Stakes winner of any kind since taking out his license in 2004.
Now a winner of two from seven, Man Of The Year was ridden by Franco Da Silva, who firmed up his status as one of Korea’s all-time leading visiting jockeys. He won the Korean Derby on Ecton Blade in 2018 and has ridden in excess of 250 winners since his 2016 debut.
The first leg of the 2022 Korean Triple Crown is the KRA Cup Mile and will be run at Busan on Sunday April 17.
It’s been less than three months since the last Triple Crown series finished but what with the Three-Year-Old Championship moving back to its usual place on the calendar, we are just over a month away from the first leg the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday April 17th. Therefore both Seoul and Busan run trials on Sunday with the Sports Seoul Cup in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup at Busan, both Listed races over 1400M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting branches are open and while the vaccine pass system has now been ended, attendance myst still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:
Complete Value was champion Juvenile last year and kicks off his 2022 campaign in the Listed Sports Seoul Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (7) YESULIYA shapes as the one to beat having hinted at ability across five starts to date including an on-pace 2nd place over 1000M at his latest. He also has the fastest time among any of these at today’s distance and is likely to be on the lead early with claims to go all the way. (12) PURGE DAY was an improved 2nd place over 1000M on his second start back in November. He comes in here following seventeen weeks off and while the draw isn’t ideal, this looks a nice race to return in. (9) P N S GOLD ran a good 2nd on debut and while she hasn’t quite managed to build on that yet, Moon Se-young climbs back aboard and she should be in the frame today. First-timer starter (11) SAEBYEOK BAND put in a decent trial and can be considered first-up with (10) CASH BACK also entering the calculations.
Selections
(7) Yesuliya (12) Purge Day (9) P N S Gold (11) Saebyeok Band
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to look far past (1) FINAL CHARM here. He ran on well from a wide gate for an improved 4th on his second start on January 29th, running on well. There isn’t much early speed here so he may be on pace from the start and be hard to run down. (6) DISCO BOY is the logical second pick. He has come on from well back in his two starts so far to finish 6th and 5th. He comes up in trip today and in this limited company, should be finding at least the places. Those two should fill out the quinella as the form drops off a cliff after them. (3) MIR BEST from a good draw may improve, while (4) MONEY TAP too made-up ground after a bad start last time and can sneak some minor money too. (8) DONGBANGUI HON perhaps another one capable of getting round.
Selections
(1) Final Charm (6) Disco Boy (3) Mir Best (4) Money Tap
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another hot favourite here, this time in the shape of (4) DREAM SPEED. She has finished in the top five in five of her six starts so far and has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two. She tens to settle handy or midfield and should have way too much for this lot. (8) SHINE MUSIC comes back in trip after a spin over 1700M when she led but weakened in the home straight. She possesses the fastest time of any of these over today’s distance and has much chance as any of placing. (2) BANGTAN YEOGEOL and (3) DDATTEUTHANBIT can both be forgiven their respective latest outings. Both have performed fairly at this distance and should be in the placing frame here. (9) FYING BARIBE another with minor money hopes.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field and probable warm favourite in (8) FLYING THE CHAMP. After a nondescript debut, he was a much-improved 3rd on his second start which came over 1300M on February 13th in a good time. In such a small field the outside gate shouldn’t be a problem and he may take some beating. (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG came from well off the pace to run a fast-finishing 2nd over 1200M on February 11th, very nearly getting to the winner. The additional half furlong can work in his favour here and he will surely be coming on strong late again. (5) DONGBU WORLD was 4th behind Eunseong Yeongung in his racecourse debut. He’d previously been through plenty of trials, worked home well and can build on that performance here. (2) PHANTOM ACE and (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI others to consider.
Selections
(8) Flying The Champ (4) Eunseong Yeongung (5) Dongbu World (2) Phantom Ace
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(2) BLACK MASK has raced three times and finished as runner-up on all three occasions, twice at 1000M and most recently at 1200M. That’s enough to send him up in class here but that shouldn’t matter as from a great draw he should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. (8) TES GO DAEBO looks to be the main danger. He too is up in class following a maiden win at start number four, but it had been coming. He can settle handy here and run on. (9) FLEX QUEEN will need a line drawn though her latest when she was slowly away from a wide gate and never made an impact. She has run well at this distance at class 6 level though and with a better start can challenge for the places. (4) ROCK FIGHTER too had a hard time at his latest when drawn wide but from a much better gate today can be given more of a chance. Another up in class following a last start win, (7) DIAMITE is another to keep safe.
Selections
(2) Black Mask (8) Tes Go Daebo (9) Flex Queen (4) Rock Fighter
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(9) UNJU BULPAE looks to be working towards a win with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1200M. He has raced at this distance too, posting a fast time (albeit at a time when the track was extremely fast). He will be expected to be on pace or handy here and could well have too much. Both Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic are in form, and they team up here with (6) WONDERFUL FILE. The filly was much improved at her second outing at this distance on February 18th and will tempt plenty here. (11) SKY JEJUHYANG has got forward in all three of her races so far. She doesn’t draw well here but has good early speed and can go close again. (4) HWARANG BRAVO and (7) BLUE CAPTAIN are others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(6) EUNSEONG MARU was a good winner on debut over 1000M when coming from a handy position and running on but whatever could go wrong did on his reappearance at this class and distance on January 23rd. He pulled hard early before his saddle shifted forward at the 1000M and then he came back slightly lame. He has been back in work since mid-February and can return to winning ways here. (10) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK is yet to win in nine attempts but has six top-four finishes including at his latest start on January 22nd when he was 3rd at class and distance, settling midfield and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but should be going close. (9) NEW HOPE also comes in off a good 3rd last time out and while up in class can measure up. (11) NONSTOP CAT comes up a couple of kilos in the weights on a good 2nd place last time but should be competitive again. (4) TANK SOCKS will need to be forgiven his latest two, first over 1700M and then when getting too far back at this distance. He does have ability though and can go better this time.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) LIGHT STORY has mixed his form since an impressive win on debut, but he has placed at this class over 1400M and comes in having run 4th over 1800M at his latest start when close to the pace throughout. He can return to winning ways today. The main danger is (9) YEONSEUNG BRAVO. He got his maiden win over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 3rd on his first try at this class on January 21. He goes best when on pace and will be aiming to get forward early here. (1) PICTURE JASPER remains a maiden but comes up in class after a good 2nd place at his latest start on February 11th. From a wide draw he got on pace and ran on well and under a lighter weight and much better gate, he can overturn the form on (6) DIA FORCE, who won that race and comes up in class too. That was a big upturn in form for the latter, but he can’t be completely ruled out here. (10) ALIVE CAPTAIN another to consider.
