Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the opener. Ruan Maia has been in excellent form since the short Lunar New Year break, and he can continue here with (7) KOTAP. She has a best of 3rd and comes in following 5th place in a tougher race than this on January 4th. She draws well to lead, and she can go all the way. (10) EXCELLENT HANSEN took a few goes to figure things out but raced on pace for the first time on December 29th and finished a much-improved 2nd. He has the challenge of a wider gate but can build on that here. (2) NAEGILUI ACE was a well beaten but improved 5th at start two and from a good draw can get closer. (3) GIDAEHARA and (5) FLYING LION others to consider.
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them with (4) WHIZ REALITY. He went through two trials, winning the second of them when leading all the way (on January 2nd, beware it may not appear in all racecards). He draws very nicely to lead and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (9) GRAY CANDY didn’t do much on debut but was much more accomplished at the second time of asking at this distance on January 25th, leading for most of the way and running 2nd in a good time. He too will be aiming to get on-pace, and he can go one better. (8) TIARA SUA was 3rd in that January 25th race. She has four-lengths to find on Gray Candy but can improve. (6) NOBLE MY DEAR and (11) FLYING OAKS also in the frame.
Selections
(4) Whiz Reality (9) Gray Candy (8) Tiara Sua (6) Noble My Dear
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) DIXIE MAN had a poor day at the office two weeks ago when sent off as favourite over 1400M. Except for copping a bump at the start, he doesn’t really have any excuses but Moon Se-young stays on and so shall we, going on his effort two starts back when 3rd at this distance. He can sit handy here and is worth another chance. (6) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far at 1200M and last time out at this trip on January 26th when going right back and running on. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and has every chance of going better. (5) BEATRIZ has been ordinary in her latest three, but she should at least be on pace and if the track is anything like it was last week, she can be in this for longer. (3) CAPTAIN RISE and (7) BEST SHARK the other placing chances.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) CHRYSOL MAJOR returned from three months out to run 4th at 1300M on January 19th. He steps up to two turns for the first time, but his running style suggests that it can suit and stripping fitter for that effort a month ago, he can win. (7) SANBANG BOMNAL beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on January 25th. That was by far his best effort to date and from a similar gate and against similar opposition, he can repeat. (8) SAVANA CHARLIE was 5th in that race settling back and running on. He has never finished inside the top two but has been between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than twelve occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (6) GRAND FLYING and (9) MARUBYEOL others in the hunt for the minors.
Selections
(3) Chrysol Major (7) Sanbang Bomnal (8) Savana Charlie (6) Grand Flying
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Plenty enter with recent form reading well, but (3) CUPID IT will be favourite. An also-ran in the Rookie Stakes, he got his maiden win at start three over 1200M in October before running 2nd on his first try at this class and distance in a double-quick race at the end of November when leading for much of the way. He had a couple of issues after that but has been back in work this month and from a great draw he can lead all the way. (7) YONGBI TAEYANG and (10) UGWANGMYEONG came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on January 18th. The former was on speed with the latter coming from well back and with similar tactics expected from both, they can be in the mix again. (2) GREEN FEELSTAR and (11) WANGCHOEGO among plenty of other placing chances.
The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (9) FLASH PARK went through two trials, winning one and running a close 3rd in the second, both in quick times. Both times he was going well late so the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win first-up. Of the experienced ones, (12) FLYING RACE has appeared twice, improving to 2nd at start number two over this distance in December. He’s had eleven weeks off since, but that experience can be important here. (11) TOP DOG did nothing on debut last September but looked much better prospect when a close 2nd in a January trial and should be better this time around. (3) STUKA led all the way to win his trial with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. (5) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE another who hinted at ability across a couple of trials.
Selections
(9) Flash Park (12) Flying Race (11) Top Dog (3) Stuka
Next Best
5, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) UNLIMITED RUN was an improved 3rd at start number two on January 24th, settling midfield and running on. Third up he can be peaking, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and he is the one to beat. (4) STARTMAN ran a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on January 24th racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and has every chance of matching or bettering that here. (6) DALBITWIE needs line drawn through his latest in December when luckless and coming back slightly lame. He was back in work within a week, and he has placed at this trip as recently as November. (10) DONGNAM DOLPUNG is next best and then the form drops off the proverbial cliff. Without much confidence (11) SHACKLE SUN will probably be fifth in the market.
Selections
(3) Unlimited Run (4) Startman (6) Dalbitwie (10) Dongnam Dolpung
Next Best
11, 2
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) BARBELL MOMO comes in having beaten three of these on his way to 2nd place on his first try at a mile on January 24th. He was slow away and went right back before running on very pleasingly and a similar effort today should see him go one better. (9) YEOSU GUARDIAN was one of those behind Barbell Momo that day, coming home 5th. At the start before he was a good 3rd, also over the mile, and he shapes as one of the dangers. (4) EAGLE POWER was the longest but one shot on the board in that race. He defied that to run a good 4th and with an apprentice keeping his weight light, he can match or better that here. (3) DREAM TREE and (12) FLYING ICE are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Barbell Momo (9) Yeosu Guardian (4) Eagle Power (3) Dream Tree
Next Best
12, 6
Fast Start
2, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. (12) B.K DANCING GIRL will be favourite having run 3rd on debut before winning in an utterly facile manner at start number two over 1200M on January 19th leading all the way. She comes up in class and in trip but is down in the weights and the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (9) BLACK EQUUS similarly scored at start two, in her case over this distance on January 19th coming from off the pace. This is harder but Munro stays on and she can measure up. (1) AWESOME SUNRISE is a nineteen-race maiden but has nine top three finishes and from the inside gate, this is the kind of race she can find the money in again. (3) MUSKET GIRL and (10) SIMON STAR among plenty of others with at least placing chances.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) BEOLMA KING was a winner on debut over 1300M in November before running 3rd on his first try at this class over the same trip on December 13th. He comes in fresh following ten weeks off and while there will be the question as to whether the 1200M is too sharp, he has every chance. (2) SPEED TOP will probably be the betting favourite. He won on debut at 1200M last November before running 2nd on his first try at this class on December 29th, beating a few of these in the process. He draws nicely to be on pace and third-up he can be peaking. (9) SING FOR ME was similarly a winner on debut before running midfield on his first try at this class on January 24th. He can settle back and run in and can be a danger late here. (7) ROAD TO THUNDER and (12) MR.WOLF are other chances.
