Racing Previews

Sprint Series Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (March 9)

The Sprint Series gets underway on Sunday with the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) on the south coast. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 (with the big race being the last) and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the Busan Ilbo Sprint a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) AFLEET RUN has a 3rd and a 5th among three starts so far, all at this distance. He was a beaten odds-on favourite last time out when racing handy, but in this company, will be well-backed again. (11) SECRET WOLF ran a solid 4th place on debut over this distance on February 15th, settling midfield and running on. She should have come on for that run and can break through.  (4) RYAN HEART was a fair 3rd on debut when leading before being a touch disappointing when fading at start two over 1300M on February 8th. He draws better to lead here and can be given another chance. (2) COMPLETE TOUCH, who beat Afleet Run when 3rd at start number two on February 9th, along with (1) BEST RAZI, who has won a trial since a couple of underwhelming efforts, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Afleet Run (11) Secret Wolf (4) Ryan Heart (2) Complete Touch
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 1

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) SUHYANG MIIN has four top five finishes among her five outings including a 2nd, and she was beaten favourite when 5th last time out when failing to get on pace and dropping right back. She has a better gate today, Moon Se-young gets on, and she is worth another chance. (3) MORNING WONDER has a 4th and a 3rd from her first two, the latter at this distance on February 8th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. Third-up she can strip fitter, and she can be a danger. (9) FASHION STAR has similarly hinted at ability with a 3rd and a 5th from her first two appearances. She is half-sister to a Korean Group winner, and she can continue her progress here. (6) YEONGWON POTEN and (7) GLORY DAY other chances.

Selections(2) Suhyang Miin (3) Morning Wonder (9) Fashion Star (6) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

(9) GINSHARI BOY was a winner at start number two on January 26th, racing on pace throughout over 1200M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but is slightly down in the weights, and he can win again. (10) CHUPUNGNYEONG is also up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three over 1200M when coming from well off the pace on January 11th. Also up in trip but down in weight, his running style suggests the further the better at this stage and he can be a big danger late on. (11) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in six attempts, but has never finished any worse than 5th. He enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 16th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he can be in the mix again. (5) BEOLGYO D Y and (3) WONDERFUL SWEET, the latter hopefully stripping fitter second-up after eight months out, are others to consider.

Selections(9) Ginshari Boy (10) Chupungnyeong (11) Haksan Cairo (5) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

Fillies only in the South Coast opener. It took (9) HOMYEONG SHINHWA a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has picked up considerably in her latest two with a 3rd and a 2nd, most recently at1200M on February 7th and coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un climbs on and the slight step up in trip can be what she needs to make the breakthrough. (2) SCYTHAI has made good progress across three starts, culminating in 2nd at this distance on February 7th when settling midfield and running on. She was well beaten by a good winner, but a similar effort will see her in the frame here. (6) BAEKPAL BOEUN was 5th behind Scythai in that race and with a 3rd place at the outing prior and Munro staying on, it’s enough to put her in the mix. (12) GOD NIKE and (7) HWARYEOHANJOMYEONG others to keep safe.

Selections(9) Homyeong Shinhwa (2) Scythai (6) Baekpal Boeun (12) God Nike
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two over 1400M in October and was well fancied for his first try at this class on December 1st. He only managed 6th – although a couple of these horses who beat him have gone on to do well – but came back lame in the off foreleg. He looked well enough when trialing in late January and he can go well first up here. (1) DANAEUN KINGDOM got his maiden win at start two over this distance on February 9th, settling midfield and running on well. He is up in class but down in weight and from a good draw he will probably start as favourite. (3) JEONGSEONG VICE enters off a 3rd place last time out at class and distance and that’s enough to put him in the placing mix again in this company. (6) CAMP DAVID and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others to consider.

