Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all twelve racing for the first time. A few stood out in trials with (4) PANGPANG DAERO chief among them. He led for much of the way around in his trial ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd and looking assured. Maia is a plus and he draws very nicely.  (12) STUNNING SKET went through two trials, showing close to the pace in the second of them. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but will have plenty of backers. (11) EODIDEUNJI was 2nd in his trial also having shown on the speed. He too may need a bit of luck to find a position but has every chance. (3) LUCKY JOY and (10) DONGGANGUI STAR the others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(4) Pangpang Daero (12) Stunning Sket (11) Eodideunji (3) Lucky Joy
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 11, 12

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

Imported maidens with six racing for the first time. (4) NAMSAN BELT went through two trials and significantly improved in the second of them (it was voluntary so may not appear in all racecards, but it was on July 31st posting a time of 62.2). From a good draw she should be on the speed, and she can go all the way. (10) HAENGUNUI YEOSIN won her trial in good order a month ago and while she draws wide, she can be in the mix. Among the experienced ones, (8) WASSOIDA was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on July 13th, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and can match or better that here. (1) MY EMPIRE and (7) K N ROSE others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Namsan Belt (10) Haengunui Yeosin (8) Wassoida (1) My Empire
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

After an indifferent debut, (3) COMPLETE BRO was a much-improved 3rd at start number two on July 13th when racing handy throughout. Third up he can be peaking and from a good draw he should be on pace and can win. (2) CHEONGRYONG GIUN’s latest two over 1300M have seen him weaken late but he has a 3rd place to his name over this trip and Moon Se-young keeping faith means we will too. (10) MUNHAK DANCE enters off a runner-up finish at this trip on August 2nd when coming from well off the pace and she can be charging home late again here. (7) NURI EUTTEUM and (9) HWANGGEUM MASK are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Complete Bro (2) Cheongryong Giun (10) Munhak Dance (7) Nuri Eutteum
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

Competitive race. (6) POWER BAND enters off a 2nd place last time out at this class and distance on August 2nd when settling midfield and running on. She has a very smart finish on her and if in the mix late, she will take some holding off. (3) YEOWANG SOCKS is in good form with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes from his latest three. In this company and from a good gate, he can be on pace, and he should be in this a long way. (4) JERAQUEEN came from off the pace to win at this class and distance on July 5th. Under today’s conditions, she stays under a light weight and can be close again. (8) RAON SPILETTA and (2) FLYING LION among plenty of others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Power Band (3) Yeowang Socks (4) Jeraqueen (8) Raon Spiletta
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

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Holiday Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 15)

Friday is a Korean public holiday and there are 8 races at Busan from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (5) WORLD GOAT took two goes to qualify but was significantly better in his second when runner-up in a quick trial on July 19th settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he should go close. (7) GEUMSEONG similarly took two trials to measure up but when he did, he showed some style. Franco is on and he will be a threat. The sole one with experience is (6) SAENAE HILL and he ran fairly for 5th of eight over this distance on August 1st. He makes a quick return here and surely comes on for the run. (8) DREAM RACER and (2) TIGER UPPERCUT are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(5) World Goat (7) Geumseong (6) Saenae Hill (8) Dream Racer
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden.  We’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker as (1) I AM HAPPY looked good in her trial, settling midfield and running   on. 1200M should suit first-up and in the absence of any impressive exposed form, she has as good a chance as any. (2) GUREUM BIT has two ordinary outings sandwiching a 3rd place at this distance at the end of June. That 3rd is enough to have her in the mix here. (8) HIT WINNER comes in off an improved 4th place last time and may still have some progress in the tank. (5) WORLD BLUE PIN CAT has a complicated name but has suggested some ability and along with (4) MOTHER WONDERFUL is probably the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) I Am Happy (2) Gureum Bit (8) Hit Winner (5) World Blue Pin Cat
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

(2) GLORY ALPHA enters off a best to date 2nd at this distance on August 1st, settling midfield and running on. Hye-sun stays on, she draws nicely, and she won’t need to improve much to go one better. (8) PERFECT HAN beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this distance on July 18th. He has mixed his form over his five starts so far but on that evidence, he is figuring things out and should be in the mix again. (5) DIA MATE was 4th in that July 18th race, having been sent off as favourite. He is yet to finish in the top two in fifteen attempts but has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th and he should be there or thereabouts again. (3) HIGH LEVEL and (7) CHAMP KING others in the frame.

