Racing Previews

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

There is Holiday Friday racing at Busan with 8-races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(3) BYEOLBIT SONATA won a trial before finishing 4th on debut over this distance on April 3rd when leading early. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can win. Enough was thought of (8) POWERFUL MENIFEE that aside from being bestowed with quite the name, he was also sent out on debut in the Rookie Stakes last August. He finished last and then went lame and has been in and out of work ever since without making it to the races. He trialed up in super fashion at the start of April, blitzing his heat in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be close. (9) SIERRA GOLD showed well in his trial and can debut well under Franco. Another first-timer (6) ROAD FIGHTER, along with (2) ANY WIN, who improved last time out, are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Byeolbit Sonata (8) Powerful Menifee (9) Sierra Gold (6) Road Fighter
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

After some underwhelming trials, (6) GWANGSEON DAERO was sent out at big odds on debut on April 3rd but from a wide gate and settling back, she finished off very well to claim 4th place. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she will be much shorter this time around. (9) BIG SMILE has made steady progress across five starts to date with her best being her latest when 2nd over this distance on April 3rd. In this small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and an apprentice claim keeps her under a light weight. (3) HUIMANG LOGI has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from her latest two and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) MISS COCO and (4) FANTASTIC GREEN are others who can potentially improve in a race where there is no obvious early speed.

Selections(6) Gwangseon Daero (9) Big Smile (3) Huimang Logi (5) Miss Coco
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) VEGAS JEONTU almost made his breakthrough when favourite over this distance on March 27th when on pace throughout but ultimately going down 2nd to Baram Daero (who was 2nd at the same class last week). He draws the same gate today and this time should go one better. (6) SHACKLE LAUD returns to action for the first time since January. A two-time winner and five-time placer over this distance, she looked very well in a trial on April 9th, and she can be a danger first-up. (5) WIN WIN enters off three consecutive class and distance 3rd place finishes and he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) BRIGHT MARINE and if she can get a lead which won’t be easy from her gate, (9) DOCTOR KAREN, others to consider.

Selections(3) Vegas Jeontu (6) Shackle Laud (5) Win Win (7) Bright Marine
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(1) PORT MORE got his maiden win over a mile three outings back and has a 6th and a 5th in two starts since at this class over 1800M and then again at a mile. He drops back to a trip at which he ran 2nd on his only previous try and from the inside gate, he can be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) D’LOVELY KING is yet to win, nor even match the three consecutive runner-up finishes that he began his career with, but he hasn’t raced badly of late, especially his 3rd place at this class three starts back. He can settle back and run on here and he may have more improvement in him. (11) SHINING ONE was a well beaten favourite on April 5th when further back than usual and seemingly resenting the kickback. He comes down 4.5kg in weight today, assisted by an apprentice claim and while drawn wide, he is worth another chance here as his form prior to last time was good. (7) GUKDAE HERO and (5) GLOBAL HIGH perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Port More (4) D’Lovely King (11) Shining One (7) Gukdae Hero
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

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Ttukseom Cup 2026: Form Comments for the 2nd Leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer

The phrase “time-honoured” isn’t one that can often be used unironically in Korean racing, but it applies at least in name to the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer which will be run at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday with a full field of sixteen to take their chance. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Raon Forest won the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer (Pic: KRA)

Ttukseom was the home of Seoul Racecourse from 1954 until the move to the present location in 1989 when the race, named in honour of the old course, was run for the first time. That old racecourse has never been built on, although it is now the location of one of Seoul’s best downtown parks and this week the bronze statues of a driving finish located at the park’s entrance were adorned with saddlecloths and caps marking this year’s race.

The conditions have changed numerous times over the years and some of the nation’s biggest stars have won the race, including Kwaedo Nanma (2002), J.S. Hold (2007) and Dangdae Bulpae (2011).

However, since 2012 it has been for fillies and mares only. Appearing in the “international blue book” in 2015 it was won by Japanese raider Esmeraldina although she is to date, the only internationl visitor to compete.  There are none this year either, but there will be a new name on the trophy this time around as Jeulgeounyeojeong, who won the last two editions, is not sent out in pursuit of a third.

