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
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). All betting locations are open as usual but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
It’s been a long time since Wang Beotkkot won the Nonghyup as a juvenile in 2018 but he has a chance ti win his first class 1 event on Sunday afternoon
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the fourteen racing for the first time and a couple of them look promising. Experience will be on top though with the most experienced, with three starts to his name, (5) TES GO DAEBO set to be the logical favourite. They have seen him accrue a 2nd and two 4th placed finishes with that 2nd coming at this distance. He can sit on pace or handy from a good draw and should have too much. (9) USEUNG BARAM ran a very encouraging 2nd on his debut over 1000M on January 15th when running on from midfield. The extra furlong can suit, and he should be competitive. Turning to the first timers, (6) PUREUN NARAE was fastest in trials, leading for much of her heat. An apprentice booking means she carries a light weight. (2) BLACK BEOMI won her trial by plenty and while it wasn’t a fast time, she looked to have lots more in the tank. She draws very nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. (8) GOLDEN THUNDER went back to trial after an indifferent debut and looked quite sharp. Expect improvement.
Selections
(5) Tes Go Daebo (9) Useung Baram (6) Pureun Narae (2) Black Beomi
Next Best
8, 14
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies and mares. (5) EUNHYE SERVE has shown plenty of promise across three starts to date and stepped up to this distance at her latest outing on January 8th and beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 3rd place when on pace throughout. She draws better this time, should be on pace again and may take some beating. (14) P N S HER ran adequately in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at just her second start last October. She then put in two ordinary performances before running an improved 4th behind Eunhye Serve a month ago. She draws even wider today but Munro gets on and she can go close. (11) COMPLETE LUCKY was an also-ran in that January race, starting slowly and scarcely getting involved. She had previously shown flashes of speed and with a better start today, can get closer. (6) NEW SMART showed signs of starting to figure things out when running on for 4th at this distance on January 15th and can continue to make progress here. (3) CHEONUNCHONG finished off nicely at 1000M last time and may like the additional furlong.
Selections
(5) Eunhye Serve (14) P N S Her (11) Complete Lucky (6) New Smart
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
5, 11, 12, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Good little maiden this. (7) MORNING PEARL enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently coming from well back over 1200M. She only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws fairly and the step up in trip can be to her benefit. (8) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE has shown some decent speed across her three starts so far with the best being a swift 2nd at 1000M. She beat two of these on her way to 4th place at 1200M at her latest start on Boxing Day when she settled midfield and ran on and looks firmly in this today. (10) THUNDER HORSE comes back in trip after a creditable 3rd place over 1700M on January 8th. That equaled his best finish and having run a good time at this trip in the past, can match it again today. Draw a line through the latest run by (4) ORGALIM when from a wide draw he worked hard to get to position over 1200M before weakening. Instead go on his good 2nd place two starts back. He should be on pace here and will be in this a long way. (11) WILD SOCKS another in the frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with every horse in the race tackling the 1300M for the first time. After an ordinary debut, (4) RAON THE TANK was a much-improved 2nd when from a wide gate he settled midfield and ran on strong over 1200M on January 14th. He comes up slightly in trip again but draws significantly better and could well have too much here. Logical second choice is (9) ADELE STELLA. He comes back in trip after a solid 3rd place at 1600M on January 7th finishing off well from midfield and should be close here. (1) VICTORY NINE may appreciate the step up in trip. All his previous starts have been at 1000M, and he has run adequately but from the inside gate today and with further to play with, he may be a tougher prospect. (10) JOSEPHINE QUEEN and (11) SOUTHERN KING didn’t finish too far back on their respective debuts, and both have the potential to improve here.
Selections
(4) Raon The Tank (9) Adele Stella (1) Victory Nine (10) Josephine Queen
Next Best
11, 13
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) POSA POSA performed poorly on his first try at this distance on January 8th, finishing back in the field. He was later found to have some swelling in his right foreleg. He came back into training in the last week of January and from the inside gate and amongst company that can best be described as modest, he can win. That will mean overturning the form from that race on (2) LAGERTHA, who notched his second consecutive 5th place finish. He comes down slightly in the weights today with a small apprentice claim and looks the most credible danger. (5) B J FLASH did little in three outings last year but has subsequently been through two trials, winning the second of them, and may well be a different prospect tackling two turns for the first time. (3) HANI and (8) CLOUTER among other chances in a race with very ordinary form.
Selections
(1) Posa Posa (2) Lagertha (5) B J Flash (3) Hani
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(2) SEONGSIL CHOEGO has raced just twice with a 6th on debut followed by 4th at start number two on January 7th when he worked hard from a wide gate to get on pace. He comes into a better gate today which should give him an easier run in the race and that can allow him to overturn the form on main danger and possible betting favourite (1) DAEHO NURI. The latter comes in following 3rd place in that January 7th race when settling back and running on. He also has the fastest time among these at the distance to his name and is sure to be in the finish once more. (3) GREEN CHEETAH ran an improved 5th last time out at 1400M and while back in trip, draws well and has a very light weight with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN should be better for coming back in trip today after two spins around 1400M. His best result was 3rd at 1200M last November in a good time. (6) YEONGCHEON POWER is another in the frame.