While restricted to Korean bred runners, the race nevertheless has attracted most of the nation’s top sprinters, including the first three locally trained horses across the line in last September’s international Korea Sprint.
VINCERO CAVALLO was only the 3rd best local in that Korea Sprint, coming home in 6th place, but he has kicked on since then with a 4th place in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M KOR-Listed) followed by back-to-back wins at today’s distance of 1200M, both at class 1 and in contrasting styles, from the front, and from well off the pace. Versatile and perhaps with his best yet to come, he can get his first Stakes win here.
The Korea-trained horse who got closest to Remake, Jasper Krone and Anarchist in the Korea Sprint, running on late for 4th, was SPEED YOUNG. He is a two-time local Group race winner, having won the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie as a juvenile in 2022 and the 2024 G3 Busan Owners’ Cup at a mile last June.
Speed Young rounded out the year with 3rd place in the G1 President’s Cup at 2000M and G1 Grand Prix at 2300M, both races won by stablemate Global Hit. Global Hit’s regular jockey Kim Hye-sun rides him on Sunday.
Champion jockey Moon Se-young is rapidly closing in on 2000 career wins and he partners NAOL SNIPER. Runner-up to Global Hit in the 2023 Korean Derby, he moves down to the sprinting ranks for the first time after a strong end to 2024 and is an intriguing entry.
One of just two fillies or mares in the race, CROWN HAMSEONG is a winner of seven from ten most recently on her first try at class 1 in December. This is a stern step up in challenge, but she looks to have plenty of potential and it’s not impossible she could give jockey CC Wong his first Korean Stakes win.
Twelve runners will go around in total:
1. HANGANG CLASS – Champion juvenile in 2023, it didn’t really happen for him as a three-year-old and he missed five months of the season. Showed signs of a return to form with 2nd at class 2 over 1800M on December 27th. A two-time winner at this distance (as a juvenile), he will have some backers on a place line.
2. CROWN HAMSEONG – A winner of seven from ten including her latest two, both over a mile and most recently her first go at class 1 on January leading all the way. Moon Se-young rode her in both and while he gets on Naol Sniper, CC Wong is a more than adequate replacement and from a great draw she can be in this a long way.
For the first time in more than two months Stakes race action returns to Korea as the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M takes place at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Last year’s Segye Ilbo was won by Vics Go, who doesn’t return to defend his title (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) ROAD TO A SPUR has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over this distance on December 22nd. CC stays on, he draws well to lead and today can be the day. (11) SPARTAN has mixed his form across seven appearances so far with his best being a pair of 3rd places over this distance. He has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) BS STORM was a fair 5th on debut over 1300M on December 28th, starting well before getting shuffled right back but then running on. He should have come on for the run and be closer here. (9) STUNNING WORLD and (6) NONSTOP SERVE others who can be considered.
Selections
(2) Road To A Spur (11) Spartan (8) BS Storm (9) Stunning World
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and plenty look ready to win. (6) TURBO CHARGE ran 4th a couple of times before an improved 2nd over 1400M on January 4th when she led for much of the way around. She comes back slightly in trip, she draws well to lead again, and she can win. (2) MUNHAK BELL was 6th on debut before running 2nd at start number two over 1200M on January 5th, settling in the front end of midfield and running on. Third up she can be peaking fitness wise and has every chance. (5) RAON THE AFFIRMED ran 3rd in that January 5th race having also shown on the speed. She has two-and-a-half lengths to make up on Munhak Bell but looks good for at least another place finish. (7) GRAY PHANTOM and (4) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL are among plenty of others who have shown potential.
Selections
(6) Turbo Charge (2) Munhak Bell (5) Raon The Affirmed (7) Gray Phantom
Next Best
4, 10
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) LADY BLUE beat three of these on her way to an improved 2nd place on January 18th, racing on pace throughout over 1300M. Like most of these, she comes up to1400M for the first time, she draws well to lead again, and she can go one better. (4) BLACK SMILE ran 5th in that January 18th race having gone well back and run on. That continued signs of her having started to figure things out and Maia climbing on means she can continue to make progress here. (5) YONGAM GIPPEUM also looks to be on the right trajectory and comes in off a 4th place at this distance last time out. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be a danger late here. (8) HEEMANGBAND and (10) EAGLE WINGS are others who may improve.
Selections
(3) Lady Blue (4) Black Smile (5) Yongam Gippeum (8) Heemangband
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (9) KYUNGNAM DRAGON ran twice last summer for a 4th and a 2nd at 1000M and 1200M. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well when 3rd in a January trial and Seo Seung-un partnering with Bart Rice means she should be sent off as favourite. (8) RIGHT CHAMP has been getting closer in recent starts, most recently when 3rd at 1400M on January 19th. In this company, she can be on pace and has a chance (4) THE NOMINATE was 7th on debut last May and then didn’t reappear until January 19th when she was a solid 3rd place at this distance. She should strip fitter for that run and can press again here. (12) QUEEN TYCHE was 2nd in that January 19th race, her best so far and she can be in the mix again. (10) ILLUSION another place contender.
