Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 26)

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 six of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) GEUNYANG GARA went through two trials, showing great improvement in the second of them on October 4th (it wasn’t a compulsory trial so it may not appear in all race cards). She led, and was a close 2nd, stopping the clock in 62.3 seconds and if she brings that form to the races, she has an excellent chance first-up. (1) SUHYANG MIIN led for much of the way around her trial, ultimately being passed by only the class 1 Listed winner Vics Go. Moon Se-young is aboard and from the inside gate, she will have plenty of backers. Of the experienced ones, only (9) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL has shown much, running 3rd on debut over this distance on September 14th. She was nineteen-lengths behind the winner but won’t need to improve much to be close here. (8) SAMJEONG LADY and (12) DAEHANG BIMA others to consider.

Selections(5) Geunyang Gara (1) Suhyang Miin (9) Gwanaksan Wonderful (8) Samjeong Lady
Next Best12, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

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

Imported maidens with all but three racing for the first time. We’ll side with a newcomer and (7) SATANG SONYEO. She raced handy in her trial crossing the line 2nd in a quick time and beaten only by the experienced Magic Junior. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance. (9) HAEK DIA is one of the three who has raced before and after a slow start, she ran on well for 3rd place over this distance on September 28th, albeit well back behind a good winner. She should have come on for that run and will be a danger. Returning to the first timers, both (6) WHIZ CAMPAIGN and (11) TAP TIER won their trials and can be considered first up. (3) BLUE PIORA ran 2nd in her trial, posting a quick time and has the in-form Ruan Maia aboard.

Selections(7) Satang Sonyeo (9) Haek Dia (6) Whiz Campaign (11) Tap Tier
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4 ,6

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

(3) SMART MUSIC has run 5th in both his starts so far, both over this distance. At his latest on September 28th, he settled midfield and ran on in a quick time and from a good draw here, he can be ridden a little further forward and won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) YONGAM KATHAKA did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two a month ago when leading for much of the way around. He will be expected to lead again here, and he can be in this a long way. That pair will fill out most quinellas, but first-time starter (11) SMART A ONE ran 2nd in a fair time in her trial and in this company can challenge for a place first-up. (1) POWER MONSTER and (5) BLUE DRAGON can potentially improve from middling efforts on debut. 

Selections(3) Smart Music (8) Yongam Kanthaka (11) Smart A One (1) Power Monster
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

(7) CHRYSOL CROWN stepped up to this distance at start number two on September 1st and ran a significantly improved 2nd place, coming from well off the pace. He e was well beaten by a good winner but the experience should stand him in good stead and third-up he can be peaking. (1) BLACK SIDAE tackled two-turns for the first time on September 28th and he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over this distance, racing on pace throughout. He draws nicely to lead again, and he has every chance. Completing the top line of favourites is (5) SPLENDID. He steps up to this distance for the first time having run 4th in his latest two at 1200M and 1300M, finishing off his races well, and he can be in the mix. (2) OPUS PURPLE and (8) NONSTOP YEOLCHA the other main placing chances.

Selections(7) Chrysol Crown (1) Black Sidae (5) Splendid (2) Opus Purple
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-by-Race Preview (October 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday at Busan 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 five of the ten racing for the first time. If you’ve been given a name like (1) ALL TIME LEGEND, you’d better be good, and the Hansen colt showed enough on debut to suggest he might be. He ran 2nd over this distance on September 8th only going down narrowly having led for most of the way. He should have come on for that run and will be a short-priced favourite to go one better here. After winning a trial, (7) MOTHER CHUKJE was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on September 27th and ran a solid 2nd place. He too should have derived benefit from the experience and can be a danger. (2) SWORD MASTER also debuted in that race and was just half a length back in 3rd. He draws better today and with Munro up, could overturn that form. (10) BEOLGYO WANGCHO did little on debut but previously looked good in a trial and with Hye-sun booked, will be backed to improve, Of the debut-makers, (4) DUSTIN MARINE looked best in trials.

Selections(1) All Time Legend (7) Mother Chukje (2) Sword Master (10) Beolgyo Wangcho
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

(2) DONGNAM GANGTAJA raced twice in the summer, improving to start number two over 1300M on August 18th. He hasn’t raced since but he has kept fit and trialed in September. He draws well here and can win this. (1) BLACK WAVE will need a line drawn though her latest when she was never a factor. Instead, we’ll go on her effort two starts back when 2nd over this distance. She draws the same gate today as she did then, and she warrants another chance. (7) RALLY MAN has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1400M on September 27th. He has a 4th place at this distance and shapes as a danger. (10) CHEONGWAN and (6) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA are other potential improvers.

