Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 20)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. With none of those who have raced before having finished better than 10th on their respective debuts, we will side with the newcomers. (5) GLOBAL CHAMP won two trials, the second in emphatic fashion on December 4th when he crossed the line eleven-lengths to the good. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (6) POWER MAGIC led in her trial, ultimately finishing 4th behind Global Champ (in his first and less impressive trial win). She’ll be on pace and can be in it a long way. (7) SSOARA HAHA led Global Champ’s second trial and while ultimately was well beaten in 2nd, he showed enough to suggest he can be competitive. (1) DONGBAEK wasn’t awful in her trial while of the experience, (8) MR.CREDIT is perhaps the most likely to improve.

Selections(5) Global Champ (6) Power Magic (7) Ssoara Haha (1) Dongbaek
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7,

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

(11) RAON BLAIDE has finished 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M and most recently at 1300M on November 8th when coming from midfield. He has demonstrated a quick finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and third-up, he can be peaking. (3) ROAD TO STAR has been working towards a maiden win and enters having been 2nd over 1400M on November 29th when close to the pace throughout. Maia climbs on for the first time and that may be enough to make him the market elect. (9) BLACK KINGDOM was an improved 2nd at start number two on November 22nd. He seemed much happier over this trip than at 1000M on debut and should be in the finish. (7) EUNPA BOOSTER and (2) BEST JOY are the other two who will be in the market.

Selections(11) Raon Blaide (3) Road To Star (9) Black Kingdom (7) Eunpa Booster
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. After running 4th on debut, (1) CATCH RACE was 5th of thirteen in Listed Juvenile company and then a solid 7th of fifteen in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie over this distance at Busan a month ago. Back in much shallower waters today, she will be hot favourite to get her maiden win. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP was an improved 4th at 1300M on December 6th. She makes a quick return here and from a good gate, she can get closer. (10) MACHEON WORLD has a 2nd place on her record as recently as October and that’s enough to put her in the placing frame here. (7) WORLD HWAHAP and (2) OUTSTANDING GIRL are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Catch Race (3) Wonderful Tune Up (10) Macheon World (7) World Hwahap
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

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

After an ordinary debut, (11) MYEONG DREAM has won back-to-back races at 1200M and most recently and all filly affair at this class over 1400M on November 16th when handy throughout. She gets to stay at this class and only comes up 1.5kg and she will be a hot favourite to make it three in a row. (7) JIJON BULPAE is up in class following a maiden win at start four over 1400M on November 9th when handy all the way. He comes down 3kg in weight and that’s enough to have him in the finish again. (5) TAEGISAN KING returned from eight months out on November 22nd and while he finished down the field, the margins weren’t big and he should strip fitter for the run. (6) WANGCHOEGO and (9) STUNNING SERVE are other place chances.

Selections(11) Myeong Dream (7) Jijon Bulpae (5) Taegisan King (6) Wangchoego
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

After running 4th on debut (6) CLUTCH MAGIC was a winner at start number two over 1300M, showing on pace throughout and scoring comfortably. He is up in class but down 3.5kg in weight and he can go back-to-back. (10) REVERENCE is also up in class following a maiden win, in his case at the fifth time of asking. It had been coming and it arrived at this distance on 1300M when he raced handy throughout. He is down in weight and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can measure up. (8) SILLAUI FIGHTER hasn’t made much of an impact in two tries at this level since an August win but an apprentice claiming 4kg can bring him into contention. (9) WIDAEHAN HAMSEONG and (5) LASER RUN are other place chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 19)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

After winning a trial, (2) POWER TREE has been the beaten favourite in both his starts so far, finishing 2nd and 3rd at 1200M, racing handy both times. Drawing well, he can be on pace again, the step up in trip can suit, and he can win. (1) RICH ONE was 5th on debut before improving to 2nd when stepped up to this distance on November 14th. He was well beaten by a good winner by in turn, he soundly defeated a couple of today’s rivals and that experience of the trip can stand him in good stead. (9) ONE PLUS ONE led for much of the way around on the way to a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on November 23rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate but can be in the finish again. (8) GLORY WIND and (3) B K. ELDER other place chances. 

