Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 20)

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

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

Eleven previously unraced two-year-olds make their debuts here and (7) REAL DEAL will be the hot favourite. He went through two trials, qualifying in the first of them but then completing another voluntary one (which may not appear in all race cards so be aware) on June 20th when leading all the way and stopping the clock in a time significantly superior to what any of the others here clocked. If he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (5) GLOBAL HAMSEONG also went through a couple of trials, improving in the second and he can go well first up. (2) BEOLGYO D Y was on pace in the second of his trials (also voluntary so again, be aware) and with a good draw and Moon Se-young booked, will have backers. (10) MORE THAN JOKE and (11) HWANGGEUM MASK others who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Real Deal (5) Global Hamseong (2) Beolgyo D Y (10) More Than Joke
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Not the strongest of maidens so we might as well take a chance on solitary first-time starter (4) MARU JANGGUN came from midfield to win his trial two weeks ago, stopping the clock in a fair time. He draws nicely here and the 1200M may well suit first-up. (5) CHRYSOL MAJOR ran twice as a three-year-old without distinction and returned on June 16th following six months out and was an improved 5th over 1300M having overcome a wide draw. He should strip fitter for that run and can be close here. (9) RUNNING ARTIST has made progress across three starts so far, most recently a 4th place at this distance on June 23rd. She draws wide here but there is no early speed so she may well go forward herself and she has as much chance as any. (6) CHOCO BEAUTY and (2) ÉCLAIR STAR others who may improve.

Selections(4) Maru Janggun (5) Chrysol Major (9) Running Artist (6) Choco Beauty
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

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

(2) CHEONGRYANGSAN is yet to win in seven attempts but has no fewer than six top-four finishes and registered back-to-back runner-up efforts at this class in February and March. His worst was his latest on June 1st, but he can have a line drawn through that as he was slow into strode, took a bump, and was later found slightly lame. Back fit today and with Moon on, he can win. (7) INFINITE HONOR got his maiden win over 1400M in April and, following a shaky effort in May, confirmed he can compete at this level on June 23rd, when a front-running 5th, again at 1400M. The slight step back in trip can suit and he looks the main danger. (9) BIG BRIDGE is winless but has finished no worse than 5th in five starts. She carries a light weight here and can be finishing strongly. (1) DOWN THE ZONE and (6) EDENUI DONGJJOK other place chances who are perhaps better than their respective latest efforts.

Selections(2) Cheongryangsan (7) Infinite Honor (9) Big Bridge (1) Down The Zone
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (1) BEST THOR got his maiden win three starts back over this distance and has since run 2nd and 4th in two tries at this level, most recently coming from off the pace to beat a couple of today’s rivals on June 8th. He has the fastest time among these for the 1400M and he may be available at an each-way price. (9) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG is yet to win but enters with recent form reading well and only went down very narrowly on his first try at this class on June 22nd. In this company he can be close to the place and is a big danger. (8) GLOBAL JINGYEOK also comes in following a last start class and distance runner-up finish. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be in the mix again. (2) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG among others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Best Thor (9) Geumak Myeongjang (8) Global Jingyeok (2) Wonderful Wells
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

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

After getting his maiden win at this distance in January, (11) SAHARAMOND didn’t race again until May when finishing midfield on his first run back over 1300M. That was followed by a close 2nd place on June 22nd and while he comes up in the weights and has the challenge of the widest draw, he can be peaking fitness-wise here and is the one to beat. (4) BEAUTYWONDERFUL is yet to win in seven attempts but comes in off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently at this class over 1300M on June 16th. She is lightly weighted here and can be a danger. (1) GLORY AND HONOR can mix her form, but she looks nicely in here and was 3rd last time out at this class and distance. (8) ELITE ROYAL and (7) GEOSEN YEOJE others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Saharamond (4) Beautywonderful (1) Glory And Honor (8) Elite Royal
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 19)

It’s been a wet week in Korea as the monsoon season is in full flow and that could continue across the racing weekend. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan 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 (6) ARION TAEYANG is the only one in the field to have raced twice, running 4th on debut over 1000M at the end of May before finishing a very close 2nd at start number two on June 28th, racing on pace and finishing in a quick time. Third-up she can have the edge fitness-wise on these and she can go one better.  (5) JULGEOUN DONGHANG didn’t have the smoothest of trips on debut over 1000M on June 21st, but she overcame it to run on well for 3rd. She should have benefitted from the experience and the step up in trip can suit. (10) MORE AND MORE debuted in the June 21st race, running 4th just over a length behind Julgeoun Donghang. Franco climbs up and she too can improve. Among the debut makers, (2) SWORD WING and (9) SHACKLE SUN look to have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Arion Taeyang (5) Julgeoun Donghang (10) More And More (2) Sword Wing
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 11