Selections(2) Dongnam Gangtaja (1) Black Wave (7) Rally Man (10) Cheongwan
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

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

Another warm favourite here in the shape of (9) DREAM TREE. After kicking off his career with three straight 4th place finishes, he improved to 2nd at his latest when tried over the mile for the first time on September 13th and settling midfield and running on. He looks ready to go one better here. (6) SEOBU CAPTAIN has lots of experience over the mile and comes in following his best effort to date, when 2nd on September 29th. Ueda stays on and a similar run will see him in the mix here. (10) HANEUL MANJEOM returned from nine months out to run a fair 5th of eleven over 1200M on September 6th. He managed a 2nd and a 3rd before the lay off and he should strip fitter for that run last month. (7) B.K. MARON and (2) WORLD TAEYANG are other placing chances.

Selections(9) Dream Tree (6) Seobu Captain (10) Haneul Manjeom (7) B.K. Maron
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) UNJU CHALLENGE got her maiden win at start number two over 1400M on September 27th, leading all the way. She comes up in class and in trip but neither should be an issued and she can go all the way again. (2) HELLO SUNSHINE is the main danger. He got his solitary win all the way back at start number two but following a seven-month layoff, he returned in August and has finished 3rd in back-to-back races over 1200M and 1300M. He comes up to the mile for the first time, and he carries his fair share of weight, but third-up, he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he looks right in this.  It gets difficult after those two. (9) BACKTOTHECHAMPION is rarely too far away and has a 3rd place to his name over the mile. He can be backed here. (7) NANGMAN DAERO and (3) THE WIND others to consider.

Selections(1) Unju Challenge (2) Hello Sunshine (9) Backtothechampion (7) Nangman Daero
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

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

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Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

Plenty going on Sunday around Korean racing with the G3 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, featuring another clash between Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew the highlight. Both Busan and Seoul also host legs of the Juvenile Series. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Alan Munro will be back in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Small field of juvenile maidens with (3) GLOBAL TIME as the warm favourite. He comes in having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far, most recently over 1200M on September 15th when he led until the closing stages. Third up he can be peaking and from a good draw he can lead again, and this time go one better. (4) MUNHAK BOY debuted in that September 15th race and ran a very solid 3rd, coming from off the pace. He was five-lengths behind Global Time so he has plenty to make up, the slight step up in trip can suit and he should have some natural improvement. (1) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL did nothing on debut make in July but has since been back to trial where he looked a better prospect, and he can improve today. Debut-maker (8) RAON THE AFFIRMED trialed up with Munhak Boy, finishing 3rd to his 2nd and she can go well first up while the other first-timer (2) BEOLGYO BAKGANGGUL also hinted at ability in a trial. 

Selections(3) Global Time (4) Munhak Boy (1) Gwanaksan Global (8) Raon The Affirmed
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

Standard maiden here with (2) WONDERFUL NORTHERN the standout. He didn’t do much on debut but in two subsequent starts, has landed a close 2nd followed by a 3rd, both at 1200M. Both times he did his best work late on and stepping up to 1400M may be just what he needs to make the breakthrough. (7) CHRYSOL MAJOR came from well off the pace to land a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on September 29th, well behind a good winner, but showing promise and he won’t need to improve much to go close here. (5) ORANGE TIME too improved to 2nd place at his latest start on September 15th and is another for who the additional distance may benefit. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) GANGCHEOL DRAGON among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Wonderful Northern (7) Chrysol Major (5) Orange Time (8) Craze Chang
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. Moon Se-young is in town to ride Wonderful Slew in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup later and he picks up a potential winner here on the shape of (7) FLYING CHAMPION. After an inauspicious debut, he has finished 2nd and 4th in two subsequent outings at 1200M and 1400M and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this lot. (9) EUNBIT DAERO is the only other experienced one with any form to speak of, having run 4th on debut in a decent time over 1000M. With some natural improvement she can get close here. (10) DOCTOR CURLIN did nothing at start number two but if we go on his 5th of eleven form a wide draw on debut, he can shape as a place chance. Other than that it is the debut-makers and (1) DAEGIL HERO and (3) WONDERFUL FORTUNE were the best in trials.

