Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 26)

It’s Friday! It’s Busan! We have 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Not a bad opener this. (2) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN debuted in October with a useful 3rd place at 1200M and looked competent enough when trialling up just last week alongside a set of decent horses and must have a chance here. (5) DANCING VICAR showed ability on her return just before Christmas and should be on the early pace here while (7) BAENGNYEON SIDAE has been close in each of his last four starts and could make the breakthrough today. (1) RANKING TOP has looked great in trials but less so on the racecourse so far. Still early days so we’ll give her another chance. (10) STORM GOLD showed ability in three outings and returns after almost a year out while (11) SAENURI CHOEGANG is worthy of some consideration following his 2nd place at the distance three weeks ago.

Selections (2) Gamdongui Sungan (5) Dancing Vicar (7) Baengnyeon Sidae (11) Saenuri Choegang
Next Best 3, 1, 10
Fast Start 1, 5, 11

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

(2) YUSEONG SPEED was a very solid 2nd on debut on December 30th beaten four lengths by Uju Daewang, who went on to confirm her ability by winning again at a higher class last week. She should be on or close to the pace here and is a warm favourite to win this time. There are some useful others though. (3) SINBIHAN BYEOL looked encouraging on debut a month ago behind a couple of decent types and can build on that today while David Miller’s (4) THUNDER STRUCK may have only managed 3rd when favourite at the distance in a different race on the same day but is worth another chance. A couple of debut-makers of note here in the shape of (5) MUCHO and (8) FELAROF. Both caught the eye in trials and it may be wort watching the market with them.

Selections (2) Yuseong Speed (3) Sinbihan Byeol (8) Felarof (5) Mucho
Next Best 4, 10, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 7, 10

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

No fewer than six of these raced each other over the distance on December 31st. The filled placings 3rd through 8th in a filed of nine and it was (5) CHEOLBI who headed them finishing strongly but still five lengths adrift of a decent winner. That’s probably enough to make Cheolbi favourite here but she is a vulnerable one. (1) SEORABEOL YEOJE and (6) PEACE TOUR came home 4th and 5th in that race and both can look to improve with (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 21)

There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. The day’s feature is at Busan in the shape of a “Road To G1” event over 1400M which features the likes of Haeya, Perdido Pomeroy, Drop The Beat, Diferent Dimension and the returning Macheon Bolt. Only Seoul is on overseas simulcast so here are the capital’s previews:

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

(4) NEUL SACHAN is a rare runner by one of the most popular Korean racehorses of the early 2000s, Baekgwang and she looks a decent prospect too. 3rd on debut over 1000M a month ago running on nicely, she can benefit from the additional trip today and can win. Main danger is (3) RAON MIRACLE, who already has a 4th and consecutive 3rd place finishes at this distance. She’s not been quick but looks like she has a win in her at some point. (9) CHEON BYEOL and (11) FLYING HERA came home 6th and 6th respectively when they raced each other over the distance on December 16th. For both it was their second career start and for both it showed improvement and they can go close today. (8) SINUITAB is more experienced and while limited, she could match the 4th she managed behind Neul Sachan last time.

Selections (4) Neul Sachan (3) Raon Miracle (9) Cheon Byeol (11) Flying Hera
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 8, 11

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

Small field here but it’s nicely competitive. (8) EAST KINGDOM led for much of the way over this distance on what was his second career start on December 16th only to ultimately have to settle for 2nd place and he has every chance of going one better today. (3) DUSON WANGJA has been getting closer across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd at 1200M last time and should take to the additional half furlong well. Both outings so far for (4) RAON SIRIUS have been at this distance and his 3rd place last time was promising while (2) DREAM INDY steps up in trip following 3rd on debut over 1000M and maybe has a little more to find. (6) CHEON MONG, also up in trip after coming 2nd over 1000M when favourite last month, is another in the frame.

Selections (8) East Kingdom (3) Duson Wangja (4) Raon Sirius (6) Cheon Mong
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

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

A class 6 winner at the distance on November and then a close 2nd on his first try at this class on Christmas Eve, (9) GEUMSUN YOU is the one to beat here. He was favourite last time but it was sloppy conditions and this time he should make no mistake. (11) SHARP KAYLAN has performed creditably in two goes at this level so far and steps back up the distance at which he registered his solitary victory to date and can push the favourite. (1) SISPUMA WINNER and (4) BROWN BOMBER enter having run 3rd and 4th over class and distance on December 17th and should be in the placing frame again with (6) MALAKAS, up in trip following an decent 2nd place over 1000M last month also in with a shot.