Selections
(9) Kyungnam Dragon (8) Right Champ (4) The Nominate (12) Queen Tyche
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 8, 9, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to go far past (1) ECLIPSE EDGE here. He got his maiden win at start three over this distance last November and then following a dodgy day at the office on his first try at this level, ran 3rd on January 18th, again over this trip. He likes to race on pace or handy and won’t need to improve much to win this. Plenty of others enter in form though. (5) BAEKDU ILSEONG is one for one having scored on debut over 1200M on November 11th. The way he ran on suggests the increase in trip can only suit and the class rise shouldn’t be a problem. (2) HAKSAN CAIRO was 5th behind Eclipse Edge on January 18th on his first try at this class. He comes into a much better gate today and can get closer. (6) ORANGE TIME and (3) EAST GANGJEOK are the other main chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) INDY GHOST has finished 3rd in both outings so far most recently in a slow (even by current standards) race at this distance on January 12th when midfield and running on. Third up she can be peaking, Munro is on, and she can win. (10) GOD NIKE has picked up in her latest two, with back-to-back 3rd places. She likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can get even closer today. (11) DOCTOR CASTLE has mixed his form across his four appearances so far. Three of those have been over a mile but he does have the fastest time at this distance (in as much as times are relevant presently with the slow track) and can be a danger here. (5) BARBELL TROFEO, who needs a line through his latest, and (1) RAON FLATTER are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Indy Ghost (10) God Nike (11) Doctor Castle (5) Barbell Trofeo
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. It was very hard to pick a winner last weekend in the capita. Whether that was because of the return from the week off, the sub-zero temperatures or the relatively new sand on the track will perhaps become clearer this weekend – when there hasn’t been a holiday, the temperatures are comfortably above zero, and any track maintenance has had another week to bed in. We shall see. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Nine unraced fillies and three unraced colts open proceedings. (11) SWEET SONG is half-sister to Classic winner Betelgeuse and enters having made all to win a trial on January 9th. CC is aboard and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (1) MUNHAK FIGHTER went through two trials, running 4th and 3rd in fair times. From the inside gate, she should be on pace, and she has every chance of being in this a long way. (7) SEOUL NONGBU is another who showed on pace in his trial, leading before ultimately finishing in 4th place and he can be supported first up. (10) NUMBER ONE SOCKS and (12) BEST DREAM are others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.
Selections
(11) Sweet Song (1) Munhak Fighter (7) Seoul Nongbu (10) Number One Socks
Next Best
12, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) JOY LIGHT went back to trial after an inauspicious debut last November and was much better when returning on January 11th, leading for much of the way around over this distance and ultimately running a solid 2nd. In this company she can be on pace again and this time she can go one better. (8) GOOD FRIEND similarly ran an improved 3rd at start number two on January 18th, coming from off the pace. Kozzi climbs on and she can continue to progress. After winning a trial (11) CLAIR BIG BANG was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on January 4th. She started slowly and was at the back a long time before running on well for 5th and she can get better here. (5) RAON THE CAVIAR and (1) BEOLGYO LAVA others with potential for improvement.
Selections
(6) Joy Light (8) Good Friend (11) Clair Big Bang (5) Raon The Caviar
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) MR. STORM was 4th on debut before running 2nd at start number two over this distance in November when in the speed throughout. That led him to be sent off as favourite for his 2025 debut on January 5th but having drawn gate eleven, he had a hard time finding position and ultimately ran 5th. He comes into a much better gate today and warrants another chance. (2) CHEONJI LADY similarly has a best of 2nd place recorded two starts back when settling midfield and running on. She was 4th on her latest outing on January 4th when handy throughout and in this field and with this draw, she can be expected to be on pace and can go close. (5) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL led for much of the way around over this distance on January 11th, ultimately running 2nd to a good winner. He’ll join the other fancied pair on the early speed and can be in this a long way. (11) THUNDER MARVEL and (9) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL among plenty of other place chances.
Selections
(1) Mr. Storm (2) Cheonji Lady (5) Cheongryongui Cal (11) Thunder Marvel
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (7) RAON DESPERATE was 3rd on debut in December before getting her maiden win at start two over this distance on January 5th when always close to the pace. She comes up in class here but looks to have plenty of potential, and she can win again. (6) CHOWON DOLPUNG got her maiden win in December leading all the way around at this trip. She had an ordinary day when sent off as favourite for her first try at this class last month, bumping on jumping and finishing midfield. Moon Se-young stays on and the manner of that previous win suggests she is worth another chance. (3) HAKSAN CLEAR is a maiden but is up in class following two runner-up finishes from three starts. She draws nicely and can measure up in this company at a probable each-way price. (2) WONDERFUL PASS and (11) HAKSAN DAESE are among others to consider.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to be sure which version of (1) BLUE RACER will show up. He returned from a five-month absence in December to only beat one home with the jockey ordered not to use his stick as the horses has been extremely wayward at times in the past. He looked very well when leading all the way in a January trial and against this modest opposition, if he runs straight, he can win. (6) ELITE PEACE will also have to be forgiven his latest on January 18th when slow away and then shifting out late. A run similar to his 4th place effort over 1400M the time before will see him in the mix here. (11) HAEJE YEOGEOL enters off a 4th place at this class over 1300M last time out and while she is up 2.5kg in the weights, can match or better that here. (3) GEUMSEONG YEOJE and (4) MINT PLAY perhaps the best of a limited rest.
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:25 to 18:00, Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) GREAT TOP led for much of the way around on debut, ultimately finishing in 3rd place over 1200M. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but Seo Seung-un gets on and he can have come on for that run. (5) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY trialed well but got off to a bad start on debut before running-on well enough for 5th. She’s had eleven weeks off and a stalls test since then and with better manners she can improve today. Of the first timers, (3) TEUTA trailed well in January running 2nd having been handy throughout. Times don’t mean much at the moment, so she draws well and has every chance first-up. (2) SEUNGNI YEYAK and (10) MEANINGFUL TIME, the latter another debut-maker, others who could figure.
Selections
(11) Great Top (5) Yeonggwangui Honey (3) Teuta (2) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
3, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) GLOBAL HIGH has a 3rd, a 2nd and a 4th from his three starts so far, all at 1200M. He has shown both on pace and come from behind, depending on his draw so in today’s company he should be on or close to the speed, and he can get it right. (12) EAST SUN led for much of the way around at this distance on January 26th, ultimately finishing in 3rd, her second time finding just two too quick. She has to contend with the widest gate here but if she can find a handy position, she should be in the finish. (7) SUCCESS COW has picked up in his latest couple with a 3rd and a 2nd at this distance and 1400M. He has been one-paced but should have enough about him to challenge for a place again. Last start runner-up (1) HANEUL POKPUNG will be on pace and in this a long way. (11) HOUND POKER is another chance.
