Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 13)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Franco Da Silva has plenty of Friday chances (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with precisely half of the field racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (7) BROWN ROOKIE ran 2nd on debut, settling midfield and running on over this distance at the end of September when well beaten by Huimang Rani, who went on to win at class 5 before coming unstuck last week at class 4. She’s had eleven weeks off so comes in fresh and can win. Also 2nd on debut was (9) EMPIRE DAY. That was all the way back in June and it was at 1000M, but it was a quick time, and she looked well enough when midfield in a decent trial in November. Of the first timers, (6) ROCK CANDY looked the best in trials showing on pace and running a close 3rd in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be close. (10) ROAD TO SPRING also hinted at ability in her trial, while (1) GREAT LUCKY underperformed on debut but previously trialed well and gets another chance.

Selections(7) Brown Rookie (9) Empire Day (6) Rock Candy (10) Road To Spring
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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

(12) SHACKLE LAUD has made steady progress across four outings so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 10th when handy throughout and running on. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he doesn’t need to lead (not that there is any early speed in this race), and he has a strong finish on him. He can go one better today. (1) HOLY RUN has finished no worse than 4th across his four starts to date and enters off a 2nd and a 3rd at his latest two over this distance and 1400M. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M and from a great draw, he has every chance. (8) CARIBBEAN BAY is the least experienced in the race but finished a fair 4th on debut at 1200M on November 8th, having been slowly away and then run on. He should have come on for that run and can get closer here. (2) GWANGSOKMA and (10) CAPTAIN KOREA among others in the frame.

Selections(12) Shackle Laud (1) Holy Run (8) Caribbean Bay (2) Gwangsokma
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) RALLY MAN comes in having run 2nd on his first try at this distance on November 22nd when close to the pace throughout and beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He also has a 3rd and a 4th on his record and in another race with no early speed to think of, he can get a soft run to the front and can go all the way. (2) USANG RYUNG also has a 2nd place to her name over the mile, recorded back in August. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two and from a good draw, can be a danger here. (7) FATE ran a fair 5th on debut over 1300M on November 17th, settling midfield and running on. He steps up in trip but should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can compete in this company. (1) GOLDMASK and (9) GOLDEN NICE are other placing chances.

Selections(8) Rally Man (2) Usang Ryung (7) Fate (1) Goldmask
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10

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

(9) WATER DRAGON has never finished outside the top five and has a 2nd at this class over a mile. He ran 5th of twelve in a decent time on his only try at this distance last time out coming from well off the pace but in this company, he should be further forward, and he has every chance. (4) MAENGNYONG has run 2nd in both outings to date at 1300M, leading both times. He is up in class but down in weight and from a great draw he can lead again and potentially go all the way. (8) TRIPLE SINHWA has been the beaten favourite in both his starts so far, both times finishing as runner-up over this distance having led. He comes up in class here, but his times have been more than competitive for this level and coming down in the weights, he can lead again, and this time get it right. (3) TAMNA SUPER is up in class after a solid maiden win and can be competitive. Second-up (12) ASTIN MARINE among plenty of others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Water Dragon (4) Maengnyong (8) Triple Sinhwa (3) Tamna Super
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 8)

There are 17 Sunday races across Seoul and Busan on Sunday with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Seirene goes around at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (2) VINCERO CUE, who ran 3rd on debut over this distance on October 13th, a long way behind winner Cupid It, who ran 2nd at class 5 last week, but showing enough to suggest he has potential and from a good draw, he can win here. (1) CRAZY MARI was a fair 5th of eleven at this distance on debut all the way back on August 31st. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks off and while her race sharpness must be taken on trust, she draws well to lead. (6) TURBO CHARGE and (11) YEONGGWANGUI SKY ran 4th and 5th when they raced one another on the latter’s debut on November 2nd. Both can build on that here. As for the first-time starters, (3) AFLEET RUN was the best in trials and from a good draw can be in the market.

Selections(2) Vincero Cue (1) Crazy Mari (6) Turbo Charge (11) Yeonggwangui Sky
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

(5) LEMON K went around in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for her second start but came into much more amenable company to run 3rd at this distance on November 3rd when on pace throughout. She’s evidently highly thought of, and she can make her breakthrough here. (1) PURGE RUBY ran 4th behind Lemon K in that November 3rd race, settling back and running on. She has shown gradual improvement across her four starts so far and can continue to make an impact here. (2) GLOBAL SERVE will need a line drawn through his latest when favourite over this distance on November 9th but finished well back. His previous two outings showed plenty of promise though and from a good gate and with CC climbing on, he is worth another chance. (9) IRISH MAN and (6) BEAT DOKKAEBI the other main hopes.