Selections (9) Geumsun You (1) Sispuma Winner (11) Sharp Kaylan (4) Brown Bomber
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 8, 9, 11, 12

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) THE QUEEN GRACE was an easy winner on debut back in September but her only start since then was in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup at the end of October. She didn’t go well, fading without trace in the closing stages, but returns here following twelve weeks off and provided she gets a good start – and she’s ideally drawn to do so – she can return to winning ways here. Not an easy race though and (4) GOLD LEG could thwart her. She almost led the whole way around in a similar contest over 1300M on Christmas Eve and dropping back to the minimum today, should be a threat. (1) MENI PARK showed some early talent but had a troubled 2017. She trialled up very nicely in December though and jockey booking catches the eye. (7) ROYAL ACE struggled last time but is worth another go in this company today while it’s a similar story for (8) NAMWON QUEEN.

Selections (6) The Queen Grace (4) Gold Leg (1) Meni Park (7) Royal Ace
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Not exactly one to get the pulses racing this but at the same time, tricky enough to make it interesting betting-wise. None of these are very good but three of them did come home 2nd, 3rd and 4th over the distance on December 23rd. (5) NANGMAN STAR was the best of them that day, ahead of (3) WIDAEHAN BALJAGUK and (4) BAEKDU POWER but there was only a length separating them and all three should have a good chance of going close here. (2) SAMDA BULKKOT also comes in having been 3rd at the distance last start. He is a slow starter but has shown he’s capable of staying on and passing plenty late on and he could figure in the closing stages. However, the early pace should be set by (7) ONNURI ALBA. He was slowly away but ultimately ended up leading on his first try over this distance on December 9th. He finished 4th but showed the distance suits and given a more forward ride today, he could just be the one to win.

Selections (7) Onnuri Alba (2) Samda Bulkkot (3) Widaehan Baljaguk (5) Nangman Star
Next Best 4
Fast Start 6, 7

Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) GEUMA FORTE was a bit lacklustre last time but he’s a two-time winner at this distance, if not at this class and he does look the best in here. He’s run once a month since debut so may be in need of a spell, but he’s hardly alone in that and has every chance of winning this. Moon Se Young will give him a patient ride and look to swoop late. Trainer An Byung Ki had a great 2017 and while his 2018 has begun in ordinary fashion, his (6) ARGO AWESOME looks in the frame here. He returned from almost six months off to run 3rd over 1200M a month ago and looks ready to take on two turns for the first time, most likely leading from the gate. (4) SHUMA and (7) HAPPIEST are both up in class having run 1st and 3rd at the distance on December 16th. Shuma looks to have potential for more. Also up in class is (8) MAMBO KHAN. In his case he’s up in distance too but he’s won two from four so far and can be considered. On the other hand, (9) NALSSAEN GANGHO has only won one of his twenty-three previous starts but he looks to be coming into some form with 2nd place in a very similar class and distance race last time.

Selections (10) Geuma Forte (9) Nalssaen Gangho (6) Argo Awesome (4) Shuma
Next Best 8, 11, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 8

Race 7: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Dare we put (4) REAL GULCH on top? She’s raced eighteen times prior to today and remains a maiden yet has finished 2nd on no fewer than six occasions – all of them within her last eight outings. They include last time at class and distance on December 16th when she beat 3rd place (5) HANBIT NARA (another win-dodger) by two lengths. We’ve said this a couple of times before but really, she’ll not get a better chance of a win. (10) PHOENIX HEART is up in class following his maiden win on what was his first try at the distance on Christmas Eve. He had to battle for it and should be competitive here. (3) LONG WAY returned from a three-month spell to run 5th at the distance last time and can improve today. (6) CHICAGO ART struggled in stiffer company than this last time but scored a good 2nd at the distance the time before. (8) JANGBI CHEONBOK is up in class following the narrowest of victories at this distance and while he probably has a bit to find, there’s not too much to fear here.