Selections(2) Glory Alpha (8) Perfect Han (5) Dia Mate (3) High Level
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) ROAD TO PARTY returned from seven months off in June to win at class 5 level in a quick race at this distance and then followed up with a 3rd place in a similarly fast race. That brings him up in class today but he is down 4kg in weight and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (1) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1300M, racing on pace both times. He has won at today’s trip and from the inside gate, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (6) DOCTOR KAREN was 2nd at this class and distance on August 1st. She makes a quite return here and is another who should be on or close to the speed. (4) HAPPY TAEYANG and (5) ROAD TO THUNDER are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Road To Party (1) Nakdong Myeongjak (6) Doctor Karen (4) Happy Taeyang
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) YONGBI PAEWANG was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May but after a couple of months off, he returned to shallower waters on July 20th and came from off the pace to score over 1400M at this class. He comes up 4kg in weight but having finished 3rd at this distance in the KRA Cup Mile earlier this year, he will be a hot favourite to win again here. (2) BEOLMAUI ANGEL is a four-timer winner and looks to be coming back into form with 2nd place at this class over 1200M last time out a month ago, He was 7th in the KRA Cup Mile and should be closer today. (4) AMAZING KHAN was 3rd behind Yongbi Paewang on July 20th and can be in the hunt again. (5) MUDEUNGSAN and (7) PEGACORN others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Yongbi Paewang (2) Beolmaui Angel (4) Amazing Khan (5) Mudeungsan
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 10)

Busan is the only game in town on Sunday with 14 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the ten racing for the first time. (5) ENCORE won a June trial and was accordingly sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4th when he raced on pace but ultimately ran 5th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. He should have come on for the run, he’ll be on pace again, and he will be favourite to win. (7) BREEDO SOL ran on fairly enough in his trial, posting a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he looks the best of the first-timers. (3) HEUIMANG DANBI was one of those behind Encore on debut in that July 4th race and can improve. (9) OASIS GIJEOK and debut-maker (1) P.D SPECIAL others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Encore (7) Breedo Sol (3) Heuimang Danbi (9) Oasis Gijeok
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5

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

(6) FLEX TAP has been getting closer across recent starts, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on July 6th when handy all the way. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and will be a short price to go one better. (7) SEOGWI CHOWON enters following 3rd place at this distance on July 20th. With not much early speed in this race, she too can get to the front early and be in this a long way. (2) QUEEN RACE returned from a couple of months off to run 2nd over this distance on June 20th. She has had another seven weeks out since then but from a good draw can be in the mix. (1) REAL RESPECT and (10) SEUNGNI YEYAK others in line for the places.

Selections(6) Flex Tap (7) Seogwi Chowon (2) Queen Race (1) Real Respect
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

Tricky one. (8) DIA KNIGHT led for much of the way around over a mile on July 11th, ultimately finishing a close 2nd but with three of today’s rivals behind him. He comes back in trip today and can go one better. (1) WORLD TAEYANG was 4th in that race on July 11th, overcoming her customary slow start to run on. She remains a maiden after thirteen attempts, but this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (3) OWNER CHAMP enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on July 10th, settling back and running on. She has shown progress across each of her four outings and the step up in trip can suit. (5) DOCTOR SOLAR and (4) BIGBANG CLASS others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Dia Knight (1) World Taeyang (3) Owner Champ (5) Doctor Solar
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

(6) SCYTHAI didn’t have the run of the race after a poor start on what was her first try at this class and distance on July 13th. Instead, we’ll go on her 2nd place on her previous outing which while it was at class 6, showed that if she can be on the speed then she has some ability. She draws better here and with Franco climbing on, she is worth another chance. (9) PLUTO has won his latest two at 1200M and 1300M, racing handy both times. He carries his fair share of weight and is up to 1400M for the first time, but a hat trick isn’t out of the question. (7) SUCCESS COW led all the way to get his maiden victory at this distance on June 27th, He is up in class here but can measure up in this company. (8) RALLY MAN and (4) MARIA’S CALL are both better than their respective latest efforts.