Selections(7) Flying Champion (9) Eunbit Daero (10) Doctor Curlin (1) Daegil Hero
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SCALE KING is yet to win in eight attempts but got promoted to this level with a few too many near-misses and then showed he can compete with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 14th when handy throughout. He has raced well at this trip already and today can be his day. Probably betting favourite is (6) STING JET. After running 4th on debut, he was a winner at start number two over 1200M on September 15th when tracking the leader and pulling away late. He is up in class and slightly in trip but is down in the weights and can measure up. (3) AUSTIN LEADER mixes his form, but this is the kind of company among which he can compete for at least a place. (11) BELOTERO and (7) EAST RISING among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Scale King (6) Sting Jet (3) Austin Leader (11) Belotero
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) NINETY PLUS got his maiden in at start number two on August 11th before running 2nd in the valuable Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy for juveniles on September 8th, settling midfield and running on. He has by far the quickest final furlong among these, and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem (2) HAPPY CHARMING was a front-running winner on debut over 1200M on September 8th. She comes up in class and in distance here and from a good draw, she can get on pace, and she can win again. (7) ROAD TO FIGHTER is up in class following a maiden win over 1200M at start number three on September 13th. He doesn’t get much of a weight break, but he can measure up here. (8) WE LIKE MONEY and (6) DOCTOR FIGHTER among plenty of other place chances in a competitive race.

Selections(11) Ninety Plus (2) Happy Charming (7) Road To Fighter (8) We Like Money
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

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

It’s another big weekend of racing with the Queens Tour Fall/Winter continuing on Sunday with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, as well as a pair of big races in the Juvenile Series the same afternoon. Saturday’s action 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 maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience though (6) HYEUKMUSANG won a July trial before running 2nd on debut over this distance on August 31st beaten only by a winner who has gone on to score again. He should have come on for the run and will be a warm favourite to prevail here. (1) SAENAE CLASSIC was given a tough assignment on debut in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy but he acquitted himself fairly, running 6th of eleven having raced just behind the speed. He should have derived benefit from that and can improve here. (2) DRAGON K ran 8th in the same race having finished 4th over 1000M on debut. He too can get closer here. (4) SMART TAKE and (3) HAKSAN CAIRO both hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(6) Hyeukmusang (1) Saenae Classic (2) Dragon K (4) Smart Take
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(4) CHEONGSAN JIJLU registered a 4th and a 3rd from his first two starts before finishing a good 5th of eleven in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at start number three on September 7th when he beat a couple of the leading contenders for race 1 today. He got a long way back that day before running on and with a better start and in more amenable company, he should be too strong. (3) BREEDO TROPHY has made solid progress across four starts so far with his latest, on September 15th, being his best when 3rd over this distance coming from well off the pace. He’s got a smart finish on him and from a good draw, Kozzi can pick his spot, and they will be a danger. (1) MAGIC SILENCE comes in having run an improved 3rd place at this distance on October 6th. She makes a quick return here to strike while the iron is at least lukewarm and from her best draw to date, she can get her best result to date. (9) KYLIE and (2) YEONGWON FANTASTIC other chances.

Selections(4) Cheongsan Jilju (3) Breedo Trophy (1) Magic Silence (9) Kylie
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) RAON HIT MAN enters having beaten a couple of these on his way to 2nd place on what was his first try at this distance on September 15th, coming from well off the pace. The extended trip seemed to suit, and he can make it twelfth time lucky today. (5) WITH DIS KURO has finished off well in each of his three outings so far, up to 1300M. Each time he has run out of track, and he too should appreciate the chance to run at further today. (6) P N S ME and (4) NATURAL SOUND came home 3rd and 4th respectively behind Raon Hit Man in that September 15th race. Both have run once since, putting in good efforts and then can be in the mix here. (8) SUN GALLANT the other placing chance.

Selections(1) Raon Hit Man (5) With Dis Kuro (6) P N S Me (4) Natural Sound
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only here and (10) SERGEANT LIGHT shapes as the warm favourite. She has been getting progressively closer across her six starts to date, culminating in a close 2nd place over this distance on September 14th when slightly slow away before being ridden up to race handy. The wide draw shouldn’t matter, and she can go one better this time. (5) MERIT SUNSHINE beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at 1200M on September 14th, his best finish so far. In this company, she can be ridden forward today and can be in this a long way. (3) DIA ROOK did nothing in her first two starts but only went down by a very narrow margin at start three on August 17th at this distance having led for much of the way. She can lead here too and be a danger. (11) OKCHEON WIN STAR and (7) CALIPH others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Sergeant Light (5) Merit Sunshine (3) Dia Rook (11) Okcheon Win Star
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