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

Maidens (of any age) with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) WATER DRAGON looked green in his trial, but he still won it with dismissive ease in a decent time with minimal urging. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) BACK TO THE LADY has raced twice, finishing 4th on debut on June 16th and then improving to 2nd at start number two on July 5th, both at this distance and in the latter, racing on pace. She makes a quick return here and from a good draw it can be a winning one. (6) RUN TO QUEEN enters off a smart 3rd place in a good time over this distance on June 28th when racing handy. She also has a 2nd to her name and will probably be the betting favourite. Among the debut-makers, (7) DONGNAM GANGTAJA won a trial last November but never made it to the races. He has been in consistent work since April and returned to trial again in July, running 2nd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests hopes are high first-up. (5) WHO IS NEXT another first-timer to look out for.

Selections(8) Water Dragon (3) Back To The Lady (6) Run To Queen (7) Dongnam Gangtaja
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

Fillies only here. (11) RAON THE LEGEND has made progress across three starts so far with her latest being her best when 3rd over 1300M on June 26th. The slight step up in trip can be in her favour, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win this. (8) WE LIKE MONEY was a very close 2nd two starts back over 1300M before running 5th on her first try at this distance on June 21st. She has a smart finish on her and can be a danger late on here. (2) NEW LEADER was an improved 4th at start number three over 1200M on July 5th when coming from midfield. She makes a quick return here and from a good gate and with Munro up, she can get closer again. (9) GOLDEN NICE has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places to her name and should appreciate the step up in trip. (10) LUCKY HIT, who beat Raon The Legend when 2nd last time out, is another to consider.

Selections(11) Raon The Legend (8) We Like Money (2) New Leader (9) Golden Nice
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

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

Strong race for the level with no fewer than four up in class following last start maiden wins. Not among them is (10) WONDERFUL BIDDER, who was a winner on debut over 1200M in May before running 3rd when favourite for his first try at this class and distance on June 21st. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as he has demonstrated he has a strong finish, and he can win here. That will mean overturning the form on (7) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG, who ran 2nd in that June 21st race having settled behind the speed and then run on. That continued a consistent run of form, and he can be in the finish again. (2) KING DRAGON may be the best of those up in class having won at start number two over 1200M back in April. He hasn’t raced since but looks nicely in here from a good gate and with Franco up. (3) BIG MUSICAL STAR and (4) CHEONHA SARANG among others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Wonderful Bidder (7) Gwangyaeuihamsung (2) King Dragon (3) Big Musical Star
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

The only juvenile in the race, (1) OASIS RED got his maiden win at start number two on June 28th, leading for most of the way around over a mile. He comes up in class and up to two turns, but his trainer has a track record of successfully sending youngsters around 1800M very early, and he can win again here. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but has plenty of near-misses with six to-three finishes. That includes his latest three, all at this class and distance and beating a few of today’s rivals, and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he should be finishing strongly here. (7) THEIA is a winner of just one from twenty but has been getting progressively closer in her latest few and she should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class pair of (11) GOAT KING IJI (beaten by Oasis Red last time) and (10) SUNCHEON YEOWANG may offer some each-way value.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

Sunday sees 17 races across the country with 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 8 at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

World Dragon (purple cup) was 2nd in the Derby – he runs Sunday at Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

It’s juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener. (9) ECHO CHAMP is among six of the nine coming racing for the first time. She was the best of these in trials, racing on pace and running home 4th in a quick time. If she can bring that form to the races, she can win. She is the first by her sire, Champ Line, who was also trained by Thomas Gillespie, to make the track. (4) OWNER CHAMP also impressed in her heat, coming from off the pace to run 2nd in a good time. She draws nicely and can be a danger. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race on June 21st over this distance and it was (1) DOCTOR MEGA who came out the best of them, racing handy and finishing 5th. (3) FANTASTIC HIT was 7th in that race but had previously shown well in trials and can improve. (2) GREEN SHARPEY the best of the other first-timers.