Selections
(2) Seongsil Choego (1) Daeho Nuri (3) Green Cheetah (7) Blue Captain
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) BAEKDU GIRL was a good winner on debut on December 18th when she sat handy early, hitting the front in the straight to run on comfortably over 1000M. She comes up in class and in distance here but has every chance of maintaining her 100% record. (1) HWASUBOON is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts so far. That 5th was last time, and it was her first try at this class and distance, but the margins weren’t huge and from the inside gate today, she should be close. (11) BURUI YEOWANG ran 3rd in that race, which was her 7th top-five finish from eight attempts. She is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance to her chances here. (14) BEST TORCH and (13) RAON THE DASH both come up in class following last start wins, the latter at this distance and the former on debut, and both should be able to measure up in this company despite the unhelpful draws.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) LEGEND NUMBER ONE comes up in class and in distance following his maiden win at start number two over 1200M on January 14th at this distance. He is down in weight, draws superbly and the jockey/trainer combination ensures he will be favourite. (3) ALIVE STAR was an excellent winner 1200M at class 6 level on December 19th coming from just behind the early leaders to score comprehensively. He is up in class here but surely measures up and has claims again. So too a third last start winner in the shape of (13) STELL LUNA. Her win came at 1300M, but she hasn’t ben worse than 4th in four appearances to date and has posted good times at today’s trip. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but carries a light weight and should not be dismissed. (4) CHEONGHO LEADER is a perennial non-winner but knows how to bank money in this company and along with (10) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON is a placing chance.
Selections
(1) Legend Number One (3) Alive Star (13) Stell Luna (4) Cheongho Leader
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A maiden for three-year-old fillies opens proceedings and it is a competitive one. We’ll go with (3) UJUUI BOM, who led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M, ultimately finishing 3rd in a fast time. She draws nicely here, can be on pace again, and while there is an additional furlong to deal with, she can win. (9) WONDERFUL KITTY has raced three times so far with a best finish of 2nd at 1000M. She got too far back on her first try at this distance on Boxing Day, before running on well and given more of a chance here can be right in this. (8) HWIPARAM has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts, racing on pace both times and another bold showing will be expected here with the additional furlong likely to suit. (2) QUEENUI JILJU ran on pleasingly for 3rd on her debut having settled midfield and from a better draw today can be in the mix. (11) MIRACLE K perhaps the best of the rest.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(5) JILJU JEONSA has been making steady progress in recent outings with a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two, only going down narrowly over 1300M last time when racing handy throughout. He steps back in trip today but has the fastest time among these for 1200M and could well go one better today. The main danger is (3) WARRIOR THUNDER. He too has found some consistency recently and enters off a solid 3rd at this distance on January 15th when he was close to the pace throughout. He’ll be challenging for the lead again here and will be in this a long way. He meets Jilju Jeonsa marginally better in weight than when they last raced each other. Disregard the latest outing of (1) LUCKY INDY when he had a hard time from a wide draw. He gets the inside lane today and should go much better. (6) KING CRUSH came home 4th behind Jilju Jeonsa last time and can go close again while (12) BADAUI KKUM is another in the frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(5) DREAM SPEED looks the one to beat here. She comes up marginally in trip following a runner-up finish over 1200M on January 15th when she sat handy throughout and finished off well. The time was slow but so was the track that day and she won’t need to find much more to win here. (14) ARCH CHARM gets no luck with the barrier but has worked home well in two starts so far, both at 1000M. If Park Eul-woon can keep her into contention coming into the straight, she should pick plenty off, given the additional furlong and a half to play with today. (4) SAINT LUCCA struggled to overcome the widest gate last time out, using up plenty of effort to get on pace and then weakening over 1200M. He should have an easier time of it earlier on today and has claims. (9) EUNHYE DREAM improved last time out at start number three when going back and then running on over 1000M. She’s another who may like the extra distance. (10) BROWN CHARM one who could improve.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to look too far past (2) VICS GO. Having got his maiden win at 1000M two starts back, he stepped up to this class on Christmas Day and ran a very close 2nd. He comes up in trip and in weight today, but that is alleviated a little by a much better draw and with Munro climbing aboard, he looks hard to beat. (4) JISANGUN led at his latest start over this distance on December 26th, ultimately finishing a close at hand 3rd having used up plenty of effort getting across from gate thirteen. He too gets a much better draw today and will be on pace an in this a long way again. (14) HYPER CAR has overcome wide draws in both his latest two to run 3rd and 2nd. He is yet to win in thirteen attempts but has seven top-three finishes to his name and it would be no surprise to see him working home well again. (8) STELLA ROAD was a last start winner at this class over 1700M and can’t be discounted here. (9) GOLD K another with placing claims.
Selections
(2) Vics Go (4) Jisangun (14) Hyper Car (8) Stella Road
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
4, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(6) WONDERFUL K’s solitary win to date came at this distance three starts back at class 6 level and while he disappointed as favourite on his first try at this class in November, showed that he can compete at this level when 4th in his latest outing on December 12th. He comes in fresh here and can win this. Probable betting favourite is (2) CAPTAIN BRAVO. He has been consistent across his latest starts with three consecutive 4th place finishes in respectable company at 1200 to 1400M. All three times, he has finished off very smartly indeed, suggesting he may be ready to tackle two turns again. (1) GREAT EYE got his maiden win at class 6 level over 1400M in December before beating a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on his first try at this class and distance on January 16th. He draws well to sit behind the pace and can be in the mix again today. (8) AMAZING WHIZ enters in consistent form and should be there or thereabouts along with (5) DOUBLE TAKE.