Selections(4) Useung Jinli (1) Danaeun Kingdom (3) Jeongseong Vice (6) Camp David
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

(3) BARBELL TROFEO was disappointing when favourite two starts back but bounced back to run 2nd at this distance on February 16th, racing on pace. While that January capitulation is a concern, he draws nicely here, Franco gets on, and he will be a warm favourite to oblige. There are two first-timers and (9) THUNDER PASSION will have plenty of supporters. It has taken him an age to get to the track having first trialed back in 2023. His latest heat was at the end of December when he ran 2nd in what was a slow time but Seo Seung-un’s booking and the weak company will mean he can be given a chance. (7) ASTRE comes in off a 4th place over 1300M on February 14th and a similar effort can see him go better here. (4) USANG RYUNG and (12) HOUDINI perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Barbell Trofeo (9) Thunder Passion (7) Astre (4) Usang Ryung
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 8)

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

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

(1) NICE WINNER was 2nd on debut before being beaten into 3rd place when odds-on favourite at start number two on January 19th. The pair that beat him that day have both gone on to place at class 5 and from the inside gate and with Moon Se-young staying aboard, he will be a similarly short price to get it right this time. (11) YES ANGEL was an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on February 9th having led for much of the way. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can lead again and be in this. (4) DALBIT GEURIMJA did nothing on debut when slowly away in that same February 9th race, but previously trialed up well and in this company, that’s enough to give him another chance. (6) YONGAM GIPPEUM and (5) JAJONSIM GONGJU perhaps the best of a very limited rest.

Selections(1) Nice Winner (11) Yes Angel (4) Dalbit Geurumja (6) Yongam Gippeum
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 11

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

(5) ISEUL CHEOREOM has raced three times with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 25th when leading for much of the way around, She draws well to lead here too and she has every chance of going all the way. (4) GRIFFON was an improved 2nd at start number three at this distance on February 9th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and he can be a danger late. It would be a big surprise if that pair fail to fill out the quinella. (11) SWITCH POWER didn’t impress last time out but if we go on her 3rd place on January 4th over the distance, she has to be given a placing chance in this company. (2) TAEGISAN KING and (7) EAGLE WINGS are others potentially better than their respective latest starts indicate.

Selections(5) Iseul Cheoreom (4) Griffon (11) Switch Power (2) Taegisan King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (2) BYEOKSONG made all to win at start number two on December 28th and came close to repeating on her first try at this class on February 9th when ultimately finishing 3rd but beating three of today’s rivals. She is up marginally in trip but from a better gate can get on or close to the speed again and can go all the way. (11) DESTINO won on debut on January 25th stalking the pace throughout and proving too strong. She comes up in class and slightly in trip but is down in weight and she can measure up in this company. (1) MISS CONCORD had a poor day at the office last time out but comes into a much better gate today and her form leading up to that was good. (3) HERO JILJU and (9) EXCELLENT MATTA are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Byeoksong (11) Destino (1) Miss Concord (3) Hero Jilju
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) RAON NIZHINSKII got his maiden win three starts back and has since run 3rd in both tries at this class, both at 1300M. His running style suggests that the extended trip can suit, and he has as much chance as any in this competitive field. (2) DAZZLE RUSH is yet to win in five attempts but has three-runner-up finishes to his name, including at this class and distance on January 5th when beating a few of today’s rivals. He also finishes ahead of a couple in his latest at 1800M on January 29th and with an apprentice jockey taking 3kg of his back here, he shapes as a real chance to make his breakthrough. (3) K POWERFUL had a hard time from a wide draw on his first try at this distance on January 12th but coming in here after eight weeks off and in a better gate, is worth another chance. (11) STUNNING MONEY and (8) BLACK SIDAE among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(10) Raon Nizhinskii (2) Dazzle Rush (3) K Powerful (11) Stunning Money
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 7)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. After an ordinary trial. (4) REIGN QUEEN overcame gate eleven on debut on January 24th to settle midfield and go on to run 2nd. She should have come on for that run and from a much better gate she can go one better today. Among the first time starters, (12) GRAND MORE looks the best. He led for most of the way around in his heat ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, if he brings that form to the races, he should be close and will probably start as favourite. (8) SEOGWI LADY and (5) NAMHAE MAGIC also hinted at ability in their respective trials and can go well first-up, while (2) FLEX TAP was 5th behind Reign Queen in that January 24th race and with some natural improvement, can get closer.