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

Masa “Magic Hands” Tanaka rode 5 winners at Busan last week (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) GEUMA DOMINANT was a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 6th, racing handy throughout. She should have benefitted from the experience, she draws well, and with Munro climbing up, she can win here. (9) QUEEN RACE was 5th on debut behind the excellent prospect Winner Clear. She too should have some natural improvement here and shapes as a danger. Among the debut-makers (4) CATCH THE DREAM is the standout. She won her trial with an on-pace effort and if she brings that form to the races, she will be close first-up. (6) MIRAGE ran 2nd in her trial, settling handy and running on and can also be considered on debut. (11) A GOLD BAR took three goes to qualify but looked capable when finally managing it at the end of September.

Selections(2) Geuma Dominant (9) Queen Race (4) Catch The Dream (6) Mirage
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

Juvenile maidens with two of the nine racing for the first time. (2) BEOLMA WINNER is the probable favourite, having finished 4th on debut over 1200M on September 15th, racing close to the speed throughout. He comes into a better gate here and with some natural improvement, may take some beating. (6) B.K DREAM is the only one in the field to have raced twice already. He ran a good 4th on debut before finishing down the field in the Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy on September 8th. Today’s company is much more amenable and third-up he may have a fitness edge. (4) SEKWANG LIGHT is another who was 4th on debut, in his case over the minimum distance on September 13th when slow away and running on from well off the pace. The step up in trip may suit and he can be a danger late. (5) FLYING THE KHAN and (3) PARU others who can improve.

Selections(2) Beolma Winner (6) B.K Dream (4) Sekwang Light (5) Flying The Khan
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) PINOT POWER stepped up to a mile at his latest outing and ran a fair 5th of eleven having settled in midfield. We are more interested though in his effort two starts back over this trip when he led for much of the way over today’s distance and was only very narrowly beaten into 2nd. He draws nicely to lead here and will surely be in this a long way. (2) LIME TREE will compete with him for favourite status. He too has a 2nd place on his record, albeit miles behind Winner Clear at start number two over 1200M in August. He was a fair 4th at 1300M on his latest start and won’t need to improve much to go close here. (4) TRIPLE SINHWA was an encouraging 4th on debut over 1200M on September 1st, coming from well off the pace. He should have come on for that and the 1400M should suit. (11) NEW LEADER and (7) GWANGSOKMA others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Pinot Power (2) Lime Tree (4) Triple Sinhwa (11) New Leader
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

(3) WORLD HIT was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 13th, leading for most of the way around and crossing the line plenty to the good. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he draws well and can maintain his 100% record. (1) GANGSEO BULPAE is yet to win in seven attempts but comes in having been 3rd in both her latest two at this class over 1300M and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) FLYING DANU won her first two starts the Spring with the second being at this class over 1300M. She then went lame on her third appearance in May and hasn’t raced since. She didn’t offer too many clues in a September trial in which she dead heated for 4th in a fair time, but she has ability and can be a threat first up but has to be taken on trust. (5) QUEEN AND SERVE and (10) GOOD KING MAN others who come in with recent form reading well and can be in the mix.

Selections(3) World Hit (1) Gangseo Bulpae (9) Flying Danu (5) Queen And Serve
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

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GLOBAL HIT AND SPEED YOUNG HEADLINE PRESIDENT’S CUP SHOWDOWN

It’s not the most valuable race on the calendar, that’s the Korea Cup, and nor is it the most prestigious, with that honour going to the Grand Prix Stakes. It is in the President’s Cup though where Korean racing legends tend to be made. SEE HERE FOR SUNDAY’S RACE-BY-RACE FOR BOTH SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Global Hit seeks a second G1 in the President’s Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

There was Dangdae Bulpae, with three consecutive wins between 2010 and 2012. Triple Nine with four between 2015 and 2018. And last year Winner’s Man completed the Grand Slam of Korean Group 1 races by finally adding it as the final piece to his collection (The Korean Derby, the Grand Prix and one of either the Korea Cup or Korea Sprint is required for a full set).

On Sunday, all eyes are on last year’s Korean Derby winner GLOBAL HIT, who in the absence of the now retired Winner’s Man, has become the standard bearer of racing here. While bested by Winner’s Man both in this race and in the Grand Prix last year, the latter by a very narrow margin, he was 3rd in the Korea Cup and now he seeks to stamp his authority over the domestic division by winning the President’s Cup.

