Racing Previews

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 24)

It’s Christmas Eve and it’s Seoul’s final day of racing of 2017 (Busan has cards on December 30th and 31st). 12 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 5 down at Busan from 12:40 to 16:15. Here are the previews but first take a moment to watch French jockey David Breux ride his first Korean winner – it came in race 9 on Saturday on 20/1 chance Daejangbak:

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

Djordje Perovic will be crowned champion jockey today and he can get the last racing day of 2017 at Seoul off to a great start with victory on (12) STIRLING in this juvenile filly race. She was a much-improved 3rd last time at this distance and can go two better today. She’s going to be looking to go around the field to get on the early pace and she’s not alone as both (10) ORANGE SOCKS and (11) AREUMDAUN CHEONSA are likely to have similar plans. Both showed promise last time and can continue to progress here. (8) CLAY WIND and (9) MERRY WHITE will have backers to improve as well while among the three debut-makers, (4) TONGHAP SIDAE perhaps has the best chance of troubling the placings on debut.

Selections (12) Stirling (11) Areumdaun Cheonsa (10) Orange Socks (9) Merry White
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 4, 10, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

2nd on debut on November 26th, (3) GALAXY POWER is going to be a warm favourite to win this. He led only to be beaten by one who looks to have a lot potential and should be on the early pace here and go all the way. He’s one of only four of the twelve who have raced before and none of the other three showed an awful lot on their debuts with (7) RAON JEWANG perhaps the only other one who showed promise. That leaves us with the first-timers and (5) BURUI SOKDO and (6) JEWANGUI BYEOL both performed well in trials and have top jockeys on. The latter is favoured. Also showing ability in her trial was (10) BIG THUNDER and she too could go well first-up.

Selections (3) Galaxy Power (6) Jewangui Byeol (7) Raon Jewang (5) Burui Sokdo
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million 

(10) JUNGDONG JIJON has been getting closer and closer and following a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two, will surely get it right today. He’ll be a hot favourite. (7) MAJJABEUN SON was a much improved 3rd last start and can maintain that momentum today while (1) KAY ONE and (12) MACH SEUNGNI also look to be getting better and can be involved. Other than that we’re looking for something to demonstrate something that they haven’t previously and (3) RAON DOLPUNG, who has finished off both previous races over 1000M well may benefit from the extra distance here.

Selections (10) Jungdong Jijon (7) Majjabeun Son (12) Mach Sungni (1) Kay One
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 11

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

Wide open here but the Perovic-factor may see (12) SEUNGRI SIDAE home. He just missed out on 2nd place over class and distance on November 19th and looks nicely entered here. (10) SPEED CHEONGNYONG weakened late having led over 1700M last time and should be more comfortable back at 1300M today while (3) GEUMSUN YOU is up in class following a maiden win at the distance a month ago and should be (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 23rd)

It’s the eve of the Eve and Seoul Racecourse runs its final cards of 2017 on Saturday and Sunday. Djordje Perovic is set to become champion jockey, leading closest rival Kim Yong Geun by six wins heading into the final two days of racing. Seoul runs 12 races on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Djordje1

Going to be champion – Djordje Perovic (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(2) CAPTAIN POWER got off to a poor start when well-backed over 1000M last start but he’s performed well at this distance already and looks to have every chance of a maiden win here. (7) NAEGA JAL NAGA didn’t appreciate being asked to go round 1700M three weeks ago but has a 2nd place to his name at this distance and should be involved here. Similarly dropping back in distance and into contention is (9) ONE TWO THREE. (10) JIGONG JEIL had a bad day at the office last start but has shown promise and gets another chance here while (4) SEONGUNG put in a creditable enough debut a full twelve weeks ago and returns as the wildcard here. Worth noting that none of the likely favourites are expected to be on the early speed.

Selections (2) Captain Power (7) Naega Jal Naga (9) One Two Three (10) Jigong Jeil
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 1, 3, 5

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Not much experience here and it looks wide open. Newly crowned “Jockey Of The Year” will have the chance to add to his winners with (9) GUREUM SONJITHAE, 2nd at the distance o November 11th having led almost the whole way around. He’ll be on speed again and this time could well hang on for a stable that’s bang in form at the moment. (5) PALDO GANGTA has shown promise in two starts so far with a 3rd place in a stiffer contest than this three weeks ago. He takes on further than the minimum distance for the first time here. Among the other experienced ones, (12) MASYA was a decent 4th on debut at the end of last month and can be considered for improvement. Turning to the debut-makers, (1) MIR PARK and (10) MIRACLE HANSEN both looked sharp in winning trials and may be backed first-up.