Selections(4) Reign Queen (12) Grand More (8) Seogwi Lady (5) Namhae Magic
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start8, 9, 11, 12

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

After two promising trials, (6) VANGIE was well backed on debut over this trip on February 7th and while he led, he went walkabout a bit in the closing stages and ultimately finished 4th, albeit with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He should have learned a bit from that and with a more mature effort here, he can win. (11) SHACKLE LAUD has been knocking on the door across six starts so far with his best being a 2nd place at this distance. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) BABEL COME ON has picked up in his latest two with a 3rd and a 4th most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on February 14th. He will join Vangie on pace and he can be a danger. (7) DORAON SAMSON and (5) HANEUL GOLD among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Vangie (11) Shackle Laud (9) Babel Come On (7) Doraon Samson
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 3, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. After running 2nd on debut, (11) ACE HIGH got her maiden win at start number two with a dominant seven-length win over this distance on February 7th, leading all the way. She comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide gate, but both can be overcome, and she can win again. (4) TEAM SURPRISE is yet to win in nine attempts but has no fewer than seven top five finishes. She enters off three consecutive 3rd places, most recently her first try at this class, and from a good draw she can match or better that here. (9) JINJU BIT was an improved 5th at her second start back following a six-month absence. She has placed at this trip before and third-up this preparation, she can be peaking. (6) SAENAE HIT and (12) THIS WAY among others to consider.

Selections(11) Ace High (4) Team Surprise (9) Jinju Bit (6) Saenae Hit
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(5) BEOLGYO MASULSA got his maiden win at start number two over this distance on February 9th when settling handy before taking things up just over halfway home and running on to win easily. He is up in class but down in weight, draws well, and can win again. (12) RAON THE MASKE is one for one having taken a narrow win on debut over 1200M on February 7th. He too is up in class and down in weight and while he draws wide, he can measure up in this company. It’s been a long time since (3) SEOGWI OREUM got his maiden win but he has placed five times at this class and from a good draw can be in the mix. (7) BIG JAWS and (8) BATTLE CRY other strong placing hopes.

Selections(5) Beolgyo Masulsa (12) Raon The Maske (3) Seogwi Oreum (7) Big Jaws
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(3) FLYING THE LUCKY has been working back towards a second win and most recently beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this class and distance on February 7th, coming from well off the pace. He only comes up 1kg on the weights and can go past the lot of them this time. (2) STAR PARK is the danger, who was 4th in that February 7th race having settled midfield and run on. Franco, who has placed on him both times he rode him stays on and while he is a twenty-one-race maiden, it’s not impossible today could be his day. (4) FUERTE was 4th in that same race but he has placed three times over the trip and with Munro climbing on, he can be close. (12) ARION TAYANG and the up in class (9) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Flying The Lucky (2) Star Park (4) Fuerte (12) Arion Taeyang
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 2)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan with 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seo Beom-seok and CC Wong will team up again with the “Famous” silks (Pic: KRA)

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

Not the strongest of maidens to kick off with. (1) BILLION BOY trotted along at the back on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over this distance on January 19th, leading for much of the way. He draws well to lead again and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) DUSON EUTTEUM also picked up on her latest when 4th in a filly only maiden at the end of December. She comes in fresh after nine weeks off and can build on that here. (11) SEMYEONG STRONG has a 2nd place on his record and while he must contend with the widest gate, he has a decent finish on him and can challenge late. (6) COMMAND BLUE and (8) CYCLONE STAR are others who could improve.  

Selections(1) Billion Boy (3) Duson Eutteum (11) Semyeong Strong (6) Command Blue
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(1) CUPID K has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, most recently a 2nd place over this distance on January 25th when slow away and running on well. If she can be a bit further forward a bit earlier, she is very much the one to beat here. (7) JOSE also has a 2nd place on her record and comes in following a 4th at 1200M on January 19th. She should be on pace in this company and can be in this a long way. (2) GOOGOO ran 2nd last time in a slow race at 1400M. She has placed at this trip too, and from a nice draw can sit behind whatever early speed there is and can challenge. (6) DIRT SPOON and (8) KING WARRIOR are among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(1) Cupid K (7) Jose (2) Googoo (6) Dirt Spoon
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 9

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

(3) UMA DACHI ran a shock 2nd place at this distance at odds of 65/1 on February 9th, settling midfield and running on. While that may have been unexpected, in this company a similar effort can see him go one better. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN hinted at improvement last time out on January 18th when 4th over this distance. He can settle back in this field and can run into some money again. (2) BLUE SUN has finished 5th in both starts so far at 1200M and 1400M. He draws well here and with Maia climbing on, can get closer. (9) K N STORM beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on January 26th and in a race that is no stronger can be in the hunt again. (4) HIGH FOLLY perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Uma Dachi (10) Perfect Danaeun (2) Blue Sun (9) K N Storm
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) PLUTO won a trial at the tail end of last year and then ran a solid 2nd place on debut on January 24th, leading for much of the way around and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He should have come on for that run and will be a warm favourite to go all the way this time. (10) BEOLGYOUI HIM was 4th in that same race after a slow start saw him settle right back. He also has a 2nd place to his name and with the wide draw not a problem he can challenge late here. (6) SO GOOD was an improved 3rd place at start number three on January 17th only narrowly on the wrong side of a tight three-way finish. Seo Seung-un stays aboard and he can be a danger. (4) CHOEGANG TRIPLE and (8) JEONGMUN FELIX are the other contenders.