Selections
(7) Light Story (9) Yeonseung Bravo (1) Picture Jasper (6) Dia Force
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Tricky race here as the form isn’t especially convincing all round. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (5) RUFFIAN PARK, whose sole win was at this class and distance. He also has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and comes in following a decent 3rd place finish – again at class and distance – on January 30th. He carries the same weight here and from a good draw can go well. (10) DOUBLE TAKE is yet to win in eleven but has run well at this distance, albeit at class 6 level. Choi Bum-hyun, who rode him to his best finish, climbs back aboard today and he can be competitive. (9) CHALLAN HANNAL has decent experience at this class including a runner-up finish over 1400M. In this company he should be there or thereabouts. (2) FAST TRACK and (8) REAL PACK are others in the frame.
Selections
(5) Ruffian Park (10) Double Take (9) Challan Hannal (2) Fast Track
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Racing moves to Seoul on Saturday with nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open and while vaccine passes are no longer required, attendance must still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. There will be a hot favourite in the shape of (5) RAON THE PEARL. She ran 4th on debut at 1000M in October before stepping up to this distance at start number two on January 16th and finishing a strong 2nd when handy throughout. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and should take some beating. There are two debut-makers and of them, (4) GREEN DRAGON could go well. She worked home well in her trial in a fair time and from a could draw can put in a bold showing. (6) GIPPEUM HWANHUI improved to 3rd at her second start on January 23rd and she can continue her positive trajectory here. (1) HERA BLADE and (9) CITY CHARM others in the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Raon The Pearl (4) Green Dragon (6) Gippeum Hwanhui (1) Hera Blade
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
2,5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field here and (4) FLYING ATHENA is the one to beat. After back-to-back 6th place finishes from her first two outings, she was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on January 30th when handy and running on. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (2) ORGALIM has the best time among these at the distance, recorded three starts about when 2nd in early December. From a nice draw, expect him to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (1) WILD SOCKS was beaten by Orgalim on their respective latest starts, but he draws much better today and should be a stiffer prospect. There are two debut makers and (6) GLOBAL CASTLE looks best placed to make an immediate impact while (3) TOUCH NINE is another in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Small but competitive field here. (6) BLACK ROOKIE comes back in trip following recent efforts at 1400M. She also comes down considerably in the weights. She has run fast times at 1300M, and this looks a suitable assignment today. (3) CHAMPION GAMUN comes up in class following a maiden win at start number eleven on January 23rd. It didn’t exactly come out of nothing, but it did mark a big uptick in form, and he draws well with a repeat not entirely out of the question. (7) VIENTO made all to win over this distance at class 6 level in December. Draw a line through her first effort at today’s trip when she was unable to settle from gate thirteen and she is worth another chance today. (4) ECTON JILJU and (8) WONDERFUL STORM other minor money prospects.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Big field. (2) JAY TROSS looks the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in four outings to date. Her win came over 1000M when she made all at class 6 level but at her latest outings, she came from off the pace to run a very close 2nd at 1200M. The extended trip today can suit. (13) K N UNDERKING has a 2nd and a 6th in two starts at this class since getting his maiden win last October. His running style is to settle back and run on so the wide gate shouldn’t be too disadvantageous. (8) JANGSAN POISON comes up in class following his maiden win at start number three when making all at this distance in a fair time on January 29th. That was the first time he had led as he does have a decent finish on him as well and he should measure up in this company. (4) SOUJU and (12) ICE STAR are others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Jay Tross (13) K N Underking (8) Jangsan Poison (4) Souju
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
2, 3, 10, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here and plenty of them too. (10) CUPID JUMBO races for the first time since getting her maiden win at start number two over 1200M on Christmas Day. She is up in class and up in trip here but looked well enough when trailing up from a wide draw at the end of January. She can win again. (11) WONDERFUL SHADOW comes up in class and distance too following her own maiden win which came when she made all over 1000M on January 23rd. She might not get such an easy lead today but can be considered again here. (5) QUEEN OF BEST has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She comes up in weight today but that’s softened a little buy a better draw and she can be competitive. (8) SOEWAKKOT and (3) K N MENIQUEEN among others in the hunt.