Selections (4) Real Gulch (10) Phoenix Heart (3) Long Way (6) Chicago Art
Next Best 8, 5, 2
Fast Start 1, 6, 9

Race 8: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

With a 3rd and two 2nd places from his three outings so far and beaten by decent types on each occasion, it’s time for (5) RICHARDOFNEWSTEAD to make his own breakthrough today. He should be leading from gate to wire. It’s hard to imagine him being beaten but (6) JANGSAN BEARS put in a creditable showing in 4th on debut and could improve. (7) USEUNG TEUKKI too didn’t do anything wrong on his first start. (8) MORFHIS has been a touch disappointing in two efforts so far despite relatively high expectations. It’s early days though and he should be looking for a to-date best finish here. There are a couple of debut-makers with (3) CHOEGANG GOSU looking the better of them in trials.

Selections (5) Richardofnewstead (8) Mofphis (6) Jangsan Bears (7) Useung Teukki
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 5, 7

Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

After a 4th place on debut in September, (7) ROAD WINNER has won two in a row by a combined nine-lengths. He’s up in class today and slightly in distance too but neither should be too much of an issue. He doesn’t lead early in his races, but he has a strong finish and he can complete a hat-trick of victories here. This is by no means a bad race though and it’s his stiffest test so far. (1) SAMJUNG TAPIT enters off back to back 3rd places at class and distance in similar strength contests and will surely play a role again. Likewise, (3) CHEONJAEILU’s recent form reads well. (4) MIGHTY SSING is up in class and distance and while he won’t be among the favourites, he should be on the early pace and could spring a surprise. Competing with him for the early lead is likely to be (10) YEOKJEONUI USEUNG, who is similarly up in class and distance following a smart victory over 1200M last month.

Selections (7) Road Winner (1) Samjung Tapit (3) Cheonjaeilu (10) Yeokjeonui Useung
Next Best 4, 11, 12
Fast Start 1, 4, 10, 11

Race 10: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

(1) DONGCHONUI ACHIM has had a bit of a stop/start career but he is a solid sprinter and while the 2nd place he achieved over 1200M in December was in one of the weakest class 1 races in recent times at Seoul, this one isn’t especially stiff either and he could well go one better. (5) TAEYANGWANG came back into form on his latest at this distance last month, beating (8) GANGSEONG DAEGUK in the proves. Both should be in the frame. (6) JANGSAN COWBOY steps back in trip and may benefit. (7) JEONMUHUMU won his last start at this distance in October and if he can get on the early lead, should be a threat. (9) BRIGHT CAT is up in class following a four-length win at the distance seven weeks ago. He’s very nicely weighted and he shouldn’t be out of his depth.

Selections (1) Dongchonui Achim (8) Gangseong Daeguk (5) Taeyangwang (6) Jangsan Cowboy
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 1, 7, 11

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Competitive race to finish up with. (12) BEST TEN and (3) SCARLET WITCH came home 3rd and 4th when they raced each other at class and distance on November 18th. Neither have run since but both come in here looking to be leading contenders with Scarlet Witch marginally favoured to get on the early pace and go all the way. (1) SENTA POBA steps back in trip after enduring a chastening time at 1700M last month and should be much more comfortable today. (8) GWACHEONUI HAMSEON races for the first time since a strong 3rd in a better race than this n November and must be considered. The up in class (5) SIN DOLGYEOK is another in the frame.

Selections (3) Scarlet Witch (12) Best Ten (8) Gwancheonui Hamseon (1) Senta Poba
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 3, 5, 7, 11

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

Saturday racing at Seoul sees 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews: 

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

Not a strong race to begin with so we’re going to be looking for improvers. (9) POP STREET only finished 6th of 12 on debut at the end of November but it was a decent time in a reasonable race and came off the back of a good trial too. With Moon Se Young taking over in the saddle today, he’ll probably be favourite and for good reason. (5) SARYEONI THUNDER only beat one home in a poor showing last start but has had eight weeks off since and previously ran a decent enough 4th so can be considered for improvement. (7) POWER KOREA is more experienced and steps back in trip after a creditable effort over 1700M. He’s one-paced but if he gets a good start, could feature. Of the rest, (6) BARAM KING and (10) HUNTER HAWK look most likely.