Selections(3) Pluto (10) Beolgyoui Him (6) So Good (4) Choegang Triple
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (9) BEOLGYO GRAMMY got her maiden win at 1000M last October and then took a couple of goes to get to grips with this level. Last time out she overcame a wide draw to come from off the pace for a solid 3rd place over this distance and while she carries 2kg more this time, she can win. (7) ANDAMIRO was a beaten favourite in a similar race to this on February 9th when settling midfield but only managing to run on for 5th. At her previous start she was a good 3rd and from a slightly better gate today, she can be given another chance. (4) SEOMDOLMORU is yet to win but is up in class following back-to-back 2nd places at this distance. She carries a light weight, she draws well, and she can measure up in this modest company. (3) SEMYEONG DIA and (10) GULJAK SUN are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(9) Beolgyo Grammy (7) Andamiro (4) Seomdolmoru (3) Semyeong Dia
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

(4) MORNING DEW got his maiden win three starts back and has since raced twice at this class, both times ending in 3rd place at 1200M, most recently on January 24th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the pace – as he was when he won – and he is the one to beat here. (10) MONSTER DRAGON returns to action for the first time since last May. Before the layoff he registered a win and three 3rd places from four starts and has been gelded since. He trialed up well and while his match fitness will have to be taken on trust, he has quality. (11) MAENGNYONG is yet to win but has four 2nd places from five starts and should be there or thereabouts again. (1) EVERY KING IJI and (7) STORMING MAGIC others in the frame.

Selections(4) Morning Dew (10) Monster Dragon (11) Maengnyong (1) Every King Iji
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

It’s been seven starts since (6) SHINE BOLT got his maiden win, but he has put in a few decent efforts since, not least last time out on January 25th when he was an on pace 2nd at this class and distance. Ruan Maia rode him for the first time that day and he stays on here with every chance of going one better. (10) NURI CHEONWANG got his maiden win at this class and distance on January 18th, coming from off the pace. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but he has never finished worse than 2nd and he can be firmly in the mix again. (7) MORE THAN JOKE has been the beaten favourite on each of his last three outings. His latest effort was his only poor one though and from a slightly better gate he can be given another chance today, if not as favourite. (3) LEGEND WOW and (5) SCALE KING the other contenders.

Selections(6) Shine Bolt (10) Nuri Cheonwang (7) More Than Joke (3) Legend Wow
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 28)

February draws to a close with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies in the opener with two of the nine racing for the first time.  Despite two very unpromising trials, (6) JJAK SARANG ran 4th on debut over this distance on February 7th, showing on pace throughout. She should have come on for that run and can be the one to beat here. (9) GREAT MARU has been poor in her latest two most recently having weakened after leading on January 27th. She does have a 2nd place to her name though and that’s enough to put her in contention in this company. (7) DOCTOR KAREN has a 4th on her record at start two and while that is surrounded by two less encouraging efforts, she should be on pace in this company and go close. (1) WONDER MOCCASIN and debut maker (2) AREUMDAUNNALDAL others who could feature.

Selections(6) Jjak Sarang (9) Great Maru (7) Doctor Karen (1) Wonder Moccasin
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

After an inauspicious debut, (7) POWER TIME has picked up in his latest two coming from off the pace to record a 6th and 3rd at 1200M and 1400M. Tanaka stays on and with similar tactics, he can win here. (6) COWBOY MAN has a front running 2nd and a 3rd on his record and had excuses last time out as he returned lame when 6th over 1300M on January 17th. He came back in to work on February 7th and fully fit here, he can be a danger and will probably start as favourite. (2) HANEULPYEONGJEONG returned from nine months out in December and has since run 4th twice, most recently on January 19th at 1400M. She draws well to be on pace and third-up she can be peaking. (3) DIVINE KINGDOM and first-time starter (4) CAPTAIN DRAGON are others to look out for.