Selections
(10) Cupid Jumbo (11) Wonderful Shadow (5) Queen Of Best (8) Soewakkot
The weekend’s racing will be headlined on Sunday the Classic trials at both Busan and Seoul. The southern track gets things underway though on Friday with an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance should still be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens kick things off with five of the nine racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (2) KING SATURDAY. Draw a line through his latest outing at 1400Mwhen from gate ten he got on pace then weakened, and instead go on his first two when he went close at both 1000M and today’s 1200M. From a good draw and against modest opposition he will be hard to beat. (3) YEONGCHEON POWER ran fairly at this distance before and looks the logical second pick while among the first-time starters, (1) GOODBYE RABBITS went the best in trials and from a favourable draw should be aiming for the money first-up here. (5) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (7) POWER GUY are others who could plausibly place.
Selections
(2) King Saturday (3) Yeongcheon Power (1) Goodbye Rabbits (5) Fantastic Magic
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 5
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens, this time with three of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll side with one of these first timers, (8) MARIA’S GAL. She was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and with a bit of natural progression from that looks the one to beat here. (7) GASOK DAY hasn’t exactly shown much in the way of speed in two outings to date, both at 1000M, but she has managed to finish 5th and 4th. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish here. So too (3) CROWD ONE who made a significant improvement to 2nd at start number two January 9th. She comes up in distance as well and has claims. (2) ADELE GOLD and another first-time starter, (4) DOKBO are others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(8) Maria’s Gal (7) Gasok Day (3) Crowd One (2) Adele Gold
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) PLAY THE INDY has finished 5th in both starts so far, both at 1000M. He worked home fairly enough on both occasions and up in trip and with a nice draw is the one they need to beat here. (4) INTO MARINE races for the first time since last July. He had hinted at some ability in five outings with the best being a 3rd place over this distance. He trialed up fairly at the end of January and can pick up from where he left off here. Draw a line through the latest from (8) BAEK SEOL QUEEN when she was slowly away and never made an impact over 1400M. Her prior form was relatively promising, and she looks worth another chance in this company (5) SORI TAEPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY are others who should be in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Play The Indy (4) Into Marine (8) Baek Seol Queen (5) Sori Taepung
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (8) ARTIE’S GAL, who comes in after a 3rd and a 5th in two starts since returning from several months off. She has the best start among these so should be able to get on pace early and may be able to hold on. (6) GREEN CHEETAH has been improving across four starts so far with her best being her latest over this distance on February 13th when an on-pace 3rd. She will be up on the speed again and can go even closer today. (3) SPEED SUNSHINE didn’t offer much in early appearances but looks to be figuring things out with two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three. He too will be aiming to get on to the early speed and can maintain his positive run of form here. (9) GALLOP BOY and the first-time starter (4) CUTE GUY are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Artie’s Gal (6) Green Cheetah (3) Speed Sunshine (9) Gallop Boy
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go far past (4) ORANGE GARAGE here. He stepped up to this distance on January 28th and beat a few of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place having sat handy throughout from gate eleven. He gets a much better draw today, will be on pace from the start, and won’t be easy to beat. (3) KING GRACE beat Orange Garage when the pair came home 4th and 5th over 1400M two starts back before running 5th on his first try at a mile on February 11th. He shapes to be the main danger here. (8) HIT RUNNER was 6th behind Orange Garage at his latest start and can be competitive again here while (6) MAJOR FORCE has run a decent time at the distance and comes back up in trip following a good 4th over 1200M when coming from well off the pace last time out. (1) DANGDAE BLUE the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(4) Orange Garage (3) King Grace (8) Hit Runner (6) Major Force
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
4, 7, 8, 11
Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A competitive race. (11) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back before overcoming gate fourteen to run a good 2nd on his first try at this level on January 21st making up excellent ground late on. He doesn’t get the best of the draw again here and is up a little in the weights but should be running on strong again. A good draw makes (3) HAMAN BONGHWASAN the probable betting favourite. She ran 2nd at this distance on debut before winning on her second outing when making all over 1300M. She comes up in class here but remains well weighted and from a great gate will be aiming to lead all the way again. (10) INDIAN PARTY has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and enters in consistent form. Remarkably he is yet to win but has ten top-three finishes and can maintain that record here. (8) USEUNG MELODY and (9) TAEPUNGI are others in at least the placing hunt.
Selections
(11) Cheongma Yeongung (3) Haman Bonghwasan (10) Indian Party (8) Useung Melody
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 9, 12
Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) ALIVE STAR will take some beating here. A maiden winner at 1200M two starts back, he stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on February 13th and ran 2nd to a good winner having been handy throughout. He comes back in trip here, draws good gate and should win. (5) QUEEN STAR was an unfancied winner on debut over 1000M last month. She came from off the pace and worked home well so while this is tougher, it may suit, and she can measure up. (1) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM finished midfield when drawn wide over 1300M at his latest start. A more favourable barrier today and back slightly in trip puts him into contention here. (4) BEAUTIFUL KING and (6) A ONE PLUS are among others with placing chances.
Selections
(3) Alive Star (5) Queen Star (1) Tteugeoun Mannam (4) Beautiful King
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(3) GOLDEN POWER comes up rapidly in class having won two of her latest three, most recently a smart score at class 5 level over 1400M on January 21st when coming from off the pace and running on. Her racing style suggests a mile will suit and under a light weight she has every chance of continuing her hot streak. (11) RUN FIGHTER is ultra-consistent having finished no worse than 5th in eight starts to date. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance, the latest of which was at this class, and he will surely be very competitive again. (9) GALLANT WARRIOR races for the first time since winning over 1800M at class 5 level last November. He is another who should suit a mile and he looked well enough when trialing two weeks ago. (6) GEUMA STARLET and (2) ROSE BULLET others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Golden Power (11) Run Fighter (9) Gallant Warrior (6) Geuma Starlet
Sunday sees racing at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). Last year’s champion three-year-old Heat Yegam makes his season-debut in Busan while in the feature in Seoul, 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief will be among the contenders. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to fate vaccination against Covid-19 is required:
Heat Yegam races for the first time in 2022 (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies open proceedings. (6) CUPID WAY is set to be a warm favourite. That’s based on her debut when she ran on well to run 2nd in a decent time behind a good winner over 1000M with an eye-catching final furlong. She comes up in trip but that should suit, and she’ll be hard to beat. It’s hard to go past (9) SONGAM BEST for second choice She beat three of these on her way to 3rd place on debut at 1000M on January 30th and can be expected to be on pace here. (3) MENI ACE and (12) DOLBAE were two of those behind Songam Best in that January race, and both can aim to improve and get closer here. There are three first time starters and among them, (10) SINHAN TEUKSONG looks to have the best chance of making an immediate impression.