Selections(6) Scythai (9) Pluto (7) Success Cow (8) Rally Man
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here. (9) RIPPLES MARINE was an all the way winner on debut over 1000M on July 11th. She is up in class and in distance, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come. (5) QUEEN SPICY got her maiden win at this distance at start number two and enters off a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, again both at this distance. She can settle behind the speed here and be a danger. (6) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is still a maiden but the only time she has finished outside the top five was on her debut. She was an on pace 2nd at this class and distance last time out on July 11th and she should be in this a long way again (7) GLOBAL HEROINE and (1) DAESUNG DOLPUNG are others to consider.

Selections(9) Ripples Marine (5) Queen Spicy (6) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (7) Global Heroine
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Stallion Obituary: Officer

Officer, champion racehorse in the United States, and long time Korea-based stallion, has passed away, the Korea Racing Authority has announced. He was twenty-six.

A KRA Jeju Stud Farm official said on Friday: “Officer was in good health until very recently but passed peacefully in his paddock on August 1st of natural causes. His halter will be preserved in the stallion memorial garden at the farm.”   

By Bertrando and out of St. Helens Shadow (Septieme Ciel), Officer was a winner of six of nine starts on the track, including the G1 Champagne Stakes, the G2 Del Mar Futurity and the G3 Best Pal as part of a brilliant juvenile campaign in 2001.

Following his retirement from racing, Officer stood at both Gainesway and Taylor Made Farms in Kentucky. His American offspring included the similarly precocious Boys At Tosconova, winner of the G1 Hopeful Stakes in 2010, and Princess Violet, who won the 2015 G1 Madison Stakes, the latter coming long after her sire had left the US. He was purchased by the Korea Racing Authority in 2010, arriving in the country in October of that year.

Standing for seven full seasons, Officer’s highest Korean earner was World Sun, who won the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown in 2018. Officer also produced that year’s Korean champion juvenile, King Socks. Other notable offspring included the eight-time winning mare Ace Marine, as well as fellow Stakes winners Roller Blade and Dokki Blade.

Officer stood mainly at the Jeju Stud Farm but also spent three years based at Jangsu Stud Farm on the South Korean mainland. He was pensioned from Stud duties in 2018 and returned to the KRA Jeju Stud Farm where he spent his retirement.

Other pensioned stallions remaining with the KRA include Hawk Wing, Peace Rules and Forest Camp.

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 9)

Seoul takes a weekend off (although the racecourse is open for simulcasting from Busan and Jeju) so Busan holds a Saturday card with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. (3) NONPAREIL led for much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a good time albeit well behind the winner. He should be on pace here in this small field, and if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up (6) SPEED BUMP ran 5th of twelve on debut on July 11th, racing in midfield throughout. She should have come on for that run and can be a danger. (5) YONGBI SHARK similarly led for most of the way in his trial, finishing a very close 2nd to an experienced racehorse and that’s enough to put him in the mix. (8) SWEET POWER and (4) BORYEONG ONE ROAD are others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(3) Nonpareil (6) Speed Bump (5) Yongbi Shark (8) Sweet Power
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

(3) GRAND MORE was an on pace 2nd at start number two over this distance at the end of May, only going down by a very narrow margin. He hasn’t raced since but he looked good when winning a trial last week and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up and will be favourite. (5) JIJONSANBANG ran 2nd on debut over this distance in June 29th, settling back and running on. He was seventeen-lengths adrift of the winner (World Top Tier, who has since been beaten) but it was an encouraging first-up effort and with some natural improvement, he should be close. Debut-maker (1) ACE SUN improved in the second of two trials and from the inside gate, can make an impression. It took (9) WONDERFUL BAND took three goes to qualify but when he finally did, he looked competent enough on July 19th and he should certainly be fit for this. (7) FLYING SHOOTER – who trialed up well last week -is among those with experience who can improve.

Selections(3) Grand More (5) Jijonsanbang (1) Ace Sun (9) Wonderful Band
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

Weak maiden. (8) GREAT LUCKY raced twice without distinction at the end of last year but hasn’t been seen since December. She trialed in late June, leading every step of the way and stopping the clock in a quick time. If she can bring that form in here, then she can win, probably from the front as there is little other obvious early speed. (5) SEONGSIL JEIL was a fair 6th of twelve over 1000M on debut on July 11th, finishing off well from off the pace. The step up in trip can suit and she can get closer here. (2) ALL THE BEST showed well in a trial before having a hard time from the widest gate on debut on July 4th. She draws better here and similarly, the step up in trip from the minimum can be in her favour. (1) BREEDO GALLANT and (4) WE STRONG others who can improve.