Selections(7) Power Time (6) Cowboy Man (2) Haneulpyeongjeong (3) Divine Kingdom
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

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

(6) GLOBAL WONDER was an improved 3rd when stepped up to the mile at start number four on February 7th, settling midfield and working home well. Franco climbs aboard for the first time, and it can be his day. That will mean overturning the form on (1) FATE. He too stepped up to a mile for the first time in that February 7th race and after a slow start made his way forward and ran on for 2nd. Both were well beaten by a good winner, but the pair can dispute top honours this time. (10) RUNNING FASHION is one-paced but does have a 2nd place to her name as well as the fastest time among these for the distance and she looks a fair place chance here. (5) NICE GIRL and (11) JOJOBA perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(6) Global Wonder (1) Fate (10) Running Fashion (5) Nice Girl
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) MIRAGE got her maiden win at start three on December 15th having been on pace throughout. The win had been coming and after having January off she came back in to work at the start of this month and while up in class, she has every chance of measuring up in this company. (12) QUEEN TYCHE was a smart winner at this distance on February 16th, coming from off the pace. She is up in class but she did it from gate twelve last time and she can measure up. (5) ASSEMBLE won at start number two in November, similarly on pace all the way, and comes back in after sixteen weeks out. It’s fair to say she didn’t offer many clues in an underwhelming trial on February 8th, but she will have plenty of backers here. (9) MOTHER CHUKJE and (4) ALICE MARINE others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Mirage (12) Queen Tyche (5) Assemble (9) Mother Chukje
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan Classic Trials Day: Race-By-Race Preview (February 23)

We’re just over a month away from the first leg of the Triple Crown and both Seoul and Busan host their respective main Classic Trials on Sunday. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

A rather ordinary maiden to open with. (7) MISS FAMOUS has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far, both at this distance. Ignore the times as the track was very slow, but she ran through the line fairly enough on both occasions. CC gets on and third up she be peaking. After an inauspicious debut, (8) RAON SPILETTA has posted a 4th and a 5th, both at this distance. In this company she can compete for the early lead and can be in the finish. (1) CRAZY MARI debuted fairly last August but didn’t run again until December when she was less impressive. She does draw the inside gate though and may be a bit fitter this time. (4) LASER RUN has been back to trial since a woeful debut and should be better this time around. Debut-maker (10) GREAT CHARM trialed adequately and in such a weak race, has to be given a chance first-up.

Selections(7) Miss Famous (8) Raon Spiletta (1) Crazy Mari (4) Laser Run
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (6) I AM GO will be the warm favourite. She is yet to finish outside of the top five across her five starts to date and enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on January 11th. She should get quite an easy lead here and can go all the way. (7) SWITCH POWER actually finished ahead of I Am Go when they ran 4th and 5th over this trip last November. She has since picked up a 5th and a 3rd in two subsequent starts and shapes as the main danger. (4) JUNMA FORCE came from well off the pace to run an improved 4th at start number two on December 29th and can continue to make progress here. (11) SAMJEONG WINNER and (10) MODERN DANCE are the other main place chances.

Selections(6) I Am Go (7) Switch Power (4) Junma Force (11) Samjeong Winner
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(6) TAPDINE has run twice and finished 3rd twice, both at 1200M and most recently when slightly slow away on January 11th before quickly being ridden up to the pace. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and can win from the front. (2) RAON NOTHERN DANCE has made good progress across four starts, culminating in 2nd place at 1300M on January 19th. In this company and well-drawn, he can also be expected to be on the speed and to be in this a long way. (7) GRAND KWAEMA has been consistent across his four starts so far, never finishing worse than 4th. Moon Se-young stays on and he should be there or thereabouts today. (9) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN may appreciate the additional distance today and along with (8) DYNAMIC SONG is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Tapdine (2) Raon Nothern Dance (7) Grand Kwaema (9) Gwanaksan Check In
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

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

Twelve fillies in the south coast opener. (2) QUEEN LIRUN debuted on December 22nd but laid out and became unmanageable before being discontinued with three furlongs left. She was ordered to take two trials as a result and came through them very nicely, finishing 3rd in one and winning another. She draws nicely to lead and if she behaves, she can win. (11) BLACK TREE was an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on December 13th. She comes in fresh after ten weeks off and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, may well start as favourite. (10) GLOBAL HEROINE was found to be lame after a disappointing outing last month. She came back into work on February 9th and going on her 3rd place at the start before, has to be in this. (5) QUEENS DRAGON and first-time starter (7) FINAL ATTACK are others to consider.