Selections
(6) Wonderful K (2) Captain Bravo (1) Great Eye (8) Amazing Whiz
Next Best
5, 12
Fast Start
4, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (3) REDBACK here. He won well at this distance at class 5 level in October before getting too far back at 1400M on his first try at this class the following month. He ran a good 4th over 1800M on Christmas Day when close to the pace throughout. He comes up 1kg for that effort but expect him up with the leaders early and he should be too strong. (9) GRAY CAT comes up in class following a maiden win at start eleven over 1200M on January 15th, a win that had been coming. His running style suggests that two-turns should suit even better, and he can measure up in this company. (2) CHOIN GANGJA hasn’t quite lived up to his early potential, but he has a 2nd place at class and distance to his name and from a good draw can go close. (4) VICTORICA comes in off a 4th place at class and distance on a slow track on January 9th and along with (1) CHEONGSAN GANGHO is another with at least placing chances.
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Alllowance / KRW 60 Million
The top picks here all have wide gates to contend with. The very widest goes on top in the shape of (13) WOL YEONG I. While it took her fourteen starts to break through, which she finally did on January 16th, the win had been coming and she is consistent at this distance. She comes up in class, but this doesn’t look that much more difficult than her last assignment and while she may need a but of early luck in running, she is the one to beat. (11) BEST CHEONSANG is ultra-consistent with eight top five finishes from eleven starts including three consecutive 3rd places at class and distance leading into this. She will be close to the pace again and is a danger. (10) LONDON ACTIVE ran on well for 5th at class and distance on her latest start and while she comes up in the weights today, can be competitive. Better drawn in (6) LEAD VOCAL, who ran 6th in the same race as London Active last time out and can get closer today. (9) JEDI FORCE was on pace on debut on January 9th before weakening and should have come on for the experience.
Selections
(13) Wol Yeong I (11) Best Cheonsang (10) London Active (6) Lead Vocal
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 7, 11, 12
Seoul Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Competitive race here. We’ll take a chance on (5) TRIPLE KINGDOM who enters in consistent form and at his latest start in December ran a strong class and distance 4th. He generally goes back and runs on and should be going close again here. (7) CHUNSAN was 5th behind Triple Kingdom in that December race but came back out on January 9th to win at class and distance, going right back and then running on strongly. He comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but will probably start as favourite He is first up for twelve weeks and didn’t set the world alight in a trial two weeks ago but (6) MIGHTY CHIP won at class and distance when we last saw him on November 20th. He too is up in weight from that, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) NAMSANUI BYEOL comes up in class but significantly down in weight from a good win over 1700M in December and should measure up here. (13) DUSON JANGGUN another with placing chances.
Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
Tricky race to conclude with. (5) BLACK MUSK is the quality horse in the race and 1400M is his go, having won four of his five starts at the distance. Around those he has thrown in a couple of howlers including last start at 1200M but if he gets a good position from a good draw, he can win. Probably favourite is (14) PREEMAX. He beat three of these when 3rd at 1200M on January 16th, including Black Musk. The latter has beaten him twice at this distance, but Preemax meets him with a weight advantage here even if the draw is less than ideal. (10) DORAON NALRI is another who may be happy to get back to 1400M as he has put in some super runs at it and can at least place today. (7) MIGHTY NEW and (2) BYEOLNARA SINSA are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Black Musk (14) Preemax (10) Doraon Nalri (7) Mighty New
Racing returns from its short Lunar New Year hiatus this weekend with the action getting underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Busan Is Back
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens to kick us off with seven of the fourteen racing for the first time and only two of those with experience having tackled this distance before. (10) YEONGSEONG QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but came out at start number two and ran a good 2nd back at the end of October. She’s been off fifteen weeks since then, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and the extra furlong can help. (1) SPECIAL WIND put in a strong trial when prominent throughout. He gets the same inside draw which can help him get to the lead early and potentially go all the way. (6) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG has raced greenly across two starts so far but once he got into a rhythm, last time, she ran through the line well and may appreciate the step up in trip (11) GOLD TAP trialed up well, leading for much of the way around and finishing an unhurried 2nd. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but can go well first-up. (8) HANEUL JILJU among several others not to be dismissed.
Selections
(10) Yeongseong Queen (1) Special Wind (11) Gold Tap (6) Eunseong Yeongung
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies and mares only here and it’s a competitive race. We’ll side with (5) ONE RUSH, who has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, coming closest at her latest on January 14th when beating three of these on her way to a class and distance 2nd in a good time. She sat handy and ran on that day, is well drawn to do the same here and she can go one better. (8) HAMAN BONGHWASAN ran a very close 2nd place on debut over 1400M on January 23rd when from the inside gate, she was on pace throughout, ultimately only going down a neck. She comes back in trip today and while the draw isn’t quite as advantageous, should be on pace again and looks a big danger. (14) SUSO POWER draws even worse, but an apprentice claim brings her down 3kg from her 5th place behind One Rush last start and this consistent type can get closer here. Disregard the latest start of (11) ANNIKA GIRL and she is right in this. On the contrary, take very much into account the big improvement last time of (4) USEUNG MELODY and she too can go close.
Selections
(5) One Rush (8) Haman Bonghwasan (14) Suso Power (11) Annika Girl
Next Best
4, 13
Fast Start
1, 7, 12, 13
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
On the surface quite an ordinary set of gallopers take their chance here and it’s a tricky puzzle to solve. (10) GREAT ONE was anything but in his first five outings but improved significantly at his latest start when coming from off the pace to run a close 2nd over this distance with a few of today’s rivals back down the track. He is not without a chance here. (4) GOSUUI POWER shapes as the likely favourite and he too comes in off a strong performance, in his case over 1400M on January 7th when leading for much of the way around. If we can forgive a previous poor effort at this distance, he enters the calculations. (8) KING GRACE comes in off a fair performance over 1400M when after a poor start, he made up good ground late on. (2) JIN MARK and (7) DIA FORCE, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance already, are others who can go well on their day.