Selections(8) Great Lucky (5) Seongsil Jeil (2) All The Best (1) Breedo Gallant
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 8

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

(2) WONDERFUL JONES was 4th in Busan’s Classic Trial back in February before an indifferent run in the KRA Cup Mile saw him off the Triple Crown trail. Since coming back into this class he has run 3rd and 5th at 1400M but coming back slightly in trip and drawing well, he is very much the one to beat today. (3) CHEONPUNG had been working up to a win and it arrived on July 6th when he led all the way over 1200M. He comes up in class bit is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well, and he can measure up. (5) YONGAM BLACK got his maiden win over this trip in May when leading from gate to wire. He has since run 6th and 4th in two tries at this class and can be in the finish again. (8) MEGA MACHINE and (7) DAEGIL HERO others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Wonderful Jones (3) Cheonpung (5) Yongam Black (8) Mega Machine
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (August 3)

It’s the main domestic prep race for September’s international Korea Cup on Sunday as Global Hit defends his KRA Cup Classic crown against 10 rivals. Seoul is the only track racing on Sunday with 14 races from 10:35 to 18:00. We’ll have a full preview of the big race shortly, for now here is the race-by-race:

Global Hit won this race last year (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) DAEHAN POWER beat a couple of these rivals on debut over 1000M on June 21st, settling just behind the speed and running on for 3rd. That day’s second place getter has gone on to win and from a good draw, Daehan Powers can do the same. (4) REVERENCE also ran 3rd on debut, in his case on July 5th, also beating a pair of today’s rivals. Moon Se-young stays on and that’s enough to mean he will probably begin as favourite. Among the newcomers, (3) BLACK PEPE was a trial winner in a good time and if he brings that form to the races, he will be close (10) STORM TROOPER and (11) MASTER PLAN can improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(2) Daehan Power (4) Reverence (3) Black Pepe (10) Storm Trooper
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) APATEU ran a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M on July 12th, running through the line well. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she should have too much for this set of opponents. (2) GHOST GALE led for much of the way around 1300M on July 19th, ultimately registering a best to date of 4th. That was her first start since last November and she can strip fitter here and be on pace again. (1) TRIPLE JENNY has made progress across her three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place in a similar race to this over 1400M on June 29th. She can sit behind the speed and run into some money here. (6) GIDAEHARA and (5) HYEWONYONGMA are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Apateu (2) Ghost Gale (1) Triple Jenny (6) Gidaehara
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

(2) HERO CHICE is yet to finish in the top two but has five top five finishes from eight starts, including his latest on July 13th when he overcame gate eleven to race handy and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place at this distance. He draws much better for an easier run to the lead and he is the one to beat. (8) GLOBAL GISANG was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M at the end of May, starting slowly and running on. She should have come on for that run, CC climbs on, and she can be a danger. (1) GRAND PARK enters off an improved 2nd at this distance on June 28th and from the inside gate can be in the mix again. (11) CHEONGHAE STAR and (3) RAON THE BELMONT others who have shown ability and can compete.

Selections(2) Hero Choice (8) Global Gisang (1) Grand Park (11) Cheonghae Star
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 11

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

(2) QUANTUM K has a win and two 2nd places across his five starts so far, most recently when runner-up over 1400M at this class on June 28th. He got shuffled back a bit further than usual that day before running on but in this company should get a straightforward run to the front and can win. (1) CHOEGANG SPEED is the danger. He can get a bit far back in his races but has a nice turn of foot and has run 2nd and 4th in his two starts at this level since his maiden win, most recently on July 5th when he led in the closing stages over 1400M. Moon Se-young is on for the first time. He will need to overturn the form on (8) MINT PLAY, who beat him when 3rd in that July 5th race. The veteran enters in consistent form and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) GLOBAL HAMSEONG and (4) SEOBU SKY others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Quantum K (1) Choegang Speed (8) Mint Play (10) Global Hamseong
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

Small but competitive field. (7) MENI WIN enters off a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. He can lead here, and he can win. (6) DAEWONYONGMA remains a maiden after sixteen attempts, but he has gone close plenty of times with seven top five finishes. He comes in following a 4th and a 3rd from his first two tries at this class and continuing under a light weight, today could be his day. (4) SAENAE CLASSIC got a win and a 3rd in three starts last year. He returns from almost eight months off here and having looked well in a July trial, he can be competitive first up. (5) MENI SHARK and (8) CANVASEN GO the other main chances.