Selections(2) Power Tree (1) Rich One (9) One Plus One (8) Glory Wind
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) FAPPI BABE ran 3rd on debut over this distance on November 21st, settling back and running on. She should have come on for that and has as good a chance as any here. (8) FANTASTIC BOSS similarly ran on from midfield for 3rd place on debut on November 7th. Seo Seung-un stays on and he will be well-backed again here. (1) DAEROUI BIT completes a trio of horses who ran 3rd on their respective debuts, in her case over this distance on November 28th when on pace throughout. From a good draw, she can lead again and can be in this a long way. (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN was a fair 6th on debut and can improve while among the first timers, (7) FANTASTIC SANTA looks to have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Fappi Babe (8) Fantastic Boss (1) Daeroui Bit (5) Boryeong The Queen
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

A very modest maiden. (2) YONGBI SHARK was poor last time out (like most of these were) but was found to be slightly lame after so we’ll give him a pass. It only kept him out of work for a few days and going on his prior form which yielded a 2nd and a 5th, he can be given another chance here. (3) CARAT KING was an improved 3rd over 1200M two weeks ago, coming back from over two months out. They strike again while the iron is at least lukewarm, and from a good gate, he can be in this. (4) DIA X has offered relative consistency across ten starts so far and in this company, he should be at least placing. (6) RAMO RIDE and (5) COME ON GLORY are not especially convincing, but in this company, can be aiming to be close.

Selections(2) Yongbi Shark (3) Carat King (4) Dia X (6) Ramo Ride
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

(5) TOHAMSAN DRAGON is yet to finish any worse than 3rd and was a winner at this class over 1300M in October when leading all the way. He was 3rd on his first try over this trip on November 28th having been handy throughout, and he can win here. (6) B K. SPIRIT is up in class following her maiden win over 1200M on November 23rd when making all and winning by as many as she pleased. She is down in weight, she should be on pace again, and she can more than measure up. (11) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU is also up in class after a facile win over 1200M on November 7th. That win had been coming after a 3rd and a 2nd from his first two outings and down 3kg in weight, he too can go well at this class. Plenty of others are in the frame with (4) GEUMSEONG and (3) SCYTHAI sure to be well supported too.

Selections(5) Tohamsan Dragon (6) B K. Spirit (11) Cheongchuneunjayu (4) Geumseong
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

(6) WIND ROSE returned from a couple of months off at the end of October and has recorded back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1300M, showing on pace both times. She’ll lead again here and this time can go all the way. (2) HAEUNDAE POWER got his sole win to date on debut but has been close several times since including a narrow 2nd at this class and distance two starts back and then running 4th behind Wind Rose on November 23rd. He too will be on the speed from a good gate and can be a danger. (7) SIX HERO defied a wide draw to run 3rd at this class and distance on November 21st and can be there or thereabouts again. (5) RUNNERS HIGH and (3) WANNABE WITH YOU others who can come into consideration.

Selections(6) Wind Rose (2) Haeundae Power (7) Six Hero (5) Runners High
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Sunday: Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 14)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (2) MAEUM HANA won his trial in good order, showing close to the pace throughout. He draws well to lead here and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (1) AESUNI didn’t do much on debut but was an improved 3rd at start two over this distance on November 8th. Third-up she can have an edge fitness wise and is a big danger. (3) GLOBAL LAND ran a fair 5th on debut over this distance on November 9th after a slow start from a wide gate. With the benefit of experience and a better draw, she can be closer. (6) PANGPANG DAERO and newcomer (5) POSITANO, the latter trialing behind Maeum Hana, others who may be supported.

Selections(2) Maueum Hana (1) Aesuni (3) Global Land (6) Pangpang Daero
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

(10) MUJEOK HAMDAE enters off a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. both times coming from off the pace. The wide draw won’t be a problem, and he should prove too strong late on here. (2) EUNHA KALAS was an improved 5th of eleven over this distance in a filly maiden on November 15th, settling behind the speed and running on. Maia stays on and she can get closer this time. (3) THUNDER RUN led last time out before weakening to finishing midfield. From a good draw he can get a soft run to the lead again and is the one the rest will have to run down. (9) NAEGEROWAJWO and (7) DUSON LIFE other place chances.

Selections(10) Mujeok Hamdae (2) Eunha Kalas (3) Thunder Run (9) Naegerowajwo
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

(4) YONGBI SHINHWA was an also-ran in Listed Juvenile company at start number three but returned to much shallower waters to go down a very narrow 2nd over this distance on November 8th, having led. He remains in those shallows today and really should go one better. (7) MASTER KWAIGON raced twice this spring, managing a 2nd place. He hasn’t been out since March, but he won a trial in decent order at the end of November, and this is a nice race to return in. (8) BLACK PEPE has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd over 1200M on November 9th and he can match or better that here. (11) AMOS CHOEGANG and (9) HWANGGEUM MASK are others in line for the minors.