Selections(5) Lemon K (1) Purge Ruby (2) Global Serve (9) Irish Man
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(7) MORNING DEW will be hot favourite to score in the opening maiden on the south coast. He has a 2nd place on his record and enters off a 3rd place at this distance on November 10th, when always close to the pace and leading for part of the way. In this company, he can get to an early lead and will take some passing. (10) FLASH DAY returned from five months out to run 5th od ten over this distance on November 17th. He should strip fitter for that run and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can be a danger. (6) BEOLGYO WANGCHO improved to 3rd at start number two on October 25th and can maintain that momentum here. (4) DORAON SAMSON and (9) BLACK WAVE are the other placing chances.

Selections(7) Morning Dew (10) Flash Day (6) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Doraon Samson
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

Two standouts here. After finishing 5th on debut, (2) DAZZLE RUSH was 2nd at start number two over 1300M on November 3rd at this distance, settling, as he did on debut, well back and running on very well. Third-up she can be peaking, and she can go one better here. (4) ECLIPSE THE KING similarly improved on his second start on October 27th, coming home 3rd over this distance. Previously an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes, Moon Se-young stays on, and drawn better, he can be expected to be on or close to the speed today and may well start as the betting favourite. (8) RUNNING ARTIST is clear third pick. She was 3rd behind Dazzle Rush in that November 3rd race, her second consecutive 3rd place and in this company should be targeting at least that again. The form falls off rapidly after those three, with (6) ARCH DAY and (10) YONGAM STAR perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Dazzle Rush (4) Eclipse The King (8) Running Artist (6) Arch Day
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) NONSTOP DUTY got her maiden win seven starts back but she has been working towards another and her recent form reads very pleasingly with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. She has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and in this company, she can settle behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (4) SWEET BEOMHAN returns to action for the first time since landing her maiden win at start number three all the way back in April. She looked very well when 3rd in a trial two weeks ago, Franco is up, and she will have plenty of first up backers. (9) MAGIC ELEVEN beat Nonstop Duty when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd in a very similar race to this on November 15th. That was the closest she has come in seventeen outings to date, but she can be expected to be on pace and in this a long way again. (10) SAMAKUI KKOT and (1) BACK TO THE LADY others to keep safe.

Selections(8) Nonstop Duty (4) Sweet Beomhan (9) Magic Eleven (10) Samakui Kkot
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

(10) BEST RACE was 2nd on debut before winning comfortably at start number two on October 27th when leading all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and he is the one to beat here.  (4) HAKSAN DAESE did nothing for her first eleven starts except finish 5th every other race. She has really picked up in her latest two though, with a 2nd and then a maiden win bringing her up to this class. The 2nd place came on her sole try so far at this distance and she can keep her good run going here. (3) EUMSEONG POWER arrested a run of slightly cold form with a 2nd place at this class and distance on October 26th and can go well again. (2) APPLE STYLE and (11) HAENGUN BARAM among others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Best Race (4) Haksan Daese (3) Eumseong Power (2) Apple Style
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

Competitive race with plenty entering with recent form reading very well. (9) STORM FIGHTER got his maiden win in fine style at start number four on November 11th when he settled fairly before quickly making his way to the front and going on to win by as many as he pleased. He comes up in class here, but his time was quicker than any of the others have posted over 1400M, and he can win again. (4) GALLOP QUEEN did beat Storm Fighter when the pair ran 1st and 3rd over 1300M at class 6 level. She came up to this class on November 8th and finished a close 2nd at this distance, racing handy throughout. Given her draw, she will be on or close to the speed again and has every chance. (3) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG and (10) WONDERFUL BIDDER came home 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance on November 1st and both can be in the mix again. (11) AWESOME SUNRISE another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Storm Fighter (4) Gallop Queen (3) Gwanyaeuihamseong (10) Wonderful Bidder
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 7)

There are 11 Saturday races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

(Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) RAON DESPERATE was the fastest of the newcomers in trials, coming from off the pace to run 4th behind the experienced Daesari. 1200M should suit first up. (4) BEOLGYO DESTINO took two goes to qualify but looked good in the second of them, similarly settling back and finishing off strongly. The time was good, he draws well here, and he can be a threat. (11) ROPPONGI DRAGON went though plenty of trials, getting it right on November 14th when overcoming the same gate as he draws here. He should certainly be race fit and can be in the mix. (Of the ones with experience (2) NICE WINNER and (6) WILD HAPPY are the most likely to improve on modest debuts.

