Racing Previews

Korea Cup & Korea Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 6)

Sunday is International Day with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 15:45. Here are the previews:

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

Juveniles with all eleven racing for the very first time. (2) MYEONGSEONG PARTY was the best in trials, running 2nd in her heat ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and stopping the clock in a good time. She draws nicely here, she should be close to the pace, and she will be the favourite. (1) INFERNO has been through a load of trials since May, failing to qualify in the first three of them but then looking significantly better at the fourth time of asking on August 20th when racing midfield throughout. He should certainly be fit and Franco being booked is a plus. (3) GETTYSBURG was 4th to Myeongseong Party’s 2nd in their trial. He showed on pace and probably will again here with claims to be in this a long way. (11) GEOSEN GIPPEUM clocked the fastest time in a trial and that’s enough to have him in the numbers even though he was halfway down the field. (6) B WORK another who hinted at ability.

Selections(2) Myeongseong Party (1) Inferno (3) Gettysburg (11) Geosen Gippeum
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) G B ACE has raced twice before, finishing 4th on debut over 1000M in July and then improving to 2nd at start number two at this distance on August 16th when leading for much of the way. Third-up he can have an edge on these fitness-wise, and he can go all the way. The danger is in the adjoining gate. (10) POWERFUL MR. was 5th on debut over 1000M in June and then improved to 3rd at start two on August 8th, showing handy early before dropping back and then running on again. He too should be fitter than most here and can be close. Among the debut-makers, (1) YEONGUNG BAROWS was 2nd in his trial, showing close to the pace, and he can be given a chance here. (5) SAVE QUEEN was an on pace 3rd in her heat and she too can make an immediate impression. (11) FULL STRIKE was 4th on debut and can aim to match or better that here.

Selections(9) G B Ace (10) Powerful Mr. (1) Yeongung Barows (5) Save Queen
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) BORYEONGUI BYEOL was 3rd on debut and then took her chance in the Rookie Stakes for juveniles over 1200M on August 16th where she was a very fair 4th of eight behind Dubai Heart. She won’t need to improve much on that to win in this company. (8) ACE CROW was a close 2nd on debut over August 14th, having led for most o the way around over 1000M. She comes up in trip here, but she should have come on for the run, and she has as good a chance as any here.  (9) HOESAEK JILJU was 4th on debut behind Ace Crow, settling right back and running on. She too should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) SKY WON looked the best of the debut makers in trials and along with (6) BLACK WINNER, who was 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 9th, should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Boryeongui Byeol (8) Ace Crow (9) Hoesaek Jilju (10) Sky Won
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

Very ordinary maiden. (7) LEADERS PARTNER stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 9th and recorded his best result to date when coming from off the pace for 2nd. Johan gets on for the first time here and he can go one better. (2) SAMJEONG BLUE was a bit ordinary on his latest outing but has looked like he needs a bit further, and he gets a chance to prove it as he tackles two turns for the first time here. Furkan has ridden him to his best results so far and he returns to the mount today. (9) SINCHEON HEART enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently behind Leaders Partner on August 9th when he led early. He should be on pace again and can be close. (5) PNS GUNS and (4) GWANAKSAN WISH ME are other place chances.

Selections(7) Leaders Partner (2) Samjeong Blue (9) Sincheon Heart (5) PNS Guns
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(7) SEOBULINA didn’t do much on debut but was a significantly improved 2nd at start number two on August 23rd when getting a long way back but running on strongly at big odds. The step up in trip can further suit, and he has every chance today. (11) STRONG WINNER beat several of these on his way to finishing 2nd on his first try at this distance on August 7th. That day’s winner ran 4th at class 5 level on Friday, and he will probably start as the favourite here. (2) FANTASTIC BEACH was 3rd in that August 7th race, coming from a long way off the pace for a significantly improved performance. That was her first try at a mile and she can match or better it today. (3) GEUMBIT and (8) FANTASTIC ONE among plenty of others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Seobulina (11) Strong Winner (2) Fantastic Beach (3) Geumbit
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Trophy Race Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 5)