RAON FOREST won the first leg of the series, the Donga Ilbo (1800M KOR-L) in March and she will be among the favourites to prevail again. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN and ONEULDO SMILE are among others with strong chances while SATANG SONYEO and GLADIUS are also very capable performers.

The Ttukseom Cup is race 7 on the 10-race Sunday card at Seoul: Here’s how they line up:

1. TIARA SUA – Since figuring things out, she has at least placed in each of her last eight starts and comes in off a win over this distance at class 3 level on March 29th when she led. Much tougher company today but can lead and be in this a long way.

2. CATCH THE DREAM – Races for the first time since last October when well beaten by plenty of these but she is a winner of five from eleven and was an on-pace winner in a very quick time in a March trial. Draws nicely to put in a big effort first-up. Place chance.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 25)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL showed a decent turn of foot in his trial, settling midfield and finishing off well for a close 3rd in a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he is a chance. (8) STEPPING STONE went through two trials, improving in the second of them when he came out on top having raced handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for his debut. (1) BEAUTIFULLY similarly had two trials, running second in the latest of them. From the inside gate she has a real chance too.  With the three with experience not having impressed, other debut-makers (2) STUNNING SKET and (11) MASK GIRL look the most likely.

Selections(6) Naegiluiwonderful (8) Stepping Stone (1) Beautifully (2) Stunning Sket
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

(9) UHANGSANGSTAR came from the widest gate and a long way back to run 2nd on debut over 1200M back at the end of January. She then went lame so she hasn’t raced since but she came back into full work on April 12th and if her fitness is up to scratch, she should make a winning return. (6) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI looks to be figuring things out with his latest three finishes being his best, including a close 2nd place at this distance. He had an apprentice claim in all three of those, which he doesn’t get today, but in this limited company, it shouldn’t matter and he can be close again. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has been knocking on the door of the places in recent outings and can be in the mix again. (4) K N STORM and (7) BLUE DRAGON other minor money chances.

Selections(9) Uhangsanstar (6) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Cheongryong Giun (4) K N Storm
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (1) BLACK MAMA has a couple of 4th places to her name, most recently on March 29th when she was ridden further forward than previously. She draws well for the same tactics here, Maia is on for the first time, and she can win. (7) ORATORIUM was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 15th when from a wide gate, she settled midfield and finished off well. She draws better today and if she has come on for the run, she has every chance. Continuing the pattern of last start 4th places, (2) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU improved to finish there at start two on March 29th and can continue to make progress here. (6) STUNNING BOLT and (9) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO are the other place chances.

Selections(1) Black Mama (7) Oratorium (2) Cheondungui Jilju (6) Stunning Bolt
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) GOJU ILCHEOK has made steady progress across his latest couple of outings and comes in having stepped up to 1700M for the first time on March 14th and recording his best result to date when 2nd having been ridden much further forward much earlier than in previous starts. He draws well for a repeat of those tactics, and he is the one to beat. (3) SKYLOR TAEHA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1400M at start number two on March 22nd. The step up to two tuns can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (6) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts but comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and she can be there or thereabouts again. (11) BLACK SUN and (9) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(4) Goju Ilcheok (3) Skylor Taeha (6) Bulguksidae (11) Black Sun
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 24)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11.15 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

(2) DELTA FORCE has a pair of 3rd places among three starts to date, most recently at 1200M on March 29th when handy throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He comes into a much better gate today, and he has every chance. (11) KISS THE RAIN was a well-beaten favourite on March 22nd when doing himself no favours by laying out throughout. Prior to that, he had a 2nd and a 3rd and with better manners, he can be given another chance. (1) MAGIC HAMMER got his second 3rd place finish over 1200M on March 20th and from the inside gate can be aiming to match or better that here. (7) SUPER HIT and (5) ONNURI PARTY others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Delta Force (11) Kiss The Rain (1) Magic Hammer (7) Super Hit
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

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

(11) BACK TO THE DREAM was 3rd on debut and then 2nd at start number two over 1300M on March 27th when handy throughout. He does have the challenge of a wider gate this time but third-up he can be peaking, and he can win. (8) RIVER RUN took plenty of trials to get to the races and was accordingly unfancied on debut over 1200M on March 3rd. He got a long way back, but he ran on pleasingly for 5th and with some natural improvement, as well as the extended trip, he could be the danger. (9) VIRAL HIT was an improved 4th at this distance on March 22nd, settling midfield and running on and she can build on that today. (12) SWEET MAN and (2) WONDERFUL SMART others who could have a say in the minors.