Selections(9) Raon Desperate (4) Beolgyo Destino (11) Roppongi Dragon (2) Nice Winner
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 7

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

(2) CANVASEN GO comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times having been ridden on pace. Last time out he recorded the fastest time among these for the 1200M by a full 1.6 seconds and from a great draw, he can lead here and will be a hot favourite to go one better. (3) DONGBANG FORCE has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on November 2nd when leading for much of the way. She will be challenging Canvasen Go for the lead right from the start, and she can be in this a long way again. (1) LEGEND TANSAENG was 5th behind Canvasen Go on November 3rd. He comes back into the same gate from which he finished 3rd two starts back and he can be a danger. (4) SPARTAN and (6) WANGCHOEGO are the others to consider.

Selections(2) Canvasen Go (3) Dongbang Force (1) Legend Tansaeng (4) Spartan
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

(3) SEMYEONG STRONG has shown promise across four prior starts with her best being a 2nd place two starts back over 1200M. She does her best work late on so the slight step up in trip can suit and she will be on pace and the one to beat here. Second favourite will be (9) QUEEN DIA. She enters off a close runner-up finish when stepped up to this distance for the first time on November 10th, settling midfield and running on. In this small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can be in the finish again here. (8) MARUBYEOL is yet to finish in the top three in twenty-eight starts but has a lot of minor money finishes including two 4th places and a 5th from his latest three and in this limited company, should be there or thereabouts again. (4) BEOLGYO D Y and (6) SANGIM DAEPYO are others who can place.

Selections(3) Semyeong Strong (9) Queen Dia (8) Marubyeol (4) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

(6) AMAZING STAR got her maiden win (having already been thrown out once after crossing the line 1st earlier this year) on November 2nd when leading from gate to wire over this distance. Thay beings her finally up in class, but she is down in weight and should be able to more than measure up in this company. (4) BIG BRIDGE will need a line drawn through his latest when he was the beaten favourite over 1400M. The beaten margin wasn’t huge and if we go on his form coming into that race, then he warrants another chance and Moon Se-young climbs on. (9) MARU JANGGUN also needs to be forgiven his last start when he led but knocked up fast. At the outing before he was a winner at this class over 1400M and needs to be taken seriously. (1) GREEN CONCORD and (3) HERO CHAMP are other place chances.

Selections(6) Amazing Star (4) Big Bridge (9) Maru Janggun (1) Green Concord
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 6)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juveniles with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) BARBELL TROFEO ran a fair, if unspectacular, 5th on debut over this distance in October. He has since been back to trial where he ran 3rd to Tuhonui Banseok, a long way behind but stopping the clock in a good time and if he brings that form to the races, he has a good chance. (9) ARION KING CAR has also been back to trial since his inauspicious debut. He led every step of the way in requalifying and similar to Barbell Trofeo, if he can bring that on race day, he will be a big danger. (10) ROAD TO HEUIMANG looks the best of the first timers. He led his trial, crossing the line in 2nd in a good time and while he has a wide gate to contend with, should be in the mix. (8) FLYING RACE and (5) GLOBAL HEROINE are the others who will be backed.

Selections(7) Barbell Trofeo (9) Arion King Car (10) Road To Heuimang (8) Flying Race
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Maiden fillies here. (1) FLY TO THE MOON has shown progress across three outings so far with back-to-back 3rd places in her latest two, most recently a similar race to this on November 15th over 1200M when she beat a couple of today’s rivals. She draws a much better gate to get to the lead and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) B.K MAGIC was a much-improved 2nd at start number three at this distance on November 10th when leading for much of the way around. She’ll be on pace again and can match that finish here. (4) SIMON STAR has six top five finishes from nine starts and should be in the mix again. (9) STAR FORCE and (11) EAST SUN are others in the mix.

