Racing Previews

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview

It’s a bit of a low-key Sunday of racing in Seoul with nothing higher than class 3 although there is still plenty of competitive action with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Busan does have a class 1 feature with last year’s Grand Prix Stakes runner-up Dongbang Daero in action. On the south-coast there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here is the race-by-race for Seoul with Busan selections below:

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Nongbon Daero will go in search of his sixth win at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) AQUA STROM has been getting closer across his six starts to date, culminating in 2nd place at 1000M running on well on May 12th. He’s not a fast starter so he has a tendency to leave himself too much to do but if he gives himself a chance here, he should win. If you prefer one who will be on speed, then (6) TAMNA YEOSIN is the way to go. She improved to 2nd last time at this distance on a slow running track on May 5th and should be a contender here. Also showing good improvement last time was (11) MACH SEUNGNI while the unfortunately named (1) I AM WINNER has been consistently close in her latest three and can play a role here, likely challenging Tamna Yeosin for the early lead. (8) YONGUI JUDO is another who has a 2nd place in his record and can be considered.

Selections (9) Aqua Strom (6) Tamna Yeosin (1) I Am Winner (11) Mach Seungni
Next Best 8, 3
Fast Start 1, 6, 10

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look past (8) HANSEN GLORY here. He showed lots of promise in three starts at this distance as juvenile before suffering an injury after his last race in December. He was fast in a May trial and if he’s anything like he was last year, he’ll win. If he does come up short, then (5) JUNGLE BEAT and (6) FLYING JOY could be ones to take advantage. Jungle Beat is up in class despite not having won at class 6 but shouldn’t be intimidated by too much here while Flying Joy comes in following 5th place in a stiffer contest than this at the distance three weeks ago. Neither (1) EVER A ONE nor (9) LEAD UP went especially well behind (11) PARTY POWER last month but both could improve today.

Selections (8) Hansen Glory (5) Jungle Beat (6) Flying Joy (9) Lead Up
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 6, 9

Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Very competitive race with cases to be made for plenty. (3) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG is a front-runner who has had to settle for 3rd place in each of her last three starts. She drops back half a furlong in trip today and it could be to her benefit. (2) SEUNGNI NARAE had to scratched from a scheduled start five weeks ago through injury but he entered that in good form and would have been well-backed having secured a 3rd and a 2nd in his two starts immediately beforehand. He’s back working well now and should be in the frame here. (6) BACK TO BACK has been a touch disappointing in his latest two but is back at the distance he won at today and should be a threat. (12) CHEON MONG and (8) BAEKSAN ISLAND came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at the distance on a wet track on May 13th and both can look to match that here. Most punters will have finally given up on (11) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON who seems to have lost her way.

Selections (3) Naega Kkeutpanwang (6) Back To Back (2) Seungni Narae (12) Cheon Mong
Next Best 8, 11, 7
Fast Start 3, 4, 11, 12

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Small but competitive field. (5) JAELONGI is the pick, having run 2nd to Nike Street at class and distance on May 12th. He is still a maiden but now has four 2nd places to his name and can go one better today with Moon Se Young riding for the first time and likely attempting to make all. If he is to come up short once again then (6) DONGSEO GADEUK, who has finished behind him in both their last two races, is one contender to take top honours. However, more likely are (1) STAR PERFECT and (8) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG. Neither covered themselves in glory in their respective last starts but both are better (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

There are 10 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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It’s Saturday! It’s Seoul!

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Very ordinary looking maiden for fillies only and (7) SURFING POINT should have enough about her to get things right at what will be the fourth time of asking. She’s outperformed her odds in her latest three and can win for Manoel Nunes and Simon Foster. (3) RAON OPTIMUS has hinted at some ability with a pair of 2nd place finishes at 1700M and 1000M and she looks the main danger. (2) DAEMYEONG SOLAR and (5) NALSSAEN GIRL can improve while in such a race, it’s probably worth keeping an eye on the solitary debut-maker. That’s (6) ADEUKAN SEONGJA, and she trialled up in competent fashion in May.