Selections
(6) Cupid Way (9) Songam Best (3) Meni Ace (12) Dolbae
Next Best
10, 13
Fast Start
5, 9, 12, 13
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) SUPERDIA is the one to beat here. After trailing fairly, she put in a very solid effort from gate twelve on debut to get handy to the lead and then run on for 3rd. She draws much better on the inside today and should get a softer run to the front and be hard to go past. (2) MARUMA will almost certainly jump as second-favourite. He won a (slow) trial in December and then ran on well from a long way back to make it up to 5th over 1000M on debut on January 9th. He too draws much better this time around, and the step up in trip should suit. (11) LONDON SKY has already had a couple of spins around this distance and hinted at progress last time. He can run on and into some money here. (4) GEOLJAK MAN can aim to match the 4th place he achieved at his latest start while (9) SMART BYEOL is another with money chances.
Selections
(1) Superdia (2) Maruma (11) London Sky (4) Geoljak Man
Next Best
9, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 11, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Short-priced favourite here in the shape of (9) ASPENROS. Having run 3rd on debut at this distance, he stepped up to 1400M on January 29th and having settled midfield from gate twelve, ran on for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll take some beating here. (1) SMART BLUE has shown improvement at his latest two with a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M. He draws well here and can continue to make progress. (7) EURO GANGJA was 3rd behind Aspenros in that January 29th race. That was an improvement, but he has seven-lengths to make up on him here. (2) FLY STAR debuted adequately in the same race and should have come on for the experience. (10) NEW A ONE another who has placing chances.
Selections
(9) Aspenros (1) Smart Blue (7) Euro Gangja (2) Fly Star
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
2, 8, 11, 13
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(10) MAN OF THE STAR has put in three promising runs so far including a good 3rd place over 1200M last time out when he led for much of the way around. He comes up slightly in trip today and despite the wide draw should have enough early speed to get on the lead again. This time he may not be caught. (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home in 5th place to Man Of The Star’s 3rd on January 14th. That was an improvement from his debut, and he seemed to appreciate the step up in trip. He gets a little further today, and more development is possible. (6) GRAND SUN too hasn’t done much wrong in two outings to date, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M. He will be on pace or handy here and can go close. (7) QUALITY QUEEN and (1) RAON THE FIGHTING, are others to consider for at least a place.
Selections
(10) Man Of The Star (4) Great Captain (6) Grand Sun (7) Quality Queen
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky one where only four of the twelve have tackled the 1700M before. (1) KING MOUNTAIN has never gone further than 1200M, but he has consistently run fair times and made a significant breakthrough when 2nd at his latest start on January 9th. When sitting handy and running on. He draws nicely on the inside again and may be worth taking a chance on here. (2) NAUI NARA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1400M and 1300M, the former time beating a few of today’s rivals. Expect him up on pace as well and he can go close. (8) DIVINE POWER has raced at this distance before and while he is yet to finished in the top-three in thirteen attempts, this is the kind of company in which he can pick up a cheque. (4) NAMSAN DREAM and (6) BLACK KING are others to enter the calculations.
Selections
(1) King Mountain (2) Naui Nara (8) Divine Power (4) Namsan Dream
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies and mares only here. Despite the wide draw, (14) RADAR is going to be the favourite here. Having trailed well, she was a front-running 2nd on debut at this distance on January 28th, only going down by a small margin in a good time. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight very light, and she will be expected to win here. (13) SAVE US didn’t do an awful lot in two starts last summer but returned on Christmas Eve after a few months off and has longed a much better prospect in two outings since. She has registered a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She too has a wide draw to overcome but should be equal to it. Those two should fill out the quinella in either order. (4) STELLA QUEEN may appreciate the step up in trip and could be an each-way price. (6) HAVANA JANE is the most experienced in the race by some margin; obviously not a good thing at class 6 but she has shown flashes of ability and has run good times at the trip. First-timer (9) LIONESS, potentially another who can go well.
Selections
(14) Radar (13) Save Us (4) Stella Queen (6) Havana Jane
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 12, 14
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (5) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK was a winner over 1300M at class 6 level two starts back before beating a couple of these on his way to an in now way disgraced 6th on his first try at this class having navigated his way across from gate fourteen. He does come up a little in the weights today but draws much better and has a chance. (8) POWER BOX will probably be favourite. It’s fair to say that he has mixed his form across five starts so far, including a disappointing showing last time out. He has run good times at this distance and if we catch him in-form, he may be too good. (11) SEUNGSEUNG POWER comes back in trip following good showings at 1300M and 1400M. He comes up in the weights and doesn’t draw well but can be considered. (4) DESK TAP was disappointing last time behind, among others, Seungseung Power, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (13) DONMA was a shock winner on debut and could be anything.