Selections(1) Fly To The Moon (5) B.K. Magic (4) Simon Star (9) Star Force
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

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

(6) CHRYSOL HERO returned from more than six months off to run a creditable 3rd over 1200M on October 4th, settling in midfield and then running on. He should strip fitter for that run and can go closer here. (11) MEGA MACHINE was an improved 4th at start three on November 10th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but Franco climbing on is a plus and he can be in the mix here. (2) MISS CROW has hinted at ability over her seven outings to date, five of them finishing between 3rd and 5th. She has got a bit far back in most of her races before running on, but from a good draw, Munro can pick his spot, and she can be a danger late on. (5) FAIRY and (9) FLYING ICE others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Chrysol Hero (11) Mega Machine (2) Miss Crow (5) Fairy
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

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

(3) YULIM SESANG was an all the way winner at start number two over 1200M on November 3rd. He is up in class and slightly in trip today, but the manner of that win suggests that there’s more to come and he can repeat. (4) GLORY GANGSEO was a winner on debut in April, but struggled on his first try at this class in July before rebounding with a 4th place at this distance in September. She comes in fresh after ten weeks out and can go close here. (6) SHASHA is yet to win but is up in class following a 3rd place and two 2nd places from three starts. She carries a light weight here, she should be on pace, and she has every chance of measuring up. (12) MR.WOLF and (9) FANTASTIC HUMOR others who should be in the hunt.

Selections(3) Yulim Sesang (4) Glory Gangseo (6) Shasha (12) Mr.Wolf
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 12

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

(6) BABEL DREAMY is yet to win, but he has three runner-up finishes at this distance, most recently on November 8th. He likes to settle back and run on but in this company, he may be a little further forward early, and today can be his day. (11) BLACK SPEED made all to win over 1400M on October 27th. That was just his fourth start and while he is up in class and in trip today, he should be competitive again, (9) FLYING THE FORD beat a couple of these on his way to victory at this class over 1400M on November 10th. He comes up 4kg in the weights but warrants respect. (4) MASTERY MAN and (10) PURPLE STAR among plenty of others in the placing frame.

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GLOBAL HIT HEADLINES GRAND PRIX

Sunday at Seoul Racecourse sees the 42nd running of the Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1), the final Group 1 race of the season and while with the advent of the Korea Cup, it is no longer the most valuable race on the calendar, in the eyes of many connections, it remains the most prestigious. SEE HERE FOR FULL RACE BY RACE PREVIEW FOR ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

This year, all eyes are on GLOBAL HIT, who has assumed the mantle of best horse in Korea. A year ago, he was beaten in this race by a nose following a final furlong duel with the now retired defending champion Winner’s Man, but he has been in imperious form since, going down to defeat just twice in 2024 The first of those was by a nose to TUHONUI BANSEOK in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) and then behind Crown Pride and Wilson Tesoro in the Korea Cup (1800M G3), preventing a Japanese clean sweep of the places by running 3rd.

Global Hit comes into the Grand Prix having won the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) by five-lengths in October and he will be a short-price favourite to claim what would be the biggest win of both his and jockey Kim Hye-sun’s respective careers before, all being well, the pair head for an overseas campaign in Dubai.

Can he be beaten? Moon Se-young is an eight-time champion jockey in Korea, but he hasn’t won this race since partnering Bally Brae to victory all the way back in 2007. If Global Hit comes up short, then Moon is well placed on NAOL SNIPER, 3rd in the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) and 2nd in the President’s Cup, to take advantage.

TUHONUI BANSEOK is there as well and while he races for the first time since running 2nd to Global Hit in the KRA Cup Classic in August, his quality is not in doubt. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG is a Group winner and having run 3rd in the President’s Cup, is not to be dismissed.

The new generation is represented by Classic winning SUCCESS BAEKPA, while fellow three-year-old AMERICA GOLD is an exciting up and comer and one of two in the race for trainer Luigi Riccardi.

The Grand Prix is race 7 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul with a local post time of 15:40:

1. MONTAUK CHAT – 6th of ten in the KRA Cup Classic and then 7th of eleven in the Korea Cup. Two ordinary class 2 handicap performances since, which is his level. This is very hard.

2. NAOL SNIPER – 3rd in the KRA Cup Classic and then an excellent 2nd in the President’s Cup, five-lengths behind Global Hit. Can lead or run on from behind, he steps up to the distance for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. Will be among the favourites.