Selections (9) Pop Street (5) Saryeoni Thunder (10) Hunter Hawk (7) Power Korea
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 8

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

Seven of the twelve are first-timer starters and we’ve some potentially good ones among them. All three of (1) RAON PRIMER, (7) BAEKSAN FORCE and (10) GULCHARMNAMSUP won their trials and look to be the leading contenders. The latter was the most visually impressive, so we’ll go with her but the other two have every chance as well. If we prefer ones who have already raced, (12) BEST CHAPEL and (8) BOEUNUI KKUM debuted together at the distance on December 23rd. In slow conditions, they came home 2nd and 4th respectively and both should be in the frame again. (11) STAR SOCKS was a full twelve lengths behind a good winner on her debut on Christmas Eve but nevertheless managed a good 3rd place and can can’t be completely ruled out.

Selections (10) Gulcharmnamsup (1) Raon Primer (12) Best Chapel (7) Baeksan Force
Next Best 11, 8
Fast Start 1, 10, 12

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

(7) WONDEFUL CHAMPION has gone well across four starts so far and while his best was on his debut, his 4th place last time out at class and distance stands him in good stead to make the breakthrough here despite the fact he’s coming in following ten weeks off. That race was a bit stronger than the one in which (9) SPECIAL STONE scored a really good 2nd place on debut the week before Christmas and she should be the main danger. (1) HUIMANGUI NALGAE and (8) RAON GANGHO came home 3rd and 4th in what was a (more…)

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

There are 11 races at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(4) DAEDONG GISANG was a much improved 2nd when tried at this distance for the first time on December 22nd and shapes to figure here. (1) GHOST WARRIOR was well back in that race but got an unfortunate trip and can be given another chance having been close before. (5) SHARP BELL looked sharp when returning from six months out two weeks ago, running 3rd over 1000M. She’s back up to a distance at which she has performed well in the past and she looks in contention. (2) ADELE HERO steps back in trip and may improve after encouraging recent runs while (3) CHANGE KHAN raced three times without distinction last year and returns from six months off. Her barrier trial didn’t catch the eye, but the jockey booking does. There is one debut-maker, (6) GASOK SPEED. She was good in trials and has to be given a chance first up here.

Selections (4) Daedong Gisang (1) Ghost Warrior (6) Gasok Speed (5) Speed Bell
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 3, 6, 7

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

(6) UNSEOK has improved over the course of three starts so far and beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over the distance last time. True, he was a long way back behind the winner that day, but that winner has gone on to strike again and Unseok looks the one to beat here. (3) WONDERFUL STORY and (4) YONGGU came hoe 5th and 6th that day and could improve but a bigger danger may be (7) BAEKDU JEONGGI. Thomas Gillespie’s colt has a 3rd and 4th from two starts so far and steps up in trip for the first time today and it may well suit. (2) I’M YOUR STAR will be expected to improve as well.

Selections (6) Unseok (7) Baekdu Jeonggi (2) I’m Your Star (4) Yonggu
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

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

Not a strong race this so we’re going to give another chance to (4) RARARA. She could only manage 7th of 12 last time but it was a significantly stiffer contest than this and she had plenty of bad luck along the way. With a better trip today, she can win. (7) (more…)

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

Bitter cold gave way to snow on Saturday but Sunday should be fine and there’s plenty of racing to keep us occupied at both Seoul and Busan. New Citadel and Sinjo Daehyeop face off in Seoul’s feature race while Today is favourite to land his eighth win in ten outings in the main event at Busan. Seoul runs 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 and Busan 6 from 12:40 to 17:05. The previews follow but first here’s a picture of jockey Park Tae Jong participating in the Olympic Torch relay in Incheon this past week:

Park Tae Jong torch

Prk Tae Jong carries the Olympic flame (Pic: KRA)

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

Moon Se Young may not be champion jockey now for the first time that anyone can remember but he looks nailed on to win on what will be his first ride of 2018. (1) THE JIJON has a 2nd, 3rd and a 4th in three outings to date and surely leads all the way to get it right this time. (3) YONGUI JUDO and (4) M.J. CAPTAIN have shown glimpses of ability so far and look the most likely to chase the favourite home – and give him problems if he slips up. As for the others, (2) SPEED HWANGNYONG didn’t really do anything wrong on debut last month so he gets another chance here while (11) GAJA GAJA returns to action for the first time since last July, trialled up in a reasonable manner and has the new champion jockey, Djordje Perovic on board. 