Selections (9) Gureum Sonjithae (5) Paldo Gangta (10) Miracle Hansen (12) Masya
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 9, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Twelve previously unraced 2-year-olds make a late season debut here and we’re going to be a touch lazy and go on their performances in trials. The only one to win a heat was (4) BOEUNUI KKUM, who did so in decent enough fashion a month ago. She’ll be well-backed here. (10) SEUNGRI NARAE was arguably a little more impressive in finishing 2nd in his heat earlier this month and looks set to get a fast start here and could go all the way. Those two look to be the standouts but expect support too for (1) ROAD WOMAN and (3) BEST CHAPEL, both of whom get top jockey bookings. French jockey David Breux gets his first taste of Korean racing on (5) DAEHO CHEONHA, however, given the colt’s trial showings, we’ll take a watching brief with that particular one. As ever in these kind of races, keep an eye on the Korean pools.

Selections (10) Seungri Narae (4) Boeunui Kkum (1) Road Woman (3) Best Chapel
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 7, 10, 11, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(6) BULSA BULPAE was relatively unfancied but still managed to beat five of these on her way to 3rd place over the distance on November 25th. She is perhaps a bit one-paced but has shown she can grind out decent finishes and has as much chance as any of them here. (10) NANGMAN STAR was much better fancied that day and only finished a nose behind Bulsa Bulpae in 4th so will have plenty of backers to overturn things this time while (11) SPECIAL DREAM was further back that day but could improve here on what (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 22)

The Christmas weekend of racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Hard to look too far beyond (2) CHANG GONG in the opener. Across his three starts to date, he’s shown far more than any of the others here and should really lead from gate to wire. (4) YEONGCHEON STAR has shown glimpses of ability with a 4th and a pair of 5th place finishes and should be looking to improve on those here while (12) EVER GOOD TIME and (9) GIPPEUM SARANG came home 4th and 5th at the distance on November 10th and can be in the placing frame. It’s a fresh start for (3) DANCING VICAR today and she re-qualified in decent fashion at the end of November while in such a race we have to give a chance too to the solitary debut-maker. That’s (8) FIRE POINT, who also trialled up well.

Selections (2) Chang Gong (8) Fire Point (4) Yeongcheon Star (3) Dancing Vicar
Next Best 9, 12, 11
Fast Start 2, 4, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) NINA has shown progress across three starts so far culminating in being beaten by just a Head last time at this distance and she should get her maiden win today. (7) HEUGSEOL GONGJU was a couple of lengths back in 3rd that day and can be in the placing frame again although the primary dangers could turn out to be (3) THUNDER STRUCK, a touch unlucky when running 6th of 9 last time. (6) FAST AWAY was a much-improved 3rd last month having previously shown absolutely nothing and is to be watched carefully while first-time starter (4) MAJOR ANGEL trialled up well. Watch the betting market with that one.

Selections (10) Nina (3) Thunder Struck (6) Fast Away (4) Major Angel
Next Best 7, 11, 9
Fast Start 3, 6, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Six first time starters take on six who have raced once before and unusually for this kind of race, it is one of the newcomers who will be favourite. (1) LUCKY KOREA is from the track’s top stable and looked good when winning a trial earlier this month. She’ll be expected to lead all the way. Among the other debut-makers, (6) SINBIHAN BYEOL looks the best while of those who have raced before, the logical pick is (12) TANGY BITE. He was a solid 2nd on debut on December 1st and should be able to at least repeat that today. (5) YUHWI and (7) ICE LEG are others who can improve on their initial efforts.