Seoul has 9 races on Saturday running from the unusual start time of 11:10 and going through until 18:00. This is to accommodate an additional Jeju race to make up for the ones canceled last week due to the weather. All betting locations are open, however, reservations must be made in advance through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Competitive opener. We’ll go with (2) NAMSAN HORANGI, who showed promise in two starts towards the end of last year, running 5th both times, the latter in a fair time over this trip on December 11th. He has had a couple of months off since then but looked well in a trial last week and from a nice draw can win here. (3) ACE PLAN showed improvement at his latest outing on January 29th when tackling this distance for the first time and only going down narrowly for 2nd in a tight finish. He can sit handy and run on here and will be a danger. So too (8) GLOBAL BOBAE, who comes up in trip after a 2nd and a 4th in two efforts over 1000M. He ran on well enough both times and the additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue here. (13) CLAIR BEST ran 4th on debut last September. He didn’t offer too many clues in a January trial but may be of interest here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN looks on the correct trajectory having improved significantly at start number two when 3rd to Ace Plan’s 2nd
Selections
(2) Namsan Horangi (3) Ace Plan (8) Global Bobae (13) Clair Best
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
6, 8, 11, 13
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) MUSTANG POWER is set to be the one to beat here. He came off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M leading him to be sent off as favourite on reappearance at this distance on January 29th. Things didn’t go his way that day and he finished in 6th place, but the margins weren’t huge, and he looks well worth another go here. (6) RISING HAWK is another who will need to be forgiven his latest start when he raced four wide with no cover throughout. He had been more encouraging on debut, and in this company should be able to get on or close to the early speed. (3) HATMURI has worked home well in all three of his starts to date including last time out when beating a couple of these on his way to 6th place. Expect him to settle midfield here and come on strong late. (10) K N SKETCH took forever to get going on debut but should have come on for the experience and the additional furlong may assist. (8) BURUI JILJU among others with placing chances.
Selections
(4) Mustang Power (6) Rising Hawk (3) Hatmuri (10) K N Sketch
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only here. (11) WONDERFUL WOMAN goes on top following her best finish to date on January 29th when she led for much of the way around over this distance, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. The draw is not kind today but expect here to be quickly up on pace again and she can go all the way this time. (1) WONDERFUL HAWAII was a much-improved 2nd on her latest start, albeit a long way behind a good winner. She gets the inside gate here and can maintain her momentum. (12) K N POST ran on adequately for 6th on debut at this distance in January. She posted a fast final furlong time, and the jockey booking catches the eye here. (9) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWARYEOHAN MISO are others who may have a say in the placings.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday. The 8-race card has been shifted a little from previous Friday’s in order to accommodate an additional pony race at Jeju where two races were lost to the weather a week ago. Busan runs from 12:30 to 18:00. All betting locations are set to be open although attendance must be pre-booked and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open the program with six of the fourteen racing for the first time. We’ll side with (3) INDIE MAGIC, who ran (an admittedly distant) 2nd on debut over 1000M at the end of January, when he worked home well from a wide draw. The step up in trip should suit and coupled with the good barrier, makes him the one to beat. (6) ALPHA SONGDANG also ran well for 2nd on debut. Expect her to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (4) FLOWING RIVER came from the middle of the pack to run home well for 3rd on debut and is another who may appreciate the additional journey here. As for the debut-makers, (8) TWO OF US looks to be the pick. He made all to comfortably win his trial and can make a bold showing first up here. (10) BABEL PHOENIX another in the frame.
Selections
(3) Indie Magic (6) Alpha Songdang (4) Flowing River (8) Two Of Us
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 14
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A very ordinary maiden here. Nothing really deserves to win but we’ll take a chance with (9) YONGGARI, who seems to be figuring things out after a decent 4th place over 1200M last time out. He can settle back and run on here and should beat plenty. (8) CHIEF OFFICER comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1200M on January 16th. He has certainly mixed his form to date but in this company has every chance. (5) STATICE has plenty of experience and has raced fairly in recent outings. She has a 2nd place to her name at this distance and also has the fastest time at it among those who have raced at 1300M before. She can go close here. (11) ETTEUMI improved at start number two last time out and along with (1) DONGBU STAR is among others who have at least placing claims here.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) ADELE STELLA has been consistent across his four starts to date and comes in here having run 4th at his latest outing over 1300M. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance too and could well be peaking today. (14) GRAND CHUKJE beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at the distance on January 28th. The draw does him no favours today, but he should be competitive again in this company. (9) CHOEGANG MARINE stepped up to this distance at his latest start and ran a very solid 3rd place. He will be close to the pace again here and can go close. (6) DAEJI SPECIAL has been solid, if unspectacular, in recent outings and has fair placing claims. (8) HAEUNDAE BLUE mixes her form but does have a 2nd place finish to her name and is another to take into consideration.
Selections
(1) Adele Stella (14) Grand Chukje (9) Choegang Marine (6) Daeji Special
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
6, 8, 9, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Small field here but it’s certainly competitive enough. (4) SANGSEUNG BOY gets the nod. He won on debut over 1000M before running 3rd at class and distance on January 30th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. (2) FANTASTIC LOVE is yet to win in five starts but has finished no worse than 4th with three runner-up finishes to her name, including last time out on her first try at this class and distance. She too will look to get forward early and while she may find one too quick again, should be maintaining her consistent record. (1) JATNAMUGIL comes up in class following a good win at the distance on January 28th when he sat handy and ran on strong. (7) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO and (8) UNJU HERO are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) Sangseung Boy (2) Fantastic Love (1) Jatnamugil (7) Yeongcheon Solemio
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Having taken himself out of contention on debut, (5) USURP returned to win well second up on January 21st over 1200M when leading gate to wire. He comes up in class here and slightly up in trip too, but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (13) MONEY CASE is up in class too following a win at start number three on January 16th. He doesn’t get the best of the draw, but he should be able to measure up in this company. (14) ADELE CHUKBAE draws even worse but is better than his latest effort suggests, and he can be given another chance here. (7) D’LOVELY QUEEN comes in off two positive showings over 1200M and along with (1) HARDY CHARLIE, who showed a big uptick in form at his latest start, is another in at least the placing frame.