Selections (7) Surfing Point (3) Raon Optimus (6) Adeukan Seongja (2) Daemyeong Solar
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) ROMAN BLADE has been getting closer across three starts to date, culminating in 2nd place on May 27th in a similar filly-only maiden to this. She should be on pace here and should make-all. Joining her on the early speed is likely to be (1) HALLA DAERO, an improved 3rd last time out a month ago and she can be a threat here. (3) JIGONG JILJU has never finished in the top two but is rarely too far away and can go close again for an in-form stable. (6) CLEAN FLOWER drops back in trip after a promising 4th over 100M last month while (4) IRYEO HAYEO has been a touch inconsistent over seven outings so far but has proven capable on her day.

Selections (2) Roman Blade (3) Jigong Jilju (6) Clean Flower (1) Halla Daero
Next Best 4
Fast Start 1, 2

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three debut-makers join five with prior experience and it’s among the ones who have raced before where we find the most likely contenders. (6) SIMON FRUIT was 2nd on debut in April and while he has been a touch below expectations in two starts since, he’s not been far away on either occasion and can get it right today. He’ll be on pace early, most probably alongside (4) ROYAL PRINCE, who has been consistent across five starts so far and steps back to the minimum distance today. He hasn’t shown an awful lot in the way of speed but if he can lead, he may be difficult to overhaul. (7) SEUNGNI LIKE improved last time and couple be a factor as well. None of the first-timers caught the eye in trials but if we had to pick one to consider first-up, it would be (8) RAON BULPAE.

Selections (6) Simon Fruit (4) Royal Prince (7) Seungni Like (8) Raon Bulpae
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) DAESEUNG AGAIN was a solid 4th on debut in a reasonable race at this distance on May 12th. It was a very wet track that day, but he ran on nicely and is the pick to score here, likely seeking to lead from the start. Also making his first start in that race was (7) DAMON ANGEL. She had previously finished ahead of Daeseung Again in a trial and while in the actual race, she was a length and three-quarters back in 5th, she too showed that she has a bit about her and can also improve here. (3) ULTRA MISSILE didn’t perform especially well in that same race but does have a 3rd to his name at the distance and may go better. (1) ADELEUI KKUM tries the minimum distance for the first time but (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

Last weekend in Korea saw big Stakes race action and next weekend it is the final leg of the Triple Crown. This sandwich week is a little more low-key but there is still plenty to keep punters occupied. Racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

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It’s Friday. It’s Busan

The strike by some stable staff that resulted in a number of trainers leading their own horses up the past two weeks is now over, although there is still a slight knock-on effect in terms of field size as not all horses have been able to work their intended schedules during the strike. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) JITTERBUG dead-heated for 2nd on debut at this distance on May 11th and will take some beating here. He should be on speed from the gate and lead all the way. (2) SEONBAL CAT was a useful 4th last start and should be looking to better that today. (8) APRIL STAR beat both (5) GEODAEHAN WONSEOK and (4) TESTA MAGIC as the three of them came home 4th, 5th and 6th at the distance on May 4th and all three can play their part here. Of them, the most likely looks Geodaehan Wonseok, who has actually run once since then – a solid 3rd two weeks ago. Fergus Sweeney takes the ride today and he can get even closer.

Selections (7) Jitterbug (5) Geodahan Wonseok (2) Seonbal Cat (4) Testa Magic
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 4, 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A number of these improved on their latest starts but (2) COOL MINT is perhaps the most convincing. He only missed out by a nose at this distance on May 11th having led almost the entire way around. He’s the pick to go one better today. (4) HWANGJE BONSAEK and (5) MIRACLE ALICE similarly improved last time and both step up to 1300M for the first time. Both should be in the hunt with Hwangje Bonsaek the marginally more attractive here. (3) DARK TEMPLAR has shown ability too with a 5th and a 3rd from two outings so far and she’ll be expected to get close once more. (1) NEW JACK SWING and (8) NEW QUEEN are others who could be in contention in what is a nicely competitive race.

Selections (2) Cool Mint (4) Hwangje Bonsaek (5) Miracle Alice (3) Dark Templar
Next Best 1, 8, 5
Fast Start 4, 5, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) ROYAL CLUB has shown progress across three starts so far and while she was resoundingly beaten into 2nd by the useful Evelyn on May 11th, today could well be her day. She can sit behind an early pace likely set by (10) CHEONNYEONUI ACHIM who led on debut three weeks ago, ultimately finishing 3rd. It was a promising start and one she can build on here.  (3) EXPRESSIVE is one start into a comeback following six months off and can improve. (5) INTERCEPTOR and (11) MR. COLORS are others who have hinted at some ability and can be involved.