Selections (1) Lucky Korea (12) Tangy Bite (6) Sinbihan Byeol (5) Yuhwi
Next Best 7, 9, 8
Fast Start 1, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(9) GAMUNUI YEONGGWANG has beaten a fair few of these across his latest two starts in which he’s come home 3rd and 4th. He’s never been sent off at anything shorter than 12/1 but looks the one to beat in this very modest contest. (4) JANGHAN JILJU beat (5) DAEHO MYEONGGA as the pair raced 3rd and 6th over this distance on November 17th. That was disappointing from the well-supported Daeho Myeongga, who had shown ability (more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 17)

Busan takes a weekend off so there’s a bumper 15-race Sunday card at Seoul Racecourse. The first race is at 10:45 and the last is at 18:00. Here are the previews: 

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) CUPID DOCTOR has been getting closer and closer across three starts so far and managed a good 2nd place over this distance on November 12th. She should get a fast start in this all-filly race and lead all the way. Probably the banker favourite all day. (1) POX RANGER and (5) KYU JEU came home 3rd and 4th at the distance on November 18th. It was a big improvement for Pox Ranger although Kyu Jeu had already shown some ability and both look in with a shout here. The time before that, Kyu Jeu beat (9) RAON MIRACLE but she too showed improvement next start, landing a good – albeit not very fast – 3rd place at this distance.

Selections (4) Cupid Doctor (5) Kyu Jeu (9) Raon Miracle (1) Pox Ranger
Next Best 6, 2
Fast Start 4, 3, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Small field of juveniles here but it contains a few who have shown promise already. (2) LEONNING STROM is top pick having been a good 2nd on debut at 1000M last month. He ran on nicely and should do well over the increased trip today. (5) VICTORY STAR looked good in two outings in September and October. She trialled up in good shape too in November and can go well. As can (7) LET’S YEONGCHEON, a creditable 3rd on debut four weeks ago. The modestly named (3) BRILLIANT and the more complex-named (6) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG also have potential to improve.

Selections (2) Leonning Strom (5) Victory Star (7) Let’s Yeongcheon (3) Brilliant
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 6

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Ten juveniles here with four of them racing for the first time. (3) CHEON MONG only managed to finish in 6th place on debut on November 19th but it was in a well-run race in a strong time and he just about gets the nod to win here. Fellow experienced ones (5) DALLYEORA RAON and (7) INDIAN ECO may also improve on their debuts but it is to the debut-makers that we turn to find the bigger dangers. (9) LUCKY ROOKIE won his trial last month and gets a top jockey on here so will be backed while Hansen filly (2) SILVER DESIGN also held her own in her trial and can go well in what is a nice race to debut in.

Selections (3) Cheon Mong (9) Lucky Rookie (5) Dallyeora Raon (2) Silver Design
Next Best 7
Fast Start 3, 6, 9

Race 4: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Three of these juveniles come in having come close to getting their maiden wins last time out and all three will be supported to achieve it today. The one with the best chance is (9) FLYING BOSS, who while well beaten by a good winner last time, has shown plenty of potential. He drops to the minimum distance for the first time today and can go very well. (2) RICHARDOFNEWSTEAD has led both his races so far, only to get taken down in the closing stages. He’ll surely be on the early pace again and could well hang on this time. (4) PARK SOCKS was 2nd on debut at this distance and will have plenty of backers too. He was beaten that day by (5) SUN LIGHTING, who went on to have a hard time in a valuable race over 1200M a month ago, weakening late on. Back in trip and in more amenable company today, he’ll be a big threat.

Selections (9) Flying Boss (5) Sun Lighting (2) Richardofnewstead (4) Park Socks
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 6, 9

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Small field and it’s hard to look much further than (1) ROYAL TANK, who showed improvement when put up to this distance three weeks ago running 2nd in what was admittedly not a strong race. Neither is this though and a similar run today should see him home on top. The rest of them will need to find plenty with (8) UPDATE probably best placed to step up. He ran ok on his previous try at the distance and while he is (more…)

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

There are a couple of new foreign trainers in town and one of them, Luigo Riccardi, saddles his first runner at Seoul on Saturday afternoon. There are 11 Saturday races in the Korean capital from 10:45 to 18:00.