It’s the eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint and arguably this Saturday is the best day of racing of the entire year, with no fewere than seven international Trophy races attracting very competitive fields. Those seven are the first on a 10-race card which runs from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / France Galop Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(3) SINGSING MORNING is a colt by Munnings who won his sole trial on July 23 by five-lengths and the second placed horse from that heat subsequently came out and won last week. On that basis, as well as the fact that trainer Bae Hou-jun and owner Jeon Seok-ho have already produced arguably the most impressive juvenile winner of the year so far in the shape of Singsing Nashe, this horse is worth following. (7) HOPE K continues to get better with each run and was a dashing five-length winner of the Rookie Stakes three weeks ago so he could easily score again. Hope K was three-and-a-half lengths behind (6) SOUTH CARNIVAL back at the end of May before vastly turning the tables in the Rookie Stakes. South Carnival is a definitely a chance of bouncing back to winning ways as is (5) KKUMUI YEONSOK who was behind both of those horses in the Rookie Stakes after missing the start and subsequently never getting any closer than second last but this Luigi Riccardi prepared Tale Of Silence colt was incredibly impressive in his debut victory where he scored by seven-lengths. (8) MAHO was behind Kkumui Yeonsok in that race before winning his second start over (2) MIGHTY HUNKY, who is one of two runners for Seo Hong-soo with the other being (4) MIGHTY HIGHT which was a three-length winner of his second race.

Selections(3) Singsing Morning (7) Hope K (6) South Carnival (5) Kkumui Yeonsok
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / Singapore Pools Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(7) EVERY TIME was second in all three runs as a juvenile last season but has more than made amends for those runner-up finishes with two starts for two wins as a three-year-old. Those two wins this year have both been over this distance by margins of seven and three-lengths and he will prove hard to catch under Ruan Maia. (10) LIVE STAR was the boom three-year-old heading into the Triple Crown but came unstuck in the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas), following a deplorable beginning, and in The Derby. He bounced back to winning ways in an 1800M Class 3 in June before getting rolled last start. His beginnings have not been as fluent since going down to Busan for the Guineas and it will be very interesting to see how he handles the 1200M. (2) BREEDO AQUA was always on the back foot last start but had been impressive from the front in her previous two wins and has ability. (13) FLUTTER has a horror draw to contend with but should not be discounted whilst (3) RAON THE AFFIRMED and impressive last start winner (12) BEST PITCH are definite chances and (11) JAZZ PURPLE and (4) BEST SECRET should not be discounted either in one of the best races of this year’s international meeting.

Selections(7) Every Time (10) Live Star (2) Breedo Aqua (13) Flutter
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B / RACE COAST KZN Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(2) SLING STAR has won six races from nine starts and they include each of his last five with the most recent being by six-lengths. This is his toughest test to date but there is every chance he will pass it in flying colours. (9) GLOBAL CHAMP is another smart one who has won five times from eight attempts. He has won three of his last four, two of those wins being by eight and four-lengths respectively, with the other run being a second beaten a head. Seo Seung-un rides for the first time and he will go close. (1) CHRYSOL STONE is a smart filly on her day and whilst she was a beaten odds-on favourite last start, she could bounce back. They are clearly the three key runners with (7) SEGWANG FIGHTER, (6) ECLAIR POWER, (3) JISAN FORCE, (4) YEONHUI HERO and (10) ECLIPSE THE KING best of the rest.

Selections(2) Sling Star (9) Global Champ (1) Chrysol Stone (7) Segwang Fighter
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / Selangor Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million

(8) HWANG GEUM EO JANG ran a game second to Funny Wild in the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas) before turning the tables on him when producing a tough performance to take out The Derby in excellent fashion. He finished third as an evens favourite when resuming at the end of July, but he was only beaten a nose and was not disgraced after copping pressure in front from the eventual winner. That victor was Keidragon who was subsequently second last week to the talented G B Vault whilst Mustang Power, who split Keidragon and Hwang Geum Eo Jang in that three-way photo finish, finished third. The decrease in distance should not pose too many worries and this year’s winner of Korea’s second biggest 1800M race can bounce back to winning ways. However, (2) RAON FLORENCE should more than make his presence felt as he has continued to get better this year. He was only two-thirds of a length behind Hansen Bracing, who competes in this weekend’s Korean Sprint, two runs ago and either side of that effort are multiple victories so he must be respected. (7) REMEMBER AGAIN was a front-running winner in March before working too hard from the front in April. He then raced in June where he came from off the pace to win by five-lengths over two subsequent winners, of which one of those reopposes in this, and is an interesting runner. (6) MORE THAN JOKE, (4) ELDORADO NOLBU and (3) MARU JANGGUN should all be around the mark in another excellent contest.