Selections (2) Royal Club (10) Cheonnyeonui Achim (3) Expressive (5) Interceptor
Next Best 11, 4
Fast Start 4, 6, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Small field but tricky one to solve. Back up to a mile today, (2) SEORABEOL YEOJE should improve on recent starts. She’s never finished better than 3rd but can get on pace early here and stick on, possibly even to win. (7) JAESAENGMYEONGNI has a 2nd place to his (more…)

SBS Sports Sprint/Ttukseom Cup Day: Full Race-By-Race Preview (June 3)

On this weekend last year, Silver Wolf was setting out on a clean-sweep of the Queens’ Tour Series with a narrow win over Haeya in the Ttukseom Cup. This Sunday at Seoul, it’s surely Haeya’s turn to win the Ttukseom while Silver Wolf turns her attention to the SBS Sports Sprint, the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series, having already won the Busan Ilbo Cup last month. The exciting Today, a winner of 10 of 12 starts is among a full field of fifteen rivals and the Aussie-bred superstar will be under huge pressure in the 1200M test, but she has the class to overcome it. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

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Silver Wolf beat Power Blade in the 1st leg of the Sprint Series. Can she win again in the SBS Sports? (Pic: KRA)

A$40,000 yearling purchase, Silver Wolf was last year’s champion filly/mare in Korea. In between winning all three legs of the 2017 Queens’ Tour series, she also went sprinting, winning the Munhwa Ilbo Cup and running a strong 5th in the Korea Sprint. Silver Wolf has made an unbeaten start to 2018 with three consecutive victories including the Donga Ilbo Cup at 1800M in February and significantly, the 1st leg of the Sprint Series at Busan last month, when she downed Today’s stablemate Power Blade over this distance.

Six-years-old and arguably still getting better, the mare by Orotorio is the one to beat. Tactically versatile, she can win from anywhere but is usually ridden patiently and with lots of early speed in the race, it may well play to her advantage.

Drosselmeyer colt Today was imported in-utero and has set about winning ten of his twelve starts so far at distances of up to a mile. The Kim Young Kwan stable has such an embarrassment of riches that Today has gone somewhat under the radar and with any stable only permitted to run a maximum of two in any race, he is yet to get the opportunity to run in Stakes company. However, with Power Blade kept home, Today gets his chance here.  He enters on a four-race winning streak with his latest having been at this distance on March 25th. Jockey Franco Da Silva rode the winner of the Korean Derby three weeks ago and returns to Seoul with another big chance.

The three who contested last year’s finish all return. Doraonpogyeongseon got the decision that day by the narrowest of margins ahead of Parang Juuibo and Choegang Schiller. Doraonpogyeongseon has won just the once since but was an excellent 3rd in the Korea Sprint, beating Silver Wolf, and remains a danger at the top level.

Parang Juuibo isn’t quite of the elite but rarely finishes outside the top five – although making top five will take some doing this time. Choegang Schiller has only raced four times (and switched trainers twice) since the race a year ago. He’s won two of them, most recently in February at this distance and broke the track record in the other and is a live chance.

There are wildcards. Today’s stablemate Finest Warrior gets to step up. A winner of four from seven so far, he was unconvincing when sent up to class 1 for the first time last month but it’s unlikely trainer Kim Young Kwan has opted to bring him to Seoul simply for the experience. There is further Australian interest as Peter Wolsley brings Ace Korea up from Busan. The three-year-old Smiling Tiger colt has won his latest two in facile fashion, both at this distance and while this is a huge step up, he’s highly thought of. It’s a massively competitive contest bit Silver Wolf can win it from Today, Doraonpogyeongseon and Cheogang Schiller.

The Ttukseom Cup should be a little bit more straightforward in terms of finding the winner.

Haya at the Korea Sprint

Haeya (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Haeya is rated no fewer than 27 points higher than the next best and that fact alone tells its own story. She’s been plagued by soundness issues across her career which has restricted her to thirteen starts of which she has won six. The ones she has lost, however, have tended to be in top class company. She was 2nd to Silver Wolf in this race last year before running 3rd in the second leg, the KNN Cup at Busan.