Selections(4) Yongbi Shinhwa (7) Master Kwaigon (8) Black Pepe (11) Amos Choegang
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. After an inauspicious debut in September, (1) YURIM ACE has registered back-to-back 3rd places in very similar races to this over 1200M. Seo Seung-un stays on, she will be on pace, and she can break through here. (2) STAY COOL weakened late having led over a mile on November 21st. She comes back to a distance at which she has placed and from the front, she will be the danger. (7) ROYAL CRYSTAL was an improved 3rd at start number three on what was her first try at this distance on November 9th. Franco climbs up for the first time, and she can build on that here. (6) DOROTHY QUEEN and (5) LOILOI are outside place chances.

Selections(1) Yurim Ace (2) Stay Cool (7) Royal Crystal (6) Dorothy Queen
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) CHARMING QUEEN has finished in the top two on all her six starts so far and was a winner at this class and distance on November 16th when handy throughout. She only comes up 1kg in weight here and she is favoured to continue on her merry way here. (3) SUMMER PARTY returned from four months off on November 2nd and handled a difficult assignment well when 2nd at this class and distance. She should strip fitter for that run and can be in the mix here. (2) CAMP DAVID was 4th behind Charming Queen in that November 16th race and can challenge for a place here. (8) BLACK SATANG and (5) MK LEE are others to look out for.

Selections(6) Charming Queen (3) Summer Party (2) Camp David (8) Black Satang
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 13)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 11 races scheduled between 10:35 and 18:00. The forecast is for snow. Here are the previews:

2024 Oaks winner Eclipse Berry makes her second start back since a lengthy layoff (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (11) HOLLY TIARA, who after a trial ran a close 2nd on debut over this distance on November 8th, racing handy throughout. She drew wide that day too and will be favoured to go one better here. (6) STEEL MORE came from a long way back to run a close 2nd over 1000M on her debut on November 1st. She should have come on for that, and the additional furlong can suit. (3) YUKWAEHAN SEUNGJA has finished 4th in both starts so far, most recently behind Holy Tiara. She too has been doing her best work late and can be finishing strongly again. Among the debut makers, (1) MISS CHRISTIE was the best in trials and gets a 4kg claim as well as the inside gate. (12) JEJU PRINCESS also ran on well from an unpromising position and 1200M can suit first up.

Selections(11) Holly Tiara (6) Steel More (3) Yukwaehan Seungja (1) Miss Christie
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Juvenile maidens although all of them have racing experience. (10) HAKSAN SWORD has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and at this distance, settling midfield and running on.  The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. The other standout is (4) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY. After a 4th place on debut, he was 3rd at this distance on November 11th having raced handy. He is in a good gate and should be close. (3) BEST THE ON was 2nd at start two over 1200M and while the time wasn’t quick, he ran on well and the additional half furlong can suit. (6) GOLDEN DIVA and (8) FIGHTER can improve on their respective debuts.

Selections(10) Haksan Sword (4) Comeback Holymoely (3) Best The On (6) Golden Diva
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

(8) COMPLETE TOUCH ran three times across the turn of the year, registering a 4th and a 3rd after an indifferent debut. She hasn’t appeared since March, but she looked well in an on-pace 2nd in a trial in November and has every chance first-up. If match fitness is a concern, then (4) YEONGWONHAN STAR is an option. She was an improved 5th at start number three on November 9th, coming from a wide gate to race handy. She draws much better here and can be closer. (11) NINE SPEAR needs a lone drawn through her latest but prior to that registered a 2nd place and she can be given another chance here. (9) EODIGADO and (3) GAPJAENGI others who can be in the placing hunt.