Selections
(3) Global High (12) East Sun (7) Success Cow (1) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best
11, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) DONGBANG JEONSA has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on January 10th, when settling midfield and running on. He’ll want a forward position early so may need a touch of luck at the start from the wide draw, but he shapes as the one to beat here. (8) BABEL COME ON ran 3rd in that January 10th race, her best to date when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and she can be close again. (7) TRIPLE J has shown his best in trials so far without managing to bring it to the races. It’s sixteen weeks since we saw him in the afternoon, but he looked – as ever – well when 3rd in a January trial, and he has to be given another chance in this company. (3) ARIONUI GEOM has finished 5th in both outings so far, beating a couple of these along the way and that’s enough to expect him to improve. (5) DIVINE KINGDOM another with place hopes.
Selections
(11) Dongbang Jeonsa (8) Babel Come On (7) Triple J (3) Arionui Geom
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
6, 8, 10, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YULIM SESANG will be favourite. He got his win over this distance at start number two last November when leading all the way and has since run 3rd and 2nd in two tries at this level, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He’ll be on the speed and should return to winning ways. (10) CHEONGWAN got her maiden win at the third time of asking on November 15th when leading all the way over this distance. She comes up in class but is down 2kg in the weights and she can measure up in this company. (1) KING FIGHTER scored at this class and distance at big odds on January 17th, leading all the way. He was third-up that day so could have been peaking, and he is up 3kg in weight, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) BURUI PYEONGHWA and (2) GLORY GANGSEO others to consider.
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (4) DRAGON PUNCH returned from over six months off on January 17th to run 4th over 1200M, sitting handy throughout and running on well. She should strip fitter for that run and is the one to beat here. (10) CHRYSOL HERO broke through at start eleven over this distance in a filly maiden on January 10th, coming from off the pace. She comes up in class here but is down in weight and may make for some appeal at a probable each-way price. (3) SEUNGNI GITBAL was a winner at this class and distance in a very similar race to this on January 5th, sweeping home from well back. She’s up in weight but comes into a better gate and a repeat shouldn’t be completely ruled out. (2) SEVEN QUEEN and (12) MOTHER CHUKJE others in the frame.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:35). Here are the previews:
Derby Winner Eunpa Sarang faces up and comer Wonpyeong Storm on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) AFLEET RUN ran a close 3rd over this distance on debut in December, racing on pace throughout. That led him to be sent off as favourite on his return on January 11th, but he took a bump at the start causing him to stumble and he never really recovered. We can draw a line through that and the Spun To Run gelding can be given another chance as favourite here. Debut-maker (2) DALBIT GEURIMJA may be the main danger. She showed at the front in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and from a good draw, if she brings that form to the races, she should be close. The form is patchy among the rest. (9) HERO CHOICE ran a fair 6th on debut and looks the most likely to improve. (3) YES ANGEL on trial form and (7) ECLIPSE LUCKY the others.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) GIANT BOSS ran 6th on debut in November and then led until the middle of the home straight on December 28th before ultimately finishing in 3rd place. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise, Kim Yong-geun booked is a plus, and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he is the one to beat. (3) ECO FORE did nothing in his first three starts, but since returning from a more than eight-month layoff in December, he has shown signs of figuring things out with a 5th and a 4th and from a great draw he can go even closer this time. (8) HWANGGEUM MASK and (10) ARCH DAY came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced one another over this distance on January 5th, with a couple more of today’s behind them. Both should be in the mix again in this company. (1) HYEWONYONGMA ran 2nd two starts back and on the strength of that, can be considered.
Selections
(11) Giant Boss (3) Eco Fore (8) Hwanggeum Mask (10) Arch Day
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) DIXIE MAN has two 3rd place finishes among three starts so far, most recently over 1300M on January 11th when settling midfield and running on. He’s drawn wide every time so far so gate nine won’t be a problem and Moon Se-young stays on. Today can be the day. The main danger is (3) YEOLJEONGMA. After running 6th on debut, he was an improved 3rd when tried at this distance on January 4th. Both times he has settled at the back before finishing strongly and he can be powering home late here. (8) WILD HAPPY was an improved 4th at start number three at 1200M on January 4th. She too has been doing her best work late in races having gone back and she may appreciate the additional furlong today. (6) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA and (2) MG FIRST among others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive opener on the south coast. (3) MEGA MACHINE should have the edge, base don his last start 2nd at this distance on January 5th, when leading into the final furlong. He draws a much better gate today and that could be enough to get him home on top over limited opposition. (2) GUKDAE LEGEND has shown signs of figuring it out in his latest two with a pair of 4th places. This seems to be the distance for him and well-drawn, he can continue to improve here. (7) BAEDARI BOSEOK too enters off back-to-back 4th places and won’t need to be much better to get closer in this company. (6) DOCTOR CURLIN and (11) HI LEGEND are others who can content the minor money.
Selections
(3) Mega Machine (2) Gukdae Legend (7) Baedari Boseok (6) Doctor Curlin
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RAON NIZHINSKII got his maiden win two starts back over this distance and then followed up with a 3rd place on his first try at this class, again over the 1300M, on December 29th, settling handy and running on and beating a couple of these in the process. A similar effort should see him home on top today. (4) MENI WIN got his maiden win last March at this distance but then didn’t reappear until November. He has a 5th in a 3rd two starts back and drawn nicely and with Johan aboard, can continue to make progress today. (8) FREE TIME won on debut over 1200M in November, making all. That led him to be favourite for his first try at this class on December 29th, but he raced wide and fiercely and ultimately finished 6th behind Raon Nizhinskii. A more fluent performance can see him closer today. (11) AUSTIN LEADER and (5) GEUMA FOREMOST are others to consider.
Selections
(7) Raon Nizhinskii (4) Meni Win (8) Free Time (11) Austin Leader
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) BEOLMA KING has a win and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far, the latest 3rd being his first try at this class on December 13th over 1300M, the same distance at which he got his win. He comes up to 1400M for the first time and from the inside gate, Jung Do-yun can pick his spot behind the speed, and he can win. (3) FLASH RUN got her maiden win at start three over 1300M on December 27th, leading for much of the way around. She comes up in class but is down in weight, draws nicely to be on pace again, and can measure up. (12) BEST PRIME is a fifteen-race maiden but has no fewer than nine top five finishes, most recently a close 2nd at this class and distance on January 17th. He is up 2kg on that, but the wide draw won’t matter, and he has the quickest final furlong among these on him. (10) TEAM SURPRISE and (9) EMPIRE DAY among plenty of others with at least place chances.