Selections(11) Back To The Dream (8) River Run (9) Viral Hit (12) Sweet Man
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 11, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE has only missed the top four once and even then, two starts back, she beat a couple of today’s rivals. She enters having been the beaten favourite in a similar race to this on March 23rd when taken down late by Sunrise, and she can go one better today. (3) DUBAI SEONMUL was slow away in that race from the widest gate and never playing a role. She was a smart maiden winner at her previous start, but from a much better gate, she is worth another chance today, (12) SEONGSIL WORLD got her maiden win two starts back over 1300M, showing on pace, before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on March 20th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here, but she can be in the finish again. The form falls off after those three with (8) MAGIC SHOW and (2) THIS WAY probably the best of the rest.

Selections(7) Lampyojeonggeenie (3) Dubai Seonmul (12) Seongsil World (8) Magic Show
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 12

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

After finishing 4th on debut, (10) LIGHTNING FORCE has won two in a row, both over 1200M and most recently at this class on April 3rd when leading all the way. He comes up 2kg in weight and draws wider than he has before, but neither should be insurmountable and he can complete his hat-trick here. None of the rest enter in much form. (4) ISIMNYEON JIGI has been around the mark with three 4th places at this class since his maiden win. He got a bit far back from a wide gate last time on March 22nd out but can be better today. (5) BULBIT GANGJA went even worse in that March 22nd race but prior to that ran 3rd at class and distance in February and can be given another chance here. (3) GAON BOSS and (8) THEIA other minor chances.

Selections(10) Lightning Force (4) Isimnyeon Jigi (5) Bulbit Gangja (3) Gaon Boss
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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YTN Cup: Full Preview & Form Comments

There won’t be a clean sweep in this year’s Stayer Series as Clean One, the dominant winner of the opening leg a month ago, swerves this Sunday’s YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse, but in his absence a top set of runners make for a very competitive race. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Global Hit is bidding for a third YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

After winning the Grand Prix by a full nine-lengths before scoring in a facile manner in the Herald Business (2000M KOR-G3 on March 15th, Clean One has established himself as the top horse in the division. Connections, however, are plotting his 2026 campaign carefully with tilts at the Korea Cup and a defense of the Grand Prix being his priorities.

With the final leg of this series being at Clean One’s home track of Busan, traveling for the YTN is the one that has been given up.

There is a two-time defending champion. GLOBAL HIT won the race as a four-year-old in 2024 and then upheld local pride by seeing off Japanese raider Yumeno Honoo a year ago. Given his recent injury struggles, a third victory seems unlikely, but his underlying ability remains, as evidenced by his close 2nd when conceding weight to YEONGGWANGUIFIRST in February.

It could be the best chance for GANGPUNGMA to get a Group win on the board. A revelation in his five-year-old campaign he was 2nd to Speed Young in the President’s Cup and to Clean One in the Grand Prix with his habit of being slow out of the gate hindering him both times. 3rd in the Herald Business, he will start as favourite.

SPEED YOUNG has the same owner as Gangpungma and the “Swiss Army Knife Horse” is the most versatile in the race, able to compete in Group company at any distance. It would be a huge surprise if he did not at least place.

In the absence of much early speed, SUCCESS BARKPA may be taken forward. He was 2nd in the Herald Business, and while his good days are interspersed with ordinary ones, he isn’t to be dismissed.

The up and comers were set to be headed by Geudaemaniddamyeon. However, the country’s highest rated three-year-old suffered a condular fracture last week and underwent surgery that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

Instead, it is four-year-old YOUNG SKYWALKER who is the youngest in the race. Last time he was in Seoul, he ran a fair 6th of twelve on the President’s Cup, but he has constructed a three-race winning streak since then.