Selections
(10) Great One (4) Gosuui Power (8) King Grace (2) Jin Mark
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
4, 5, 10, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(11) KENDRICK was an emphatic winner on debut over 1000M on January 9th when he settled in midfield and then ran on very strongly. He comes up in class and distance today but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (8) H. DAY ran two very fast times over 1000M at class 6 level and while he got too far back on his first try at this class and distance in December, he ran on strongly for a close 5th and given more of a chance today he has solid claims. (4) TAEPUNGI comes up in class following a good win over this distance on January 9th when she sat handy before running on to win narrowly. She draws nicely here and under a light weight again should go close. (1) TOP ACE weakened from the lead at his latest start but has run well at the distance and can be given placing chances here. (5) HANEUL MISO comes up in class and in distance after two runner-up finishes at 1000M but in this modest company can measure up.
Selections
(11) Kendrick (8) H. Day (4) Taepungi (1) Top Ace
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 13
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (8) ALIVE QUEEN returned from seven months out to make all over this distance and on January 14th having previously shown in a trial that she was ready. She comes up in class today but if she runs anything like she did last time, she should have too much for this field. Logical second pick is (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU. She comes back in trip having run a good 2nd over 1400M on January 7th when she had a couple of these behind her and while she is yet to win in fourteen starts, she knows how to find the money in this kind of company. (2) SPICE INDIE can get a bit far back in her races but from a nice draw and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard, will feature on plenty of tickets and can go close here. (4) GEUMA STARLET comes up in class following a decent 2nd place over 1200M a month ago and along with (3) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN, looks a place chance today.
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
A very competitive race but (6) JESSIEUI KKUM looks a worthy favourite. He was a strong class and distance winner on January 21st in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have run and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, she looks to have the potential for more and can win again. (10) BOLAVEN pulled off a good win over 1200M a month ago when sitting handy and running on strong. He carries a full 4kg extra today but looks to be improving and ready for another crack at the extended trip today. (14) MARK ONE has finished ahead of Bolaven twice at this distance and was a class and distance winner on his latest start on January 16th when sitting midfield and running on. He draws awkwardly here but an apprentice takes the weight down and he can run a good race again. (3) HWARANG BEST races for the first time since finishing well back in the Breeders’ Cup race for juveniles in November. He has won at this distance before and looked well when winning a trial on Christmas Day. (8) BABEL DREAMER another in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Jessieui Kkum (10) Bolaven (14) Mark One (3) Hwarang Best
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
7, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Good race for the level. We’ll give one more chance to (3) MONGTTANG. After ruining his own chances in the Breeders’ Cup he was admittedly flat at his first try over a mile on January 7th, failing to muster speed at the top of the straight. He draws better today and if he can get an easy trip to the front, may well be a different prospect. Probable favourite is (1) DOCTOR FAITH. He won back-to-back races in October and November, the latter at class and distance and while he could only manage 5th at his latest start on Christmas Eve, he too draws better today and will be a big threat. He has finished in the top three on ten out of twelve starts so far and at the very least, should maintain that record today. (13) CHOEGANG LIGER has won two of his latest three and beat Mongttang when scoring at class and distance on January 7th. He came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be a danger again. The consistent (10) QUEEN HARLEY along with (2) ADELE PUPIL are others in the frame.
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(4) KING OF THE MATCH was a beaten odds-on favourite at class and distance on January 14th when wide all the way round, but running on well. That was his second consecutive defeat at worse than even money but we’re going for third-time lucky here. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC has run consistently fast times and at his latest start on January 14th, beat several of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. He comes up in weight today, but an apprentice takes the edge off and he can be a danger. (2) ACE DAY led at this latest start when running 3rd behind King Of The Match. From a nice draw expect him to lead again and to be in the this a long way. (5) ROCKY SKY was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 3rd at his latest carrying a similar weight to today. He will be up challenging for the lead early and he can go close. (10) YEONGGWANGUI TIME among others who can enter the calculations in a competitive finale.
Selections
(4) King Of The Match (6) Geuma Psychic (2) Ace Day (5) Rocky Sky
The Stakes race season got underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday, and it was a mare who claimed the spoils as Raon First scored a comprehensive victory in the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy.
Raon First and Choi Bum-hyun have time to soak in the acclaim in the Segye Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)
The Segye Ilbo was missing from the abbreviated Stakes Calendar in 2021 but returned to its usual spot as the first big race of the year in Korea and the 1200M sprint was, for the first time, open to all Korean-bred runners, regardless of whether they are trained in Seoul or Busan.
Busan supplied a genuine contender in the shape of Classic winner Touch Star Man, and punters sent him off fourth in the market with Owners’ Cup winner Meni Hero favourite, ahead of the solitary filly or mare in the race, Raon First, and the Group-winning sprinter East Jet. Punters would prove correct with their top four, although not quite in that order.
From gate six, East Jet got the best of the start, racing into an early lead alongside outsider World Day, with Raon First sitting handy under jockey Choi Bum-hyun on the rail in 5th place. On the rail and in box seat is where she would stay as the leaders peeled off at the top of the straight and as soon as Raon First struck the front, there was only every going to be one winner.
East Jet came home in 2nd place, three-lengths in arrears, while Meni Hero came third. Touch Star Man, racing at a sprint distance for the very first time since his debut seventeen starts back, emerged from the pack for fourth with Roller Blade rounding out the prize-getters in 5th.
It was the Park Jong-kon trained Raon First’s ninth career win on her fifteenth start and followed her first Group race score in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) in December. That race was restricted to her fellow fillies and mares, although she had already proved herself in open company when winning at class 1 last October.