Selections(8) Complete Touch (4) Yeongwonhan Star (11) Nine Spear (9) Eodigado
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

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

(6) AMOS CHEONHA won an October trial and then ran out a comfortable winner over 1200M on debut on November 9th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class but down in weight and looks to have plenty more potential for progress. He will be a warm favourite here. (9) EODIDEUNJI got his maiden win at start number two in September before finishing midfield on his first try at this level on October. He comes in fresh after eight weeks out and can be closer today. (8) FLUTTER comes up in class following his maiden win on October 26th when making all over 1200M. Like the favourite, he is down in weight and can measure up. (1) SEOBU SKY and (7) TEN BAGGER others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Amos Cheonha (9) Eodideunji (8) Flutter (1) Seobu Sky
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 12)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Small field of juvenile maidens in the opener. (7) GLOBAL PRINCE was a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on October 24th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that and he shapes as a warm favourite here. (8) BIG STAR has raced twice and has registered a 3rd and a 2nd at 1000M and 1200M, coming from off the pace in the first of them and leading in the second. Third-up she can have a fitness edge on most of these. (5) DIMENSION underwhelmed on debut at the beginning of October but caught the eye when sent back to trial on November 22nd, crossing the line six-lengths to the good and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in the finish. (4) MYSTIK JIN and (1) BAMTORI BAMBAM can improve from their respective first outings.

Selections(7) Global Prince (8) Big Star (5) Dimension (4) Mystik Jin
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) OASIS RUBY enters off back-to-back 3rd places at 1400M, finishing off well enough both times. The step up to a mile can suit and she can win here. (9) SKYLOR JIYOU has made solid progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M on November 14th when settling handy from the widest gate. He too should be fine with the increased trip, and may well start as the market elect. (8) HWANHUI BANK beat a couple of these in his way to 2nd at big odds on November 17th. That was his best result in seventeen attempts so there may be limited scope for improvement, but he can be there or thereabouts again. (1) HIGH GOLD BAR and (5) VORTEX others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Oasis Ruby (9) Skylor Jiyou (8) Hwanhui Bank (1) High Gold Bar
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

(10) DOCTOR ACE has hinted at ability across three starts so far with a 3rd and a couple of 4th place finishes, including his latest at 1300M on November 14th when he led for much of the way. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but Franco climbs on for the first time and today can be his day. (6) PISTOL CUT was an improved 3rd at start two on November 14th over this distance when leading until the straight. She can lead again here and once more be in this a long way. It’s been thirty-six weeks since (2) MAGIC HAMMER ran 3rd on debut. He didn’t offer many clues in a November trial but with a 4kg claim and a good draw, he has to be a chance in this modest company. (9) WONDERFUL PREACH can improve while (1) PRAY MORE was adequate in trials.

Selections(10) Doctor Ace (6) Pistol Cut (2) Magic Hammer (9) Wonderful Preach
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) ENCORE got his maiden win at start two in August and then put in a fair, if well-beaten, effort in Listed Juvenile company in September. Since returning to shallower waters, he has a 3rd and a 2nd at 1300M and 1200M and under an apprentice claim, he can return to winning ways on his first try at a mile. (3) FLYING CHAMPION enters off back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on November 14th when narrowly missing out. He only comes up 1kg in weight and is a big danger.  (2) BARBELL TROFEO has been very disappointing in his latest two, laying in both times and finishing well back. He has had six weeks off and has trialed positively during it.  (1) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (8) COLONEL FLYING are other place chances.

Selections(5) Encore (3) Flying Champion (2) Barbell Trofeo (1) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

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Seoul& Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 7)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener. (1) GRACE DAY was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on November 9th when settling handy and running on well. Like the others here racing for the second time, he should have come on for that run and from the inside gate he can be on pace and go all the way. (5) TIGER BULPAE was also 3rd on debut, in her case over 1000M on November 1st. It wasn’t a quick race, but she showed enough to suggest that she has ability and can follow up here. (10) NIGHT GANGJA was 5th behind Tiger Bulpae in that race and get closer. (11) PARAIBA and (3) VINCENT ALEX can improve.

Selections(1) Grace Day (5) Tiger Bulpae (10) Night Gangja (11) Paraiba
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(10) GOLDEN SAVE has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M on November 8th when handy throughout. Despite the wide draw, he can be on pace here and can win. There are three first-timers, and helpfully for us, they all came through the same trial on October 23rd. The best of them was (7) RAON THE TONY, who showed prominently and crossed the line a close 3rd in a fair time – and well clear of the other two debut-makers here. Bringing that form to the races will be enough to go close in this limited company. (5) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN was an improved 4th at start two over this distance on November 1st and while the time wasn’t quick, that’s enough to be in contention here. (2) BEST CHEONHA and the debuting (9) THE SUN AMIR others who may be in the place market.