Selections(8) Hwang Geum Eo Jang (2) Raon Florence (7) Remember Again (6) More Than Joke
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1800M) Special Weight B / Japan Racing Association Trophy / KRW 150 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 4)

It’s Korea Cup weekend! The action though gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday! It’s Busan!

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

Juveniles with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) POWERFUL WARRIOR debuted with a solid 4th place over 1000M on July 3rd, settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that, and he can win here. (3) MAX LEVEL didn’t do much on debut on July 24th, to the extent that he was sent back to trial. He won that heat in fine style, leading all the way, and stopping the clock in a quick time, and from a good gate, he can be on pace, and he will probably start as the favourite. (7) OASIS SONG finished in 6th place on debut in the same race as July 24th. He should have come on for that run and can go closer today. Among the debut makers, (5) HEUIMANG GYEOUL and (6) SEONGSIL JILJU looked the best in trials.

Selections(9) Powerful Warrior (3) Max Level (7) Oasis Song (5) Heuimang Gyeoul
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

It’s hard to go past (2) OASIS ANGEL here. He was 3rd behind Seraph on debut over 1000M in June and then ran 4th having been ridden up to be handy from the widest gate at start number two over 1200M on August 7th. He comes into a better gate today, and third-up he can be peaking. (7) LOGIST QUEEN was a very close 2nd at start number two on July 5th when she led for most of the way. She could only manage 6th at 1300M on her reappearance, but she should be able to lead again here and back to 1200M, she can be in this a long way. (4) TWOTWO SPACE was an encouraging 4th on debut over 1000M on August 9th. She finished off very well and the step up in trip can suit. (1) GLORYS DAY and (6) COWBOY LOOK, the latter returning for the first time since last November, but who looked very well in a July trial, are others to consider.

Selections(2) Oasis Angel (7) Logist Queen (4) Twotwo Space (1) Glorys Day
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

(7) ART TREE debuted last October with a quick 3rd place over 1000M but then didn’t reappear until this July 17th when he came from well off the pace to run 5th over 1200M. He was then handy from a wide gate and a close 2nd at 1300M on August 7th. Third-up he can be peaking and is the one to beat. He will be a very short price though. For anyone seeking an alternative, (3) GEORGE PRINCE has finished 5th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. Both times he has been doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can see him get closer today. (4) OASIS TIME was 4th on debut and 6th at start number two, both of them over a mile. He drops back in trip for the first time and in this company, he should see off plenty. (10) FOR THE VICTORY and first-time starter (9) UNION FLASH others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Art Tree (3) George Prince (4) Oasis Time (10) For The Victory
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) NORTHERN QUEEN is yet to win in ten attempts, but she has seven top five finishes, including her latest on August 14th when she was 3rd in a very similar class and distance race to this, having raced handy throughout. She beat a couple of today’s rivals that day and can beat plenty today. (3) RUSH WILD won on debut over 1300M before good efforts at a mile and 1800M gave her a spin around in the Korean Oaks. She finished well back in that and again when sent off as favourite on June 19th at this class and distance when she was fractious in the barrier and appeared to give up in the home straight. She as passed a starting test since then and with Seo Seung-un giving her another chance, so can we. (5) ONLY FOR ME was a winner on debut over 1000M on July 24th and while up in class and in trip, she can measure up. (8) BULBIT YEONGMA and (9) NICE MYEONGGA others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Northern Queen (3) Rush Wild (5) Only For Me (8) Bulbit Yeongma
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 11

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

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KOREA RACING REPORT (Aug 28-30): SUPER FINISH MAKES WINNING RETURN / CLEARLY WINNER, GB VAULT / DA SILVA FOUR-TIMER

ON SUNDAY AT SEOUL A 1400M CLASS 1 WAS THE MAIN RACE OF THE WEEKEND AND SUPER FINISH produced his best effort since finishing 3rd in the Korea Sprint last year with a dashing front-running display in his first race for almost six months (writes Luke Humphreys).

Super Finish (Federalist), which was being ridden for the first time by Ruan Maia, proved too good at odds of 4.9 over the topweight Vics Go which ran a very admirable race in 2nd beaten a half-length. The very consistent Ziggurat, 1.8 favourite, was a never nearer 3rd.