Selections(9) Echo Champ (4) Owner Champ (1) Doctor Mega (3) Fantastic Hit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) JEONGSEONG VICE has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off a close 3rd place over this distance on June 2nd when on pace throughout. He draws well here, Johan remains aboard, and he can make it ninth-time lucky. (2) HANGANG PERFECT was well fancied on debut over 1000M having previously shown well in a trial, but he got quite a long way back and only ran on for 6th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (3) CRAZY SHAH completes the top line of favourites with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. She can be on pace here and in things a long way. The form drops off after those although (11) GROUPER also has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record and along with (10) GOLDEN JACKPOT, who looks the better of the two first-timers, can be considered for the minors.

Selections(1) Jeongseong Vice (2) Hangang Perfect (3) Crazy Shah (11) Grouper
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

(5) DREAMING BOY ran 3rd on debut over 1200M in May but put in a disappointing effort second up at 1300M on June 7th when awkwardly away and colliding with the adjacent horse and then seemingly getting caught in kickback. We’ll draw a line through that and with Munro climbing on, give him another chance. (7) UNJU GUY was a solid 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 16th, settling right back and working home well. He didn’t get anywhere near the very good-looking winner, but he should have come on for the run and the extended trip should surely suit and he will probably start the betting favourite. (6) PURUEN YEOLJEONG has perked up considerably in her latest two and may be a racehorse after all. She was on pace last time and in this company, should be again. (2) NEOM CITY and (4) SIMON STAR among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Dreaming Boy (7) Unju Guy (6) Puruen Yeoljeong (2) Neom City
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) COING made most of the running on debut over 1200M on June 16th only to be passed late but holding on for 2nd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go one better. (6) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished no worse than 5th in any of his eight starts so far and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a best so far runner-up finish over this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on. He shapes as the main danger here. Those two will make up everybody’s quinella such does the form drop off after them. (4) HERO CHAMP does have a couple of 3rd places on his record which despite recent form being poor, is enough to make him a money chance here. (2) SCALE KING and (7) GEUMSEONG YEOJE other minor contenders.

Selections(1) Coing (6) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Hero Champ (2) Scale King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

This is a really nice-looking race for the level. (3) LEMON BULPAE has placed at this class and distance and has finished 4th in two starts back since returning from a four-month layoff. He carries his fair share of weight, but he draws nicely, he has the fastest time among these for the distance, and third-up, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (4) MORPHEUS was slightly disappointing last time out in early May but was later found to be slightly lame and to have cast a plate. He has won at a mile and placed at this class at 1200M and is a big danger. So too is (9) WONDERFUL FEVER. He is yet to win in five attempts but has never finished worse than 5th and placed twice at this distance at class 6 level. (2) QUEEN’S FLETAR and the up in class (6) POMPEII among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(3) Lemon Bulpae (4) Morpheus (9) Wonderful Fever (2) Queen’s Fletar
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

Decent race but it’s hard to go far past (1) BUGANGJILJU. He got his maiden win at start number two in March before stepping up to this class and distance on June 15th and almost leading from gate to wire, ultimately getting passed late on by a good winner. He comes up in the weights but that’s balanced by a good gate, and he can go all the way this time. Neither (5) EUREKA nor (9) DREAM SKY win out of turn, but both are ultra-experienced at this level, and both enter with their recent form reading well. The latter gets a nice weight drop with an apprentice climbing on, putting her back below the mark she won at over 1200M three starts back, and both can be competitive here.  (4) GANGHAN NURI and (7) SMART WORLD among others in the pacing frame.

Selections(1) Bugangjilju (5) Eureka (9) Dream Sky (4) Ganghan Nuri
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 13)

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

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with six of the ten racing for the first time. Conveniently, the four with experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on June 22nd and with (4) JOSE coming out the best of them that day, she is hard to oppose here. She led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 2nd and shouldn’t need to improve too much to go one better. A couple of the debut-makers showed potential in trials. (7) MISS DORTIE came through two heats, winning the first, but going faster in the second, both times overcoming a wide gate. She should be nice and fit and is a chance first-up. (10) OKCHEON WIN STAR ran 3rd in her trial having shown on pace. Her time was fair, and she offered enough to suggest she can go well first-up. (6) I AM GO was 4th in the June 22nd race and along with (8) FOX TROT, who was 6th, can improve.