Selections(10) Golden Save (7) Raon The Tony (5) Wonderful Darshaan (2) Best Cheonha
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

(2) GLORY JOY has been getting closer across seven starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1400M on November 16th when close to the speed throughout. He steps up to two turns for the first time and having drawn well to lead, can go all the way. (3) SUBMISSION is the big danger. He came from a wide gate and well back to run 3rd over 1400M on November 1st and should be similarly suited by the step up in trip. (6) BLACK SMILE and (1) BLUE DRAGON came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on November 11th and both can be in the frame here. (7) O P S TAP another who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(2) Glory Joy (3) Submission (6) Black Smile (1) Blue Dragon
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

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

Small field of juveniles for the south coast opener and (5) HEY BRO will be a warm favourite. After a positive trial, he was a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 31st, settling handy and finishing off well. He should have come on for that run, and the additional furlong can suit. (7) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN debuted in the same race and was also close to the speed, ultimately finishing 3rd, just half a length behind Hey Bro. He too can have come on and is the main danger. (4) SEOGWI FOREST and (8) DOCTOR CHAMP did nothing in their respective debuts but have both trialed well (the latter since that first start) and can improve. There are three first time starters and of them, (3) UNJU NURI was the best in trials.

Selections(5) Hey Bro (7) Boryeong Ultra Man (4) Seogwi Forest (8) Doctor Champ
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) GHOST CHRYSOL is yet to win in nine attempts but has four 2nd places including on his latest start at this class over 18000M on November 8th when settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and he can come out on top. (8) SEUNGNI BAROWS got his sole win to date at this distance and enters off a 3rd place at class and distance on November 15th when coming from off the pace. He has the fastest time among any of these for the 1700M and is a big danger. (11) SAVANA CHARLIE beat Seungni Barows when 2nd in that November 15th race, matching his best ever finish at what was start twenty-right. He may not be a winning chance, but his recent form has been solid, and he can place again. (3) BULGEUNTAEYANG and (10) SHARKTEN others who can trouble the judges.

Selections(7) Ghost Chrysol (8) Seungni Barows (11) Savana Charlie (3) Bulgeuntaeyang
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

(6) WHITE FLARE has two 3rd place finishes and a 5th from three outings so far, most recently at this distance on November 2nd when on pace throughout for the first time. He will surely be ridden to be on pace again and he won’t need to improve much to see off this modest set of opponents. (2) WE STRONG was an improved 4th at start number four on November 16th and from a good draw can maintain his positive momentum. (4) SOMANGUIGIL finished outside of the top four for the first time on November 21st over a mile and may be better for coming back in trip here. (10) DELEKOOMDA and (9) DIA X are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) White Flare (2) We Strong (4) Somanguigil (10) Delekoomda
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 6)

After the temperatures plunged in midweek, the weekend is set to be milder and Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It probably won’t be this bad

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

Juvenile maidens. (3) WORLD VICS ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 18th having led for most of the way. She should have come on for that run, Maia climbs on and drawing well to get to the front again, she can go all the way. (6) JEONGSANG HERA has a 2nd and a 4th from two starts so far, the latter at this distance when handy throughout Third-up she can have a fitness edge on some of these and is a big danger and will be favourite. (9) HWANG GEUM EO JANG was, to put it mildly, eye-catching in his trial, scoring by fourteen lengths. If he brings that form to the races, he will win. (7) COWBOY SOCKS was quite green on debut but still managed 4th place over 1000M. He has been back to trial since and can match or better today. (8) AMOS STAR came from well off the pace for 6th last time and Moon Se-young being booked will attract plenty.

Selections (3) World Vics (6) Jeongsang Hera (9) Hwang Geum Eo Jang  (7) Cowboy Socks
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

Imported maidens. (4) GEUMA SPLASHY ran 2nd on debut at this distance and was then 3rd at start number two over 1000M on October 25th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He draws well to lead here and has as good a chance as any. (1) MUCHO MACHO RAPIDO was an all the way trial winner on November 13th. He draws nicely to lead and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in the finish. (5) HIGH MOUNTAIN has run 4th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M coming from off the pace both times. He looks to have plenty of scope for more improvement, and he can be a danger. (6) PASA SPURT was an improved 2nd at start number two at this trip on November 8th and he too can be in the mix here. (8) VICTORY SOCKS another who can improve.