Johan Victoire and Lee Joon-chel combined for a race-to-race double on the card and that began when the very consistent FLYING HONOR (To Honor And Serve) bounced back to winning ways in Race 7 (1700M Class 4) scoring by one-and-three-quarter lengths as the 3.0 favourite. The locally bred three-year-old gelding has never missed the top four in seven starts and has now recorded three career wins. He was reversing form on the 3rd placed Hyeukmusang, 5.9, from their encounter on July 25 whilst another decent three-year-old JD Gangja, 3.4, split them in 2nd. The consistent but non-winning Geuma Foremost, 7.5, was 4th whilst the leader in the race Saenae Hunter, 8.6, who was up in trip was 5th.

Victoire and Lee followed up with 1.8 favourite GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) in Race 8 (1800M Class 4) which bounced back to winning ways after winning his first three starts before finishing 9th in The Derby and 7th at his latest appearance. Gwanaksan Sky received a lot of pressure in front when beaten nine-lengths at his last start and was expected to lead once again and did so through the first quarter-mile however Kozzi Asano on Shining Road, which eventually finished 3rd, was keen to make the odds-on chance earn it and they eventually found the lead as Victoire was very keen to surrender the front-running on the popular pick once pressure came. Gwanaksan Sky then raced in 2nd, out of kickback, before leading in the home straight and proving too strong by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16:55). Here are the previews:

Just a week until the Korea Cup 2026 (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens and it is hard to go past (1) ECO BOLT. He was sent off as the longest but one shot on the board on debut over 1200M on July 19th but made a mockery of that with an on-pace 2nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He will be much shorter today. (3) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA didn’t do much on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over 1000M on August 8th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be nice and match-fit, and the step up in trip can suit. (6) MYEONG POWERFUL also beat a couple of these on his debut at 1000M on July 26th, ultimately running 4th. He should have come on for the run and can get closer today. (5) LEGEND MONSTER and (8) GOLD X, the latter a good 4th behind the excellent looking Clutch Derby on debut, are others in the frame.

Selections(1) Eco Bolt (3) Tongkwaehanseungja (6) Myeong Powerful (5) Legend Monster
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

It took (1) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE a few trials to make it to the races, but when he finally did, he ran a fair 4th of eleven over this distance on July 19th, settling midfield and running on decently enough. He should have come on for that run and has every chance in this company. (10) JEJU PRINCESS picked up significantly when 4th over 1400M on July 11th. Luis has ridden her to her best results and he stays aboard today. (5) DYNAMIC FORCE got sent back to trial after his latest and came through it without offering too many clues. He does have a 2nd place on his resume and that is enough to have him going close here. (11) GOLDEN WARRIOR hasn’t quite managed to kick on since a 3rd place four starts back but hasn’t been far away and can be given another chance today. (7) CHRYSOL POSH another who is better than her latest couple suggest.

Selections(1) Beolgyo Signature (10) Jeju Princess (5) Dynamic Force (11) Golden Warrior
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) GLOBAL PRINCE was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May and was then a beaten favourite on his return to shallower waters on June 14th when he got himself a warning for laying out. Before the Derby he was a winner at this class and distance, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) DUDUNG was a smart winner at this class over a mile on July 17th. He comes up 3.5kg in weight as well as up to two-turns for the first time, but neither should be a problem, and he can be a big danger. The vastly experienced (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG comes in off back-to-back 3rd places at this class and distance, and this is the kind of race where he can be there or thereabouts again. (2) OASIS ADELE is up in class following a maiden score over 1400M on July 26th. He carries a light weight and has already placed over this trip. (8) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG is the other main place chance.

Selections(5) Global Prince (3) Dudung (4) Eunseong Yeongung (2) Oasis Adele
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) LUCKY JOY is probably the one to beat here. His win came over 1700M and he ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance, which was also his first go at this level in April. He has been a front running 5th and 4th in two starts since then, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he won’t need to find much more to see off this field. (2) CLUB MAN comes up in class following a maiden win over 1700M on August 9th when handy throughout. That’s the distance his best results have come at so there is no reason why he can’t handle an additional half furlong, and down in weight and nicely draw, he can more than measure up. (1) KARA K is yet to score in fourteen attempts but has found the minor money on plenty of occasions and enters having run 5th to Lucky Joy’s 4th on July 26th. She’ll be close again. (7) CHOEGO BELT and (10) CHRYSOL STEP other place chances.