Selections
(1) Beolma King (3) Flash Run (12) Best Prime (10) Team Surprise
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only and it’s very tricky as a genuine case can be made for most. We’ll take a chance with (9) MISS CONCORD. She got her maiden win at this distance last September and since then has a 2nd, a 4th, and a 3rd in three efforts at this class, most recently on January 5th at 1300M. In this company she can be ridden on or close to the pace and has as good a chance as any. That will mean overturning the form on (7) HERO JILJU, who was 2nd in that January 5th race, continuing a very consistent run of form. An apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be competitive again. (11) ANDAMIRO enters off a solid 3rd place in a very similar race to this on January 11th, coming from off the pace and a similar effort will see her close again. (1) BISANG DAY and (8) DAESEUNGMA among plenty of other chances.
Selections
(9) Miss Concord (7) Hero Jilju (11) Andamiro (1) Bisang Day
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here and it’s hard to go far past (4) PARANG ENERGY. A winner at this distance on debut, she has a 3rd and a 4th in her two subsequent starts at the same distance at this class, with only a spin around 1400M being disappointing. She draws nicely to be on pace and Franco, who won on her is on. (12) B.K MAGIC comes up in having got her maiden win at 1200M on January 12th at this distance from a similarly wide draw. It was at this class so she comes up 3kg in weight but can be competitive again. (11) BROWN ROOKIE had a poor day at the office in that January 12th race, but prior to that was a good winner at this distance in December. She stays under a light weight and can be given another chance. (6) NEW LEADER and (5) THIS WAY, 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced each other on January 5th, are the other main place contenders.
Selections
(4) Parang Energy (12) B.K Magic (11) Brown Rookie (6) New Leader
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
4, 7, 11, 12
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) ÉCLAIR POWER came from off the pace to run 3rd over 1400M at this class on January 12th. His win came when making all at 1300M last October and he does come up to race at 1800M for the first time. He has prior experience at 1700M (finishing 5th) and from a good draw, he can be in the mix today. The danger is (8) DAZZLE RUSH. He is yet to win in four starts but enters off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently at this class over 1700M on January 5th, when he beat several of today’s opponents. He comes up 2.5kg in weights but if anything, the slight step up in trip can suit, and today could be his day. (6) CHOEGANG HYEONMA was 3rd in that January 5th race. He is yet to win in twelve but has finished in the top five on no fewer than ten occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) GOLDEN BALL and (11) COSMO KING, 4th and 5th in that same race, are others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(3) Éclair Power (8) Dazzle Rush (6) Choegang Hyeonma (10) Golden Ball
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
There’s no real need to go further than (1) BIG MUSICAL STAR. He’s won two of his latest three, most recently at this class and distance on January 12th when scoring comfortably despite racing ungenerously with his head up and pulling wide to the finish to the extent he was sent back to trial. He came through the trial easily a couple of weeks ago and while he has the steadier of an additional 4kg, that’s balanced by a better draw, and he should win again. (8) AMAZING WORLD has only raced twice, improving to 3rd at start two over 1400M on January 3rd when he led. He comes up in trip and can continue to make progress. (2) NICE BIG GUY enters off a class and distance 2nd at the start of December. He is in fresh after ten weeks off and can be a factor. (11) BACKTOTHECHAMPION and (7) BEST CHAMP, the latter a class and distance winner just two starts back, are the others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Big Musical Star (8) Amazing World (2) Nice Big Guy (11) Backtothechampion
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) SAINT LUCCA may not win out of turn, but he is very dependable with fifteen top five finishes. His latest victory was only two starts back so he arguably enters in the best form of his career and while he carries 4kg more than he did that day, he draws well, Ruan Maia is on, and he can win. (9) BAEKRYONG was 4th behind Saint Lucca back in December and while he was a well beaten favourite last time out when he pulled hard and raced with his head up before tiring, his previous form earns another chance here. (10) TIZ ENERGY took thirty-one starts to get his maiden win, but it was at this class and distance, and he followed it up with a runner-up finish to New Dolkong on December 21st. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be in the mix. (11) SINUI UNMYEONG and (8) SEONGEUN CROWN are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Saint Lucca (9) Baekryong (10) Tiz Energy (11) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 1
Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(10) AREUMDAUN INYEON was a class and distance winner on December 22nd when settling right back and running on to pass them all. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights but has every chance of repeating here. (11) GRAY BOSS has an excellent record at 1800M with a win at class 4 level and two 2nd places at this class, most recently on January 3rd when racing on pace and beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He only comes up 1kg in the weights. and has run well from gate eleven before. (12) DOCTOR CAPTAIN had a poor day at the office in that January 3rd race but prior to that scored back-to-back wins over this distance and can ne given another chance here. (9) GREAT ONE and (8) STAR DAERO others to consider.
Selections
(10) Areumdaun Inyeon (11) Gray Boss (12) Doctor Captain (9) Great One
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 6
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
We’ll give (6) WHIZ IMPOSSIBLE a pass on his latest when he was well fancied but stumbled at start and then brushed the rail a couple of times before coming back slightly lame. He only missed a week of work and prior to that had shown good promise with a 3rd place at this distance. (11) YEONGWON BIG MAN returned from six months off to run a solid class and distance 3rd on December 29th. He should strip fitter for that run, and while he has to contend with the widest gate, he has a strong late turn of foot and can be a danger. (4) MIGHTY JOY has a win and three 4th place finishes to his name. He draws well to be on or close to the pace and while he has 57kg to contend with, he can be in the mix. Last start class and distance winner (10) SOARA TO TO along with (1) WINNING CHAMPION are others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Whiz Impossible (11) Yeongwon Big Man (4) Mighty Joy (10) Soara To To
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
(6) DAEAM JANGGUN comes in having run 3rd behind the excellent Black Mamba over 1200M on January 12th with a few of today’s rivals behind him. He comes up 3kg in the weights but Franco partnering for the first time is a plus and he can return to winning ways for the first time in a long time. (4) FANTASTIC KINGDOM was among those beaten by Daem Janggun in that January 12th race, having previously been an also-ran in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy. At the start before, he was a very quick class and distance winner and while he has the steadier of 58.5kg on his back, at his best he can be formidable. That pair will top most quinellas. (8) DAEJI CHOICE ran 4th behind Daem Janggun in that January 12th race and is a class 1 winner as recently as November. (9) JEONGMUN COBIT and (1) CATCH THE VICTORY other each-way prospects.