The 49-year-old Italian trainer Riccardi sends out Choego Money in race 10 and the gelding looks to have an excellent chance under Djordje Perovic. Here are the previews:

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

(8) PRIMO already has a 2nd place to her name and comes in off the back of a reasonable enough 5th place in what looks to have been a tougher contest than this last time and she has as good a chance as any here, likely from the front. (1) NONGBON DAERO has improved across three starts so far and has cope for more today while (6) IRYEO HAYEO, beaten by Primo on debut doesn’t look completely devoid of talent either. There are three debut-makers, two of whom will be backed. Moon Se Young riding means inevitable support for (2) SPEED HWANGNYONG but (9) NEUL SACHAN looks more convincing having comfortably won a trial last month.

Selections (8) Primo (9) Neul Sachan (1) Nongbon Daero (6) Iryeo Hayeo
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Small field of maiden juveniles here but most have already shown a bit of potential. (3) EAST KINGDOM and (6) THE FINAL both came home in 3rd place on their respective debuts. Neither was well-backed but both showed enough to suggest they can push on here. It’s also fair to say that neither were particular quick so we’re going with (2) FLYING HERA, 5th on debut at this distance on November 4th to score here. She showed a strong finish that day and can come from just behind the early leaders. (7) SOU WARRIOR and (8) CHAPEL ACE not to be discounted either.

Selections (2) Flying Hera (6) The Final (3) East Kingdom (7) Sou Warrior
Next Best 8
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 3: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Fillies only here and (9) EAST GULCH will be a strong favourite. She’s been 2nd in both her outings to date, beating three of these last time and really should be leading this one gate to wire. (3) CHEON YANG is a capable type who could give the favourite some problems although as a closer, the distance may not be the best. (1) BEST YEJI steps back in trip and can go better today while (10) PERFECT BIC C landed back to back wins over (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Grand Prix Stakes Day Race-By-Race Preview (December 10)

Sunday is Grand Prix Stakes Day! Full preview of the big race is here. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while down at Busan there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here’s the full race-by-race preview of the other races on the card:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) M.J. CAPTAIN beat (11) ARES THUNDER as the pair ran 4th and 5th over the distance on November 11th. The former also has a 2nd place to his name and could make the breakthrough here. For Ares Thunder that was an improvement and he can go well as well. The Yoshida-owned (3) CONKER has shown steady improvement over five races so far and comes into consideration with a likely fast start while (6) RUBY BEOLKIN hasn’t been too far away in recent efforts and can make a bid for the places.

Selections (10) M.J. Captain (3) Conker (11) Ares Thunder (6) Ruby Beolkin
Next Best 12, 5
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Five first-timers go here but it’s the ones with experience that are likely to be favoured. (5) CHEONJI BOBAE is the pick. She’s been prominent in both starts so far and managed 2nd over this distance on November 11th. (1) TAMNA YEOSIN was an improved 4th in a decent contest at this distance a on what was her second outing. She led for much of that race and can come on more here. (6) LOVELY NUTE and (7) THUNDER WARRIOR should have learned from their debuts and can improve while of the first-time starters, (2) GOLDEN SKY and (10) GARA GARA GA look the pick.

Selections (5) Cheonji Bobae (1) Tamna Yeosin (7) Thunder Warrior  (10) Gara Gara Ga
Next Best 6, 2, 11
Fast Start 1, 5, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here and plenty in the hunt. (9) ROYAL BOKSUNI is the only one among them to have even a 2nd place finish to her name, which she achieved two starts ago in a very similar race at this distance. She’s drawn in the same gate today and can get on the early speed and go all the way. That day, (10) CHOWON YEOJEONSA was 7th but she showed improvement at 1000M three weeks ago and can be given another chance here. (3) WIND (more…)

Grand Prix Stakes 2017: Full Preview

It’s the big one. The Grand Prix Stakes 2017 is here and 3yo potential phenom Cheongdam Dokki will clash with Triple Nine, Power Blade, Clean Up Joy and a host of the biggest names in Korean racing in the season-ending showpiece at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (see the rundown on those four horses in the video below if you can get past my ridiculous bow-tie):

While the no-show of New Citadel and Dolkong is disappointing, this Grand Prix still has the potential to be special. Is Cheongdam Dokki as good as some think he is? Can Triple Nine finally win a Grand Prix at the third attempt? Can Clean Up Joy recover from his defeat at the hands of Cheongdam Dokki to retain the crown? Or perhaps something else can win. Favourites rarely win the Grand Prix with the unfamiliar distance and the time of year contributing to lots of uncertainty at each edition.