Selections(9) Lucky Joy (2) Club Man (1) Kara K (7) Choego Belt
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. One of those newcomers is (2) VICTORY CHAMP, and he will be the favourite. The Old Fashioned colt led for much of the way in his trial, ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd in a quick time. Drawn well, if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. (8) DAESEONG SKY was also 2nd in his trial. The time wasn’t as quick, but it was very solid having raced handy throughout, and Seo Seung-un aboard means he will have plenty of first-up supporters. Of the experienced ones, (6) DANALDA was a close 3rd on debut (close to the 2nd placegetter, anyway) over 1200M on July 17th. (3) HIT THE RUNNING and (10) MR. SUNSHINE were 4th and 5th in the same race and both also showed enough to suggest they can improve.

Selections(2) Victory Champ (8) Daeseong Sky (6) Danalda (3) Hit The Running
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 29)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(1) MACHEON MAMA is a filly by Tout with Seo Bum-seok that has trialled once on August 6 for a seven-length win from the front under Ruan Maia and based on that she should be extremely hard to catch. However (8) POWERFUL STANCE did effectively the exact same thing in her one and only trial seven days later and in her case, she won by eight-lengths. Fellow South American Luis Quiroz has the steer, and this daughter of New Legend trained by Ham Wan-sik is equally as good a chance. (2) A.K SUN attempted to lead throughout on debut and was only caught in the closing stages. The horse she was beaten by subsequently ran second beaten a nose against older horses last week and she will start as favourite. (7) GEOLJAK RUBY looks the other main player with Lee Hyeok riding for the first time, who he and trainer Jung Ha-back have a 50% winning strike rate when combining, although may just find a few too good again with (3) MIGHTY MULAN and (4) ARION QUEENS best of the roughies.

Selections(1) Macheon Mama (8) Powerful Stance (2) A.K Sun (7) Geoljak Ruby
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 8

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

(3) TEUKGEUP GISANG trialled once on July 23 and was a five-length second behind what looked a decent winner so this filly from the Lee Dong-kook stable by Yeonseung Daero can go close on debut. (5) AMOS JEONSA only beat two home at his first start but prior to that had led throughout to win a trial by four-lengths and if able to stay out of kickback can improve immensely on his debut performance. (1) FLYING CHIEF has trialled three times with the best of those being her most recent which yielded a third behind a subsequent impressive winner. (9) BEST FRIEND and (11) RAON THE KAL did not do much in their trials but come from powerful connections and rate over (6) BLUE ROSE.

Selections(3) Teukgeup Gisang (5) Amos Jeonsa (1) Flying Chief (9) Best Friend
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11

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

(5) BIBA CHARM has chased home decent enough winners in the majority of her seven runs to date and comes off her best run yet when a two-length second a fortnight ago when coming from midfield. Expect her to be doing her best work late and going close. (1) WONDERFUL CHIEF also comes off the best run of his career when coming from last to run second a month ago and if running to that performance can go close however the draw may not help his chances. (4) SPICE BAND has not been too far away and jockey Furkan Yüksel and trainer Lee Shin-woo have had some success recently and have an 11% winning strike rate when combining and 30% for the place. (9) HERO DRAGON is another that comes off the best run of her career when second last start and looks the other key runner with (11) NIGHT CAPTAIN and (7) GRAND COURAGE next best.

Selections(5) Biba Charm (1) Wonderful Chief (4) Spice Band (9) Hero Dragon
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

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

(1) MUNHAK BELL will need to be on his best behaviour at the start from potentially a tricky barrier but was a course, distance, and grade winner three runs ago prior to a third two back and is worth an each-way investment. (2) SAVERS is the most enthralling runner in the race as he came from midfield to win on debut prior to a fourth, when again coming from midfield, in arguably a stronger Class 5 than this. He comes up 400M in distance however so it will be interesting to see how he goes. (5) BLACK MAMA was an easy course and distance winner of her maiden two back before running second when attempting this grade for the first time most recently. (8) BLACK RUSSIAN is a good each-way chance again under Seo Seung-un with (9) RAON KINGSMAN not hopeless and (10) SHARKTEN best of the rest in a race of multiple chances.

Selections(1) Munhak Bell (2) Savers (5) Black Mama (8) Black Russian
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 28)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 112:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with five of the nine racing for the first time. (5) RACE NINE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on July 10th in a very similar juvenile filly maiden to this, showing on pace throughout. She should be on pace again here, she should have come on for the run, and she will be a short price to go one better. (3) GREY WIND was a fair 4th on her debut at this distance on July 24th when handy all the way. She too should have derived benefit from the experience, and she shapes as the main danger. Among the first-timers, (4) CHEONNYEON YEOJE was a close 3rd in her trial having led for much of the way and she can be on the speed here. (8) OASIS CELEB was well beaten by G2 Ttukseom Cup winner Fantastic Value in her trial but showed enough to suggest she has some promise. (1) PURPLE QUEEN another who hinted at ability in her trial.