Selections(4) Geuma Splashy (1) Mucho Macho Rapido (5) High Mountain (6) Pasa Spurt
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Fillies only. (6) GEOLJAK TIARA has a 2nd and a 3rd in from her two tries at 1200M distance, showing handy both times. In this company she will be on pace, Maia stays on, and she will take some beating. (8) WILD MAGIC was 3rd on debut at this distance before stepping up to 1700M for her second outing on November 2nd. She should be more comfortable back in trip and should be competing from the start. Those two will be at the top of most quinellas as the form quickly drops off. (2) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has been ordinary in her latest couple but does have a pair of 4th places on her record and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (1) ROAD TO SPEAR and (10) DALBIT SONATA are others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Geoljak Tiara (8) Wild Magic (3) Wonderful Tune Up (1) Road To Spear
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

(4) SANGIM YEONGUNG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, most recently over this distance on November 1st when slow away and running on strongly. He has plenty of weight to carry here but third up he can be peaking, and he can go one better. (11) CHOCOLATE has shown steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place on his first try at this distance on October 25th. Given his racing style so far, the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) GEOMEUN SUP has also raced three times and has shown some ability with two 4th place finishes. He is up to 1400M for the first time but with no early speed in this race, he can get an easy run to the lead and be in this a long way. Debut maker (2) WITH DORTIE hinted at ability across two trials four months apart and from a good draw can make an impression first up. (6) K SIMON another in the hunt.

Selections(4) Sangim Yeongung (11) Chocolate (7) Geomeun Sup (2) With Dortie
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 5)

December’s racing begins with a 9-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(3) FAST MAN was 4th in both the Rookie Stakes and the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy, and then 5th of eight in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s. He comes back in company several orders of magnitude softer today and will surely make his breakthrough. (5) OASIS STAR is the solitary debut-maker. He has been through plenty of trials, most recently two weeks ago when he was a close 2nd across the line showing at the front throughout. This is a great race to debut in. (8) SOMETHING ELSE debuted back in June with a 4th place over 1200M. He hasn’t raced since and offered few clues in a November trial but should be a place chance. (2) NAIAD and (7) FLYING SHOOTER could be the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Fast Man (5) Oasis Star (8) Something Else (2) Naiad
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(9) PORT MORE was an improved 3rd at start number three over this distance on October 2nd when overcoming a wide draw to get on pace. He can overcome this one too and can go one better. (7) BEOLMAUI GANGJA ran twice in the summer for a 3rd and a 2nd at 1000M. He was then out for a couple of months but has been back in work since mid-October and looked well enough when trialing fairly at the end of November and he can be a danger first up. (3) CAPTAIN WARRIOR was 6th of eleven in a quick race over 1000M on debut in early October. He is drawn better here, the step up in trip can suit, and he can improve. (11) TRICK SHOT and (8) CARAT KING, the latter having bled last time out, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Port More (7) Beolmaui Gangja (3) Captain Warrior (11) Trick Shot
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. After a good trial, (7) FLASH TO ME was a solid 4th of ten on debut over 1200M in a similar filly maiden to this, settling back and running on. She should have derived benefit from the experience, the additional furlong can suit, and she can win here. (9) FINAL ATTACK has picked up in her latest couple of starts, most recently coming out of the widest gate to run 3rd over a mile on November 7th with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She has run fairly at this trip too and can be in the finish. (2) MOTHER WONDERFUL has been cold of late but draws well to be on the early speed here and Munro riding for the first time makes her worth a chance at an each-way or better price. (12) GLORY WIND and (5) EOKSAE others who could trouble the place judges.

Selections(7) Flash To Me (9) Final Attack (2) Mother Wonderful (12) Glory Wind
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 12

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

(1) ACE SUN got his maiden win at start two over 1200M on September 12th before running 2nd over the same trip on his first try at this level on October 24th when leading for much of the way around. He is up to 1400M for the first time but from the inside gate he can use his early speed to get an easy run to the lead and can be in this a long way. (5) DEIMOS came from well off the pace to get his maiden win at start three over this distance on October 31st. He is up in class but is down 3kg in weight and can measure up. (4) BEOLMA WINNER was sent off as favourite at this class and distance on November 7th but after jumping inward at the start never played a role. We’ll draw a line through that and going on his prior form, give him another chance. (3) RICH TREE and (12) SUCCESS COW others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Ace Sun (5) Deimos (4) Beolma Winner (3) Rich Tree
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(12) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL secured her maiden in at the fourth time of asking over this distance on October 31st, racing on the speed throughout. She is up in class here but is down 2kg in weight and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, there is little to fear here. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR ran poorly last start on October 31st when well supported but was later found to have been slightly lame. He has been back in work since November 21st and can be given another chance here dropping back in trip. (9) STUKA was similarly slightly lame after an underwhelming effort on November 7th. He only missed a week of work and his form prior to that read well. (10) WHITE OIL and (7) BLACK JILJU are potential placers on a good day.