Selections (1) The Jijon (3) Yongui Judo (4) M.J. Captain (11) Gaja Gaja
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 10

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

This looks a much more open affair. Not a huge amount of experience on show but one or two have shown promising signs. Chief among those is (4) BAEKDUI TAEYANG, an improved 4th when stepped up to this trip in his second start on December 2nd. (5) ACE CANT goes at 1300M for the first time today and looks as though he may benefit from it. (6) EMERALD KING struggled in what was a slightly harder race than this time when resuming from an eight-week spell having previously run close at 1200M and can go better here. (3) LAST CONCERT and (8) MENI SMART are others in the hunt.

Selections (4) Baekdui Taeyang (5) Ace Cant (8) Meni Smart (6) Emerald King
Next Best 3, 11
Fast Start 1, 2, 8

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

(4) JEJUI HEUKSEON was a good 2nd on debut (albeit ten-lengths behind an impressive winner) at this distance in November. She was unable to follow up two weeks later in a stiffer contest at 1200M but looks in good shape to go close in this all-filly affair. More experienced is (8) FIRST QUEEN and she’s not been too far away in recent efforts. She tends to leave herself just a little too much to do but could get it right here. (7) CHEON YUN and (1) KYU JEU came home 4th and 5th at the distance last time and can figure while (6) TAMNA YEOSIN comes in off an encouraging run over 1000M last time and can improve.

Selections (4) Jejui Heukseon (8) First Queen (6) Tamna Yeosin (7) Cheon Yun
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 3, 5, 6

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

Wide open this one and although there are a couple up in class coming off good wins in the shape of (7) CHAPEL ACE and (9) PRIMO, it’s going to be the ones who have experience of this level who are favoured. (10) SWEETLY HUMOR was a good 2nd, having briefly led close to home, over the distance on December 17th and can at least match that today, likely leading from the start. (2) HANSEONG KING also comes in having placed at the distance last time while (11) LIVE POWER drops back in trip after a good 2nd at 1700M back in November. (8) GWACHEON TUHON was well back behind Sweetly Humor last time but has done enough in the past to warrant a further look.

Selections (10) Sweetly Humor (2) Hanseong King (11) Live Power (9) Primo
Next Best 8, 6, 12
Fast Start  

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

(5) SAUVIGNON looks a likely warm favourite in this fill. A maiden winner at the distance in November, she then ran a good 4th on her first try ay this class a month ago. This field looks eminently beatable. (2) VICTORY STAR finds herself up in class here despite remaining a maiden. Two 3rds and a 2nd see her promoted but there’s little to (more…)

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

12 races at Seoul on Saturday with the first at 10:45am and the last at 6pm. Wrap up warm! Here are the previews:

First day of New year

The heavy artillery was out to welcome punters into the racecourse last week – It’s going to a be cold one this time around though – bring a thick coat! (Pic: KRA)

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

Only three of these have raced before and in all honesty, none of them have impressed. That said, expect both (2) O.K. DAY, on the strength of the jockey/trainer combination and (3) ROAD MAN, having not done terribly on debut, to get some backing. It is, however, to the debut-makers that we turn to for top picks. Both (1) RAON ZEUS and (7) YAHO SMART CAT have won trials, the latter in a more eye-catching fashion. (4) GANGTOMA too looked competent enough and may be considered. As always with these kind of races, keep an eye on the market.

Selections (7) Yaho Smart Cat (1) Raon Zeus (4) Gangtoma (2) O.K. Day
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 7

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

2nd in a decent contest a month ago having been 3rd in debut in November, (4) THUNDER MARINE has every chance of going one better today. He took a while to get going from a wide draw and also hung inwards throughout last time but is pretty much in pole position here and can lead all the way. (2) NONGBON DAERO came even closer to a maiden win last time, just being beaten a nose over the distance and he is the main threat. (7) CAMP TOUCH debuted in that race behind Thunder Marine last month and although she finished 7th of 12, that was by no means a disgrace and she can come on for it here. There are a couple of first-time starts and (5) CHOWON GUNJU looks the one most likely to go well first-up.