Selections(2) Queen Lirun (11) Black Tree (10) Global Heroine (5) Queens Dragon
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

(3) GOLD QUEENS was a winner on debut in November before running a fair 4th on her first try at this class, again at 1200M, on January 11th, settling midfield and running on. She draws well, stays under a light weight, and she can win here. (1) NAEGILUI YEOJEONG got promoted to this class with a pair of runner-up finishes and then immediately got his maiden win on January 19th. He comes up 4kg in weight, but from the inside gate can get to the lead and can repeat. (8) WONDERFUL DONGCHON is up in class having scored at this trip aon January 5th and he can measure up in this company. (2) GAMUN PARTY and (9) HAKSAN DARK HORSE others who can be in the mix in a competitive race.

Selections(3) Gold Queens (1) Naegilui Yeojeong (8) Wonderful Dongchon (2) Gamun Party
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 11

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

(7) FLYING THE KHAN enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M. He has a smart finish on him so the slight step up in trip can be to his benefit and he can win here. (5) FAST QUEEN came from well off the pace for an improved 2nd place on what was her first try at this distance on January 12th with a couple of today’s rivals behind. The track was very slow that day so ignore the time, and she is another who can be dangerous late on. In contrast, (3) SEOGWI WORLD should be on pace. He weakened on debut but should have derived benefit from the run and nicely drawn he can be in this a long way. (11) STAR FORCE and (4) ROCK CANDY are among other place chances.

Selections(7) Flying The Khan (5) Fast Queen (3) Seogwi World (11) Star Force
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 12

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 22)

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

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

Maiden fillies in the opener. Ruan Maia has been in excellent form since the short Lunar New Year break, and he can continue here with (7) KOTAP. She has a best of 3rd and comes in following 5th place in a tougher race than this on January 4th. She draws well to lead, and she can go all the way. (10) EXCELLENT HANSEN took a few goes to figure things out but raced on pace for the first time on December 29th and finished a much-improved 2nd. He has the challenge of a wider gate but can build on that here. (2) NAEGILUI ACE was a well beaten but improved 5th at start two and from a good draw can get closer. (3) GIDAEHARA and (5) FLYING LION others to consider.

Selections(7) Kotap (10) Excellent Hansen (2) Naegilui Ace (3) Gidaehara
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

Imported maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them with (4) WHIZ REALITY. He went through two trials, winning the second of them when leading all the way (on January 2nd, beware it may not appear in all racecards). He draws very nicely to lead and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (9) GRAY CANDY didn’t do much on debut but was much more accomplished at the second time of asking at this distance on January 25th, leading for most of the way and running 2nd in a good time. He too will be aiming to get on-pace, and he can go one better. (8) TIARA SUA was 3rd in that January 25th race. She has four-lengths to find on Gray Candy but can improve. (6) NOBLE MY DEAR and (11) FLYING OAKS also in the frame.

Selections(4) Whiz Reality (9) Gray Candy (8) Tiara Sua (6) Noble My Dear
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 9

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

(4) DIXIE MAN had a poor day at the office two weeks ago when sent off as favourite over 1400M. Except for copping a bump at the start, he doesn’t really have any excuses but Moon Se-young stays on and so shall we, going on his effort two starts back when 3rd at this distance. He can sit handy here and is worth another chance. (6) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far at 1200M and last time out at this trip on January 26th when going right back and running on. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and has every chance of going better. (5) BEATRIZ has been ordinary in her latest three, but she should at least be on pace and if the track is anything like it was last week, she can be in this for longer. (3) CAPTAIN RISE and (7) BEST SHARK the other placing chances.