Today’s opposition was a cut above those she beat in either of those races and having won at distances up to 1800M, there are plenty of options open for the five-year-old, be it in the Queens’ Tour or even the Sprint Series races.
Raon First is by Musket Man and out of the Southern Image mare, Pink Candy. She was bred by her owners, Raon Company, at their farm where they stand the American stallion Musket Man. Raon First has a four-year-old “full” sister, Raon Pink, who won the Luna Stakes in 2021 before running 2nd in the Korean Oaks. Raon have a currently unrivalled array of talent at their disposal, spearheaded by their unbeaten star, Raon The Fighter.
Earlier at Seoul, the KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup placegetter Chief Indy (by Take Charge Indy) defeated Korean Oaks winner Choegang Black (by Purge), the pair coming home 1st and 3rd over 1800M at class 3 level. Chief Indy was one of four winners on the day for reigning champion jockey Moon Se-young, one of which was a dead-heat as the judges failed to split his Saryeoni Queen with Thunder Wind, ridden by Antonio Da Silva, in race 7.
At Busan, Barbarian added to his burgeoning reputation, dropping back in trip after recent successes to easily win the feature class 1 event over 1400M under You Hyun-myung. A five-year-old entire, Barbarian, who is by Competitive Edge and out of the Unbridled’s Song mare White Haven, registered his eighth win at start number sixteen and his first at class 1 level.
There is no racing in Korea this coming weekend, due to the Lunar New Year break. Racing returns to Busan on Friday February 11th and Seoul on Saturday February 12th.
The 2022 Stakes race season gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the twentieth running of the Segye Ilbo Cup. A field of fourteen that includes several Group winners will contest the Listed event over the sprint distance of 1200M, which returns to the calendar after having to be pandemically postponed in 2021.
The Segye Ilbo Cup will be run for the first time since 2020 when Simjangui Godong won. Do Kki Blade, who was 3rd that day, returns (Pic: KRA)
Raon First – the only filly or mare in the race – is the probable favourite, coming off her comfortable win over her distaff contemporaries in t Jeju Governor’s Cup at 1400M in December, but she has beaten the males at class 1 level too and with a weight allowance and a great draw she may prove hard to catch.
2020 Owners’ Association Trophy winner East Jet also lines up and will be a big danger while Busan’s challenge is led by Classic winner Touch Star Man and the speedy Doctor Carson. The Segye Ilbo Cup is race 9 on the 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with no fewer than ten of the twelve racing for the very first time. One of those first-timers goes on top in the shape of (5) HAMPYEONG NABI, who caught the eye in a heat, leading almost the entire way around before crossing the line in 2nd in a fast time. She draws nicely here and appears set for a bold showing first up. The two with experience both raced adequately enough on debut to suggest they should be in the frame here. (7) MENI SPEAR came home 4th on debut on Christmas Day at this distance having previously won a trial while (8) DOLBAE debuted a day later and ran 5th in a fair time. With natural improvement both can go closer this time around. Returning to the newcomers, (11) MENI ACE and (4) SONGAM NURI trialed up together and could be the best of the rest.
Selections
(5) Hampyeong Nabi (7) Meni Spear (8) Dolbae (11) Meni Ace
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field as it’s restricted to sales graduates. Moon Se-young climbing aboard (6) FLYING ATHENA will prick some ears. He’s run adequately for 6th in both starts so far, last time running on over 1200M. Expect him to be up front early here and he could well break through. The primary danger is set to be (3) NAUI NARA. She’s improved across three outings so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1400M on December 25th when she was prominent throughout. Expect her to be challenging for the early lead and to be in this a long way. Draw a line through the latest effort from (5) BIG ENERGY when he failed to settle from a wide draw. He had run consistently prior to that though and is worth another chance here. (1) MILLION QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but finished midfield and may improve from the inside gate. (9) GEOLJAK MAN has a 3rd place to his name and that’s enough to bring him into the calculations today.
Selections
(6) Flying Athena (3) Maui Nara (5) Big Energy (1) Million Queen
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) GRAND STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on December 19th when handy throughout. That was his best finish to date in nine attempts and from a good draw on the inside, he can sit handy again and this time break through. (3) DIVINE POWER has raced adequately in three attempts at this distance, posting fair times. He generally settles midfield or worse and then runs on and should get past plenty here. (4) GEUMSEONG MAN comes up in trip following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to 1400M on December 25th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and the additional distance may suit even more. (11) APPLE MINT and (8) M J STORM among others to enter the calculations.
Selections
(1) Grand Star (3) Divine Power (4) Geumseong Man (11) Apple Mint
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Busan’s opener is a maiden for three-year-olds with four of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. We’ll tentatively side with experience as (7) JEONGDEUN-RO ran a solid 3rd on debut at this distance on January 10th, sitting handy all the way and completing the course in a fair time, albeit well back behind a good winner. She should have come on for that. Likely favourite is one of the first timers. (5) STAR ACE sat handy in his trial, finishing 2nd in a decent time. The Kim Young-kwan/You Hyun-myung combination is bound to make punters take note and from a good draw, there is no reason why he can’t win first-up. (12) INDIE MAGIC won a trial and while the draw does him no favours, in this company he can have claims first up. (1) GASOK DAY was 5th on debut in what was a monumentally slow race at the distance. He is surely capable of quicker and can improve from the inside gate. (9) SUNSHINE STAR maybe best of the rest.