Selections (4) Thunder Marine (2) Nongbon Daero (7) Camp Touch (5) Chowon Gunju
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 1, 4, 6

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

Competitive all-filly race this. (4) GEOSEN MAPUNG was sent off as odds-on favourite last start on December 19th and very nearly led all the way before ultimately ending up in 2nd. She should get on the early speed once more and can be given another chance to get it right here. (11) FOREVER WINNER came home 2nd in a similar race to this at the end of November and can overcome a wide draw to challenge once again here. (3) CITY ANGEL had a bad day when well backed last start but has shown speed and can be considered while (2) JEONGSANG MUJEOK and (10) THE PRIMA came home 3rd and 4th in a similar race in what was for both their debut on November 26th and both can look to match those today.

Selections (4) Geoseon Mapung (11) Forever Winner (2) Jeongsang Mujeok (3) City Angel
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 10, 11

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

(8) BACK TO BACK was a good winner over 1200M on December 9th and while he is up in class today, he looks to have every chance of securing back to back victories. He’ll settle just behind the early pace and can finish strongly. Joining him up in class and firmly in the hunt are (1) BOLD SHINING and (9) LEONNING STROM. Both were decent winners last start although the latter’s came at this distance and he’s favoured at this stage to make a more immediate impact at this level. (7) JAELONGI is yet to win but comes in off a quick, if unexpected 2nd place over class and distance last month and can be considered. At the other end of the experience spectrum is (2) YEONGAM ARIRANG. He was a class and distance last September and while he’s been underwhelming in two outings since, this looks the kind of race he can pick up some minor money in.

Selections (8) Back To Back (9) Leonning Strom (1) Bold Shining (7) Jaelongi
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 5, 6, 7, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Really open contest this which could go one of any number of ways. (10) DAEGI SOKDO was a 20/1 class and distance winner on December 16th, beating three of his rivals here in the process. Can it happen again? Possibly but others will be favoured. Principal among those others is (11) RAON KINGDOM. A good winner of slightly stiffer looking contest than this one over 1200M at the beginning of December, he steps back in trip (more…)

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

It’s Friday. It’s Busan. There are 11 races at the south-coast track with the frat at 11:30 am and the last at 6pm. Here are the previews:

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

(4) FIRE POINT was a decent 2nd on debut over the distance just before Christmas, overcoming both a bad start and losing a shoe and Peter Wolsley’s filly should overcome this modest lot. (2) B.K MASTER and (3) FAST AWAY’s latest efforts have been encouraging and they can get close today. The latter is likely to be on the early speed along with (5) HEUGSEOL GONGJU and that one too has shown a couple of glimpses of ability. (6) TRUMPET MAJOR the best of a limited rest.

Selections (4) Fire Point (3) Fast Away (2) B.K. Master (5) Heugseol Gongju
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 3, 5

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

Small field but with plenty of interest. Triple Nine’s little brother (6) GREAT ROCK debuted pleasingly enough with 4th place over 1300M on December 22nd and certainly looks capable of winning this. The principle danger is (3) USEUNG TEN, who took to this distance well on what was his second start a month ago. He was 3rd that day ahead of (7) INTERCEPTOR in 4th and that one too has shown promise although perhaps needs to find a bit more if he is to get a win. (2) SHUFFLE RUNNER and (5) ICE LEG others who are not without chances in a useful little contest.

Selections (6) Great Rock (3) Useung Ten (7) Interceptor (2) Shuffle Runner
Next Best 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

(1) MISS TANK hasn’t exactly been quick, but she’s shown competence in each of three outings so far, finishing no worse than 4th. Each time she’s led for at least part of the race and will be favoured this time to hold on all the way around. None of the others with experience have demonstrated any talent yet although (3) APRIL STAR did at least improve last time. That leads us to strongly consider the two first-timers in the race. Both (4) BIG FOOT and (5) SINGAEBYEOK trialled up well and couldn’t really ask for a better race to debut in so we’ll put them in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Selections (1) Miss Tank (4) Big Foot (5) Singaebyeok (3) April Star
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 1, 4

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

(2) QUEEN THE QUEEN was a well-backed 3rd on debut and returns here following just over two months off and should be firmly in the hunt here. However, there is a dangerous looking debut-maker here. (7) SWEET PARK won a trial in fine fashion three weeks three weeks ago and looks very nicely in here first-up and we’ll make her the pick. Fellow first-timer (5) KOREAN QUEEN looked decent enough when trialling up behind an established horse at the end of last month and could play a role in the finish too. Among the remainder, while neither (1) VIP KING nor (6) PERFECT BOSS have shown much in the way of speed so far, both look to have potential to improve here.