Selections(4) Jose (7) Miss Dortie (10) Okcheon Win Star (6) I Am Go
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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

Ten young imports make their racecourse debuts. Based on trials, (5) MIRACLE HANAM is the one to beat. He qualified only at the second time of asking, but he did it well, showing at the front and crossing the line five-lengths in front of the rest in a decent time. That was in early May but presumably he has been kept back for this race, and in that form, he can win. (3) DREAM HONOUR also came through two trials, winning the second of them on June 7th (it was a voluntary trial so may not appear in all racecards). His times have been good, he draws nicely to be on the pace, and he can be in this a long way. (4) CHEONDUNG LION registered a time as fast as any of the others here in his second heat (another voluntary one so be aware; it was on June 13th) and merits consideration. (9) A PURE GOOD WOMAN and (8) GLORY CITY are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Miracle Hanam (3) Dream Honor (4) Cheondung Lion (9) A Pure Good Woman
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

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

Having first trialed back in the summer of 2023, it took an look time for (6) PHANTOM DRAGON to get to the races, but it looks to have been worth the wait as the Federalist colt ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on May 18th, showing on pace throughout. That day’s winner has gone on to run 2nd at class 5 and Phantom Dragon can be going one better today. (5) SAEROUN GUY is the only one who has shown enough to suggest he can challenge the favourite having made steady progress across three outings so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on June 16th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and with some more natural improvement, he can be a danger. There are four first-time starters and while none really convince in their trials, (11) SHINING CHARM did show a bit when finally qualifying on June 7th and in this limited company can be given a chance first-up. (10) HERO NARA and (7) TALITHA CUMI are others likely to be in the placing market.

Selections(6) Phantom Dragon (5) Saeroun Guy (11) Shining Charm (10) Hero Nara
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

Small but competitive field (it’s a split race with Sunday’s race 2). (5) GOOD FIGHTER didn’t do much on debut last November but finally returned to trial twice in good fashion in May and then ran a solid 5th of eleven over 1200M in an all-filly race on June 22nd. She should strip fitter for that run, CC climbs up, and she has as good a chance as any. (3) SHINE BOLT has four top-five finishes from five starts so far with her best being a 3rd place two starts back over 1200M. She comes up slightly in trip today and her running style suggests it can suit. That will mean overturning form on (6) STUNNING SERVE, who finished 4th to Shine Bolt’s 5th when they raced one another at 1200M on June 2nd. That equaled Stunning Serve’s best result to date, but he can get as close or closer this time. (8) MAX PARTY and (4) JILPUNG JAZZ others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Good Fighter (3) Shine Bolt (6) Stunning Serve (8) Max Party
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 12)

Friday’s racing is at Busan 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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles debut here so we head for the trial videos. (10) BIG OWNER went through two trials (the second may not appear in all racecards because it was a voluntary trial) and in the second of them overcame a wide draw to race on pace in his heat and crossed the line 1st in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be dangerous. (1) NINETY PLUS came through the same trial, which was on June 22nd. He settled back but ran through the line well also in a good time. He draws nicely and can be considered. (5) EMPEROR qualified at the second time of asking and did it in fine front-running style. (7) LEMON TREE and (9) BEOLMAUI ANGEL among others who caught the eye among what looks a promising set of youngsters.

Selections(10) Big Owner (1) Ninety Plus (5) Emperor (7) Lemon Tree
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Maidens with three of the eight racing for the first time. (8) CHEONHA GEONGANG did nothing in three starts across the turn of the year. She was spelled for four months, returning to training in early June and easily won a trial on June 29th leading most of the way and positing a quick time. She won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (5) HWANHUIUI MOON debuted without distinction last October and then had surgery to remove bone chips. For good measure he was gelded before returning to training and he looked very well when 2nd in a good time in a June trial. He can be on pace and can go well first-up.  (4) CHRIS MORE returned from almost five months out to run an improved 5th on June 21st. He should strip fitter here and can be closer. (1) GOTOTHEVALHALLA and debut-maker (6) DORAON SAMSON others in the mix.

Selections(8) Cheonha Geongang (5) Hwanhuiui Moon (4) Chris More (1) Gotothevalhalla
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

Having run 5th on debut last November, (3) BEOLMAUI ACE didn’t race again until June 2nd, but he looked in very good order, running 2nd over 1200M, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can go one better second-up today. (7) MISS CROW has got a long way back in both her outings to date but she ran on well for 4th place at start number two over 1200M on June 21st. She is another for who the step up in trip can be a benefit and third up she can be peaking fitness-wise. (10) FAT BOY has made good progress across his latest couple of outings (which came eight months after his first), with a solid 4th place at 1200M on June 28th when racing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but should be in the mix. (4) WHITE OIL and (8) FLYING ICE other place chances.