3. SO MUCH GO – The seven-year-old enters in the form of his life having won his latest three, all at class 1 level and most recently at 2200M. He should relish the additional half furlong, and he will be running on strong. Not impossible he could get close.

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Grand Prix Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 1)

It’s the big one. The final Group 1 of the year, the Grand Prix Stakes is at Seoul on Sunday. We’ll have a full guide to the big race soon, but in the meantime, here is the race by race for the 11 race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and the 6 race card at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05:

Last year’s Grand Prix had quite the finish with the now retired Winner’s Man holding off this year’s favourite Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time.  We’re going to go with that one though and the delightfully named (8) WONDERFUL FAPPY. She didn’t run on when debuting over 1300M on October 27th but previously looked very goof when winning a trial. She should have derived benefit from that debut run and with a bit more maturity here, is worth another chance. (4) TAPDINE took a couple of goes to qualify but when he did, he looked very well, leading every step of the way in a trial on November 1st and stopping the clock in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will go close and Moon Se-young aboard means he will probably start as favourite. (2) MUNHAK BELL improved in the second of two trials while (5) SSOARA STAR and (6) NURI EUTTEUM are other first-timers with claims.

Selections(8) Wonderful Fappy (4) Tapdine (2) Munhak Bell (5) Ssoara Star
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Maiden fillies here and (11) CHOWON DOLPUNG will be the warm favourite. She debuted with a 2nd place before taking her chance in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo which was perhaps a bit much a bit soon. She then bounced back with a very close 4th place in a blanket finish in a filly maiden over 1000M on October 12th. Despite the wide gate, she should be on pace here and may take some beating. (3) SWITCH POWER has two 4th places among three starts so far most recently at 1200M on November 9th. She has finished off her races well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) KOTAP raced three times without distinction this Spring. She was then off for five months, returning to action on November 2nd with a solid 3rd. She should strip fitter for that effort and can go close here. (10) RAON THE BELMONT and (4) P N S PA others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Chowon Dolpung (3) Switch Power (2) Kotap (10) Raon The Belmont
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(5) YOUNG SKYWALKER was a beaten favourite on debut when 2nd over 1200M on October 13th and then a beaten favourite at start two when 3rd over 1300M on November 17th. He has raced on pace both times and in this company, with very little early speed, he can get to the front and the force really should be with him this time. (1) ANN BUNNY was a promising 3rd on debut over this distance on November 1st. She should have derived benefit from that, she draws well, and she can be in the mix here. (6) BREEDO COMET was 3rd behind Young Skywalker when they debuted together on that October 13th race, settling back and running on. He has had seven weeks off since and should have benefited for the run. (3) FLYING THE KHAN and (4) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who can improve.

Selections(5) Young Skywalker (1) Ann Bunny (6) Breedo Comet (3) Flying The Khan
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Very tricky maiden. We’ll go with (3) LUCKY SUNNY who, after an ordinary debut, was an improved 4th at start two over 1300M on November 3rd, racing handy. She draws nicely to sit behind the speed again here and third-up she can be peaking. (2) FLASH GOLD had a poor day at the office when well supported over this distance on October 27th, slowly away and never a factor. Instead, we go on his effort two starts back when on pace and a good 2nd then he is right in this from an in-form stable. (1) NAMCHON TOWN had a hard time in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy at start two in October, but he had posted a good time when 5th on debut back in July. That Listed race was his first outing since then and he should have come on for it. Munro is up. (11) JISAN FORCE and (8) TAEGISAN KING are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Lucky Sunny (2) Flash Gold (1) Namchon Town (11) Jisan Force
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (7) BIG JAWS has shown steady progress across three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over 1400M on November 1st when he raced close to the pace. Expect similar tactics today and back in trip, he has as good a chance as any. (3) SIX HERO will also be challenging for the lead early. His best finish so far is a 3rd place which came over this distance on October 6th. Franco climbs on and from a good gate he should be right in this. (11) WIND TIME was an improved 3rd at start number two at this distance on October 27th when she briefly led close to home and stopped the clock in a quicker time than any of the others here have achieved. She has the challenge of the widest gate but with a bit of luck at the start can find a good position and can be a danger. The form drops off significantly after those three. (10) HANEUL POKPUNG and debut-maker (4) BARBELL MOMO are perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(7) Big Jaws (3) Six Hero (11) Wind Time (10) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 30)