Selections (7) Sweet Park (2) Queen The Queen (5) Korean Queen (1) VIP King
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) HIDDEN CHAMP was an exceptionally handy winner over 1300M before Christmas and which he is up in class here, he looks the type who’s going to love the distance and is set to be a strong favourite here, likely leading all the way. There are a couple of other (more…)

Luigi Riccardi Trains First Korean Winner

It hasn’t taken Luigi Riccardi very long to get among the winners in Korean racing. On Sunday afternoon, Rocket Queen won the 1700M race 7 giving the Italian trainer his first Seoul success with just his second runner.

Luigi

Luigi Riccardi on the Korea Racing Broadcast Channel following his first win

Rocket Queen actually has a history with foreign trainers having previously being with Brian Dean and giving the Australian trainer his final Korean winner last June. She’s one of 17-horses in Riccardi’s fledgling Seoul barn and on Sunday was sent off as 2nd favourite for the Class 3 handicap. And under jockey Jeong Jeong Hee, Rocket Queen made all for very comfortable four-length score.

Riccardi came close to adding another later one race later with his only other runner of the weekend, Choego Money having to settle for 2nd in race 8.

The 49-year-old Riccardi arrived in Seoul last autumn having previously trained extensively in Europe and held assistant trainer positions in the United States. He and Australian Simon Foster became the 2nd and 3rd foreign trainers to be based at Seoul following Brian Dean who spent a year here between 2016 and 2017.  Foster too has sent out a total of three runners so far and is in the process of building up his stable.

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

The first Sunday of 2018 sees a big day of racing on the peninsula with both Seoul and Busan running cards. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:40to 17:05. Here are the previews:

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

(6) MORAN DONGBEAK has shown enough cross five prior outings to just about justify favouritism here. He ran on well for a good 2nd place, his best finish so far, over the distance on November 11th and returns here after eight weeks off with a good chance of getting his maiden win. (7) ILGAKSU and (11) JOEUN NADEURI also come in having shown improvement in their latest outings and look to have a bit more in them while (8) SAE DIXIE couldn’t follow up on a decent 2nd place she secured in October when she reappeared a month later but gets another chance today. There are two debut-makers, both from the same stable but the one we are focused on is (3) TRIPLE HAPPY, who won a trial nicely enough and could go well first up – as ever with the debut-makers, keep an eye on the market.

Selections (6) Moran Dongbeak (7) Ilgaksi (3) Triple Happy (11) Joeun Nadeuri
Next Best 8, 12
Fast Start 4, 7, 8

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

Three-year-olds only and (10) KING POSE was a well-beaten 3rd last start but ran pleasingly enough then and in two prior outings, to suggest he has a win in him and it could arrive today. He’ll settle behind an early pace that’s likely to be set by (3) HANIL GANGJA and (12) J.S. STORM. The latter was leading close to home last time but had to settle for 2nd while Hanil Gangja has finished 4th in both outings to date and can improve today. (6) THUNDER GREAT also showed promise when running 2nd in an admittedly slow contest at this distance at the start of December. His time that day was exactly the same as that of (7) SUN BOLT in his qualifying trial and this debut-making gelding is another to consider.

Selections (10) King Pose (12) J.S. Storm (3) Hanil Gangja (6) Thunder Great
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 12

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

(4) CREMOA POWER showed improvement last time out to run 3rd over 1000M. The Hansen gelding has just been a little slow away each time so far and if he can get himself into a more favourable position earlier on today, he can win this modest contest. (1) CHONGAL GACHI and (3) MUJEOKUI SUNGAN have both shown glimpses of ability and both should record best finishes to date here. (2) DAE CAIN continues to frustrate. He put in a very promising performance on his second start back in August that got him a run in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup. He didn’t go well in that but was well-backed on his return to a regular – and weak – class 6 race last month but was barely involved. We’re not going to pick him today – so he’ll probably win.