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) DRAGON BULPAE got his maiden win at start three last March and then didn’t race again until this January 4th. He made a very positive return, coming from off the pace to finish a close 2nd at this clas over 1200M. He carries 3kg more but should have derived plenty of benefit from the run and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) SPALTA was sent off as favourite to snap his streak of five consecutive 2nd place finishes on January 12th. He duly did precisely that, unfortunately though it was in finishing 5th, rather than winning. He was, believe it or not, 2nd on his only previous try at 1400M, and normal service can resume today. (2) NAVY CAPTAIN is up in class following a win at this distance on December 14th. He draws well to be on pace and under a light weight, can measure up. (3) GUKDAE FIGHTER won in a double-quick time at this class and distance on January 4th, and despite an additional 5kg shouldn’t be dismissed. (1) PALATINO another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(1) WONPYEONG STORM is one of the hottest prospects in Korean racing, having won all four of his starts so far, including one at Listed Juvenile level last November. He kicked off his three-year-old campaign with a comfortable win over a mile at class 2 level on January 5th, and while he is up 4.5kg in the weights and makes a big jump up in trip, he is the one to beat. He faces last year’s Korean Derby winner (9) EUNPA SARANG. The latter returned to winning ways at this class and distance on November 30th in a quick time for the 2000M, and while he too is up in weight to the tune of 4kg, that’s balanced by CC climbing on and he can be a danger to the favourite. (3) ZIGGURAT was 3rd behind Wonpyeong Storm over the mile a month ago and 2nd to Eunpa Sarang at this distance two starts back and should be in the mix again. (5) GEOLJAK ONE along with (7) HIGH GRAND are others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 11: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
Competitive Class 1 with a ratings cap of 100. (9) I’M JJANG won three in a row before a long layoff that kept him out from last March until December. He ran a fair 5th on his return over 1200M on December 8th, looking like he needed the run. He should be better here and with Moon Se-young aboard as part of the 52kg he carries, he has an excellent chance back over the distance those aforementioned wins came at. (6) RAON FOREST enters off a win and two runner-up finishes from her latest two. Her target is probably the Queens’ Tour races that start in March she gives weight away here but isn’t to be underestimated. (11) VICS GO has plenty of quality and while he seems to bounce up and down the distances, he looks to have landed in this race nicely and Maia aboard is a plus. (3) FOREVER DREAM and (10) BOLT MAN the other main chances.
It’s been a cold and snowy week in Seoul. Saturday sees an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Two standouts. (9) SALVADOR ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 4th when slow away and settling a long way back before rapidly closing late. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can be in his favour, and he can go one better. (4) JECHUK LOG IN similarly ran 2nd n debut, well beaten by a good winner but doing plenty right, settling handy and running on. He draws a better gate and has every chance. (5) VINCERO CUE is the only one in the field who has raced twice already, securing a 3rd and a 5th, both at 1200M. He has raced on pace both times and should do the same here, with every chance to be in it a long way. (7) RYAN HEART, and (10) SONEULNAEMILEO, both 3rd on their respective debuts, are the others who will be in the market.
Selections
(9) Salvador (4) Jechuk Log In (5) Vincero Cue (7) Ryan Heart
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (11) TEUKGEUP PARTY led for much of the way around on debut on December 29th ultimately to succumbing to a good winner but posting a decent final furlong time herself. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a bit of luck at the start she can find a position and can go one better. (5) SAMJEONG LADY has raced twice, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance. She can sit just behind the speed here and third up can be peaking fitness wise. (1) GYEOUL JANGMI didn’t do much behind Teukgeup Party on debut, but she previously trialed well and the jockey booking will focus minds. (3) RACE ROSE, along with debut maker (10) JISAN FRIEND, are others to consider.
Selections
(11) Teukgeup Party (5) Samjeong Lady (1) Gyeoul Jangmi (3) Race Rose
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ater running midfield from a wide draw on debut, (3) ROPPONGI DRAGON ran an improved 2nd at start two over this distance on December 29th, sitting behind the speed and running on strongly and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. Expect similar tactics here and he will be a short price to prevail over a limited set of opponents. (1) YEONGWON POTEN has picked up a little in her latest couple, most recently a very close 2nd place at this 1300M on January 4th. She tries the two turns for the first time, and it may suit. (4) MARUBYEOL is a thirty-two-race maiden but comes in off her best ever finish when 3rd at this distance two weeks ago. This race is no harder. (10) BEST KINGDOM and (8) GRAND FLYING are others who may contest the money finishes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YEONHUI HERO remains a maiden having got promoted to this class with two close runner-up finishes over 1200M. He ran 4th on his first try at this level at 1300M on December 29th when slow away and always on the back foot but with a better start, he can be on pace here and can go all the way. (7) LEMON K got her breakthrough win at start number five on January 4th when leading all the way. That win had been coming and while she comes up in class today, she comes down in weight, she draws well, and she can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) CANVASEN GO is another last start maiden winner and in similar circumstances with that win having been coming for a while. He draws well and can measure up in this company. (11) NAMSAN MINAM and (10) GANA POWER others in the hunt.