This week has seen the heaviest November snowfall in Korea for 117 years which left the track under about two feet of the stuff on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. It has eased now and temperatures are set to rise wo with any luck by the time of Sunday’s Grand Prix Stakes, it should all have melted. That will result in wet conditions for the weekend’s racing including the Saturday card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s been a snowy week in Seoul

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the nine racing for the first time. The experience should win out though, principally through (7) SUHYANG MIIN. After a good trial, she ran 4th on debut in a very similar race to this over 1200M on October 26th, racing handy throughout. With only a bit of natural improvement, she will be the one to beat. (2) WONDERFUL THATCH has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. She settled midfield both times before running on, and she can run into the money here. (1) CUPID K has also hinted at ability across two outings. She improved to 5th in the second of them and can continue to make progress in this company. Of the debut-makers, (4) JUNMA FORCE and (9) RAON SILENCE were the best in trials and are the most likely to make an immediate impact.   

Selections(7) Suhyang Miin (2) Wonderful Thatch (1) Cupid K (4) Junma Force
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens here with three of the eleven racing for the first time. After trialing up behind last week’s maiden winner Taekhan, (6) BLUE PIORA debuted on October 26th and came from off the pace to run a solid 3rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the proves. The slight step up in trip can suit and she can win here. (3) ELDORADO HAENAM was a trial winner and was then 2nd on debut at 1200M at the end of September, a long way behind winner Final K, who followed up with 2nd place in a Listed race. He has had nine weeks off since so comes in fresh and should pose a real threat. (2) SURENESS is another who debuted well, running a solid 3rd at 1200M on October 10th, showing close to the pace. He draws well to lead and can be in this a long way. (8) MIGHTY FREE and (11) WHIZ CAMPAIGN are others who can improve on fair debuts.

Selections(6) Blue Piora (3) Eldorado Haenam (2) Sureness (8) Mighty Free
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive looking race. (11) SMART A ONE gets the nod having run 3rd on debut over this distance on October 26th with a couple of today’s rivals behind. She overcame the same wide draw to get on pace and she can do so again, and this time come out on top. (8) POWER MONSTER was 4th in that same race, improving on a 7th place on debut. He only has a length to find on Smart A One and while he doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time, meaning he Comes up 4kg in the weights, he can be a danger. (4) DUSON EUTTEUM did nothing in two starts in August and September but looked a much better proposition when leading for most of the way in a trial earlier this month, running home 3rd and stopping the clock in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she can challenge. (6) PASA KING and debut-maker (2) GRAND FLYING are others who could have a say.

Selections(11) Smart A One (8) Power Monster (4) Duson Eutteum (6) Pasa King
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

(5) BLACK SIDAE shapes as a warm favourite in this small field. He has recorded her two best performances since being stepped up to this distance with back-to-back 3rd place finishes in his latest two racing close to the pace both times. He draws nicely to lead again and can go all the way. (3) SPEED CARA did nothing on debut back in March and then didn’t reappear until October 27th. Then he looked much better, running a solid 4th over 1400M. He should strip fitter for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can go close. (6) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on November 9th. Third up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise and is a place chance again. (7) MERIT SUNSHINE and (8) SAVANA CHARLIE others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(5) Black Sidae (3) Speed Cara (6) Naegiluiyeonggwang (7) Merit Sunshine
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 29

It’s Grand Prix Stakes weekend! The real Christmas for Korean racing fans. That’s at Seoul on Sunday but the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit and Tuhonui Banseok will renew hostilities on Sunday in Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (3) WONDERFUL LARK, who is the only one to have already raced twice. She has finished 5th and 4th in her two starts so far, coming from off the pace. She should have a fitness edge on these, Franco climbs on, and she can win. The danger is a first timer. (12) B.K. DANCING GIRL led from gate to wire in her trial, stopping the clock in a quick time. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but if she brings that form to the races, she has every chance. (10) MUSKET GIRL is also a trial winner, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t fast, but she showed enough to suggest she can make an impact first-up. (6) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL and (8) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY will be the others in the market.