It won’t be easy. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG has run him close before and can again, while NAOL SNIPER and WORLD DRAGON are also seeking Group race success.

SUCCESS BAEKPA is the up and comer having won two legs of this year’s Triple Crown, while in SIMJANGUI GODONG, there is a former winner in the race with the veteran having prevailed in the 2021 edition.

Adding intrigue among the fifteen-strong field is the presence of BEOLMAUI STAR. The runner-up in the 2023 Korea Sprint has had an erratic summer at the shorter distances and he gets tried around two turns for the first time in his career.

The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is race 7 at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a local post time of 15:40.

1. SUCCESS BAEKPA – Winner of the 1st and 3rd legs of this year’s Triple Crown and 3rd in the Derby, he hasn’t raced since winning the Minister’s Cup here over 2000M in June. He has been back in work since late August and looked well when winning a trial within himself in mid-September. Very tough ask first-up but he is a big talent and if match fit, could be involved.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Saved Korea’s honour when 3rd behind Crown Pride and Wilson Tesoro in the Korea Cup, he is acknowledged as the best horse in the country. Three wins from five this year with the ineligible Tuhonui Banseok the only one to beat him. Sensibly campaigned, if at his best, he is too good. From a great draw, Kim Hye-sun can pick her spot and probably settles handy or midfield

3. TIZ BAROWS – Class 1 winner in June but beaten by Naol Sniper and Gangpungma in July, he has just been found a little wanting when tried against the elite and was 10th in his previous Group attempt, the YTN Cup. May well try to go to the lead here.  

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President’s Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan – Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s President’s Cup day! The penultimate Group 1 race of the year takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the likes of Global Hit, Speed Young and Naol Sniper among the leading contenders in the Billion Won race. The big race is race 7 (15:40) on the 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00 while there are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. We’ll have a full runner-by-runner guide to the big race a little later, but for now, here are the race previews:

Global Hit and Speed Young head the President’s Cup field (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (9) CUPID IT, who ran 2nd on debut in a quick race over 1000M before finishing a fair 7th of thirteen in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. Back in more amenable company today, he will be a warm favourite. (5) ECLIPSE EDGE was given a tough assignment on debut in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. He finished down the field but was in no way disgraced and having previously shown speed in his trials, he looks set for improvement today and will be second favourite. (6) STUNNING WORLD was a competent 5th on debut in a good time over 1000M and should have come on for the run. As for the first timers, (3) WORLD JOY beat three of these when 3rd in a trial on September 12th and looks best placed to make an immediate impact. (7) VOYAGER, 6th in that same heat, another.

Selections(9) Cupid It (5) Eclipse Edge (6) Stunning World (3) World Joy
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

Similar to race 1, we have a horse who ran well on debut before finishing back in the Rookie Stakes. That’s (6) MORE THAN JOKE, who only beat two home in the Rookie Stakes but like everything in that race, ran creditably. He was 2nd over 1000M on debut back in July, racing on pace, and against limited opposition here, will be expected to win. (3) GLOBAL HAMSEONG was a close 3rd to More Than Joke on debut in July before notching another 3rd when stepped up to this distance on August 24th. He draws well and can be a danger.  (1) SEMYEONG STRONG improved at start number two and from the same gate today can continue to make progress. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN and (9) ARCH DAY others in the frame.

Selections(6) More Than Joke (3) Global Hamseong (1) Semyeong Strong (10) Perfect Danaeun
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast, with six of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll go with a debut maker and (4) YOUNG SKYWALKER. He led all the way in his trial, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good having been barely asked to do a thing. If he brings that form to the races, he will take a lot of beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (7) RACE MAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they debuted together over 1000M on September 13th in what was a fast race. Both should have come on for the run and the pair shape as the main dangers to the newcomer here. Turning to the rest of those debut-makers, (6) BREEDO COMET and (9) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who hinted at ability in trials.  

Selections(4) Young Skywalker (2) Doctor City (7) Race Man (6) Breedo Comet
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(7) MARU JNGGUN got his maiden win at start number two in August over 1200M before running 4th at the same distance on his first try at this level on September 14th. HE stays under the same weight, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (4) EAST QUALITY is yet to win in six attempts but got promoted to this level following back-to-back runner0uo finishes in June and July. He showed he can compete with a 4th place over this distance on September 1st and he can be on pace here and in this a long way. (6) CHEONGUCHAT is similarly a maiden but has plenty of near misses. He is another who should be on pace with every chance. (9) MOMO K and (2) MR. POWER the other logical place chances.