Selections(7) Meni Win (6) Daewonyongma (4) Saenae Classic (5) Meni Shark
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 2)

With Jeju off this weekend we have a rare Saturday where both Seoul and Busan will be in operation. Seoul has 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00, which will be interspersed with 5 races from Busan between 11:35 to 16:15. Here are the previews:

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles. (8) AGAIN GOOD MAN was quickest in trials, finishing in 3rd place in his heat on July 10th showing on pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and he will probably start as favourite. (11) GOOD MORNING COME came from off the pace to run a close 3rd in his heat. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go well. (2) UNICA was 4th behind Good Morning Come, settling midfield and running on. His stable is in good form and he can keep that going here. Plenty of others hinted at ability in the morning with (7) LIGHT WING and (6) YEONGWONHAN STAR, who both finished 3rd in their respective trials, will be the other main ones in the market.

Selections(8) Again Good Man (11) Good Morning Come (2) Unica (7) Light Wing
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(3) MANI NODAGI returned from almost six months out to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance on July 6th. He should strip fitter for that run and from a good gate, he can lead all the way here. (2) GAYA STAR similarly enters off a best to date runner-up finish over this distance on July 13th He is third-up this preparation so may be peaking fitness wise and can be a danger late. The rest of the form is patchy, so we’ll give a chance to debut-maker (6) POWERFUL IMPACT. His trial wasn’t quick, but he did make up so ground so the 1200M, as well as this limited set if opponents, may suit first up. (5) MUNHAK DANCE and (4) SPICE BAND others who can improve.

Selections(3) Mani Nodagi (2) Gaya Star (6) Powerful Impact (5) Munhak Dance
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(9) DOCTOR CENTUM has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two starts so far, both over 1000M. He finished off well both times so the step up in trip can suit and third-up he can be hard to beat. (6) GUREUM BIT didn’t do much on debut in April but was significantly improved when 3rd at start number two over this distance on June 29th when she raced on pace. She can lead again here and be in things a long way. (3) SEINE GANG was only ordinary at start number two over 1300M in June but if we go on her debut 4th back in May at this distance, she can be in the mix in this company. (4) DAEBAK NANTA and (7) WIND SWORD are others who can improve.

Selections(9) Doctor Centum (6) Gureum Bit (3) Seine Gang (4) Daebak Nanta
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) SONEULNAEMILEO got her maiden win over this distance in March and has since run 3rd and 2nd in two tries at this class. She draws beautifully to get the lead here and she can make all the running. (2) TEUKGEUP PARTY is yet to finish outside of the top five and got her maiden win at 1300M in May. She too showed she can measure up at this level with a very narrow reverse when 2nd at 1300M on July 20th and, making a quick return here, she can be in the finish again. (11) LUCKY A ONE won at start two in May over this distance. She hasn’t raced since but she has worked every day since July 18th and should have more to offer. (9) STUNNING PEARL, and the veteran (1) GROW, are other place chances.

Selections(3) Soneulnaemileo (2) Teukgeup Party (11) Lucky A One (9) Stunning Pearl
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

(2) WIND ROSE enters off a 2nd place last time out, albeit ten-lengths behind Stuka, over 1400M on June 27th when on pace. From a great draw, she can lead again and in the absence of any other standouts, she should go all the way. (3) BEOLMA WINNER ran twice last autumn, finishing 4th on both occasions. He returns for the first time since last October and having looked well in a July trial, can be competitive first up. (4) LIKE DRAGON was 5th behind Wind Rose in that June 27th race but two starts back ran 2nd at 1200M and cab be in the mix again. The form drops off precipitously after those three with (1) ULFBERHT and (9) SPEED BOY perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(2) Wind Rose (3) Beolma Winner (4) Like Dragon (1) Ulfbehrt
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

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

Competitive race. (3) HIGH FOLLY comes back to the distance at which he has done his best work so far with a win and two 3rd places among five attempts. He likes to race on pace so is very nicely drawn and he has every chance here. (7) KYLIE got her maiden breakthrough at the eighteenth time of asking on July 13th when leading for most of the way at this class and distance. She is up 3kg in weight, but that win had been coming, and she could be so lucky again. (2) MG FIRST is yet to finish in the first two in nine attempts but has four 3rd place finishes including on his first try at this class. He comes in fresh after eight weeks off and is another who should be competing for the lead from the start. (5) PINE PINK and (9) EUNPA MUSIC other contenders for at least the minors.