Selections
(9) Yeonhui Hero (7) Lemon K (3) Canvasen Go (11) Namsan Minam
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
We’re back after the Lunar New Year break and there is a 9-race card at Busan on Friday. Here are the previews:
The actual Champion jockey at Busan (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Among those first timers, (8) VANGIE went through two trials running 4th in the first of them on January 11th and then a much quicker 3rd on January 25th (the latter may not be in all race cards). The dam was a winner of six from ten, reigning actual champion jockey Franco Da Silva is on, and in this company, he has every chance first up. (9) HOMYEONG SHINHWA was an improved 3rd over this distance at start four on December 27th, overcoming a slow start to run on and she can go close again. (4) HANEUL GOLD was an on-pace 4th on debut a month ago over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but the track was slow in January, and he can go closer here. (10) OVER THE ALLIE and first timer (7) RAON THE MASKE, are others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Vangie (9) Homyeong Shinhwa (4) Haneul Gold (10) Over The Allie
Next Best
7, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) ACE HIGH ran 2nd on debut over this distance on December 27th, having previously won a trial. She sat handy throughout, she draws nicely again, and with some natural improvement, she can win this. She will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (2) DREAMMA is yet to finish in the top two in ten attempts but has no fewer than eight finishes between 3rd and 5th. She likes to sit midfield and run on and from a great draw she can aim to at least match those finishes today. (11) WONDERFUL FORTUNE has finished 5th in both appearances so far. This looks weaker and third-up she can be peaking. Tanaka climbs on and she can be a threat late. (6) NICE GIRL and (4) BAEKPAL BOEUN others who can challenge for places.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) DAEJI DAEBONG stepped up to this distance for the first time on January 10th and beat three of these on his way to a very close 2nd place. He draws well, Franco stays on, and he can go one better today. (1) DREAM TREE hasn’t raced since October 25th when she was 3rd over this distance having been slow away and having an awkward trip and adding to a 2nd on her first try at the mile in September. She had a slight setback after that but has been in regular work since the end of December and while her fitness must be taken on trust, she is a chance. (4) OASIS GREEN has picked up in his latest two with a 5tha dn a 4th and the step up to a mile for the first time can suit. (11) FAIRY and (12) HOUDINI have hinted at ability and may improve.
Selections
(3) Daeji Daebong (1) Dream Tree (4) Oasis Green (11) Fairy
Next Best
12, 2
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. Regardless that there are four last start winners, we’ll go with a maiden and (4) MAENGNYONG. He was 3rd in each of his first three starts up to this class and 1400M when he led. At his latest he took an early bump and then came home lame in the off foreleg having run 5th on January 10th. He only missed a week of work and fully fit he can win here. (2) SHASHA is the main danger. She was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 5th over 1200M on January 5th. She comes into a better gate today and should be close. (7) ROAD TO ACE got his maiden win at start two having led all the way over 1200M. He is up in class but looks to have plenty of scope for more development and should measure up. (1) HANEUL BOSS is one for one having led all the way on his debut on January 3rd and down in weight and drawn well, can be in this a long way again. (6) FLASH DAY another in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Maengnyong (2) Shasha (7) Road TO Ace (1) Haneul Boss
Next Best
6, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) THE WIND has just the one win from eight starts but comes in having been 4th on each of last three starts, the latest two at this distance. He tends to get a long way back, but he comes into a much better gate today having drawn gate twelve in both his latest two. That means Tanaka can perhaps pick his spot a little easier and he can come through late – but in time – today. He will vie for favourite status with (6) FLYING THE LUCKY. He enters off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times beating a couple of today’s rivals. He too likes to come from off the pace and is a danger. (7) HWANHUIUI MOON got his maiden win two starts back at 1400M before running 5th when drawn wide over 1400M on his first try at this level on January 10th. He comes up to 1800M for the first time and in this company, there is no reason why it can’t suit. (10) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (1) STAR PARK are perhaps better than recent results suggest.
Selections
(2) The Wind (6) Flying The Lucky (7) Hwanhuiui Moon (10) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) ALL TIME LEGEND stepped up to this trip at start number four on January 3rd, and having already registered two runner-up finishes and a 3rd, secured his maiden win with a front running effort. He is up in class but slightly down in weight, he draws well to be on pace again, and he can go back-to-back. (7) WATER DRAGON for his second win two starts back and then ran 2nd when favourite on his first try at this class on January 10th also at this distance having led until close to home. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he will almost certainly start as favourite again to get it right this time. (5) NAEPYEON came from off the pace to run 2nd at this class and distance on December 27th. He has a smart finish on him and can be doing his best work late again here. (12) THUNDER FURY and (9) SANGSANGGEUISANG among others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) All Time Legend (7) Water Dragon (5) Naepyeon (12) Thunder Fury
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 8
Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) SAMAKUI KKOT comes in off a gutsy victory over this distance at the end of December, giving trainer Peter Wolsley his last Korean winner. That’s meant an enforced stable change, but he’s landed on his feet with Bart Rice and while up in class he is down in weight and third-up after a lengthy absence, he may have more to give. (1) LEMON TREE is also up in class, in his case following a win and a runner-up finish in his latest two, both at this distance. The win came from a low draw when he was able to get on pace and he gets another here. That, in addition to a big weight drop to the tune of 4.5kg, puts him firmly in with a chance. (8) BEOLMA BROWN mixes his form but based on his last start class and distance 2nd on January 3rd when settling midfield and running on, must be considered here. (5) BINNANEUNGIL and (10) FLYING DANU others in the hunt in another competitive race.
Selections
(2) Samakui Kkot (1) Lemon Tree (8) Beolma Brown (5) Binnaneungil
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(11) SKY ROJO beat four of these on his way to victory at this class and distance on January 17th when settling just behind the speed and proving too strong. He comes up a full 4kg in weight, but he is third up this preparation so may be even better, and he can win again. (6) BEOLMAUI ANGEL was rapidly promoted to this class with three consecutive wins between October and December, all at this distance and making all in each. He stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on January 3rd, leading but ultimately weakening to 5th. Back in trip and drawn well, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (2) FINAL SEVEN has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on December 29th. He comes up a full 4kg but can be close again. (5) DRAGON REVENGER and (10) TAEWANG SINGI, the latter 3rd behind Sky Rojo last time, among others in the frame in a very competitive race.
Busan Race 9: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
Super finale for Friday. (10) BANG BANG BANG is up in class having won over 1800M at class 3 level on January 3rd. She comes up in class and in distance here but looks to be getting better with each run and under a light weight and with Munro at the controls, she may still have some upside. (5) BEOLMAUI MONSTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1800M on December 27th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the steadier of 58kg this time, but is not to be dismissed. (3) LOVE KING IJI was a winner over 1800M two starts back and was then a desperately close 2nd on his first go at this class and distance on January 19th, racing 2nd the whole way around and beaten by a longshot winner. He once more carries his fair share of weight, but he draws well and has every chance of going one better. (9) B.J. CHIEF and (6) GEUMA HUGE HIT others to keep safe.