Cheongdam Dokki and Triple Nine look set to dispute favouritism with Power Blade and Clean Up Joy likely to be next best in the market. But there are plenty of wildcards. Queens’ Tour winner Silver Wolf takes her chance while the likes of Saengil Gippeum and Diferent Dimension should relish the opportunity to have a go at this distance. Buhwarui Banseok and Champ Line are not without their merits either. Dongbang Daero, Dynamic Dash and Cheonjeok round out a high class field. The race starts at 4.40pm Korea time and is available for betting on the PMU in Europe, TAB in Australia, and most ADW’s in the United States as well as at the turf clubs in Singapore and Malysia.

1 TRIPLE NINE (KOR) Having finished 4th in the Korea Cup in September and then suffering his second reverse to Power Blade, he came back into form to win his third straight President’s Cup last month, defeating his stablemate in the process. He can take a long time to hit top-gear but we know this distance can suit. 4th in 2015 and 2nd last year, it’s not impossible he could finish on top this time. Interesting – and perhaps not ideal – draw.
2 DYNAMIC DASH (USA) 7th behind Saengil Gippeum last month having led early on and 3rd behind Diferent Dimension the time before that. It’s been a long time since the most recent of his nine career wins and he’ll be one of the outsiders here.
3 SAENGIL GIPPEUM (USA) An excellent seven-length winner of Busan’s trial for this race over 2200M on November 5th brings him into contention. He was beaten by Diferent Dimension the time before but the manner of his win last time does warrant consideration for a surprise here. Unlikely to lead early but will probably be not too far from the pace.
4 DIFERENT DIMENSION (USA) Managed a 3rd place on turf at this year’s Dubai World Cup Carnival and returned to the winner’s circle in Busan over 2000M on October 22nd, making all over 2000M and beating Saengil Gippeum. Missed out on an intended run in this race last year, the distance should suit and a placing finish is possible. Generally leads or races very close to the early lead.
5 CHAMP LINE (KOR) Trained by Thomas Gillespie. Won five consecutive races up to April but has just gone gold a little since. Still 4th place last time behind Saengil Gippeum gives cause for optimism that form is on the up.
6 DONGBANG DAERO (USA) 8th in this race last yeat, he’s only won once since then but is rarey too far away. 3rd behind Saengil Gippeum at 2200M last month and an outside chance of cneaking into the money here. Recently, his running style has been to close.
7 SILVER WOLF (AUS) She won all three legs of the Queens’ Tour to become champion filly/mare this year, easily winning the finale over 2000M. She showed her versatility too with 5th place in the Korea Sprint. Obviously, today’s test is a stiff one but she’s well drawn to get close to the early lead and looks to be the wildcard. Stablemate of Clean Up Joy.
8 CHEONGDAM DOKKI (USA) The one to beat. Seven from eleven in total and winner of his last four including a comprehensive demolition of Clean Up Joy in the KRA Cup Classic. He hasn’t always been the most straightforward of colts but has behaved better in his last two. He’s won those latest four gate to wire and despite the increased distance it would be a surprise were he not to try to dominate this too. It’s not easy to do that in December in Seoul but he looks good enough.
9 BUHWARUI BANSEOK (USA) A slightly disappointing 6th behind Saengil Gippeum over 2200M last month but this is a very solid class 1 colt. First time at the distance and first time at Seoul. Tactically versatile, he’s trained by South African Bart Rice and should give a good account of himself.
10 CHEONJEOK (USA) 13th in last year’s race and the lowest rated this year and likely to be the outsider. 5 wins from 51, the most recent of those being in March. Last of 8 behind Cheongdam Dokki in the KRA Cup Classic in October. Top jockey booking though.
11 POWER BLADE (KOR) The 2016 Korean Triple Crown winner and Group 2 placed in Dubai. 2nd in the Korea Sprint to a Japanese horse, he beat Triple Nine at both 1400M and 1600M at Busan before coming up short in the President’s Cup here at Seoul over 2000M last month. 3rd in this race last year. Jockey change today – he is a tough ride – and while the distance may not be ideal, he can never be ruled out.
12 CLEAN UP JOY (USA) Last year’s winner. He began this year with three consecutive victories but then struggled in Busan in the Mayor’s Cup in July. He was a well-beaten 3rd behind Cheongdam Dokki in October’s KRA Cup Classic but by no means ran badly. He remains a strong horse and certainly can’t be ruled out but it could be that a couple of others have just got a bit better in the meantime. He will come out of the widest gate by request of his trainer.