The YTN Cup is race 7 at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 15:40.

1. GANGPUNGMA – Runner-up in the G1 President’s Cup and G1 Grand Prix, then a smart class 1 winner over 2000M before running 3rd in the G3 Herald Business. The start has been his undoing but if he gets away better, even if there is no speed on, this really should be his day.

2. VET CAPTAIN – A revelation at six-years-old coming in off two strong wins at a mile and 1800M. He has never raced over 2000M before, nor has he tackled such company at level weights, but he is a front-runner and they will need to go past him. Minor money chance.

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YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

Sunday’s feature is the second leg of the 2026 Korea Stayer Series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

The great Winner’s Man was YTN Cup winner (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) IKKEULIM returned from four months out in January to run a close 2nd over this distance having led for most of the way. He weakened late on his latest outing on March 7th over 1300M, but slightly back in trip and in this company, he should have too much and can make his breakthrough. (1) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut in February and then an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when handy throughout. He looks to have scope for more progress here and from the inside gate, can be on pace early and in this a long way. (9) THUNDER RUN enters off back-t-back 4th places and against this lot can be aiming for better. He hasn’t raced since January but looked well when finishing (where else?) 4th in a trail two weeks ago. (4) ONNURI BIT and (5) LEGEND MATCH others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Ikkeulim (1) Cowboy Queen (9) Thunder Run (4) Onnuri Bit
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(2) PLAY MATCH was a good 4th on debut over 1200M back on February 7th when settling midfield and running on well. It has taken him a while to get back though he has been in regular work since the start of this month and with some natural improvement, he can win this. (3) BINNALEEDS has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd at 1200M on March 8th when for the first time she raced on pace. She comes up to this trip for the first time, and she should be a danger. (1) MEGA WIND got a long way back from the widest gate on debut but ran on well enough for 6th. With that experience under his belt and with a much better draw, he can improve today. (7) SINCHEON HEART and (5) SPICE BAND other place chances.

Selections(2) Play Match (3) Binnaleeds (1) Mega Wind (7) Sincheon Heart
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (5) INDIE TIGER trialed last May without making it to the races but came back this March and won a heat in a quick time, settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance. (2) PERFECT POINT didn’t do a lot on debut last November but has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts since at 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times.  Under an apprentice claim he comes down in weight and drawn well to lead again, he can be in this a long way. (12) CHAMPUI HYANGGI has finished 5th in both starts so far, coming from off the pace, and should be aiming to be closer this time. (4) DREAM BIG and (1) MUHANDAE BIT finished 4th and 5th respectively in a March 19th trial and look the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Indie Tiger (2) Perfect Point (12) Champui Hyanggi (4) Dream Big
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(4) DREAM DIA has been working towards a win across her eight starts so far, with her latest being her best when an on pace 2nd over this distance on March 21st. She draws the same gate and from on the speed again, she should win this time.  (2) DUSON LIFE came from off the pace to run 3rd in a very weak maiden last time (for non-placers of at least five). This race isn’t much stronger and from a better draw and Kozzi on for the first time, he can get closer. (7) DAEHAN COCO’S has a 3rd and four 4th place finishes to her name, and she should be there or thereabouts again. (3) EUNPA SWEET returned from eight months out on March 15th but had a hard time after a bad start. She should strip fitter for that run and be closer today. (1) BROWN SUGAR another who could improve.

Selections(4) Dream Dia (2) Duson Life (7) Daehan Coco’s (3) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) HAENGBOK TREE was a fair 4th on debut last November but then didn’t reappear until March 22nd when she was a strong 2nd over 1400M racing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for that run, and while she comes up to the mile for the first time, it can suit. (4) RESONANCE MARINE stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 27th and uncharacteristically led. It paid off as she ran a best to date 3rd, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process, and she can back that up here. (2) JEONGMUN SKIP is up to a mile for the first time but gets a better draw than in his latest two and he should be close. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK was 4th in that March 27th race and in this company, looks a good chance of making the minors again. (3) THANKYOUFORTHETIME another in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Haengbok Tree (4) Resonance Marine (2) Jeongmun Skip (5) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 18)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