Selections(7) Maru Janggun (4) East Quality (6) Cheonguchat (9) Momo K
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(3) BANGTANUI JEONSA stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 13th and beat three of these on his way to a much-improved 3rd place. It wasn’t a quick race and generally betting on a horse that ran well at 70/1 last time out is as quick a route to the poor house as any, he comes in under almost the same weight, he draws very nicely, and he could come out on top here. (4) WILD DIXIE was 4th in that race, continuing a consistent recent string of results. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he should be running on strong here. (8) USANG RYUNG came home in 6th place that day, but at the start before, she was 2nd over the same distance and that’s enough to put her firmly in the frame here. (6) I AM DREAMER has trialed well since an inauspicious debut while (10) BAEDARI BOSEOK has a 2nd place on his record which is enough to put him in the mix with this lot.

Selections(3) Bangtanui Jeonsa (4) Wild Dixie (8) Usang Ryung (6) I Am Dreamer
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) MISS CONCORD ran out a five-length winner over 1200M on September 14th, registering her maiden score at the seventh attempt. She comes up in class, but the manner of that victory suggests there can be more to come, and she can go back-to-back. Kozzi Asano rode Miss Concord that day but today he is on (10) CROQUIS. She also got her maiden win at her latest start when taking a narrow victory over 1300M on August 3rd, but it was at this class. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wide gate but she can be a danger again. (1) ARCH RUNNER remains a twenty-three-race maiden, but she has an excellent record of picking up prize money in races like this and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) BEOLGYOWISU and (11) TESTA RUBY others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Miss Concord (10) Croquis (1) Arch Runner (9) Beolgyowisu
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

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

(2) DRAGON NINJA came from off the pace to win handily over 1200M on debut on September 1st. He comes up in class and in distance but neither of these should be a problem and he will be strongly favoured to make it two from two here.  (7) POWER WAGON is likewise up in class having run 3rd on debut in August before breaking through at start two on September 15th, leading from gate to wire. The step up in trip should pose no problem and he can be a danger. It took (9) ROSE DRAGON six starts to break through, which she did on September 15th. In her case, it was over this distance and up in class but down in weight, she can measure up here. (6) GOTOTHEVALHALLA needs a line drawn through his latest and along with (5) TAURUS KING, is a place chance.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (4) GWANAKSAN JOY, who debuted over 1200M on August 31st when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing 4th, six lengths behind the winner who has since won again. She’ll be on pace here and this time can go all the way. Having won a trial, (10) HAKSAN CLEAR was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on September 8th when she led but got caught late on. She too should have come on for the run and can be a danger here. (6) CHOWON DOLPONG was a close 2nd on debut before taking her chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy on September 7th. She finished 7th of eleven in that but should be happier in more amenable company here. (7) HAENGBOKHAN SEUNGBU and (1) BEOLGYO GRAMMY others who hinted at ability on debut and may improve.

Selections(4) Gwanaksan Joy (10) Haksan Clear (6) Chowon Dolpung (7) Haengbokhan Seungbu
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 12

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

Twelve maiden imports here with six of the twelve racing for the first time.  We’ll take a chance on one of those newcomers after (4) SECRET SOCKS more than caught the eye in the last of three trials she went through. It was on September 12th, and she led all the way around stopping the clock in 60.6 seconds, nine-lengths clear of the rest. If she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) PEPPER X beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a solid runner-up finish on debut on September 14th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and with some natural improvement, he has a winning chance. (11) DREAMER WHIZ was 3rd on debut over 1000M, running on pleasingly enough. The step up in trip can suit, and he can get closer here. (5) GWANAKSAN O TWO and (1) BREEDO SIRIS others who can improve.   

Selections(4) Secret Socks (9) Pepper X (11) Dreamer Whiz (5) Gwanaksan O Two
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) ANYANG GIPPEUM is the only one in the race with a 2nd place to her name, achieved at start number two over this distance on August 17th when briefly leading close to home and only being narrowly beaten. She subsequently ran 4th on September 15th, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, on those efforts to win this. (8) DAESEUNGMA comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes, actually beating Anyang Gippeum on the latter’s debut in July before finishing behind her in that August 17th race. She can be on the speed here and in this a long way. (10) HANGANG FASHIONED also enters off a pair of 4th place finishes achieved in contrasting styles, first when leading and then from behind and she too shapes as a danger, (3) ORION ALPHA and (9) SEOHAE BADA others in the frame.