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The two main contenders here both come in having had an off day at their respective latest starts. For (11) PUREUN JANGMI it was in the Korean Oaks back in November and having shown on the front, she didn’t see out the trip. She was going very nicely prior to that though and after a couple of months off, can be given another chance here. (3) DONGTEUJA BOY was beaten by a couple of these in a flat showing over 1400M last time out. He is much better than that though and back in trip and with a nice gate, can go much better today. (14) MILLION BANK was one of those who finished ahead of Dongteuja Boy last time out. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th and can maintain that record today. (13) CLEAR and (6) WONDERFUL FAGER are others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(11) Pureun Jangmi (3) Dongteuja Boy (14) Million Bank (13) Clear
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 11, 13
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Tricky one this but we’ll give (10) SEUNGNI TOUT a chance to return to form. He is a class and distance winner and while he has come up short in his latest two, Seo Seung-un climbs back aboard today and he should be right in this. (7) BULMYEORUI GIL shapes as the probable favourite courtesy of his class and distance win on January 21st when he came from off the pace to run on very strongly. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of a repeat. (11) LUCAS SUN comes up in class having won at this distance a month ago. His running style is to settle back in the field so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be competitive at this level. (9) ACE JACKPOT and (12) CHEONGDAM DRIVE are among others with placing chances.
Selections
(10) Seungni Tout (7) Bulmyeorui Gil (11) Lucas Sun (9) Ace Jackpot
Next Best
12, 1
Fast Start
1, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million
A really good race to finish with. (9) YEONGUNG LOUIS came up short in two big Group races at the end of last year and then was surprisingly beaten when racing alongside many of these on his return to normal racing on January 23rd. He has plenty of quality about him though and can return to winning ways today. (3) DAEAM JANGGUN enters having won his latest three in fine style. All at this distance. He is up in class today but draws nicely and can measure up in this company. (11) QUEEN OF THE WORLD beat Yeongung Louis and a host of today’s rivals when winning at class and distance on January 23rd. She comes up in the weights and draws less favourably today but she clearly warrants respect. (1) ONNURI JILJU is up in class following a good win over 1200M last month and along with (10) SUCCESS PARTY, is another to take into account.
Selections
(9) Yeongung Louis (3) Daeam Janggun (11) Queen Of The World (1) Onnuri Jilju
Raon The Fighter is the main draw on Sunday as the hottest property in Korean racing seeks to make it ten wins in a row. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Raon The Fighter (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens go round here with five racing for the first time. One of those is set to be our top pick in the shape of (2) COMPLETE WEAPON. He has been through two trials, winning the most recent of them in a fast time in early December and while it has taken him a couple of months to get to the racecourse, this looks like a winnable assignment first up. Sticking with first timers, (4) JEONGMUN JILJU was also a trial winner, sitting handy and then running on strong in his heat and he too looks set to make a bold showing on debut. Turning to those with experience, (11) EUNHYE has a 2nd and 3rd from two three starts so far, with both the good results being at this distance. He has proven able to run well from on pace or behind, so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (8) GOLDEN SCOOP was a much-improved 2nd when on pace at this distance on January 22nd and she, along with (10) CONCORDE SPURT, are others to take into consideration.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) GRAND POWER will be a warm favourite here after a much-improved showing over 1000M on January 23rd when he was on pace for the first time and ran on well. He comes back up in trip here but draws nicely on the inside and won’t need to go much better to win this one. (11) LONDON POWER has shown decent consistency with four top four finishes. She has run some fair times at this distance and is likely to be on pace from the start and be in this a long way. (13) ROAD ACE was 3rd behind Grand Power in that January 23rd race. He has three top five finishes from six starts so far and despite the wide draw can be going close here. (5) QUEEN LION and (6) NUMBER ONE TARGET, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Grand Power (11) London Power (13) Road Ace (5) Queen Lion
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
1, 6, 11, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to look past (6) BE CRAZY here. He has two 4ths and a last start 3rd from three appearances to date, the latest being that 3rd over this distance on January 16th when he sat on pace throughout. He can lead here and should be too good. (12) MIDAS CAMP has the fastest time among these at the distance and enters off a good 3rd place at 1200M a month ago He had an apprentice on that day so loses the 4kg claim here and draws wide but can go close again. (3) HANGANG BOSS had a hard time from a wide draw at his latest start but if you can draw a line through that, his previous two efforts were good. Coming into a better gate today, he can be given another chance. (8) OKDONG GONGJU is yet to win but has six top five finishes to his name and can aim to place here. (2) SINJURYU another in the minor money frame.
Selections
(6) Be Crazy (12) Midas Camp (3) Hangang Boss (8) Okdong Gongju
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 6, 11, 12
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. We’ll go with (6) DOCTOR KONGSUNI who starts for the third time having improved to 2nd at her latest start on January 21st when stepped up to this distance. She was on pace that day and should be again and may have too much. (4) SANGIM YEOWANG overcame a wide draw to run a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M three weeks ago. She comes up in trip here, gets a better gate and Seo Seung-un climbs aboard so there is plenty to like. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE and (8) CHEONGHO BOSS came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at 1000M on January 16th. It was a big improvement for Wonderful Cutie while it was a debut outing for Cheongho Boss. The latter has since gone back and won a trial and both can be competitive today. In that trial, (1) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE ran 4th, a second encouraging performance, and she looks the best of the three first-time starters.