With a mile considered her limit, she didn’t run in the concluding race of the series but did take a crack at the Korea Sprint in which she finished 11th. Haeya has begun 2018 in good form with a win and a 2nd place in two class 1 outings, both at this distance of 1400M. Her last start was in March, but she was kept ticking over with a trial win in late April. A front-runner, this could be her year.

Behind Haeya though, it is anyone’s race, with all fifteen other competitors having at least some claim on the places. Hi Sexy and Cheongsu Yeogeol look to have the best claims but Luigi Riccardi’s Rocket Queen might make for an interesting one at odds. Here is the race-by-race:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Just one debut-maker among the eleven who kick us off but he’s probably going to start the favourite. (1) WINNER SPIRIT took part in an outrageously fast trial on May 18th, registering the kind of time that would win the vast majority of actual class 6 races at this distance. It was a wet track, but he certainly looked competent and while he will surely be slower today, can still win. (2) LIVINGSTONE comes in off back to back 4th place finishes and looks to be improving, despite disappointing when favourite last start. (5) I’M HAPPY and (6) MONKEY SOCKS have both shown glimpses of ability and should go close. (11) RAON SITIEOSEU beat (3) GOLD SEUTAK and (8) NAMJJOK NARA as the trio filled out 3rd to 5th at the distance on May 5th and he should beat plenty again.

Selections (1) Winner Spirit (2) Livingstone (5) I’m Happy (6) Monkey Socks
Next Best 11, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 6, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) BARAM KING beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place at this distance on April 29th. He’s not been too far away in five of his six starts so far and against this modest opposition, with Moon Se Young taking over in the saddle, looks the most likely to make the breakthrough. (8) SEUNGNI PLUS started favourite against Baram King last time but could only manage 6th place. Nevertheless, he is one of only two horses in the race who have managed a 2nd place finish and he can be given another chance. The other one with a 2nd is (6) KHENDUM POWER though he looks to have more to find on recent form. (5) ROAD WOMAN and (11) MACHO HIME can improve on recent starts while (10) DAEJIUI SAESSAK was so slow on debut last month, she was sent back to trial. She completed that trial well last week though and could do much better this time around.

Selections (4) Baram King (8) Seungri Plus (11) Macho Hime (5) Road Woman
Next Best 1, 9, 10
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) SPECIAL GOLD got her second 3rd place finish from four starts so far and she could well be the one getting it right in this maiden for three-year-olds. She’s finished well in all her starts so far and so long as she doesn’t leave herself with too much to do, she can win. She was chased home that day by (5) HANEUL ACE and (1) HYEONGMA PUBU, the (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 2)

There are ten races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) TAEYANG SINHWA beat (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG as the pair finished 2nd and 4th on a wet track at this distance on May 6th. Both should be involved again but Speed Hwangnyong, who has shown improvement across his three starts so far, may just be the more progressive at this stage and can overturn the form here. Plenty of others come in off encouraging efforts. (8) GAJA GAJA and (5) RAON GANGHO came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at the distance on April 28th. This is a stronger contest but once more both can be competitive. (9) SPECIAL DREAM was a close 3rd last time and comes in here following a couple of months off and with a top jockey on board. He should be on speed early and has every chance.

Selections (1) Speed Hwangnyong (8) Gaja Gaja (9) Special Dream (5) Raon Gangho
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 2, 8, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(7) SONGAM GONGJU came home from off the pace for a much-improved 2nd over 1000M three weeks ago. The track was wet that day and she’s likely to be ridden much further forward and with the extra furlong in her favour, she should win this weak contest. (3) SUPER YEOWANG ran a good 4th on debut at 1000M in February and returns for the first time with good chances of improving. (6) TA MINA was less impressive on her first try but had previously trialled well so gets another chance. (4) FLYING HERA can beat a few in this company while the debut-maker, (1) ISCRA, by virtue of the being the only one who has done nothing wrong so far may also come under consideration – although the trial evidence is not especially positive.