Selections(3) High Folly (7) Kylie (2) MG First (5) Pine Pink
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 1)

With the Jeju ponies taking their summer weekend off, Busan hosts a bumper 14-race Friday program from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seo Seung-un looks the one to follow at Busan on Friday

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the eight racing for the first time. (1) BEOLMAUI GANGJA laid in repeatedly on debut over this distance on June 13th but still managed to run 3rd and beat the other two here who have experience. With a more mature effort today, he will be very much the one to beat. (3) HOLY NIKE and (6) HEY BROTHER were 5th and 6th in that race, the former coming from off the pace while the latter was handy. Both should have come on for the run and their experience can tell here. Among the newcomers, (2) SO POWERFULL won’t be winning any spelling bees but she, along with (4) WINNER CUP looked the best in trials.

Selections(1) Beolmaui Gangja (3) Holy Nike (6) Hey Brother (2) So Powerfull
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) MOTHER WONDERFUL returned to racing on June 22nd for the first time since last September, and ran a solid 4th over this distance, showing on pace throughout. She can be on pace again here and stripping fitter for that run, she can win. (2) GOLDEN CARD enters off a best to date 3rd place over 1400M on July 4th. In this company, she can sit just behind the speed, Tanaka climbs on for the first time, and she can be a danger. There are three debut-makers and (11) GLOBAL FORCE looked very good in her trial, leading for much of the way before ultimately crossing the line in 2nd in a quick time. She has the challenge of the widest gate but if she brings that form to the races, she has every chance. (9) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (7) SEONGSIL WORLD others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Mother Wonderful (2) Golden Card (11) Global Force (9) World Triple Cat
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

(7) SWEET BELLE was 2nd on debut at the end of May before running 5th on July 11th when failing to get to the lead from the gate. She is worth another chance here and if she can lead, she can win. (9) DOCTOR CHRIS went through three trials, improving in the latest of them to 3rd in a quick time (it was voluntary so may not be in all racecards, but it was on July 19th in a time of 62.6 seconds). That form at the races will see him very close. (6) SEOBU GAMBLE didn’t do a lot in two starts around the turn of the year, but he was much better when an on-pace 3rd on his return on July 4th. He should have derived benefit from that run and can match or better it today. (3) FINAL HIT and (1) CARAT KING are others to consider.

Selections(7) Sweet Belle (9) Doctor Chris (6) Seobu Gamble (3) Final Hit
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

(9) STUKA was a strong on pace maiden winner over 1400M on June 27th. We won’t pay much attention to the very fast time as the track was lightning quick that weekend, but we will to the margin of ten-lengths and while she is up in class, she is down in weight, and she can win again. (11) BROWN ROOKIE has only won once but has been consistent with back-to-back 3rd places from her latest two, both at this class. She likes to come from off the pace so the wide draw is no problem, and she can be in the finish again here. (8) SEOBU CAPTAIN has a poor day at the office when well supported but slow away and never a factor on July 6th. We’ll instead go on his prior effort when a class and distance winner from the front and give him another chance here. July 6th winner (7) SEOGWI STAR along with (1) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE are others in the frame.

Selections(9) Stuka (11) Brown Rookie (8) Seobu Captain (7) Seogwi Star
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE enters off a 3rd place over 1400M on June 27th when sitting midfield and running on. Third-up this preparation, he can be peaking and coming back up to the mile can suit. (7) HOUND POKER is yet to finish in the top two in eight attempts but has five finishes between 3rd and 5th. He ran a fair 4th on his first try at a mile on June 27th coming from well off the pace and he can be finishing strongly again here. (6) SEATTLE DREAM beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 3rd when stepped up to a mile on July 11th and she can be in the mix here. (5) HEAVY DUTY was well fancied for that race but was fractious and difficult to control throughout. He does have a 2nd to his name over the mile and may warrant another chance. (2) GLORY ALPHA another in the hunt.