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STAYING TEST WILL SUIT JAPAN’S YUMENO HONOO BUT DON’T RULE OUT LOCALS IN GRAND PRIX

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY

SEE HERE FOR FULL GRAND PRIX FORM COMMENTS

With the Grand Prix (2300M KOR-G1) listed in the IFHA “blue book” for years now and it being run over a distance of 2300M that the best Korean horses simply don’t ever run at while boasting a big prize fund, it always appeared a matter of time until the race appeared on at least the regional, if not wholly international radar. And so on Sunday, in its 43rd running, Japan’s Yumeno Honoo will become the first overseas trained runner to contest the Grand Prix.

Global Hit, Speed Young and Yumeno Honoo all return for the Grand Prix (Pic: KRA)

YUMENO HONOO has of course been to Korea before. The “King of Kochi”, the regional NAR track located on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, travelled to the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) in April. That was his first time leaving Kochi, let alone travelling abroad, but he ran a strong 3rd, beaten only by Global Hit and Speed Young.

Since returning to Japan, Yumeno Honoo has picked up a further two wins at Kochi and he returns with designs on winning the Grand Prix. Key to this is the distance, while in Korea 2300M is the maximum trip and the best horses only tackle it in the Grand Prix, Yumeno Honoo is a multiple winner over 2400M at home. He is arguably the only horse in the field guaranteed to stay the distance.

Except perhaps GLOBAL HIT. No doubt a big factor in connections being once more willing to pay the not inexpensive shipping costs (as an open race, unlike the invitational Korea Cup, connections are responsible for all expenses) is that Global Hit, who easily accounted for Yumeno Honoo in that YTN Cup, has not been at his best since having been diagnosed with a manageable but chronic leg condition. The defending champion is fit to race, but he was a well beaten 2nd in the KRA Cup Classic and 4th in the President’s Cup in his two latest starts, missing the Korea Cup entirely.

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GRAND PRIX 2025: FORM COMMENTS

SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN

1. NEW DOLKONG (USA) [Accelerate – Swear By It (Broken Vow)] C 4 – 19(4/3/2) O: Lee Tae-in T: Seo In-seok J: Jang Chu-youl – Has slowly worked his way up the grades and has established himself at class 2 with three placings, two at 2000M. Has been racing closer to the pace recently although his wins have come from further back. Can stay the trip but may struggle with the tempo his rivals will set here.

2. YEONGGWANGUIFIRST (KOR) [Boys At Tosconova – Yeonggwangui Kiss (Hansen)] C 4 – 20(6/8/1) O: Byun Chang-deok T: Kang Eun-seok J: Song Kyeong-yun – Only managed 9th of eleven behind plenty of these in the KRA Cup Classic in August but gets his chance having won at class 1 level over 1800M on September 21st when settling back and running on. That race had rating cap of 100 though and at level weights against the elite, it may be hard again.

3. BLACK BELT (KOR) [Speightster – Lovin Empire (Empire Maker)] H 4 – 26(7/4/6) O: Lee Kang-woon T: Luigi Riccardi J: Jeong Jeong-hee – Joined the field at the late entry stage, he finished 8th of fourteen in this race a year ago as a three-year-old. He has one class 1 win in ten 2025 starts which came at 2000M in June, beating Gangpungma, and enters off a 3rd at 2300M and 4th at 1800M from his last two. He can race on pace or behind the speed and while he doesn’t shape as one of the leading contenders, he will get the trip.

4. YONGAM SESANG (KOR) [To Honor And Serve – Chalanhanyeonmeoung (Pure Prize)] G 4 – 11(6/2/1) O: Kim Hak-rok T: Bae Hou-jun J: Lee Hyeok – Won at Listed level over 2000M in May but only managed a midfield finish in similar company to this in the President’s Cup. A winner of six from eleven who is tactically versatile, the extended trip may suit but this is a very tough ask.

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