Selections(3) Beolmaui Ace (7) Miss Crow (10) Fat Boy (4) White Oil
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

(7) GLORY GANGSEO was a winner on debut over 1200M back on April 12th, settling midfield before improving and pulling away from the field in the closing stages. He’s had thirteen weeks off since and is up in class and slightly in trip, but he can win again. (3) CAPTAIN EVERYTHING has been working towards a second win, most recently scoring a runner-up finish over this distance in a quick race on June 23rd. He comes up slightly in the weights, but he draws nicely, Franco remains aboard, and he is a danger. (5) BREEDO PELL was well backed for his first try at this class over 1400M on June 7th but having led, weakened. He was later found to have a respiratory issue but with a clean bill of health and back at the distance he won over in May, he can be given another chance here. (8) GRAY BOSS and (4) TAURUS KING among others in the frame.

Selections(7) Glory Gangseo (3) Captain Everything (5) Breedo Pell (8) Gray Boss
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 7)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (8 races from 11:25 to 18:00) and Busan (9 races from 10:35 to 17:30). Here are the previews:

Gangpungma won the Sports Chosun Trophy and returns in Sunday’s Seoul feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) QUEEN OF DRAGON will be the hot favourite. Having put in two good trials she was well supported on debut over 1200M on April 19th and finished 2nd to the favourite, King Dragon. She has had eleven weeks off since then but should have come on for the run and from a good draw and against modest opposition, can win. (8) HAERANG JINJU has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times racing handy. She shapes as a potential danger here. (5) GUKDAE MIRACLE has raced twice, finishing 3rd on both occasions in similar all-filly fields and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) SPECIAL MATE and (4) GREEN BULLDOZER others who can improve.

Selections(2) Queen Of Dragon (8) Haerang Jinju (5) Gukdae Miracle (9) Special Mate
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(10) SEOBU CAPTAIN has done most of his recent work over a mile including a last start 4th place on June 7th that suggests he is coming into some form. His solitary place was a 3rd over this distance, and he has as good a chance as any in this competitive affair. (4) B.K. MARON comes in off a best to date 4th place on May 31st over this distance when overcoming gate eleven to work home very well. He gets a better draw here, Franco climbs on, and he can be aiming to get closer this time. That may mean overturning the form on (8) AMAZING MOVE, who ran 2nd in that May 31st race when handy throughout. Tanaka remains aboard and he can be in the mix again. (6) OAK RIDGE mixes his form but going on his 2nd place at 1300M two starts back has to be a live contender here. (11) RAON STROKE another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Seobu Captain (4) B.K. Maron (8) Amazing Move (6) Oak Ridge
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Tricky opener in the capital with not a huge amount of form to go on. (4) SERGEANT LIGHT perhaps has the most upside after back-to-back 5th places from his first two starts, both over this distance and in fair times. Both races were in probably tougher company than this and from a good draw, he can sit behind the early leaders and can prove too strong. (2) MAGIC SOUND has three consecutive 5th places from her latest three and while up in the weights, she draws well and in this modest company can be going better. Continuing on the theme of finishing 5th, that’s where (5) CAPTAIN MUSIC was on his debut on April 13th, having raced handy over this distance. He has had twelve weeks off since but should have derived benefit from the experience and can be in the mix here. Without a huge among of confidence, (6) YUSUBUJAENGSEON and (7) ARCH ROCKET are other possibles in a race that something has to win.

Selections(4) Sergeant Light (2) Magic Sound (5) Captain Music (6) Yusubujaengseon
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(1) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH has been working his way back towards a second win and enters off a runner-up finish in a quick time over 1300M on June 7th when coming from well off the pace. He previously has a 2nd place at this distance too and with Masa climbing up, he can go one better today. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG is up in class having secured his maiden win at start number eight at 1300M on June 7th when leading all the way around. That was his first start since February, and he can strip fitter for it. Down in the weights, he is firmly in the hunt. (11) GUKDAE STAR was 3rd behind Yeonggwanguitouch in that June 7th race and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can go close again. (3) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (10) HANEUL HAETSAL others in the minor money frame.