Selections
(6) Doctor Kongsuni (4) Sangim Yeowang (2) Wonderful Cutie (8) Cheongho Boss
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 13
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies here. The two French jockeys face off on the likely top-two in the market and we’ll side with Johan Victoire and (7) GALSAEK HYANGGI to prevail. The Menifee filly comes in having run 4th at her latest start at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process in a good time. She tends to settle back and run on and today can be her day. David Breux and (13) FIRST ROAD is the big danger. She has a 2nd place to her name, recorded two starts back at 1200M and she overcame a similarly wide draw to run 4th at that same distance at her latest start on January 16th. She has a good finish on her and will be running on here. (8) DONGSEO YEOGEOL has got a bit far back in her latest two but can be given another chance here from a better draw. (10) WONDERFUL NIKIYA and (11) TINA are others with genuine placing chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(12) CHAMP GO is the logical top pick here. He has the fastest time of those who have tackled the distance before and enters in excellent form with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two appearances. It’s true that he doesn’t draw as favourably today but an apprentice keeps his weight down and with a little luck at the start, he can win this. (1) LINE BREAKER has been doing his best work late in all three of his outings so far at shorter distances. From a much better draw and out to an extended trip, he can go very close here. (2) CHOEGANG FORCE also comes up in trip. He has three top four finishes from four starts to date and came from well back for a fast-finishing 4th last time out. He has the fastest average time for the final furlong and can be a danger here. (9) ZERAGE and (6) BAEK SEOL QUEEN are among others in the hunt.
Selections
(12) Champ Go (1) Line Breaker (2) Choegang Force (9) Zerage
Saturday’s action moves to Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open although attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings and (4) GEOLJAK DREAM is the one to beat. She has been working up to a win across her four starts to date with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 8th. She generally sits handy but may be on pace here and should have too much. (12) HAPPY MIX looks the logical second pick. She has a 4th and a 3rd from her two prior outings, both over the 1000M in fair times and the extra furlong can suit here. (3) LAROMANEE has also only been tested at 1000M so far and while she hasn’t exactly pulled up trees in her three appearances, she worked home well enough for a midfield finish last time to suggest that she too will appreciate more distance today. (11) SPEAR GOLD and (2) COMPLETE JOY are others who may enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here and plenty of potential on show. (1) DAEMUL gets the nod, based on a strong performance on debut on January 8th when he settled back before running on strong for 2nd place over 1000M with a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The extra trip today should be ideal, and he can win. (10) K N TIZWON was 4th in that same race. That was his second outing and second consecutive 4th and while he draws wide again, the additional distance can be in his favour. (7) TOUCH NINE too comes up in trip after three fair outings over 1000M with a best finish of 3rd. He has posted quick final furlong times and should be in the mix at the business end today. (8) UDDUG has tackled the trip before, coming from well back to run a solid 3rd on January 9th. He’ll get back here as well and will be running on strong. (4) ONE MORE RUSH another in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Daemul (10) K N Tizwon (7) Touch Nine (8) Uddug
Next Best
4, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field but tricky test here. We’ll side with (9) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN, who comes back in trip after a couple of spins around 1700M including last start 4th. He has run well at this distance too, most recently finishing 3rd back last August. David Breux takes over in the saddle, which can be to his benefit and today could be his day. (6) CHEONMUN appears the main danger. He is yet to run at this trip but has finished 4th at 1700M and last time out at 1300M came from well off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. He doesn’t usually get so far back in his races so could be on pace here and should have a big part to play. (7) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN remains a maiden after sixteen attempts, but his best finish today was a 2nd at this distance last November. He comes in following a solid 4th over 1300M a month ago and with an apprentice once again keeping the weight down, he should be going close here. (1) APPLE MINT and (5) GREAT JENNY are among others to take into consideration.
Selections
(9) Semyeong Captain (6) Cheonmun (7) Sangseung Haengjin (1) Apple Mint
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(4) ILGYEOK PILSAL is yet to win in nine starts but has placed on four occasions, including at his latest start on January 23rd when he came from well off the place to run home strongly for 2nd over this distance at class 4 level. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but is back into his own grade here, draws well, Munro remains aboard, and he has every chance. (12) MAGIC TIDE will probably start as favourite off the back of her class and distance win on December 19th, when she sat handy throughout before stretching away to win well with three of today’s rivals behind her. She only carries a little extra weight and while her draw is slightly worse, she should be very competitive again. (8) JEONGSANG FIGHTING come sup in class and in trip following a win at start number two on January 16th. He carries a light weight here and should measure up in this company. (6) DIECO and the up in class (11) JILJU BORN are others in the frame.
The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open as usual although attendance must be pre-booked and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A maiden for three-year-olds kicks things off. (2) HANEUL GANGJA raced once back in August of last year when he performed fairly over 1000M. He is favoured for this based on a January trial which he won in fine style, running through the line well. He draws nicely and on that form is the one to beat. (13) ART KELLY won a trial before debuting just a week later on January 21st at this distance. She took a while to get going and only ran 7th but should have come on for that run and despite the wide draw can go better today. (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI improved to 2nd place at start number two on January 23rd. He comes up in trip and for the first time and can continue his progression. (3) BARBELL POSEIDON has shown some promise and he draws much better today than he did on his first go at this distance last month. He will be coming on strong at the end. There are four debut-makers and among them (4) TRIPLE THUNDER looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.