Selections (7) Songam Gongju (3) Super Yeowang (6) Ta Mina (1) Iscra
Next Best 4
Fast Start 3, 7

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) SIMPLE RULES ran 2nd at the distance on May 5th, having led early. She’ll be on speed again and while this assignment is slightly stiffer in terms of depth, she can go one better here. That day (8) DAESEONG RUBY was four-lengths behind Simple Rules in 3rd and she too can challenge although a few others will be favoured more. The experienced pair of (1) PYEWOL SUHWA and (3) LITTLE LIGHT both enter off the back of decent showings at the distance. Pyewol Suhwa is likely to challenge Simple Rules for the early lead while Little Light just needs to take care that she doesn’t leave herself with too much to do. (2) MJ JILJU is up in class after grinding out an all the way win by a neck over the distance in April and should be competitive at this level.

Selections (7) Simple Rules (2) MJ Jilju (1) Pyewol Suhwa (8) Daeseong Ruby
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) UNDEFEATED is exactly that. True, he’s only raced once but he won it comfortably enough by four-lengths at this distance. He’s up in class here but should be able to get on the early lead and if he does, he’ll not need a name change just yet. (6) JEJUI HEUKSEON remains a maiden but she’s had some near-misses including a good 3rd place last start on 1300M. She’ll look to join Undefeated on pace at the start and should be at least placing again. (3) SEOUL STORY may benefit from racing at further than the minimum for the (more…)

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

June gets underway big week of racing in Korea with two huge Stakes races coming up on Sunday in the shape of the SBS Sports Sprint and the Ttukseom Cup. Before that, things kick off at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00.

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It’s Friday. It’s Busan

There are relatively small fields throughout as the grooms’ strike continues on the South Coast. Accordingly the race times are slightly different to regular Fridays:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance/ KRW 24 Million

(4) IHYEN led for much of her third start on May 4th, ultimately ending in 2nd place at this distance but Bart Rice’s filly can have come on for that run and can see off this small set of rivals today. (1) GIPPEUM SARANG ran a career-best 3rd last time out and looks to be the main danger although (2) BREAKING NEWS drops back in trip today after some up and down performances over 1300M and can get close as well. (6) OS HILL and (7) EUTTEUM CHAMP, who does have a 2nd to her name, the best of a limited rest.

Selections (4) Ihyen (1) Gippeum Sarang (2) Breaking News (7) Eutteum Champ
Next Best 6
Fast Start 1, 3, 4

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) KING’S POWER has shown progression across four engagements to date culminating in a close 3rd place last time at this distance on April 20th. That was his first start since last October and with a bit more progression today, he can win this weak affair. (5) CHEONHAUI KKUM has shown some glimpses of ability across nine outings and can get close while (7) MUCHO hasn’t totally disgraced himself and may play a part too. (3) NICE HUMOR has only run once and can be given another chance. Neither of the two debut-makers showed anything in trials although given the standard of the opposition, they can’t be completely ruled out. (4) HALLA SKY looks the most likely.

Selections (6) King’s Power (5) Cheonhaui Kkum (7) Mucho (4) Halla Sky
Next Best 3
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Thomas Gillespie’s (6) ROYAL BLUE has a 3rd and a 4th from three starts so far, the latter of them at this distance three weeks ago. He’ll likely get on the early pace today and should have too much. (5) STAR WOMAN has a couple of 3rd place finishes to her name and steps up in trip for the first time here. She’s run through the line well enough so far, so it just might suit. (7) TOP HERO weakened late on over a mile last start but may be better back in trip today. He’ll likely challenge Royal Blue for the early lead and can benefit from the services of Fergus Sweeney. (2) MIR KAN was an improved 3rd on his latest outing and can build on that today. (3) BEOLMA HAMSEONG returns for the first time since January and trialed well.

Selections (6) Royal Blue (5) Star Woman (7) Top Hero (2) Mir Kan
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) CHEONGDAM BLADE was 4th of 11 on debut at 1000M just two weeks ago. He was a long way behind the winner, but it was encouraging enough, and the connections will tempt many. He’s up in trip today and could win. The main danger is (4) AGUILENA. She was 4th on debut at this trip in March before stepping up to a mile for her re-appearance in May. She led for much of that race before being passed in the closing stages and (more…)

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 27)

It’s YTN Cup Day! Cheongdam Dokki takes on Clean Up Joy once more in the big race at Seoul but there’s a whole host of other action going on both in the capital and at Busan. Click here for an in depth preview of the big race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here is the race-by-race:

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Lim Gi Won was among the winners on Saturday and should be on Sunday too, not least with Cheongdam Dokki in the YTN Cup (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) ROMAN BLADE has shown promise across two starts so far, leading for much of her latest outing on April 7th before just weakening a little late on and ending in 3rd. She’s had seven weeks off since then and should win this all-filly affair. (1) CULLINAN made a fresh start in April, several months after her debut and she ran well in 3rd in a similar race to this four weeks ago. (5) BAEKSAN FORCE was three-lengths behind in 4th that day and both can challenge today. (2) L CHOICE debuted in the same race but despite being well backed on the strength of winning a March trial, only beat two home and better will be expected here. There are three first-time starters and among them, (10) SAGWARANG will be best supported, having won a trial just last week.

Selections (11) Roman Blade (1) Cullinan (5) Baeksan Force (10) Sagwarang
Next Best 2, 9
Fast Start 1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) HANIL DALBIT was just beaten a neck into 2nd place on his first try at this distance on April 29th, having made all until close to the line and he has as good a chance as any in what is not a strong, but very competitive race. (11) GANGHWA CHONGGAK registered his second consecutive 3rd place that day and can go close again. (3) GONG SAN has shown good progression across three outings so far, running a good 2nd last time and should be in the hunt. (4) STAR LIST too was an improved 2nd in what wasn’t an especially strong race last time and could go well once more. (7) BURUI GORI ran a creditable 4th on debut at the distance last month and he too has every chance of building on it today.

Selections (5) Hanil Dalbit (7) Burui Gori (3) Gong San (11) Ganghwa Chonggak
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 3, 5, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(9) THE FINAL began her career with three consecutive 3rd place finishes, improving to 2nd on her first try at this class last time. Today, she can finally come out on top, most likely looking to lead from the gate. (8) SARYEONI DREAM actually beat The Final when registering his solitary win to date back in January. He finished 4th last start but hung out to the extent he was sent back to trial afterwards. He completed his trial in good-looking fashion and should be a factor here. Other factors include (2) DUSON WANGJA, who despite being yet to win, has never been too far away across seven efforts to date, and (11) HIN BYEOL, up in class and distance following a decent win over 1000M at the end of last month.

Selections (9) The Final (8) Saryeoni Dream (2) Duson Wangja (11) Hin Byeol
Next Best 4, 1
Fast Start 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Small field and (7) HAMBAK MISO looks the one to beat. A winner on debut in March, he’s run well for 5th and 3rd in two subsequent starts at this class over 1200M and 1300M. He can take a sit behind the early lead and finish off strongly. (4) SOMETHING MYSTERY got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking in March and steps up in class here following a ten-week break. His stable is in great form at the moment and he should go close. (5) PENETRO showed some talent across four starts in the latter half of last year but hasn’t raced since running 3rd in a good race on December 17th. He romped home in a trial two weeks ago – with (1) JEONGSANG MANSE eight-lengths adrift in 2nd – and can be in the hunt first up. (2) HANIL MAGIC another one with a chance and likely to be on pace early.

Selections (7) Hambak Miso (4) Something Mystery (5) Penetro (2) Hanil Magic
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 1 will not be on any international simulcast service but…selections…ok…(6) CLASSIC MATCH should win: 6-2-10-7.

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

(9) GLOBAL QUEEN won on debut on Christmas Day 2016 and then didn’t race again until this March. She was runner-up on her return before winning at this distance at class 5 on April 28th. She is up in both class and distance today but should have too much for this field. (2) WING FLY is up in class following a good win at 1300M a month ago and should be competitive while (3) WELLBEING STORY can be respected having won at long odds on a muddy track last time out. (6) RAON ACE disappointed when favourite at class (more…)

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

Saturday is Cheongdam Dokki-Eve! The exciting four-year-old runs in the YTN Cup on Sunday but before that there is a busy card to get through in the capital with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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Plenty of action set for Saturday at Seoul

Race 1 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) PALDO DAEJANG was 3rd on debut all the way back in October of last year and finally returns to the track today. She looked well in a trial at the beginning of May and she can claim this modest contest. (2) FOR J.K. was a much-improved 2nd at 1300M on April 28th, her best finish in nine starts. That race was arguably even weaker than this but nevertheless, the upturn in form is noted and could be continued. (9) YOLO similarly showed signs of improvement in 3rd at this distance last start and should be a contender. (10) BLESSING ROAD and (11) ACE TROPHY both have 3rd places to their names and should be competing for at least minor spots on the board today.