Selections(1) Yeonggwanguitouch (9) Haerang Youngung (11) Gukdae Star (3) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(8) YEONGUNG JARYONG ran 4th on debut in May before following up with a 2nd place at start number two over 1200M on June 8th, racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays up, he should be on pace, and it can be third time lucky. (4) HANGANG CAPTAIN did nothing in his first two starts but reappeared in May after four months out looking a much better prospect, winning a trial before running 5th and 2nd in two starts back with the latter coming over this distance on June 16th. In this company and from this gate, he can be expected to be on or close to the speed, and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) WONDERFUL TECHNO was a promising 3rd on debut at this distance on June 9th, coming from off the pace, and should have derived benefit from the experience. (10) POSEIDON BLUE and (3) RAON THE KLAMMER among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(8) Yeongung Jaryong (4) Hangang Captain (2) Wonderful Techno (10) Poseidon Blue
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 6)

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

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

Twelve previously unraced juveniles so we head to the trial videos. (3) HANSEN STAR was beaten only by two experienced winners when posting a quick time in 3rd place in his hear. He led for much of the way only being passed late by the two older horses. If he brings that trial form to the races, he will win. (1) TAEPYEONG LEGEND went through two trials, crossing the line in 3rd place in both, each time running handy and stopping the clock in a decent time. From the inside gate he can get to the front and has every chance of going close. (11) WONDERFUL NORTHERN similarly went through two trials, in his case improving in the second of them (which as a voluntary trial, may not appear in all racecards). That was on June 7th when he came from midfield and ran on for 2nd in a quick time. He is the first foal by 2019 President’s Cup winner New Legend, to make the races. (10) CHEONGONGUI SEOM and (8) HANSEN BRACING are others who caught the eye in trials.

Selections(3) Hansen Star (1) Taepyeong Legend (11) Wonderful Northern (10) Cheongeonui Seom
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden and one of the two first-timer starters is set to be the favourite. That’s (5) KHAN NUT who went through two trials (the second may not appear in all racecards as it was voluntary, so do be aware) and improved significantly in the second, finishing an on-pace runner-up in a good time, four-lengths behind experienced Aman Barows. If she brings that form to the races, she wins this. (9) SKY TEN will be second favourite. That’s based on her last start 4th place at this distance on June 1st when handy throughout. Today’s company is softer, and she should be looking to improve on that. (6) RAON THE PARTA should be on pace against this lot and can be in it a long way. (1) SINUI BLUE and the other debut-maker (2) MAX AERIAL perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(5) Khan Nut (9) Sky Ten (6) Raon The Parta (1) Sinui Blue
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 11

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

(3) KING OF DRAGON ran out a six-length winner on debut over 1200M on May 25, breaking fairly before settling handy and proving far too strong. He comes up in class and in trip, but he draws nicely and with even a small amount of natural improvement, he should maintain his 100% record here. (9) ECLIPSE HONOR ran 2nd and 3rd before getting his maiden in at start number three on June 2nd. All his races have been over this distance and while up in class and drawn wide, neither should be an issue and he can be competitive again. (4) MK LEE similarly comes up in class having won at the fifth time of asking on June 9th. That win had been coming and it was over this distance. CC stays aboard and he can be in the finish. (7) ECHO ZONE and (2) SHARP SUNSHINE other placing chances.

Selections(3) King Of Dragon (9) Eclipse Honor (4) MK Lee (7) Echo Zone
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

After using up lots of energy to get on pace from a wide draw and then weakening late on debut over 1300M, (5) WONDERFUL LORD dropped back to this trip for start number two and from a better gate, he raced handy and ran on well. He comes up in class but draws well and can win again. (4) ULTRA MANGCHI similarly comes up in class following a maiden win. In his case, it was on his second outing over this distance on June 8th when making almost all the running. He too should measure up in this class and will be expected to be challenging Wonderful Lord right from the start. (9) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish outside the top four in seven starts. He has posted the fastest time of any of these for the distance and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) MENI SHARK and (7) PURPLE WINK are others to consider.  

Selections(5) Wonderful Lord (4) Ultra Mangchi (9) Jechuk Iho (8) Meni Shark
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 5)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. British jockey Alan Munro, who previously registered 140 winners in a four-year stint at Seoul, returns to Korean action with five rides. Here are the previews:

Baekduui Kkum returns (Pic: KRA)

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

Juveniles in the opener with seven of the nine racing for the first time. (9) DANGDAE STAR has raced twice before, improving to 2nd at start number two over 1300M on June 14th. He has led on both appearances, the drop back in trip can suit, and his experience can win out. (4) WONDERFUL GROOM ran a solid 3rd on debut at this distance on May 31st, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and can get closer this time. Plenty of decent trial showings among the debutants. (8) LIME TREE won her heat in good fashion, while (1) IT’S OK and (7) MAKE IT BETTER both looked assured and stopped the clock in quick times.