Selections
(7) Jeongdeun-Ro (5) Star Ace (12) Indie Magic (1) Gasok Day
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
She’s yet to break through in thirteen starts to date but (6) GOLDEN BADGE has a strong of near-misses and has also run a fast time at this distance. She comes in having come from well back to run 2nd over 1400M on Boxing Day and has solid claims here. So too (7) SARYEONI FIRST, who won over 1200M at class 6 level last November before finishing 3rd at this class and distance on December 12th. He will probably settle midfield and run on and shouldn’t be far away. (11) ADELE NARAE took to this distance well when stepped up to it on January 9th and running 2nd, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can build on that today. (9) BRAVO SOCKS and (3) RUFFIAN PARK are others who can have designs on the places.
Selections
(6) Golden Badge (7) Saryeoni First (11) Adele Narae (9) Bravo Socks
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) KING SATURDAY will be one of the hotter favourites of the weekend. He has finished 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and while he comes up in trip again here, he should be exiting class 6 with a win. (6) DROMOS ran fairly for 4th at her latest outing over 1200M and also has a 2nd at that distance to her name. She generally works home well, and the extended trip may be in her favour today. (12) NAMYANG CHEOLLI improved significantly when tried at this distance at start number three on December 24th when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in front of a couple of today’s rivals. The draw does her no favours here but with a touch of luck early, she can be in the finish. (1) QUEEN’S DAERO and (4) RUN AND GUN others to take into consideration.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00 (the Jeju pony meeting is also simulcast to Seoul, hence such bug gaps between races). All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Raon Pink returns to action on Saturday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here. (7) GLOBAL BOBAE will be the favourite having run 2nd on debut on Christmas Day, overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on in a good time. He should have come on for the experience and a similar run makes him hard to beat here. After winning a trial, (5) HATMURI ran 3rd on debut at this distance before running 6th at 1200M at start tow. He has had a couple of months off since then, Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he should go close. It’s similar with (2) P N S GOLD who has a 2nd and 4th from two starts so far. She draws well here and could be on pace from the start. (4) BE FLOWER and (6) YOUNG BLOOD are others to consider for improvement.
Selections
(7) Global Bobae (5) Hatmuri (2) P N S Gold (4) Be Flower
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(3) MUSTANG POWER ran a good 2nd on debut over this distance on December 25th. Coming from well off the pace. He was well-beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he has some potential and from a much better gate this time, looks the one to beat. (14) G STAR has improved across three starts so far, including a runner-up finish at his latest on December 5th. He tends to get right back and then run on so the draw isn’t too much of a concern and the additional trip today may help. (13) GLOBAL PRIME too improved at his latest appearance on November 28th. He sat handy that day so may need a touch of luck early but is another who should like the increase in trip. (8) MABAWI and (10) AL SIMON others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Mustang Power (14) G Star (13) Global Prime (8) Mabawi
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 12, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only here and a tricky one here especially as most of the leading contenders have drawn wide. With that in mind, we might as well go with the widest of all, (14) TOP POSITION drew widest of all on debut too over 1000M and stayed at the back before running on strong for 6th in a fast race. The additional trip here can give her more time to find a top position and she can win. So too (12) SOARA DAEBO. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, recorded when 2nd on December 18th. She will settle midfield and should be in the finish again. (10) SMART BLUE beat a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at the distance on Christmas Day. It wasn’t a very fast time, but she seems to be heading in the right direction. (3) SWEET CAMP and (11) GEOSEN GISANG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(14) Top Position (12) Soara Daebo (10) Smart Blue (3) Sweet Camp
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
4, 10, 11, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) JANGSAN POISON has worked home well in both starts so far and at his latest was 5th over 1200M coming from the back of the field. He looks like he needs a bit of distance, and he gets it here. So does (12) ASPENROS went right back on debut over 1300M on December 26th but finished off very nicely to beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place. He too should appreciate a bit more distance to play with today and could well start as favourite. Solitary debut-maker (3) FLY STAR finished off a trial very well in December and from a good draw has every chance of a bold showing first-up. (14) CHEONJI JIDAE was the big loser from the draw but has been consistent across his four starts so far and shouldn’t be far away. (2) HELLO GEUMSEONG mixes her form, but this is the kind of race in which she can challenge for minor money.