Selections(5) Race Nine (3) Grey Wind (4) Cheonnyeon Yeoje (8) Oasis Celeb
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Tricky one. (9) DOCTOR ATE dead-heated for 4th at start number two over 1400M on July 24th when coming from well off the pace. Third-up he can be peaking and the step up to a mile can be in his favour. He will need to overturn the form on (4) YONGBI CHEONMA, who ran 3rd in that July 24th race having shown close to the speed throughout. That was his second start, and he too can continue to make progress here. (5) GIROL SIDAE has already placed twice at this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd in June and July. She struggled from the widest gate last time out but is worth another chance here.  (3) ONE PLUS ONE and (10) RED KING – the latter having been the other horse in that dead-heat for 4th on July 24th – are among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

Selections(9) Doctor Ate (4) Yongbi Cheonma (5) Girol Sidae (3) One Plus One
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

(2) BORYEONGUI SINYONG has six top three finishes from eight starts, missing out only in the second two legs of the Triple Tiara. She returned to shallower waters on June 21st and ran 2nd to Powerful Battle over a mile at this class, and coming in fresh after ten weeks off, she can return to winning ways today. (1) BEST TIGER broke through at start four over this distance on July 24th, scoring well from a handy position. An apprentice claim ensures that her carried weight comes down, and from the inside gate, she can measure up in this company. (5) NAMHAE MAGIC is yet to win in thirteen attempts, but he has no fewer than nine top four finishes including his latest when a very close 2nd at this class and distance on July 17th. He may find one or two too quick again but should be close. (3) FLEX KHAN and (7) WORLD TREE are the other main chances.

Selections(2) Boryeongui Sinyong (1) Best Tiger (5) Namhae Magic (3) Flex Khan
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

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

It’s been a long time since (6) HANEUL POLPUNG got his sole win and he endured a run of very cold form, but his recent efforts have been goof with two 3rd places followed by a 5th at this class and distance on July 26th when he beat two of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here. Nothing else enters in much form. (5) CHOEGANG HAPPY was 6th in that July 26th race. His sole win to date came over this trip and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (9) NEW LEADER was 3rd two outings back at this class and distance and while she got sent back to trial following her latest, she came through the heat well and should be challenging in this company (1) GAON BOSS and (11) BIG STAR other placing chances.

Selections(6) Haneul Pokpung (5) Choegang Happy (9) New Leader (1) Gaon Boss
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 23)

It’s daytime racing on Sunday with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (6) LUNA SOCKS was a close 2nd in her trial, showing close to the pace throughout. She’ll be on pace here and if she brings that trial form to the races, she is the one to beat. (4) RAON CHARIS GIRL ran 2nd in her trial, sitting behind the pace and running through the line pleasingly enough and she can go well first-up. (8) TAEPYEONG SG went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (which may not appear in all race cards, but he was 3rd in 61.8 seconds on July 23rd) and he should be nice and fit for this. (5) GWANAKSAN JUMP was 3rd in what was a fast heat and he too can be aiming to be prominent early and be a chance. (1) BLACK TIME is the only one with racing experience and while she finished 8th of eleven, it wasn’t a bad showing, and she can have derived benefit from it.

Selections(6) Luna Socks (4) Raon Charis Girl (8) Taepyeong SG (5) Gwanaksan Junp
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

Imported juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) SINGSING NASHE was a dominant trial winning, leading all the way and crossing the line thirteen-lengths to the good in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, the Nashville colt will take some beating. (4) CLASSIC AUTUMN is one of the two in the race with experience. It took him plenty of trials to get to the races and he led on debut over this distance on July 11th before finishing 5th in a fair time. He should have come on for the run and can be in this a bit longer. (1) G B FLASH was a solid trial winner, showing handy throughout and from the inside gate can go well first up. (9) NAREUSYA GOAT and (5) MIGHTY WONDER are other debut-makers who can be a threat.