After showing on pace then weakening on debut, (5) GOLDEN MATCH stayed on at start number two for a solid 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd in a good time. He draws well to lead again, and it can be third time lucky here. (6) PURPLE KOREA has raced twice for two 3rd place finishes, both times over this distance and both times showing on the early speed. She too can be nice and fit for this and will be challenging for the lead from the start. (8) JEJU BLUE was a much-improved 2nd in his second start over this distance in March 2nd when leading for much of the way around. Another who will be competing to get to the front form the start, he can be in this a long way. (4) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK is half-sister to Jeulgeounyeojeong and showed well in two trials. The only debut-maker, she can make a good impression here. (1) K-QUEEN another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Golden Match (6) Purple Korea (8) Jeju Blue (4) Nasca Bulchunggaek
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Ten fillies and one gelding here. (3) CALL ME SKY was a quick 2nd on debut but was well beaten when sent off as a 1.2 odds-on favourite for start number two on February 8th. He missed the start that day and was always up against from there ultimately finishing in 6th. Following that he missed some work with back pain but has been back in regular work since the start of this month and with a better start today, is the one to beat. (6) DAJEONGHAN enters off a 3rd place over 1400M on March 21st when beating two of today’s rivals. She can settle behind the speed here and be in the finish.  That solitary gelding is (11) SUN RISE KING, who improved to a close 2nd at this distance on March 22nd. He has the challenge of the widest gate but can be a danger. (5) GOLDEN WARRIOR and (7) JEJU PRINCESS others in the frame.

Selections(3) Call Me Sky (6) Dajeonghan (11) Sun Rise King (5) Golden Warrior
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A maiden for horses who have raced at least five times without placing so something here is going to win for the first and almost certainly only time. That might be (3) LUGE, who returned from four months out to run 5th of ten over 1300M on March 2nd, beating two of today’s rivals in the process. He has a 4kg claim again and won’t need to improve any to win this. (5) M J VET was 6th in that race having been sent off at a considerably shorter price than Luge. She has run fairly at this trip before and that can help her try to overturn the three-lengths she has to find. It’s tossing darts with the rest. (1) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO led over 1700M so the combination of dropping back in trip and the inside gate can be in his favour. (4) STAR KILLER comes out of the March 2nd race where he was 7th but this time gets an apprentice claim bringing him down 3kg. (6) BITCHUI SUNGAN is one paced but that may be enough to run into some minor money here.

Selections(3) Luge (5) M J Vet (1) Beolgyosamjoko (4) Star Killer
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

A couple of maidens go on top here. (9) MASTER PLAN has mixed his form over seven starts but proved he is competitive at this level with a 2nd place over this distance on March 8th when settling midfield and running on. Three of his four placings have come over 1400M and he has a chance of breaking through here. So too does (3) GEOMEUN SUP, who will get the nod from those favouring consistency. While yet to win in seven outings, he has finished no worse than 5th and has run 3rd (dead-heating) and 4th in two tries at this class at 1700M and 1800M. He drops back to the trip at which he got his best results so far and from a good gate can lead early.  (1) TAEGISAN KING has won a race and while he has mixed his form in five starts at this level since, he enters off a very close 2nd at class and distance on March 21st, and a similar effort will see him in the finish again. (10) JIJON BULPAE and (8) HAKSAN SWORD other place chances.

Selections(9) Master Plan (3) Geomeun Sup (1) Taegisan King (10) Jijon Bulpae
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 17)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(8) GOLD POCKET was on pace on debut over this distance on March 20th when beating a couple of these on her way to 2nd place behind a good winner. She should have come on for that run, she should be on pace again, and she will be a short price to go one better. (2) OASIS KINGDOM has raced twice and was an improved 5th over 1400M on March 29th. He makes a quick return here and possible peaking fitness wise, he can get much closer. (1) GAON PERFECT ran 3rd on debut in that March 20th race behind Gold Pocket. He has seven-lengths to find on the filly, but it wasn’t a bad effort and he can improve. (11) OVER RAINBOW and debut-maker (5) STEALTH KINGMAN others who can be in the finish.