Selections(3) Seungchunhaneunhae (7) Hound Poker (6) Seattle Dream (5) Heavy Duty
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. Debuting last September with a 2nd place, (5) NICE BUDDY finally returned in June and was a front-running winner over 1200M. She followed up with a 2nd place on her first try at this class on July 6th, having led for most of the way around, and she will be hot favourite to go one better today. It’s not a strong set of rivals. (1) CHEONHAJIYU is yet to win in seven attempts but has three runner-up finishes to her name, including one at this class. She draws well and can place. (8) WE LIKE MONEY returned from six months out to run 4th at this class over 1300M on July 4th. She can strip fitter here and be close. (2) TRIPLE DREAM and (4) ROAD TO SPRING are other place chances.

Selections(5) Nice Buddy (1) Cheonhajiyu (8) We Like Money (2) Triple Dream
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 26)

With Busan taking the weekend off, Seoul ploughs a lone furrow in thoroughbreds (there is pony racing on Jeju on Friday and Saturday). The capital hosts 9 races on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) PERFECT DANAEUN was much improved on his return from a three-month layoff on June 14th, racing handy and finishing 3rd over this distance. He should strip fitter for that run and will be favourite to score here. (4) TIGER K has a 2nd place on his resume and enters off solid 3ed and 4th places over this distance. Drawn well, he shapes as the pacesetter and should be in this a long way. (6) AWESOME STEP has been on the fringes of the places across her five starts to date and should be there or thereabouts again. (3) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG, with a line through his latest, and (7) JINJUUI SIMJANG are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(2) Perfect Danaeun (4) Tiger K (6) Awesome Step (3) Jeulgeoun Sangsang
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(5) WONDERFUL CATHY seems to be figuring things out and has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at this distance. From a central draw, she’ll be on pace, Ruan Maia knows her well, and she is the one to beat. (2) EUNPA SWEET has four finishes between 3rd and 5th including last time out on what was her first try at this distance. She can settle just behind the early speed here and can be finishing strongly. (7) BULGEUNTAEYANG was beaten by Eunpa Sweet last time out but has similarly hinted at ability with some positive finishes and he has the fastest final furlong average time in the field. He can be coming on strong at the end again. (8) X FACTOR and (6) SAINT WINNER are other place chances.

Selections(5) Wonderful Cathy (2) Eunpa Sweet (7) Bulgeuntaeyang (8) X Factor
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Fillies only here. After running 4th in a slow race on debut, (2) GOLD CATCHER has won two in a row, most recently in a similar all-filly race at this class and distance on July 6th when settling right back and running on. She only comes up 2kg in weight and she should have the beating of this lot. (8) GOOD FRIEND remains a maiden but was a solid 4th on her first try at this class on July 6th and continuing under a light weight, she can be in the mix to go closer.  (10) BISANG BELL is up in class following her maiden win at 1300M on June 1st. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off and down in weight, she can measure up in this company. (3) YEONGWON POTEN and (7) YES MADAM among others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Gold Catcher (8) Good Friend (10) Bisang Bell (3) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

(8) BEOLGYO DESTINO was a winner on debut last December before running 5th on his first try at this class in January. He hasn’t raced since having suffered from inflammation in his left hind leg, but he has been in regular work and looked well enough in a May trial. He may be worth a chance first up. (1) WANGCHOEGO is yet to win in eleven attempts but has no fewer than five placings to his name, including a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. From the inside gate, Jang Chu-youl can pick his spot and he is a big danger. (3) SMART A ONE is another maiden but is up in class having begun her career with a 3rd and a pair of 2nd places She is down in weight and can be competitive in this company. (2) STUNNING WORLD and (7) GEOSEN JIJON others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Beolgyo Destino (1) Wangchoego (3) Smart A One (2) Stunning World
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 20)

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

Eclipse The King (red cap) was 3rd in the Derby and returns to action for the first time since (Pic: KRA)

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

Twelve previously unraced two-year-olds here so we must head to the trial videos. (11) KING MASTER ran 3rd in his trial behind a horse who has gone on to win (and, in fairness, one who has not). He showed close to the pace and with Moon Se-young booked, will have plenty of backers. (5) LIVE STAR beat a couple of today’s rivals when running 5th in his heat, coming from well off the pace. 1200M should suit first up.  (4) GEOSEN PUNCH led in his trial, ultimately coming 2nd in a fair time. That was back in mid-May, so it has taken a while for him to get to the races, but he draws well to lead again. (3) THUNDER RUN and (12) JIJON BULPAE others who hinted at ability.