It’s the last weekend of racing before the a week off is taken following the Lunar New Year holiday. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations within Korea will be open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
It’s Friday. It’s Busan
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies kick things off with all but one of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll side with that one experienced runner, (12) EUNSEONG WINNER. She ran fairly for 3rd place on debut back in December and has since been back to trial performing fairly. The experience can see her in good stead here. The main concern is that while her times in trials and her race have been consistent, they have not been quick. (9) GOLD SWEET looks the best of the first timers. She won her trial having been handy throughout and can go well first-up today. (2) CHEONGHO LEGEND and (7) ALPHA SONGDANG posted decent times in their respective heats and may also be considered while (8) WONDERFUL FILE improved in the second of her trials and can be in the hunt too.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field but potentially quite a hot favourite in the shape of (8) UNJU BULPAE. He’s improved across his four starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on January 7th having led for much of the way. The draw shouldn’t matter much in this small field, and he can win. (7) JATNAMUGIL has shown similar progress across his four appearances so far, running 3rd in both his latest two. He should be given another chance here. The solitary debut-maker is interesting. Top trainer Kim Young-kwan puts an apprentice aboard (6) RADAR, who finally makes it to the track aged four. His dam won six times at Busan and while his only half-brother to make the track so far is a notorious non-winner (Indian Party), he trialed well and should be kept safe. (1) GAWONUI BIT and (9) BAEK GU among others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Unju Bulpae (7) Jatnamugil (6) Radar (1) Gawonui Bit
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky race with a number of potential winners. We’ll go with (1) HAEUNDAE BLUE who comes in off a career-best 2nd when stepped up to this distance on January 7th. True, the pace that day was painfully slow, and she hasn’t shown much in the way of speed, but she beat three of today’s rivals and almost led the whole way around. (2) CARIBBEAN DAY has been consistent and comes in off a solid 4th at this distance on Boxing Day. He doesn’t have the benefit of an apprentice claim today but that’s softened by a much better draw, and he looks the main danger. (10) MAJOR FORCE didn’t run that badly when 6th at the distance last time out. He is yet to finish in the top two but has consistently found the minor money and could be worth a chance at an each-way price here. (11) ORANGE GARAGE and (3) PICTURE JASPER others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Haeundae Blue (2) Caribbean Day (10) Major Force (11) Orange Garage
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
1, 9, 11, 13
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Another competitive race. (8) CENTUM THOR might be a non-winner, but he has nine top five finishes from twelve attempts so far. He has been consistent at this distance and an apprentice climbing aboard brings him down 3kg from his last appearance. At that last appearance on December 10th, Centum Thor was beaten by (9) LUKAS SUN. That was the latter’s first go around 1800M and he handled it very well coming from well off the pace to fly home. He will be coming on strong again and should go close. (6) GEUMA GOOD POINT had a disappointing day at the office at his latest start on Boxing Day when he used up plenty to get to a forward position from a wide draw. Draw a line through that and instead go on the start before when he ran 3rd, ahead of Centum Thor, and he should be in this. (1) MENI GLORY comes up in trip and into the calculations while (3) ROCKET GO Is another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Centum Thor (9) Lukas Sun (6) Geuma Good Point (1) Meni Glory
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 8
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) WIND HIGH broke through at start number four on December 10th, making all at this distance and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has been back to trial since then and won that too. He does come up in class but remains under a light weight and from a good draw has claims to win again. (8) BARAM GONGJU ran 2nd to Wind High in the December race and has since finished 4th on her first try at this class on January 7th. She has run consistent times at the distance, likes to come from off the pace, and should be working home well here. (4) DOCTOR TEXAS lead but weakened over a mile last time out and should be better for the drop back in trip today. (6) SUSO ENGINE can be given another chance too while (10) USEUNG GANGJA is another in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Wind High (8) Baram Gongju (4) Doctor Texas (6) Suso Engine
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 9
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(8) DONGTEUJA BOY is set to be hot favourite here and deservedly so. He won back-to-back races in September and October to get rapidly promoted to this class and while he was beaten on his first try at this level two weeks ago, he ran a fast time and should have too much for this lot. It’s hard to see any of these running him down but (10) MILLION BANK has finished no worse than 2nd in four starts so far and can keep that run going here. (5) KING BROTHER won at this distance at class 5 level two starts back and enters here well weighted and well-drawn. (1) WINNER’S TIME can mix his form but is another who looks nicely in here on the inside and he can challenge for a place. (3) HANBIT YEONGGWANG another in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(8) Dongteuja Boy (10) Million Bank (5) King Brother (1) Winner’s Time
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 11
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Good race this and (3) MISS INDIE may be ready to bounce back to winning ways. She won her first two starts and then went on a filly Triple Crown campaign. That didn’t go to plan, but she ran a decent 4th at 1400M on Boxing Day and dropped back to 1200M for the first time, with a good draw and a light weight, she can win. (2) DOCTOR GIANTS took his chance in the KRA Cup Mile last October and while he finished in mid-division he posted a fast time, something he has consistently done at a variety of distances. He has won twice at this distance and will be a danger here. (1) KKOTGWA GUREUM won at big odds on Boxing Day and while up in class can challenge for some minor money from the inside gate. (13) SAGARMATHA and (9) DONGBANUI SIJAK others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Miss Indie (2) Doctor Giants (1) Kkkotgwa Gureum (13) Sagarmatha
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 11
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (7) SPEED MATCH here. He’s won three of his last four including a super score over a mile at class 4 level on December 3rd. He comes up in class here but down in weight and will take some beating. He’ll sit handy early and then run on. (4) SEUNGNI MAGICQUEEN also comes up in class, in her case following an excellent win at this distance on Boxing Day when making all the running. She seems to have plenty of potential and can challenge the favourite here. (6) WONDERFUL KING has won his latest two, most recently at class and distance on December 26th. He comes up significantly in the weights this time but can go close. (10) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON and (2) ECOPIA are the other leading contenders.