Selections(8) Gold Pocket (2) Oasis Kingdom (1) Gaon Perfect (11) Over Rainbow
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

The second division of the opening maiden and there will probably be an equally strong favourite. (2) POWERFUL THUNDER has made steady progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on March 20th. He draws a much better gate than in any of his last three so he should get an easier run to the front and then take some beating.  (10) VELOCI QUEEN has impressed in all three outings with a 4th, a 2nd, and a 3rd. She has a strong finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she will be a big danger late. (4) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA was 2nd on debut all the way back in July last year and then finally returned to run a fair 3rd on March 8th when leading for much of the way. He’ll be challenging for the speed again and can be in the finish. Those three will be at the top of most tickets, with (11) DIA X and perhaps the sole first-time starter (5) BUTTER CRASH others to look out for.  

Selections(2) Powerful Thunder (10) Veloci Queen (4) Success Pyeonghwa (11) Dia X
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(6) TRIPLE SINHWA stepped up to this distance for the first time last November and was a solid winner at class 4 level. Since then, he has raced three times at this class, all again over the 1800M and has finished 2nd all three times, most recently racing handy on March 6th. He has his fair share of weight but Seo Seung-un stays on, and he is favoured to return to winning ways. Second favourite will be (4) BEST BOY. Remarkably, at start number thirty, he is racing at both this class and distance for the very first time, but he enters in very good form, winning over a mile three starts back and following up with a 3rd and a 2nd. That brings him up in class, but he is down a full 5kg in weight and that should make him very competitive. (2) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG could only manage 6th of twelve last time out on March 20th but she was a winner at this distance in January and under a light weight, she can be in the finish. (8) GASOK JEIL and (5) VEREUDA will need passes on their respective latest efforts to be best of the rest.

Selections(6) Triple Sinhwa (4) Best Boy (2) Tohamsan Taeyang (8) Gasok Jeil
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

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SBS Sports Sprint 2026: Preview & Form Comments

The Sprint Series reaches Seoul on Sunday afternoon and having won the first leg in Busan a month ago, VINCERO CAVALLO will be a warm favourite to successfully defend the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

While he swept all three legs of the Sprint Series last year, Vincero Cavallo’s form fell off in a disrupted second half of 2025 and that led him to only be second in the market when he returned from a four-month layoff to join the rest of the sprint division for the Busan Ilbo (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast on March 8th.

The doubters – and there were plenty – were silenced as under a patient Jo Jae-ro ride, Vincero Cavallo emphatically announced he was back in form with a two-length win to put him in pole position to sweep back-to-back series.

So, who can stop him?  WINNER CLEAR was sent off as favourite in the Busan Ilbo, and he was the one who ultimately got closest. He and Vincero Cavallo were in adjoining gates in Busan too but this time they are much wider. That should be of less concern to Winner Clear, and the start will be key. Seo Seung-un is on board.

BORN DIA led the Busan Ilbo, setting a strong pace before ultimately running 4th. Drawing the inside gate once more, she can lead again but only two horses were slower than her in the final furlong in Busan so making sure there is something left in the mare’s tank will be a key concern for jockey Masa Tanaka.

MAGIC POTION is a newcomer to the elite level. A winner of eight from fourteen, he won the KRA Sprint (Seoul) at the end of November. That was for horses rated 80 and down but he has since gone on to win twice at class 1 level. Winner Clear won the corresponding race at Busan the same day.

Veteran BLACK MUSK along with WONDERFUL GROOM are the other main hopes for at least the places. The SBS Sports Sprint is race 7 at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40.

1. BORN DIA – In the best form of her career with a class 2 win over this distance last October followed by a desperately close 2nd to Winner Clear in January when she very nearly led from gate-to-wire. She was 4th in the Busan Ilbo, racing on pace, and from the inside gate, she can be on pace and cause a lot of problems here and her 2kg mare allowance may help her late.