Selections(2) Singsing Nashe (4) Classic Autumn (1) G B Flash (9) Nareusya Goat
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

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

Tricky opener on Busan and we can take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (10) LOST KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but was much more accomplished at the second attempt when an on-pace 3rd in a good time. Franco is on and at a possible each-way price, he could make an immediate impact. (9) RANI did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on July 26th, coming from off the pace and the slight step up in trip can benefit. (3) SMART YULIM has mixed his form across seven outings to date, but he does have a pair of 3rd places, including on his latest on July 19th, and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (4) WONDERFUL MUD can have a line through his latest when he was found to be lame in the near-fore. He has been back in work since August 1st and was 3rd over this distance in June. (8) YEONGGWANGUI HOPE did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked much better, and he can be given another chance.

Selections(10) Lost Kingdom (9) Rani (3) Smart Yulim (4) Wonderful Mud
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

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

There are two debut-makers here and one is quite interesting. (10) CLUTCH WORLD took two goes to qualify but he did it well in the second of them when settling midfield and running on pleasingly. He was seven-lengths behind Mighty Log, whose own debut is even more hotly anticipated, but if he brings that form in here, he can go close. It helps that the main danger and probable favourite is drawn even wider. (11) DAEDONGYONGMA did nothing in his first four, but he has picked up with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1300M and he can continue to make progress here. (5) SONGDANG JILJU showed signs of figuring it out when 4th on her first try at this distance on July 25th and she can build on that here. (3) DELTA CHOEGANG and (4) SEOBU KING look to be the other main place chances.

Selections(10) Clutch World (11) Daedongyongma (5) Songdang Jilju (3) Delta Choegang
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s hard to go past (2) AEGIS CHEONMA here. In four starts, he is yet to be worse than 4th, getting his maiden win at start two over 1200M in May and then running 4th and 3rd on two tries at this class, the latter on July 24th. Seo Seung-un stays on and drawing well to pick his spot, the pair can win. They will need to overturn the form on (3) CALM FAST, who was a somewhat unexpected 2nd in that July 24th race. That was his best finish in twenty-eight attempts though and he has run once since without doing much. Nevertheless, in this limited company he can aim to place. (9) WIND SWORD enters off a fair 4th place at 1300M on July 26th and with an apprentice claim giving him a 3kg weight drop today, he should be firmly in contention. (1) POWER TIGER and the returning (5) BULBIT GANGJA are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Aegis Cheonma (3) Calm Fast (9) Wind Sword (1) Power Tiger
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(7) QUERENCIA has been working back towards another win since getting promoted to this class after his maiden, culminating in 3rd place over 1400M on July 26th, well-beaten by a good winner but not far off 2nd when racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg, Luis stays on, and he can win. (3) THE SUN MONSTER has been ultra-consistent without winning, with three 2nd places and a 3rd from his latest four, most recently at this class and distance on June 21st, when coming from a long way back. He draws nicely and today could be his day. (2) WINNER SOCKS was 4th behind Querencia in that July 26th race. He has four-lengths to make up but can beat plenty of these. (1) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (4) NAOL AURORA others who can make the placing frame.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 22)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

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

(6) SENNA K was out the back in her first trial before a third in her second trial prior to leading throughout to score by two-lengths in her third trial on July 23. This Song Moon-gil trained Giant Run filly will be hard to beat with Seo Seung-un onboard. (7) NAREUSYA VICTOR has trialled once for a second on July 9 and looks the danger for trainer Jung Ho-ik. The Luigi Riccardi prepared (8) UNICORN ACE was very green on his debut but made up a lot of ground for fourth and will have come on for the experience and if doing everything right is a chance. (1) GHOST WIND is a Power Blade filly for Furkan Yüksel and Lee Shin-woo, who are both in good form, and rates over (4) HIGHLIGHT and (5) GEOLJAK YUNSEUL who both should not be totally dismissed.

Selections(6) Senna K (7) Nareusya Victor (8) Unicorn Ace (1) Ghost Wind
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

(2) GRAND POKPUNG has been fourth, second, and fifth in three runs and has chased home some smart looking types of her own age group. She is the only two-year-old in the line-up but gets her chance to break through. (7) RAON EXTREME has had two runs with the first of them being a third in November before resuming last month which yielded a second. Seo Seung-un rides and he rates as the danger. (10) JEONGMUN KINGDOM was well turned over on debut but has been third in two runs since and is the other key player with (11) NEUNGRYEOK DORYEONG best of the rest over (8) PNS LEAF and (4) CHRYSOL HEELS.