Selections: (8) Cheongdam Dokki (1) Triple Nine (11) Power Blade (12) Clean Up Joy

Next Best: 7, 3, 4

Fast Start: 3, 4, 8

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

There are 12 races at Seoul on Grand Prix-eve, Saturday with the 1st at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Six first-timers, five who have each run once and one who’s run twice. That one who’s raced twice already could well be favourite as (6) CITY ANGEL was a decent 2nd on November 12th, beating (9) ACE CANT and (1) BEST BULLET in the process. He should be on pace early and can go all the way. Ace Cant can improve too and will be backed as will (3) BOLD SHINING who did nothing wrong on his own debut on October 22nd. (10) HANIL GANGJA and (11) THUNDER MARINE also acquitted themselves well and may be considered. As for the debut-makers, it’s probably a case of “watch the market” to see if anything stands out – (7) SEOUL SOL, could be the one.

Selections (11) Thunder Marine (6) City Angel (9) Ace Cant (3) Bold Shining
Next Best 10, 7, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 7

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

Two standouts here, both of whom come in having finished in 3rd place in their respective latest outings. Both were at this distance and both in similar times against similar opposition so there isn’t much to choose between (3) DUAL CHOEGANG and (7) YEONGLAK TAEWANG. They’re both three-year-olds by Duality and are both still maidens. Perhaps the one difference between them is Yeonglak Taewang is more likely to be on the early speed. This is not a strong race so we’re looking for something to step up. Jockey bookings point to (4) MAJJABEUN SON but (9) BLUE ROCK has shown some glimpses of ability and his last start, back following six months out, can go better. (10) YONGUI JUDO improved on her second start last month and could also be in the frame.

Selections (7) Yeonglak Taeyang (3) Dual Choegang (4) Majjabeun Son (10) Yongui Judo
Next Best 9
Fast Start 6, 7, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Much better race here with plenty of potentially decent juveniles bidding for a maiden win. (6) BACK TO BACK looked good on debut and while he only managed 3rd as favourite following a swift trial, he showed enough to suggest he has wins in him. (1) EMERALD KING has back to back 3rd places both at this distance and while he’s not shown much in the way of speed so far, also looks capable of going better. (9) JEJUI HEUKSEON debuted over 1300M and while she was ten-lengths behind a good winner, was still a solid 2nd ad can be considered while (7) DOUBLE GOLD couple benefit from the additional furlong today. He’s been 4th and 3rd in two outings at 1000M, running on nicely both times. (2) MONEY ZIF and (11) BISUL GONGJU are others to consider.

Selections (1) Emerald King (6) Back To Back (9) Jejui Heukseon (7) Double Gold
Next Best 11, 2
Fast Start 3, 7, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(3) ROAD WINNER was a good three-length winner at this class over 1300M on November 5th and while he carries a couple of extra kilos today, can win once more, probably looking to set the pace in this small field. (4) MYEONGGA JEWANG was an all the way winner, but over 1000M on November 11th and looks to have scope for development. (5) POSEIDON MARINE debuted soundly in 3rd at this distance and also looks to have a solid (more…)

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

Grand Prix Stakes weekend kicks off with an 11-race card at Busan on Friday. The first race is at 11:30 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(8) SAEROUN BARAM was an encouraging 4th on debut at the end of October and looks to have every chance of coming on more here. He beat (6) EDGE OF WINNER by a length that day and that one too looks to have a chance of improving. Bart Rice’s (9) IHYEN looked competent in trials and is sure to be well backed with a top jockey booking while (1) HURRICANE DREAM debuted well all the way back in January before suffering setbacks and finally returns here. Her trial wasn’t impressive but not was it concerning. (12) DONE IT MY was a decent 2nd over this distance time and should be close once more.