Selections (4) Cremoa Power (1) Chongal Gachi (3) Mujeokui Sungan (2) Dae Cain
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 7, 8

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

(11) HYEONMU was 3rd in a similar class and distance contest at the end of November following on from a decent 2nd the month before. He can overcome a wide draw to get on pace early and can win here. (7) SPECIAL LIGHT and (2) RAON ROCKY came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 1200M on December 3rd and they should be involved again. (4) HANEULUI STAR started poorly last time and never really got involved but is better than that and can improve today from a more favourable draw. (9) GONSEOL remains a maiden after thirty-one attempts but recent form is good and he can finish in the money.

Selections (11) Hyeonmu (7) Special Light (4) Haneului Star (9) Gonseol
Next Best 2, 6, 10
Fast Start 4, 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Competitive race this.  (2) MY VISION and (9) CALLIOPE are both up in class following good victories last time out. The former made all over this distance while the latter’s was at 1000M but both look to have enough about them to be competitive at this level. The (more…)

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

Seoul gets its racing season underway on Saturday with a bumper 15-race program and with last week having been dark, there are big fields throughout. The first race is at 10:45am and the last at 6pm. Here are the previews:

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

(2) BIG AURORA underwhelmed when favourite over the distance in November beaten by, amongst others, (7) CHOWON YEOJEONSA, but he’s better than that and gets another chance to score here. (6) FIRE was a much improved 2nd in a similar race to this a month ago and can get close again. (4) JIGONG JILJU has been getting closer in recent starts while (3) TOUGH TROPHY and (5) HIGH STAR both race for the first time since putting in average efforts at the start of November and will be backed to improve.

Selections (2) Big Aurora (4) Jigong Jilju (6) Fire (5) High Star
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 11

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

Jockey Ham Wan Sik returns to Seoul after a year at Busan and he could well ride his first winner back in the capital here with (7) GONGJU SARANG set to be a strong favourite in this all-filly race. She’s the most convincing of the seven of these who’ve raced before and despite being a well-beaten 2nd behind a decent type last time, can win here, likely leading all the way. Among the other who have raced before, (11) DAECHEONUI SARANG and (5) SKY MARINE both have 2nd places to their name. The former beat the latter back in November. (6) SEOUL STORY has run better than her 6th and 8th place finishes suggest and she too can improve. Of the first-time starters, (4) JEJUI BARAM and (10) DONGBANG JIJU look the picks.

Selections (7) Gongju Sarang (4) Jejui Baram (11) Daecheonui Sarang (6) Seoul Story
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 5, 6, 7, 10

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

Weak fare here but (3) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN has shown improvement across three starts to date and went ok on one previous try at this distance. If she can get out well and on to the early speed, she has every chance of leading all the way. (7) MIGHTY COOL has been up and down the distances already but looks to have landed in a good spot here and should be competitive with (6) ONLY BARAM and (9) ONE TWO THREE others who have potential to improve.

Selections (3) Kwaehan Yebongsan (7) Mighty Cool (6) Only Baram (9) One Two Three
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here and it’s about time that (1) O.J.HWAK DAB got her maiden win. She’s run into a couple of decent ones in both her latest starts but has acquitted herself well each time and could well have too much here. (7) BAENONGI stepped up to this distance a month ago and delivered her best result so far with 3rd place and that’s something she can build on today. (8) RUN AWAY was 5th behind O.J.Hwak Dab last time out and should have placing claims. (4) AMARONE has raced creditably in two outings so far and may appreciate the step up in trip today while (10) RAISE ME UP has a 4th place to her name at this distance already and can look to at least match it.

Selections (1) O.J.Hwak Dab (7) Baenongi (10) Raise Me Up (8) Run Away
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The final maiden of the day is certainly the best with plenty of potential among these three-year-olds. (3) DORAON ACHIM HAE was favourite at this distance at the end of November but only managed 3rd. He’s shown enough over his two starts so far, however, to suggest he has wins in him and he’ll be well backed here. (2) LUCKY CHUNYANG wasn’t especially well fancied on debut a month ago although perhaps should have been having shown some speed in trials. He finished 3rd, less than a length behind the winner and running on very nicely which suggests the step up in trip today can only be (more…)