Selections(7) Anyang Gippeum (8) Daeseungma (10) Hangang Fashioned (3) Orion Alpha
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) DANGDAECHOWOL got two 4th places from his first two outings and then ran 2nd at start three on September 14th, beating a couple of today’s rivals and posting a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled the distance. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but Kozzi climbs on, and he can go one better this time. (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back following a five-month layoff, settling back and running on both times. Third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness wise, and he will be vying for favourite status. (1) POETIC NUBI was 3rd behind Dangdaechowol in that September 14th race and can aim to match or better it from the inside gate. (3) COMMANDING LEAD and (6) WANCHOEGO others to consider.

Selections(11) Dangdaechowol (5) Éclair Power (1) Poetic Nubi (3) Commanding Lead
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

(3) MAGIC IMPACT got her maiden win on her first try around this distance on September 15th, leading for much of the way around and scoring by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class, but she draws nicely, and she can make it two in a row. (6) SINUI UNMYEONG was a beaten favourite on his first try at this class and distance on September 8th, showing on pace and coming home 4th. The start before he was a smart winner over 1400M and can be given another chance today. He gets a weight swing on (2) BIG BLED, who won that September 8th race, leading all the way. Her 3.5kg rise is softened slightly by a nice draw and she can be in this a long way again. (1) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) LEGEND TAP among others in contention in what looks a competitive race.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 11)

It’s President’s Cup weekend. The penultimate Group 1 race of the season is at Seoul on Sunday, but 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 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the owner with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (8) FLY TO THE MOON led on debut over this distance on September 27th, ultimately running 5th. She should have come on for that run and makes a quick return with every chance of coming out on top. (12) HWARYEOHANJOMYEONG was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 18th before tackling the Gangseo-Gu Mayor’s Trophy over 1200M on international day on September 8th when she stumbled and lay in and was never a factor. In more amenable company, she can be given another chance. (1) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK won her trial leading all the way and that puts her automatically in the frame first-up from a good gate. (2) QUEEN TYCHE and (11) SUCCESS GOLD other newcomers who hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(8) Fly To The Moon (12) Hwaryeohanjomyeong (1) Nakdong Myeongjak (2) Queen Tyche
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

(5) GALLOP QUEEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far with her latest being her best when 3rd over 1200M on September 13th. Tanaka stays on, she is nicely weighted and from a good gate she should be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) STORM FIGHTER was slow away at start number two, ultimately finishing back in the pack over this distance. Instead of that, we’ll go on his 4th place in a quick race (a long way behind a very good winner), showing promise. With a smoother trip this time, he should go close. (8) NICE GIRL was an improved 3rd at start number two over 1400M on September 15th and a similar effort should see her in the mix here. (11) ROAD TO WIN and (1) RAON FLATTER others to consider for improvement.

Selections(5) Gallop Queen (4) Storm Fighter (8) Nice Girl (11) Road To Win
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(10) HOLY RUN ran 4th on both his first two starts before running 2nd, a long way behind a very good winner, at start number three over 1300M on September 8th. The slight step up in trip should suit, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he will be favourite to go one better here. (1) DIA MATE is yet to finish any better than 5th, but she has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1400M already and from a good draw, she may surprise at a probable each-way price. (9) RICH TREE was an improved 3rd at start number two over 1200M on September 8th. He has finished off very well and may appreciate the step up in trip here. (11) WONDERFUL JONES and (4) MISS CROW other sin at least the placing frame.

Selections(10) Holy Run (1) Dia Mate (9) Rich Tree (11) Wonderful Jones
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) MORNING DEW has improved across three starts so far, most recently a strong 2nd place at this distance on September 13th, leading for most of the way before being passed late by a good favourite. He will be on pace here again and will be a short-priced favourite, who may take some beating. (6) SHACKLE LAUD got sent back to trial after his first two starts. He looked very well when leading all the way around in a heat in early September, and if he brings that form to the races, he should be much improved. (7) DAESUNG FLY did nothing in two starts in the final quarter of last year and then had surgery for a chip fracture. She returned to training in June, and she looked very well when 2nd in a quick trial in July. It has taken her a few more months to get to the races so she has to be taken on trust, but she may be worth a try in this limited company. First-timer (9) YULIM SESANG, along with (5) GREAT MARU others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Morning Dew (6) Shackle Laud (7) Daesung Fly (9) Yulim Sesang
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 6)

There are Sunday meetings at both Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). Here are the previews:

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

Small field but a competitive maiden, at least among the top two. (3) SAEROUN GUY has come progressively closer across four starts to date, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on July 13th when slowly away and running on to beat a couple of today’s rivals. He’s had twelve weeks off since then so comes in fresh and has as good a chance as any. (5) GOLDEN JACKPOT ran a fair 4th place on debut at 1200M on July 14th, settling back and running on from a wide gate. He also comes in following twelve weeks out and shapes as the danger. (6) JILPUNG JAZZ has been only ordinary in his latest couple, but he does have a 3rd place on his recent record and that’s enough to put him in the minor money hunt here. (1) TALITHA CUMI and the second up after a spell (7) NEOMANEULWIHAESEO others who may improve.

Selections(3) Saeroun Guy (5) Golden Jackpot (6) Jilpung Jazz (1) Talitha Cumi
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(6) LUCKY FAMOUS ran a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on September 8th, overcoming a wide gate and running on well. It wasn’t a quick race, but he should have derived benefit from the run, and he can be a big factor here. (10) CHOCO BEAUTY is yet to finish any better than 4th but she has now done that three times in her latest four outings. She likes to come from off the pace and she will be charging home late here. (9) OPUS PURPLE will need a line drawn through her latest on September 3rd over 1700M. She has since been back to trial which he won on September 12th, and back in trip today, she can be given another chance. (1) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG and (3) THUNDER LUCKY are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) Lucky Famous (10) Choco Beauty (9) Opus Purple (1) Beautiful Hwaseong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

A very competitive maiden opens things on the south coast. (3) MR. WOLF didn’t do much on debut in July but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on August 23rd, racing on pace. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he can go one better himself. (2) BEOLMAUI ANGEL has run 3rd in both of his two starts so far, at 1000M and most recently at this distance on August 11th. He has raced on pace both times and draws well to do the same here and he may well start as the betting favourite. (4) CRAZY LEO has a 3rd and a 2nd from his two appearances to date, only narrowly going down over 1200M on August 30th. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and has as good a chance as any. (5) CANCAN STEP and (6) SAENAE HUNTER the others in the frame.  

Selections(3) Mr. Wolf (2) Beolmaui Angel (4) Crazy Leo (5) Cancan Step
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

This could be anyone’s, even (7) APPLE STYLE. He came from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1200M before running on too late at start number two over the same distance and only making it up to 7th. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and the additional trip may be just what he needs. Solitary debut-maker (5) WESTERN GUN looked well when winning a trial in July. It has taken a while for him to get to the races, but if he brings that form, he can go close first-up. (1) PROCEED has been steadily figuring things out across his latest couple of starts with a 4th and a 3rd at 1300M and 1400M. He draws nicely and can be getting closer still today. (9) CHEONJI MARKET and (2) YES MADAM among plenty of other placing chances.

Selections(7) Apple Style (5) Western Gun (1) Proceed (9) Cheonji Market
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

Nine maiden imports go around here. (5) GEUMA GUTTY won two trials and then beat three of today’s rivals on debut on August 30th when a touch slow away but then running on very strongly for 2nd behind an excellent winner over 1200M. Munro stays on, he should have come on for the run, and he may take some beating. There are three debut makers and a couple of them showed big potential in trials. (3) FLYING CROWN ran 2nd in a very fast hear on September 14th, coming from off the pace. The 1200M first-up should suit and he can be a danger. (1) SMART BOSS is a rare Japanese-bred here but went through two trials and was very good in both, finishing 3rd on both occasions in quick times. He draws very nicely and is another who can put in a bold first-up performance. (9) DRAGON REVENGER and (6) EOHWADUNGDUNG others with experience who may improve.

Selections(5) Geuma Gutty (3) Flying Crown (1) Smart Boss (9) Dragon Revenger
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) LOVE MUNMAK took part in two legs of this year’s Triple Tiara, finishing 5th in the Korean Oaks and then 7th (of eight) in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She returned to regular company on August 31st, finishing 5th of eleven over 1700M but today she comes back to the distance at which she secured her only victory to date, and she can win again. (6) BIG BRIDGE is yet to win in seven starts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest two, both at this class over 1300M. She comes up to this trip for the first time and she is the danger. (10) WHIZ LOVER got her maiden win at this distance two starts back before finishing 5th on her first try at this class on August 25th. She only comes up 1kg and should be right in this. (3) GREEN FEELSTAR and (11) BRIGHT KAI may make for some appeal at probable each-way prices.

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