Selections (8) Saeroun Baram (9) Ihyen (12) Done It My (1) Hurricane Dream
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 2, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

A much improved 2nd place on what was just his 2nd start on November 17th makes (5) CHOEGANG BULLET a likely strong favourite to score this time around. He should be away quickly and can lead from gate to wire. (2) PERFECT BOSS was an encouraging enough 5th on his first start and can improve today while it’s the same story for (6) JOEUN HAE. Five of the eleven go around for the first time and among those ones, (7) TORNADO KING looks the pick.

Selections (5) Choegang Bullet (7) Tornado King (2) Perfect Boss (6) Joeun Hae
Next Best 4, 11
Fast Start 5, 6

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

Fillies only here and while (3) CHERRY BLOSSOM didn’t find things easy in the Gold Circle Trophy back in September, she returns here after eleven weeks off in much more amenable company and can get her maiden win here. The two “Yeogeols”, (2) HAEDONG YEOGEOL and (4) OKDAN YEOGEOL appear to be the main threats with the latter turning in some decent performances recently and will surely not be at class 6 for much longer. (5) EOMJI CHEOK came home 3rd in a weak race at 1000M a month ago and looks to be on the up too while (11) SECHAGE also has scope to go better here.

Selections (3) Cherry Blossom (4) Okdan Yeogeol (2) Haedong Yeogeol (5) Eomji Cheok
Next Best 11, 6
Fast Start 3, 4

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Both (7) DYNAMIC GO and (10) I’M YOUR STAR have shown promise. The former was perhaps unlucky not to win on debut on October and followed up with a strong 4th place over 1000M a month ago. I’m Your Star meanwhile debuted in a competitive race at 1200M in October, likewise finishing a good 4th. Both try the distance for the first time but both should be on the early pace and can dispute the finish between them. (9) (more…)

Breeders’ Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 3)

Korea’s top juveniles clash on Sunday afternoon with a big Prize and Champion 2-year-old status on the line in the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul Racecourse. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Choinma Gyeonggi

Choinma has won both his lead-up races for this but faces a tough challenge from Busan’s World Sun in Sunday’s Breeders’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Both World Sun and Choinma enter having won both of their home track’s two lead-up races for the Breeders’ Cup and the pair are likely to be 1st and 2nd favourite but as ever, it looks a competitive race. Both 2015 winner Power Blade and 2016 winner Final Boss, went on to win the Korean Derby as three-year-olds. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

It’s hard to oppose (1) NAM SON. He’s been 2nd and 3rd in his two outings to date and drops back to the minimum distance at which he showed good speed on debut in October. He won’t necessarily lead from the gate but he really should be leading when they hit the wire. Filly (12) SEONGBUL CHAMP has shown a bit of promise too, improving across her two starts to date and narrowly missing out on 2nd last time. She should at least achieve that today. (4) SEOUL STORY was behind Seongbul Champ on debut and can improve here while (11) PALDO GANGTA and (5) GLOBAL NEWS, the latter being quick in his trial, are others to look out for.

Selections (1) Nam Son (12) Seongbul Champ (4) Seoul Story (5) Global News
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 4, 5, 8, 12

Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

The 5th that (7) RAON ACE managed last start was less than half a length away from being a 2nd and a similar performance today should see him home on top. (12) MACHA BUCHA had a hard day at the office in one of the stiffest class 5’s we’ve had at Seoul in a long time three weeks ago but can be given another chance today. (2) SPECIAL LIGHT is up in class following a win over 1300M on November 5th and can be competitive. (3) RAON ROCKY returns from almost five months off and trialled well while (6) CHODONG RACE steps back in trip following a couple of unsuccessful attempts at 1700M and can be better today.

Selections (7) Raon Ace (12) Macha Bucha (3) Raon Rocky (2) Special Light
Next Best 6, 10
Fast Start 6, 9, 12

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

Up in class having won his latest two (albeit one in the stewards’ room), (6) MAGIC TEN is the one to beat once more. He has an enforced jockey change today but can still win, likely coming from just off the early pace. (2) SUPER PUNCH was a winner at class and distance last start and while he carries an extra 3kg today should be firmly in the frame once more. (1) BULHUUI SEUNGJA went poorly from a wide gate last time but is worthy (more…)