Selections (3) Paldo Daejang (2) For J.K. (9) Yolo (11) Ace Trophy
Next Best 10, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Wide-open race. (9) STEEL RUN was a useful 4th on her latest appearance which was at this distance on April 15th. She led for much of that race and can do similar here with as much chance of any of winning. (10) LUCKY FACTORY beat (11) HANSEN VOLT as the pair ran 5th and 6th at 1200M on April 29th. The latter has been back to trial since then, performing well, and both will be expected to be in the hunt today. (4) JEONGMUN Y showed signs of getting better last time, running on well for 5th over 1300M. (5) OFFICER WOMAN is the wildcard. She returns after almost ten months off and had shown some ability prior.

Selections (9) Steel Run (11) Hansen Volt (10) Lucky Factory (4) Jeongmun Y
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 2, 5, 9, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) GOLD STREET was sent off as favourite for her first try at this distance on April 28th but could only managed 5th place in a very slow race. She looks to have some ability though so is probably worth another chance here. Also with ability is (3) GANADORA. She previously ran a solid 3rd (in an even slower race) at this distance in February and steps back up in trip after a couple of useful efforts at shorter. (1) CHEONSANG GIUN wasn’t too far away when stepped up in trip for the first time last month and can make more progress here. (6) DAL SUNI and (7) STRONG RUNNER similarly tackle two-turns for the first time and it may well suit.

Selections (3) Ganadora (4) Gold Street (1) Cheonsang Guin (7) Strong Runner
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 1, 3, 7

Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million 

(3) HAENGBOK STAR has been getting closer across three outings so far, culminating in a 2nd place finish behind The King last time out when he led until close to home. He is up in trip here but should get on pace and this time hold everything off. The most convincing challenger looks to be (8) GANGSEO EUTTEUM, who beat three of these on his way to 2nd place on his first try at this distance on April 21st. He only needs another 2nd place to be p in class and that should be a minimum aim. (11) GREEN TEA was 6th in that race and could get closer this time. (10) DAE UNHA steps up in distance for the first time following a good 3rd at 1300M on April 8th and could well take to it. (4) UJU BADA (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 25)

The weekend’s racing in Korea kicks off on Friday at Busan where there are 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. There is potentially industrial action by the Grooms’ Union taking place at Busan today which may have an impact on some races so be sure to check http://race.kra.co.kr/globalEn/racecardChangesBusan.do as scratchings and changes are a possibility. With that in mind here are the previews, which assume a full card:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) S S YOUNG has been well backed on all four of her starts to date, coming up short each time. She’s not an especially convincing type but may have enough about her to score in a race like this. (11) KING’S POWER is the danger this time. He raced three times last year and returned from seven months off to run well in 3rd in April and he can go well this time too. (9) BAEKDU MYEONGWOL was disappointing when well backed last start but gets another chance here while first-timer (5) FIRST VICTORY trialled up nicely and can be considered.

Selections (3) S S Young (11) King’s Power (5) First Victory (9) Baekdu Myeongwol
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 1, 3

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Three debut-makers among the eleven who go here and all of them are likely to be well backed. Principally Awesome Again filly (6) BOBAE DREAM, who trialled up convincingly earlier this month, looks to have plenty about her and she can win first up here. (4) KEEP GOING and (5) KING LION are a little less persuasive but both showed in trials they know what they’re supposed to do and can also be considered. Among the ones with prior racing experience, (9) NOPIGOM DODASHA returns for the first time in almost a year and potentially has some talent while (10) EUTTEUM CHAMP is best of the rest.

Selections (6) Bobae Dream (4) Keep Going (5) King Lion (9) Nopigom Dodasha
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 6, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Only five of these have raced before and the favourites will probably come from among them. (10) MAGIC STREET was an improved 3rd on what was his second start in March and the Captain Coltish gelding returns following a couple of months off with a serious chance of making the breakthrough here. (1) SEONGSAN SIMON was a good 4th on debut when totally unfancied and ran on nicely at the minimum distance. Up slightly in trip today, he can get closer. (9) HWANGJE BONSAEK, on the other hand, was a touch disappointing when well-supported on her debut three weeks ago but is worth another chance here. There are six debut-makers and among them, (5) GEOMEUN JINJU and (7) BAENGNYEON JIJON look the best at this stage.