Selections
(7) Speed Match (4) Seungni Magicqueen (6) Wonderful King (10) Ilnyeom Tongcheon
There’s racing at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with 11 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 on the South Coast from 12:05 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid19 is required. Here are the previews:
Heunghaeng Jilju (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open proceedings with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. (9) ROAD ACE put in a couple of very solid runs at this distance, including a 2nd place in a fast time back in October. He has since raced poorly at 1300M and 1200M but coming back to the minimum trip today could well see him improve. The likely favourite is (5) CONCORDE SPURT, who ran 3rd on debut at this distance on Christmas Day when slowly away and then running on well. The time wasn’t fast but with a better start today and with some natural improvement, can win this. (6) CUPID SAFE only managed to finish in 7th place on debut in October but it was in a decent time – albeit during a period when the track was racing very fast. She’s had sixteen weeks off since then but every chance of going well from a central gate. (3) WONDERFUL SHADOW and (11) MAGIC GLORY looks the best of the first-timers.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A full field of three-year-old maiden fillies. (8) K N OLD QUEEN is the one to beat. After a promising trial, she ran 2nd on debut in a fair time at 1000M on December 26th, having raced prominently throughout. The Park Dae-heung/Moon Se-young combination will attract plenty and she surely jumps the favourite. (7) RISING HAWK also comes up in trip after a placing on debut when 3rd over 1000M on December 11th. She sat in midfield and finished off well and should have come on for that. (12) BURUI KKOT has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She has improved across three starts so far and was a very good 2nd at this distance on December 26th. She doesn’t draw so well today but should be in the finish again. (4) GREAT JENNY on the other hand, gets a much better draw than she did on debut at this distance on December 18th when she had to settle at the back but ran on strong. She can improve today. (11) WONPYEONG QUEEN, who finished in 4th place ahead of Great Jenny in that race, is another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) K N Old Queen (7) Rising Hawk (12) Burui Kkot (4) Great Jenny
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) BYEORAK will be hot favourite here. He has improved across his four starts to date culminating in 2nd place when stepped up to this trip at his most recent start on December 26th, when he settled handy and ran on. Expect similar tactics today and he won’t need much improvement to win this. (11) DUSON DRIVE is the clear second choice. He comes up in trip after three goes at 1000M, the latest of which resulted in a runner-up finish. He ran consistent times and there is not reason the additional trip should be a problem. We’ll really have to take the others on trust. (12) SINJURYU was 3rd at this distance at his latest start and while the time wasn’t quick and he draws wide, that’s enough to get him into the numbers here. (10) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG had a poor day at the office last time out but has run fast times at shorter and may improve. (3) ONE PUTT generally blows the start but is capable of finishing well.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the south-coast opener with eight of them racing for the first time. It will be one of the four with experience who starts as the hot favourite though. (1) GUARDIAN ANGEL was 4th on debut back on November 26th in a good time when settling in midfield and then running on. With any kind of improvement at all, she will be very hard to beat. (10) BRAVO HAMYANG went through two trials and showed improvement in the second of those on Christmas Day, coming home in 2nd place in a fair time. He looks the best of the newcomers. (12) B. K. NEW MOON won her trial on December 18th with a front-running performance. The Take Charge Indy filly draws wide but can also go well in this company first up. Returning to those with experience, (5) ETERNAL ACE and (11) DEER KING both ran fairly on debuts for mid-field finishes, and both can be considered for improvement with top jockeys booked.
Selections
(1) Guardian Angel (10) Bravo Hamyang (12) B. K. New Moon (5) Eternal Ace
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) JEONGMUN JJANG returns to action following almost eleven months on the sidelines. Previously he had run well at his distance, and he looked well when almost leading the entire way around in a Christmas Eve trial. He will obviously need this, but he draws well to get on pace and in an open race, has as good a chance as any. (8) V QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. She’s only been ordinary in her latest two starts but looks nicely in here to sit behind the speed and then run on. (11) MUNHAK FOREST likes to be on pace so may need some luck given his barrier, but he has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance and can be in the finish again. (1) PEPE RUN and (7) GWACHEON SINSEGYE are among others who can challenge for at least minor money.
Selections
(4) Jeongmun Jjang (8) V Queen (11) Munhak Forest (1) Pepe Run
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
4, 6, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) WILD ADELE has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M at her latest when she led until the furlong pole. She comes up slightly in trip and draws wider, but an apprentice takes some weight off and she can go even closer this time. (4) NAMDO ILDEUNG is thoroughly unspectacular but is generally consistent. She drops back in trip following some recent efforts over a mile including a solid 3rd place last time. She will sit handy here and run on and will probably start as the betting favourite. (3) RAON THE MILLION was 6th behind Namdo Ildeung at their respective latest starts and from a good draw can find a nice position again and finish off well. (2) SILVER LADY has the fastest time among those here who have tried this distance before and while it wasn’t fast, it’s probably enough to bring her into the calculations here. (12) GREEN PAPAGO another in the placing frame.
Selections
(10) Wild Adele (4) Namdo Ildeung (3) Raon The Million (2) Silver Lady
Next Best
12, 13
Fast Start
8, 9, 10, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A big field off fillies and mares and (2) SEONGSIL MONEY gets the nod. She is yet to win in nine attempts but but has eight top-five finishes and comes in following a good 2nd place at this class over 1300M on November 27th. She’s run a decent time at this distance as well and from a nice draw, Moon Se-young can pick his spot and she can win. (6) REMARKABLE ran well back behind Seongsil Money in that November race but has run once since then when 4th over 1300M beating a couple of today’s rivals and she can be in the hunt here. (11) SMART HIGH was a winner at class 6 level two starts back over 1200M before running adequately for 4th on her first try at this class, again over the 1200M, on December 18th. She’ll be on or close to the pace here and a chance. (14) JEONGSANG Z and (5) BLACK ROOKIE among others to consider for places.
Selections
(2) Seongsil Money (6) Remarkable (11) Smart High (14) Jeongsang Z
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
10, 11, 12, 13
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Wildly competitive race. We’ll go with (14) LIGHT STORY to defy gate fourteen and return to the winner’s circle. He was the all the away winner on debut over 1000M before struggling on return at 1400M. In his latest two, he has seemed to be working back to form though with a close-up 2nd to a stablemate he really should have beaten at his latest on Christmas Eve. Seo Seung-un returns today and he could win. (1) ADELE CHUKBAE made all to get his maiden win at start number five on December 17th over this distance. He draws the inside once more and should measure up in this company. (6) CROWN KING STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this class over 1200M on Boxing Day, leading for much of the way around. He comes up significantly in the weights but You Hyun-myung climbs aboard and he should be a contender. (10) CAPTAIN YANKEE and (11) UNJU HERO are others in the frame.
Selections
(14) Light Story (1) Adele Chukbae (6) Crown King Star (10) Captain Yankee
Horse Racing in Korea 