Selections
(10) Bang Bang Bang (5) Beolmaui Monster (3) Love King Iji (9) B.J. Chief
Racing will take a one week break, with the action not resuming until February 7. We head into the holiday with Sunday cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:
Success Baekpa won two legs of the Triple Crown last year. He goes in the feature on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden to open with. (1) SMART A ONE was a front-running 3rd on debut over this distance back on October 26th. She had a setback after that (ligament strain) but has been back in work since early this month and from a good draw, she can be on pace and has every chance here. (3) GINSHARI BOY led on debut at this distance on December 22nd HE ultimately fell away and finished back in the pack, but he should have come on for that experience and can be in this for longer. (2) INDIAN TAPIT ran a fair 5th on debut at the end of last month and she too can have derived benefit from the experience. (10) TROLL and (6) NAEGILUI ACE others who could be in the minor money frame.
Selections
(1) Smart A One (3) Ginshari Boy (2) Indian Tapit (10) Troll
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) ECLIPSE BLACK will be the warm favourite. After a shaky debut, he has put together a run of 3rd, 4th and most recently 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on December 28th. He will want to be on pace, so he has the challenge of a wide draw, but CC stays on and he is very much the one to beat. (8) UMA DACHI was slow away at start two in that same race on December 28th but ran on very nicely to finish in midfield. With a better start, he can get much closer this time. (3) KING WARRIOR enters off an improved 3rd place at 1300M on December 22nd when on pace throughout. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, it can suit. Debut maker (1) CHRYSOL DONGHAE along with (9) CYCLONE STAR are others to consider.
Selections
(10) Eclipse Black (8) Uma Dachi (3) King Warrior (1) Chrysol Donghae
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) FLYING DAY ran out a winner on debut over 1200M in a filly maiden on December 29th when racing handy throughout. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and she can maintain her 100% record. (10) STUNNING PEARL got her maiden win at start number two in November and then ran 2nd on her first try at this class on December 15th over 1300M. She comes up slightly in the weights, but the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can maintain her record of never being outside of the top three. (7) GAMUN PARTY enters off a maiden win on December 29th. It was at this class, so she comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, but she warrants respect. (5) SEMYEONG DIA and (2) GROW other placing chances.
Selections
(6) Flying Day (10) Stunning Pearl (7) Gamun Party (5) Semyeong Dia
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies and mares only in the opening maiden on the south coast. (1) GLOBAL HEROINE ran 5th on debut before improving to 3rd at start number two over 1300M on December 27th, with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She led for much of the way that day and from the inside gate can so the same here and this time go all the way. (10) GWANGPUNG STAR has been 4th on both her outings so far, most recently behind Global Heroine in that December 27th race. She can settle back and run on and can be getting closer this time. (9) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL improved to 4th at start two on November 29th. There isn’t much early speed in this race so she is one of the contenders to join Global Heroine on pace and she can be in this a long way. (8) WONDER MOCCASIN and (6) DOLPHIN KICK others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Global Heroine (10) Gwangpung Star (9) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (8) Wonder Moccasin
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (6) SEOUL BINGO got her maiden win at start three over this distance on December 21st when ridden on pace for the first time. She comes up in class here but is down in the weights, Moon Se-young climbs on, and with similar tactics, she can win again. (8) SCALE KING got his maiden win at the eleventh time of asking at this class and distance on December 22nd, settling midfield and proving too strong. He comes up 3kg in the weights but can be competitive again and a danger late on. (7) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM saw her form go a little cold across last summer, but she finished off 2024 well with a 3rd and a 2nd. She comes in fresh off a nine-week lay off and can be in the mix again. (3) NAOL INDY and (5) WONPYEONG GWANGYA other minor money chances.
Selections
(6) Seoul Bingo (8) Scale King (7) Baedari Kwaegeom (3) Naol Indy
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) YOUNG SKYWALKER was a beaten favourite three times before finally breaking through at the fourth time of asking on December 29th when racing handy and running on. That was at this class and distance so he does come up 3.5kg in weight, but in this company, he should be on or close to the pace and the force can be with him once more. It only took (10) TOHAMSAN TIGER two attempts to get his maiden win, which he did at this distance on January 5th. He makes a quick return here up in class but down in weight and he can measure up. (5) SWORD MASTER was an also-ran in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie for juveniles in November but bounced back to run 2nd at this class over a mile just before Christmas, albeit a long way behind a very good-looking winner. He comes back to the trip at which he got his win and Munro knows him well. (4) YONGBI PAEWANG finished 3rd in two Listed events as a juvenile last term and back down in trip can be given a chance. (9) WORLD WINNERS MAN another to consider on a place line.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) DREAM CARD returned from six months out in December and has run 3rd twice, both at this class and both over 1400M. He steps up to 1700M for the first time, but his style suggests it can suit and third up he can be peaking fitness wise. (6) SPEED CARA enters having beaten a few of these when an on-pace 3rd at this class over 1800M on December 28th. He is one for one at this distance and shapes as the main danger. (11) ELDORADO HEUNGBU was 4th in that race behind Speed Cara. He is yet to win in six attempts but should have derived benefit from his first go around two turns and can be there or thereabouts today. (1) LOVE O MINE and the up in class (3) LUCKY FAMOUS are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Dream Card (6) Speed Cara (11) Eldorado Heungbu (1) Love O Mine
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RICH TREE looks the one to beat here. After running 2nd at a mile two starts back, he stepped up to two turns for the first time on December 27th and after a slow start from a wide gate, ran on for 5th. He should have benefitted from that experience and from a slightly better gate and with a better start, he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (12) THE WIND, who ran 4th in that race, coming from well off the pace. The wide draw is no problem, Munro stays on, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (10) BLUE POINT is yet to win in twelve attempts but has been getting closer and comes in off a smart class and distance 2nd just two weeks ago. He is another who likes to settle back and run on, and he can be danger late. (3) FAT BOY and (1) HI CHAMP others in the placing frame.
Selections
(7) Rich Tree (12) The Wind (10) Blue Point (3) Fat Boy
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 