Selections(11) King Master (5) Live Star (4) Geosen Punch (3) Thunder Run
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

After a series of trials, (8) RAON FLORENCE finally debuted on May 31st and showed ability with a 2nd place over this distance, showing on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run, and he can go one better today. Debut maker (3) CHRYSOL STONE was a trial winner in June, settling midfield and running on. 1200M can suit first up and she can challenge here. (4) SILLAUI FIGHTER led on debut over 1300M ultimately finishing in 4th place. He should have come on for the experience and nicely drawn can lead again and be in this a long way. (7) MADE and (9) THE EXCELLENT are others who could potentially improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(8) Raon Florence (3) Chrysol Stone (4) Sillaui Fighter (7) Made
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(4) HAKSAN PRINCE enters off a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on Juen 22nd when settling back and running on. Ruan Maia climbs on for the first time and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. Nothing else enters off a very good start so we’ll go on the past form of (6) CUPID K. Her latest couple of outings have been indifferent but she has four finishes between 2nd and 5th in her seven total appearances and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (1) SPICE BAND has finished 6th in both her starts so far, both over 1200M. She has been doing her best work late so the step up to 1400M can suit. (3) LUGE and (2) SMART NOTION are other place chances.

Selections(4) Haksan Prince (6) Cupid K (1) Spice Band (3) Luge
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

It’s hard to go past (1) HEUIMANG TAYO here. After a 2nd place on debut, he ran 3rd from the widest gate in a quick race on June 22nd. Both of those were over 1200M and from a much better draw, he can get an easy run to the lead and will be a short price to break through. (2) MAMBO SIDAE picked up with a 3rd place at start number three over 1300M on June 20th. She can settle just behind the pace here and she can challenge late on again. (10) ILLUSION is yet to finish any better than 4th, something she has done in three of her last four starts. In this company, she should be aiming to match or better that. (3) AMAZING ONE and (5) GRACE CAL are others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Heuimang Tayo (2) Mambo Sidae (10) Illusion (3) Amazing One
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(4) ANYANGBITCHUISOKDO was a winner on debut over 1000M on June 21st, showing on pace throughout. He is up in class and up in distance today, but he should have come on for that run and from a good draw, he can lead again and win again. (9) SEOUL BINGO took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this class, but he comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this class and both times racing close to the pace. In this company he too can be on the speed again and in this a long way. (2) ROAD TO A SPUR and (1) SAEROUN GUY are both still maidens. The latter was much better than the former when they raced one another on June 14th but from good draws, both can be in the mix here. (7) GROW another in line for the minors.

Selections(4) Anyangbitchuisokdo (9) Seoul Bingo (2) Road To A Spur (1) Saeroun Guy
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) SPEED TOP has two wins, and three runner-up finishes from five starts so far with his latest being a success at this class over 1200M in a quick time on June 8th. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but he doesn’t seem to be done yet and he can win again here. (9) SANGIM BOLT beat three of today’s rivals when a front-running winner at this class and distance on June 29th. That was just his second win in twenty-two starts and he is up by the same 3.5kg, but in this company, he can be competitive. (10) DOCTOR HAPPY led for much of the way around on her first try at this class over 1200M last time out. She comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and can be in the mix. (1) QUEEN AND SERVE and (3) MEETING ST are other place chances.

Selections(2) Speed Top (9) Sangim Bolt (10) Doctor Happy (1) Queen And Serve
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

Fillies only. (2) LALA GIRL is yet to win in seven attempts, but she registered three consecutive runner-up finishes between March and May including at this class and distance. She took a bump at the start when beaten by a couple of these on June 22nd but with a cleaner getaway, today can be her day. (8) RAIN STAR was 2nd in that June 22nd race having been slow away and had to come from a long way back. That has been a bit of a pattern for her, but she is a winner at this distance and can be a threat. (5) TEUKGEUP PARTY and (6) MUNHAK FIGHTER both come up in class following last start maiden wins and both can measure up in this company. (9) SILK SPECTER and (3) I AM GO others in the frame.

Selections(2) Lala Girl (8) Rain Star (5) Teukgeup Party (6) Munhak Fighter
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 9

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

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