Selections(9) Dangdae Star (4) Wonderful Groom (8) Lime Tree (1) It’s Ok
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

(4) YONGBI PAEWANG almost led from gate to wire on debut over 1000M on May 31st, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. He should have derived benefit from that experience and while up in trip here, he draws well to be on pace and has every chance of going one better. (9) BACK TO THE LADY debuted fairly over this distance on June 14th, settling midfield and running into 4th. She previously won a trial and with some natural improvement, she shapes as a big danger here. (11) NAEPYEON has a 4th place to his name as well as, by some margin, the fastest time any of these have recorded at the distance. The wide draw shouldn’t matter, and he can be a threat. (1) NEW LEADER has been well-backed on both starts and disappointed both times, but an improvement shouldn’t be ruled out. (3) LUCKY ROAD has been back to trial since she last ran and should be a different prospect this time around.

Selections(4) Yongbi Paewang (9) Back To The Lady (11) Naepyeon (1) New Leader
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE has been working towards a maiden win and comes in following a very close 2nd place over 1400M on May 17th when overcoming a wide draw to get on pace. He comes unto a much better gate and today can be his day. (8) MOTHER WONDERFUL has a 3rd place to her name and enters off a smart 4th place over 1300M on June 14th when handy throughout. If the favourite comes unstuck, she seems best placed to take advantage. (2) JET SUN ran a much-improved 2nd at start number six over this distance on May 31st. In doing so she recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance and she can be in the frame again. (11) DONGBU CHOEGANG and (4) SUPER KANEL are the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Beolgyo Franche (8) Mother Wonderful (2) Jet Sun (11) Dongbu Choegang
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) SEUNGNI GITBAL remains a maiden and comes up in class here following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1400M, racing on pace both times. She comes down in the weights, she draws nicely, and she has as good a chance as any. (9) ALICE MARINE is similarly a maiden, in her case following twelve attempts and her recent form reads well. She stepped up to this class for the first time on June 9th and ran a close 4th in a time faster than any of the others here have achieved or the distance and she won’t need to find much from that to win here. (10) TRICKSTER was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner over 1200M on June 14th but while she comes up in class, there is little to fear here, and she can measure up. (8) HYPER FORCE and (1) SEOGWI STAR among others to consider for the places.

Selections(3) Seungni Gitbal (9) Alice Marine (10) Trickster (8) Hyper Force
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

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Busan Owners’ Cup 2024: Preview & Form Comments

The Korea Premier Series kicks off at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3). SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN AND SEOUL ON SUNDAY.

Tuhonui Banseok (Pic: KRA)

It’s an enthralling race, owing much to the fact that it is the only Graded race run at a mile in Korea that is open to older males and that there are no Graded or Listed races at all in July. Accordingly, it has attracted a full field and some unlikely match ups.

Unlikely to the extent that few would have thought that two of the best sprinters of the past few years, Eoma Eoma and Morfhis, would find themselves in a starting gate alongside Tuhonui Banseok, one of the best stayers.

It is a race though that in recent years has been won by a who’s who of top runners at both one and two-turns. They include Triple Nine, Power Blade, Blue Chipper and Raon The Fighter.

TUHONUI BANSEOK, a front-runner, is the probable favourite despite having not raced at as short a distance for three years, while EOMA EOMA, who has never gone more than 1400M, will also be around the top of the market. SPEED YOUNG and SOMETHING LOST are more obvious middle-distance horses and will be well supported too.

The most intriguing entry is the highly thought of three-year-old SKY WIND.  The American-bred Khozan colt is three-for-three having won twice at 1200M and once at 1800M, looking very accomplished. The mile should be ideal and with the trainer and jockey combination of Kim Young-kwan and Seo Seung-un, he is sure to have plenty of backers.

Here is a full run-down of the field for the race, which is race 8 on the card at Busan on Sunday with a local post time of 16:30:

1. SOMETHING LOST – Comes in after a 2nd and two 4th places in the Sprint Series over 1200M following a dominant win at 1400M at class 2 level in February. Only previous try at 1600M was 2nd place in the 1st leg of the Triple Crown last year. Lightly raced with big potential and a great draw, he can be on or close to the speed and is a chance.

2. MORFHIS – The now nine-year-old showed he still has it with a super 3rd in the SROA Chairman’s Sprint over 1200M on May 19th, coming from right off the pace. His only try at a mile was a 4th place back in January 2020. He did previously win at 1800M, even longer ago. Gets a better draw than usual and will be finishing strongly.