Selections
(2) Haneul Gangja (13) Art Kelly (7) Doctor Kongdoli (3) Barbell Poseidon
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
A very competitive maiden here. (11) CHEONGMA POWER has four top-five finishes from seven starts so far and is the only runner in the field with a 2nd place to her name. She ran on fairly for 5th place last start and has the fastest time among these at the distance. Today can be her day. (12) SPEED SUNSHINE comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. He too has registered competitive times at this distance and while the draw does him no favours, he can be in the mix here. (4) BAEK GU does draw well. She ran a decent 6th on her first try at this distance three weeks ago and can build on that today. (14) BARBELL STORM has been up and down the distances but may finally have found his go with a 4th at this trip on January 21st. He settled midfield and ran on that day so the draw may not hurt his chances here. (6) SUPER CRACK may improve from his debut at what should be good odds.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another competitive race, this one for fillies only. Without huge confidence we’ll side with (10) GREEN PAPAGO. Her best finish came when 2nd on debut but she has run fairly in two starts since then and regardless of the wide draw, should be right in this. Draw a line through the latest showing from (9) B. K. HANA at 1000M. Instead go on her two starts immediately before that when she ran places in good times. Expect her to be on pace and to be in this a long way. (8) BLUE CARSON can be treated similarly. She had a hard time last start from the widest gate but prior to that had been going well with a 3rd and a 2nd, both at 1200M and from a kinder barrier today, should be a danger. (13) NEW FRESH was a much-improved 3rd last time out at this distance and under the same light weight today can be competitive again. (12) BAEDARI ICON another in the placing frame.
Selections
(10) Green Papago (9) B. K. Hana (8) Blue Carson (13) New Fresh
Next Best
12, 7
Fast Start
6, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here and (11) MISS GO is favoured. She has finished in the top-four in all four starts so far and comes back in trip following a good 2nd over 1400M last start when she led for most of the way around. She may need a touch of luck at the start but if she can get on pace again, she will be hard to go past. (9) ILNYEOM CHEONHA beat a couple of these when 5th at class and distance last time out when settling back and running on. She carries a light weight again and should be in the mix here. (13) GUARDIAN ANGEL is up in class following an all the way score over 1000M at her second start. She will need to overcome the draw but can measure up in this company. So too can (14) BORAMI who got her own maiden win at her third outing last month and can aim for a money finish again. (7) COLORFUL WIND struggled on her first attempt at this level but can be given another place chance here.
Selections
(11) Miss Go (9) Ilnyeom Cheonha (13) Guardian Angel (14) Borami
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
5, 7, 11, 13
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(5) STAR ACE was a good winner on debut, getting on top early and running on to score comfortably over 1000M on January 31st. He comes up in both class and distance here but down in weight and from a good draw, he looks the one to beat again. (11) USEUNG GANGJA has performed solidly at this distance, including a good 3rd place last time out. She likes to settle back and run on, and she should be working home strongly again here. (7) INDIAN PART Y is yet to win in twenty-one starts but has no fewer than twelve top-four finishes to her name. She may find one or two too quick again but don’t rule out another money finish. (6) MONEY BAG and (13) HOT PLAY are among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Star Ace (11) Useung Gangja (7) Indian Party (6) Money Bag
Next Best
13, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 13, 14
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
(2) MISS INDIE ran out a class and distance winner on January 28th when prominent all the way around and running on well. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she gets a nice draw again and should take some beating. (3) DOCTOR GIANTS ran 2nd to Miss Indie in that race, running on well from back in the field. He is a consistent performer and shapes to be the main danger once again. (5) ILBEONJI is rapidly up in class having won both of her starts at 1000M and 1200M. She has had two months off since the latest of those and while this is a significantly harder assignment than she has faced so far, she may well be equal to it. (6) ENDLESS RUNNING comes in here following bac-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class over 1200M and should be in the placing frame again. (4) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO another to consider.
Selections
(2) Miss Indie (3) Doctor Giants (5) Ilbeonji (6) Endless Running
Next Best
4, 13
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(11) ADELE CROWN won back-to-back races to over a mile in November and December to get rapidly promoted to this class. He then ran 2nd, again over a mile, on his first try at this level on January 7t with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He tackles two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) LANE KILLER was a good winner over this distance at his latest start on January 16th. He comes up in class here but that’s offset by a significant drop in the weights, and he has every chance of going close again. (14) TRIUMPH KING has plenty of experience at this level and comes in off a 3rd place over this distance last time out. The widest gate at 1800M at Busan is never ideal but he can be competitive again. (5) DUMUSAN and (13) SNYDER are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(11) Adele Crown (3) Lane Killer (14) Triumph King (5) Dumusan
Next Best
13, 6
Fast Start
7, 8, 12, 13
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million
A competitive race to finish with. We’ll side with (14) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU to continue his consistent run of form which has seen him place no worse than 3rd in five outings to date. At his latest start on January 21st, he beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance and while he comes up a full 4kg in the weights and has the widest gate to contend with, he can go one better here. (4) QUATTRO MAX is also ultra-consistent and comes in on a string of 3rd place finishes over 1800M. He comes back to the mile today and from a good draw looks firmly in the hunt here. (7) MAN OF TOP and (5) JANGSAN BOBBY were among those beaten by Yeokjeon Myeongsu last time out and they, along with (9) DUNCAN are among others to consider for the places.
Selections
(14) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (4) Quattro Max (7) Man Of Top (5) Jangsan Bobby
Horse Racing in Korea 