Selections(3) Wonderful Lark (12) B.K. Dancing Girl (10) Musket Girl (6) Kkeutpan Yeogeol
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Twelve imported juvenile maidens go around here, with eight of them racing for the first time. (4) GEUMA EMINENT will be the hot favourite. He showed on pace on debut over this distance on November 8th, ultimately running 2nd, well beaten by a good winner but showing plenty of promise. He draws well to be on pace, Seo Seung-un gets on, and he will take some beating. (5) OASIS POWER debuted in the same race and put in a decent performance of his own, running 3rd having raced handy. He has three-lengths to find on Geuma Eminent, but he too should have come on for the run. We turn to the debut-makers after that. (12) EL CAZADOR went through two trials running a very close 2nd in the first and then within himself behind Grand Prix bound Tuhonui Banseok. That form can serve him well here. (6) MEETING ST and (11) SELL LIKE others who looked well in their heats.

Selections(4) Geuma Eminent (5) Oasis Power (12) El Cazador (6) Meeting St.
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) MOTHER CHUKJE ran 2nd on debut, racing on pace, before finishing 4th at start number two on October 25th then slow away and then laying in for part of the race. Franco gets on here and with a bit more maturity, she has every chance of winning this. The main danger is one gate inside. (5) RIGHT CHAMP has raced three times with a best of 2nd at 1400M in September. She likes to race on pace and from a good draw can lead and be in this a long way. (3) DIA MATE has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and from a good draw, she can be a factor here. (9) DREAMMA and (12) DOLPHIN KICK will be the other two in the market.

Selections(6) Mother Chukje (5) Right Champ (3) Dia Mate (9) Dreamma
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

A very competitive race. (6) STEROPES has four top five finishes from six starts so far and comes in having beaten a few of these on her way to 4th place on November 1st. She likes to race on pace or handy, so she is drawn fairly enough, and she has as good a chance as any. He is unkindly named, and he isn’t even very big, but (3) FAT BOY has hinted at ability across his eight outings to date. A previous outing at this distance didn’t go well, but his running style suggests that it is worth another try, and the Franco factor means plenty will be backing him. (4) I AM DREAMER has made steady progress across three starts so far, with his best being his latest when 3rd over a mile on November 8th. He comes back in trip and can play a big part here. (1) DALBITWIE, who beat Fat Boy last time out, and (9) CANCAN STEP other place chances.

Selections(6) Steropes (3) Fat Boy (4) I Am Dreamer (1) Dalbitwie
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 23)

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 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience is good though and (11) GWANAKSAN JOY shapes as a warm favourite. She’s the only one in the field to have raced twice having followed up a 4th place on debut with 2nd at start two over 1000M on October 12th, racing on pace both times. She has the challenge of a wide draw but if she can find a forward position, she may take some beating.  (7) GEUMBIT RUNNER was 3rd on debut over 1000M at the end of September, coming from well off the pace. She should have come on for the run and the additional trip can suit. (4) GEUNYANG GARA ran fairly on debut last month but went back and won a trial in fine style last week. She can be on pace and in this a long way. Of the first timers, (5) SINHAN ACE and (1) JOY LIGHT are the picks based on their trials.

Selections(11) Gwanaksan Joy (7) Geumbit Runner (4) Geunyang Gara (5) Sinhan Ace
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens. (5) ECLIPSE EDGE did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two on October 13th at 1200M, well beaten by a good winner but coming from midfield to finish off well. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (8) MR.STORM won a trial and was then 4th on debut over 1200M on October 27th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He should have come on for the run and can get closer here. There are two debut-makers and of them, (2) JOY CHEONHA performed well in his second trial overcoming a wide gate to run on pace and finish 2nd. That was all the way back in August, so it has taken some time for him to get to the races, but this is very amenable company to debut in. (6) ROAD TO A SPUR and (3) CHEONGHAE STAR others who may make progress.

Selections(5) Eclipse Edge (8) Mr.Storm (2) Joy Cheonha (6) Road To A Spur
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden and (5) DAESEUNGMA will be a hot favourite. After an underwhelming debut, she has recorded a pair of 4th place finishes and a 3rd with the latter coming in a very similar maiden to this on October 12th. She will race on pace or handy and should have too much for this lot. (7) KYLIE has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record, both at this distance and while she has performed below expectations in her latest two, she should be able to get to the lead here and can be in this a long way. (4) DIA ROOK ran a very close 2nd at this distance two starts back and while she only put in a fair performance over 1300M a month ago, she can be given another chance. (8) CUPID HEART and (2) COMMAND BLUE other placing chances.