Selections(2) Grand Pokpung (7) Raon Extreme (10) Jeongmun Kingdom (11) Neungryeok Doryeong
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(8) STEEL MORE was second and third in two runs at the end of last year and trialled up for this last month when second to the horse that will start favourite in the first event on this program. She looks hard to beat as does (10) QUEENS TIGER who at her third and most recent run was ridden for the first time by Seo Seung-un and ran second following a third and a fifth. (5) INDIE MINISTER outran her odds when making her debut and is an each-way chance as is (7) CHEONGGANG BOM who has been consistent enough in five runs with (3) CHALLANHANHAMSEONG, who was second two back, next best over (9) TWOTWO MAGIC.

Selections(8) Steel More (10) Queens Tiger (5) Indie Minister (7) Cheonggang Bom
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9

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

(10) SAEROUN BISUL chased home some good horses last season as a juvenile and has resumed this year with a trial victory in June and a maiden victory in July both by narrow margins and will be hard to beat despite the widest draw. (6) PARKA SHINE looks a decent each-way chance at value especially with Kozzi Asano riding who could win on a rocking horse at the present time. (8) PIEONARI will be well fancied, and it would be no surprise if he were to break his duck at the fifth time of asking despite having his first run at one-win grade. (7) BROWN JACKPOT must be a good chance following a five-length course and distance maiden victory and Kim Hyo-jung retains the ride. (2) B.K. VIVACE and (1) HAKSAN HENNY are each-way chances and the best of the rest.

Selections(10) Saeroun Bisul (6) Parka Shine (8) Pieonari (7) Brown Jackpot
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 21)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) SPECIAL FIRST was the best in trials, showing on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a good time behind the vastly experienced Daehoma. If that form comes to the races, he can win. (5) PEGASUS YEOWANG ran 3rd in her trial, showing handily throughout and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (6) MODERN BOY took two goes to qualify and while he didn’t beat many at the second time of asking, he looked competent enough and he should be nice and fit for this. Of the experience, (9) OASIS SHACKLE and (10) SUPER WEEK are perhaps the best placed to improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(8) Special First (5) Pegasus Yeowang (6) Modern Boy (9) Oasis Shackle
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (8) OVER RAINBOW has been knocking on the door across seven starts so far with his best being a 3rd over 1200M in March and his best his latest when 4th at 1400M on July 19th He usually settles back and runs on, and he won’t need to improve by much to win this. (4) DOCTOR PRINCE was slow away on debut and finished well-back behind Seraph on debut over 1000M in June but was an improved 5th when sent up to a mile for start two on July 26th. The difference is split distance wise here and he can continue to get closer. (9) FANTASTIC ROYAL similarly improved to 6th at start two and Seo Seung-un riding for the first time will tempt some. (11) WORLD THUNDER CAT and (7) SHINING CLUTCH others in the frame.

Selections(8) Over Rainbow (4) Doctor Prince (9) Fantastic Royal (11) World Thunder Cat
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) DOCTOR QUE SERA broke through at start number three over 1400M on July 19th, leading from gate to wire. He is up in class and in trip here, but he comes down 2.5kg in weight, and he could make it two in a row. (6) REGINA VINCIT finished 6th of twelve in the Korean Oaks and then 7th of ten in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She returned to regular waters when beating a couple of these on her way to 4th place at this class and over 1800M on July 17th and back at a distance over which she got her two best results, she has the potential to return to winning ways. (10) GYEONGBOK PORTOS is up in class following a maiden win at this distance on July 19th and can measure up at this level. (11) SPACE GOLD and (7) MOST WANTED among plenty of other place chances.

Selections(4) Doctor Que Sera (6) Regina Vincit (10) Gyeongbok Portos (11) Space Gold
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (1) QUEEN WIND didn’t do much in her first four tries at this level, but she returned to winning ways in fine style on July 17th over 1400M, leading all the way around. She comes up a full 4kg in weight, but she has every chance of winning again. (2) FLASH COCO broke through at start number three over this distance on July 3rd with a similarly front-running effort. She is up in class here but there could be more to come and form a good draw, she can measure up at this level. (9) GREAT STAR has been close in her latest three, most recently when 3rd over this distance in a very similar race to this on July 19th and she can be there or thereabouts again (4) ARE YOU READY and (6) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE are among others in the frame.

Selections(1) Queen Wind (2) Flash Coco (9) Great Star (4) Are You Ready
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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