2. BEOLGYO VERITAS – Remarkably has the fourth fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning at class 2 in December, settling, as is his style, in midfield and running on. All six wins have come at this distance, but he is yet to race at higher than class 2 and he will need to lift here but he draws very well and will probably seek to lead.

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SBS Sports Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 12)

Sunday sees the second leg of the 2026 Sprint Series with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Meanwhile at Busan there are six international trophy exchange races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55 and 7 at Busan from 11.25 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

(5) GANGHAN GAMMA has made steady progress across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place in a filly only race over this distance on March 14th beaten seven-lengths by Breedo Aqua. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong late on. (3) RACE DIVA was 6th behind Ganghan Gamma in that March 14th race. That was a slight improvement from her debut and from a much better gate she can continue to get better here. (9) BEST THE ON ran three times last autumn with a best of 2nd over this distance. He hasn’t raced since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be in this first-up. Debut maker (2) VINCENT KATHY went through two trials, winning the second of them. She draws very nicely to be on pace and can put in a bold showing. (11) DONGBAEK among the other place chances.

Selections(5) Ganghan Gamma (3) Race Diva (9) Best The On (2) Vincent Kathy
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 7

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (2) SAENAE RANIA came from a wide gate to lead on what was her first try at this distance on March 8th and ultimately finished a solid 3rd. This race is no harder and from a much better draw, she can win. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG has four top four finishes from five starts with his best being a close 2nd to Saenae Fighter at start two last November. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he can finish strongly and be a danger late here. (6) GEOSEN MUJEOK was ridden a bit further forward on his first try at this distance on March 22nd and finished a fair 5th. With similar tactics here, he can get closer. (3) NICE WINNER and (7) YONGBIGYO are the other main chances.

Selections(2) Saenae Rania (5) Sangim Yeongung (6) Geosen Mujeok (3) Nice Winner
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / “New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Trophy” / KRW 30 Million

Interesting maiden to open things on the south coast and (3) OASIS GIJEOK gets the nod. He raced three times last year for a best of 3rd and then didn’t reappear for another six months. His return on March 13th saw him beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1200M and stripping fitter for that run, he can go one better today.  The main danger could well be the debut maker one gate to his inside. (2) FLASH COCO first trialed in October of 2024 but never made it to the races after a chip fracture and several other setbacks. Her owner/breeder has persevered though and she looked good when 2nd in a trial in March showing handy throughout. From a good draw, she can make an immediate impact. (7) RESPECTING GIRL was an improved 4th behind Oasis Gijeok on March 13th and can continue to make progress here. (1) POWERFUL RUBY and (5) SKY BOY others in the frame.

Selections(3) Oasis Gijeok (2) Flash Coco (7) Respecting Girl (1) Powerful Ruby
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) SAMJOGO led early in the Listed Sports Seoul on March 1st before being overwhelmed late and finishing a well beaten last. Prior to that he was an all the way winner at this class over 1300M and returning to shallower waters today, he can return to winning ways. (9) KOREAN DREAM enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 21st when handy throughout. In this company he should be on pace, and he shapes as a big rival. (1) STAY BIG was a 60/1 winner at this class over 1400M on March 8th, coming from off the pace. He only comes up 1kg in weight and warrants significantly more respect this time. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII and (6) SAHARAMOND among other place chances.

Selections(4) Samjogo (9) Korean Dream (1) Stay Big (11) Raon Nizhinski
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / “Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy” / KRW 60 Million

(3) BUNKER BUSTER has won two of four so far with his others ending in 2nd and 3rd. He is up in class having scored over 1400M on March 15th when he led all the way around and while he was 3rd on his only previous try at this distance, he draws well to lead again, and he will take some beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (9) GRAND MORE came home in 2nd and 3rd place respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on March 6th. The draw here is more favourable to Doctor City although he comes up 1.5kg. Both have ever chance of being in the finish again. (11) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK returns to action for the first time since last November. She has won at this trip, and she looked well enough in a March trial to suggest she can put in a good effort here. (8) BREEDO MIRACLE another firmly in the frame.

Selections(3) Bunker Buster (2) Doctor City (9) Grand More (11) Nakdong Myeongjak
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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