3. SKY WIND – The great unknown. He is three for three with wins at 1200M and 1800M although only up to class 3 level. His wins have come in contrasting styles and in good times. The mile will pose no problems although the race tempo will be something he hasn’t experienced before. Worth taking a chance on. Trainer Kim Young-kwan has won the race a record five times.

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 30)

The final Graded race of the first half of the year is the highlight of racing on Sunday with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) being contested at Busan. There are 9 races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:30 and 8 at Seoul from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Tuhonui Banseok is among the Owners’ Cup contenders (Pic: KRA)

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

Unusually for a Sunday, we start at Busan and a maiden for fillies only opens proceedings. (4) NEOM CITY has shown steady progress across six starts to date, culmination in a runner-up finish over 1300M on May 26th in a very similar race to this. She can settle in midfield before running on to go one better this time. (10) DREAM TREE ran a fair 4th of twelve on debut over this distance back in March. She has had a further fourteen weeks off since, but she showed a nice late turn of foot that day and she can be a danger. (2) DAESUNG DOLPUNG enters off a to date best of 3rd at 1200M on June 16th. She makes a quick return here and from a nice draw should be in the mix. (8) GOLDMASK and (1) GREEN LEGEND are the other main contenders.

Selections(4) Neom City (10) Dream Tree (2) Daesung Dolpung (8) Goldmask
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) CHARON TODAY will be a hot favourite here. A winner and two-time placer before a layoff, she returned from nine months away to run 5th over 1200M on June 14th when leading and running out of steam. She should strip fitter for that run, she should be on pace again, and this limited field may not be able to stop her. (8) MACH MAN will need a line drawn through his latest on May 25th but if we go on his class and distance 3rd two starts back then he is in placing contention here. (1) VALHALLA too was only ordinary on his most appearance in April. He was a good winner over 1200M in February and then proved competitive at this class in March when 5th over 1400M. CC climbs on and from the inside gate, he can be close. (11) TWO TWO LIME and (5) RAINBOW ROAD perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Charon Today (8) Mach Man (1) Valhalla (11) Two Two Lime
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

The capital opens with a maiden where five of the nine line up for the first time and one of those debut-makers, (3) DAESEONG STAR, will be the strong favourite. He came from off the pace to run 2nd in his trial in late May in a quick time. Moon Se-young is engaged and the two-year-old won’t need to find much on that trial to win this. Of the experience, (2) KYLIE is the best of a weak bunch. She hinted at figuring things out with an improved 5th place on June 1st over 1300M when racing on pace. She will be on speed here and can be close. It gets hard after that. (4) FLYING RED was much improved in a second trial and beat a couple of his fellow debut makers in the process, so that is enough for him to go into the numbers here. (5) GEUMSEONG POWER and (1) CANVASEN GO are experienced ones who may – and may is very much the operative word – improve.  

Selections(3) Daeseong Star (2) Kylie (4) Flying Red (5) Geumseong Power
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Plenty of chances here. (11) COLUMBIA CHAMP come sin off a very close 2nd place over 1200M when coming off the pace from a similarly wide draw. She hasn’t gone well at the 1300M before, but she could be ready for another crack and third-up this preparation following four-months off, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (5) DRAGON PUNCH returns to action for the first time since February. She looked very well when 3rd in a quick trial last week and so long as she didn’t leave her race there, can go well first-up. (7) GONJOHARI got his maiden win at 1200M in April before finishing down the field on his first try at this class and distance on June 2nd. He comes into a better gate today and can be given another chance. (8) FANTASTIC DREAM and (3) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL among plenty of others in the money frame.

Selections(11) Columbia Champ (5) Dragon Punch (7) Gonjohari (8) Fantastic Dream
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

(4) LEGEND TAP is the one to beat. He enters off a 3rd place over this distance on June 15th when as is his style, he came from off the pace and ran on well. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young takes over in the saddle, and he will take some beating. (5) HIPPODROME has mixed his form across five starts so far but his last outing was a solid one when 4th over 1300M. He comes up to this distance for the first time and he shapes as the main danger. (11) GANGCHEOL JEONSA was an improved 4th at start number three over 1300M on May 19th and can continue to make progress in this company. (9) LONDON GOLD and (1) DAEMUL SOCKS other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Legend Tap (5) Hippodrome (11) Gangcheol Jeonsa (9) London Gold
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

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

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