Selections(5) Daeseungma (7) Kylie (4) Dia Rook (8) Cupid Heart
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) GEUMA FOREMOST has made progress over three starts, culminating in 2nd place over 1300M on October 27th, well beaten by a good winner but in turn, well clear of 3rd. The slight step up in trip again can suit and he can go one better. The big danger is (1) ELDORADO HEUNGBU. He stepped up to this distance on October 27th and took to it well, running 2nd in a time quicker than any of the others here who have attempted the 1400M have achieved. He draws nicely to race handy, and he has every chance. (9) ORANGE TIME has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, at 1200M and at this distance. The widest gate shouldn’t pose a problem, and he can be close again. (3) MEGA STEP and (2) TRES VITE are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(7) Geuma Foremost (1) Eldorado Heungbu (9) Orange Time (3) Mega Step
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) MORE THAN JOKE was 2nd on debut before finishing down the field in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. He came back out and got his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on October 13th, racing handy and winning well. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but he will be favoured to go back-to-back. (9) SMART MUSIC also broke through at start three over 1200M on October 26th. He has shown he has a strong finish on him, and he can measure up in this company. So too can (4) BEOLGYO GRAMMY. She got her maiden win at just the second time of asking on October 12th, leading from gate to wire. She carries a light weight and draws well to lead again. Among those with prior experience of this class, (10) YONGBISU and (6) EDENUI DONGJJOK, the latter needing a line drawn through his latest two, look the best.

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. For the on top pick, we’ll side with experience and (5) SUCCESS GOLD, who ran 4th on debut over 1-00M before improving to 2nd at start number two at 1300M on November 1st, settling midfield and running on. Her times have been good, and the experience can see her home on top. Among the first timers (7) CHOEGANG TRIPLE is the clear pick. He won his trial earlier this month, running on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be close. (3) SPEED TOP beat a couple of his fellow newcomers when 4th in a competitive trial. A half-brother to ten-time winner Daemangui Gil, he draws nicely and can put in a bold showing. Returning to the experience, (8) SUCCESS COW and (1) GRAND CRU can improve.

Selections(5) Success Gold (7) Choegang Triple (3) Speed Top (8) Success Cow
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

(2) GOOGLE CAR ran 3rd on debut in September before improving to 2nd at start number two over this distance on November 3rd when racing on pace. Expect similar tactics here from a good draw, and he will be a hot favourite to go one better. (8) ROMANCE BLUE has two 3rd places on her record, and she comes in off a close 4th at this distance in a good time on October 4th. A similar run will see her in the finish, and she will be the second favourite. Rounding out most trifectas will be (3) BLACK WAVE. She’s been knocking on the door across her nine starts, and having led in her latest two, will probably do so again from a good gate, and she can be in this a long way. (1) SEOGWI OSEONGTAP and debut-maker (9) SO GOOD other chances.

Selections(2) Google Car (8) Romance Blue (3) Black Wave (1) Seogwi Oseongtap
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

After running midfield on debut, (2) COWBOY MAN was a significantly improved 2nd at start two over 1400M on October 27th, racing handy throughout. He steps up slightly in trip again, draws very nicely, and he will be the hot favourite to make it third time lucky. (1) RUNNING FASHION may offer some each-way interest. He has a 2nd place to his name and ran well from off the pace for 5th on what was his first try at a mile last time out. He may have benefited from that experience, and he can be a danger. (5) RALLY MAN has hinted at ability across four outings so far. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (7) SEOBU CAPTAIN and (4) GOLDEN NICE others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Cowboy Man (1) Running Fashion (5) Rally Man (7) Seobu Captain
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

(3) HAPPY CHARMING won on debut over 1200M in September finishing in 2nd place on her first try at this class and distance on October 20th. She was well beaten by a good winner (Doctor Fighter) but she beat plenty of today’s rivals and she can go one better here, most likely racing on pace. She will vie for favourite status with (7) CATCH THE DREAM. She led all the way around on debut over 1200M on October 18th to win by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and she has every chance of repeating. (6) DONGNAM GANTAJA also comes up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three over 1200M on October 25th. It was a dominant win, and he can measure up. (12) ROAD TO FIGHTER and (11) WATER DRAGON are others in the hunt in a competitive race.

Selections(3) Happy Charming (7) Catch The Dream (6) Dongnam Gangtaja (12) Road To Fighter
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

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

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