Selections (10) Magic Street (1) Seongsan Simon (5) Geomeun Jinju (9) Hwangje Bonsaek
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 4, 10

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Only seven runners here but it’s pretty competitive with most of them just one placed finish away from being put up in class. (4) GANGHAN JILJU just came up short when favourite over a mile a month ago. Back in trip today, he should play a major role. (5) HWANGGEUM BEOLMA similarly disappointed when favourite at 1600M last time out he too can get closer today. (6) SANGSEUNG POWER has shown promise over two starts so far and unlike the other two, is up in distance today. (1) SEOLGWANGHWA and (3) (more…)

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

Sunday sees a big day of racing at both Seoul and Busan. In the capital there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 from 12:40 to 17:05.

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Moon Se Young bagged 2 winners on his Saturday return. Can he add to them on Sunday? (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) STRONG LIGHT comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd in her latest two and was beaten just a neck last time. True, both those races were weaker than this, but she looks to be improving and is a strong contender. That’s the same for (4) BROWN ROSE whose improved 2nd last time was in weaker company, but he can maintain his upward momentum. (1) BLUE ANNA can be forgiven her last start when she only managed 7th when well-backed and should have enough about her to go better here. (3) TWO M OKAY was a decent enough 5th on debut in March and could build on that here. (10) JIGONG JILJU is more experienced and while never going to be a star, has demonstrated the ability to get in the placing mix in company like this.

Selections (9) Strong Light (1) Blue Anna (4) Brown Rose (3) Two M Okay
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not a strong race this. (2) ROYAL PRINCE enters off the back of a 3rd and a pair of 4th place finishes and with David Breux in the saddle for the first time, could step up and be the one to beat here. He’ll be on pace early and could go all the way. (8) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI and (9) BAEKDUUI JEONGSANG have both been a touch inconsistent but have shown ability and should be dangers. (3) BRAVO ILSIN has offered a couple of glimpses across three starts so far and can improve while (5) MAIN EVENT looks the best of a limited rest.

Selections (2) Royal Prince (8) Hwanggeum Jumeoni (9) Baekduui Jeongsang (3) Bravo Ilsin
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 2, 6, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) DANCING BLADE was just beaten a neck at the distance on her first try at this class last time and she’ll likely arrive late on the scene in this all-filly race once more and this time go one better. (9) DAECHEONUI SARANG was well back that day, fading having led early on. She is better than that though and should be given another chance. (1) BAEKDU MIR is yet to win in nine starts but has a habit of coming 2nd and could well repeat that here. (2) SEOUL BOLT too has more ability than her latest efforts suggest and could challenge for the places while (10) CAMP TOUCH, with Moon Se Young aboard, is another who can be considered for improvement.

Selections (7) Dancing Blade (1) Baekdu Mir (9) Daecheonui Sarang (2) Seoul Bolt
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 9

Race 4: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) HAEKHANGGONGMOHAM beat three of these on his was to his second consecutive runner-up finish on April 22nd and the Sidney’s Candy gelding has every chance of going one better here. If he is to find one too quick again, then it could be (6) HURACAN. He’s up in class having won two of five to date and looks to have plenty more in him. He’ll be on pace early as will (7) MAGIC AI, who beat Huracan when they raced each other at class 5 in March and should have a big say too. (2) AEMA BISANG and (4) CLEO look best of the rest.

Selections (6) Huracan (8) Haekhanggongmoham (7) Magic Ai (2) Aema Bisang
Next Best 4, 9
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 10

Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) BAEKSAN GUNJU has been a touch inconsistent across eight outings to date but was a strong 2nd at class and distance on April 14th and if he runs to his potential, he should have enough to win this. (11) THE JIJON and Moon Se Young renew their partnership – the jockey guided the Jimmy Creed colt to his sole victory so far and he can overcome the wide draw to get on pace early and be involved at the business end. (10) CAPTAIN (more…)