Selections(4) Dixie Man (6) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (5) Beatriz (3) Captain Rise
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

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

(3) CHRYSOL MAJOR returned from three months out to run 4th at 1300M on January 19th. He steps up to two turns for the first time, but his running style suggests that it can suit and stripping fitter for that effort a month ago, he can win. (7) SANBANG BOMNAL beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on January 25th. That was by far his best effort to date and from a similar gate and against similar opposition, he can repeat. (8) SAVANA CHARLIE was 5th in that race settling back and running on. He has never finished inside the top two but has been between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than twelve occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (6) GRAND FLYING and (9) MARUBYEOL others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(3) Chrysol Major (7) Sanbang Bomnal (8) Savana Charlie (6) Grand Flying
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

Plenty enter with recent form reading well, but (3) CUPID IT will be favourite.  An also-ran in the Rookie Stakes, he got his maiden win at start three over 1200M in October before running 2nd on his first try at this class and distance in a double-quick race at the end of November when leading for much of the way. He had a couple of issues after that but has been back in work this month and from a great draw he can lead all the way. (7) YONGBI TAEYANG and (10) UGWANGMYEONG came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on January 18th. The former was on speed with the latter coming from well back and with similar tactics expected from both, they can be in the mix again. (2) GREEN FEELSTAR and (11) WANGCHOEGO among plenty of other placing chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 21)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (9) FLASH PARK went through two trials, winning one and running a close 3rd in the second, both in quick times. Both times he was going well late so the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win first-up. Of the experienced ones, (12) FLYING RACE has appeared twice, improving to 2nd at start number two over this distance in December. He’s had eleven weeks off since, but that experience can be important here. (11) TOP DOG did nothing on debut last September but looked much better prospect when a close 2nd in a January trial and should be better this time around. (3) STUKA led all the way to win his trial with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. (5) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE another who hinted at ability across a couple of trials.

Selections(9) Flash Park (12) Flying Race (11) Top Dog (3) Stuka
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

(3) UNLIMITED RUN was an improved 3rd at start number two on January 24th, settling midfield and running on. Third up he can be peaking, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and he is the one to beat. (4) STARTMAN ran a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on January 24th racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and has every chance of matching or bettering that here. (6) DALBITWIE needs line drawn through his latest in December when luckless and coming back slightly lame. He was back in work within a week, and he has placed at this trip as recently as November. (10) DONGNAM DOLPUNG is next best and then the form drops off the proverbial cliff. Without much confidence (11) SHACKLE SUN will probably be fifth in the market.

Selections(3) Unlimited Run (4) Startman (6) Dalbitwie (10) Dongnam Dolpung
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 11

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

(5) BARBELL MOMO comes in having beaten three of these on his way to 2nd place on his first try at a mile on January 24th. He was slow away and went right back before running on very pleasingly and a similar effort today should see him go one better. (9) YEOSU GUARDIAN was one of those behind Barbell Momo that day, coming home 5th. At the start before he was a good 3rd, also over the mile, and he shapes as one of the dangers. (4) EAGLE POWER was the longest but one shot on the board in that race. He defied that to run a good 4th and with an apprentice keeping his weight light, he can match or better that here. (3) DREAM TREE and (12) FLYING ICE are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Barbell Momo (9) Yeosu Guardian (4) Eagle Power (3) Dream Tree
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies only here. (12) B.K DANCING GIRL will be favourite having run 3rd on debut before winning in an utterly facile manner at start number two over 1200M on January 19th leading all the way. She comes up in class and in trip but is down in the weights and the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (9) BLACK EQUUS similarly scored at start two, in her case over this distance on January 19th coming from off the pace. This is harder but Munro stays on and she can measure up. (1) AWESOME SUNRISE is a nineteen-race maiden but has nine top three finishes and from the inside gate, this is the kind of race she can find the money in again. (3) MUSKET GIRL and (10) SIMON STAR among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

Selections(12) B.K Dancing Girl (9) Black Equus (1) Awesome Sunrise (3) Musket Girl
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 12

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

(8) BEOLMA KING was a winner on debut over 1300M in November before running 3rd on his first try at this class over the same trip on December 13th. He comes in fresh following ten weeks off and while there will be the question as to whether the 1200M is too sharp, he has every chance. (2) SPEED TOP will probably be the betting favourite. He won on debut at 1200M last November before running 2nd on his first try at this class on December 29th, beating a few of these in the process. He draws nicely to be on pace and third-up he can be peaking. (9) SING FOR ME was similarly a winner on debut before running midfield on his first try at this class on January 24th. He can settle back and run in and can be a danger late here. (7) ROAD TO THUNDER and (12) MR.WOLF are other chances.

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SEGYE ILBO TROPHY 2025 – FORM COMMENTS

The 2025 Principal Race calendar gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday with the Segye Ilbo Trophy (1200M KOR-Listed). FULL RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW OF ALL SUNDAY RACES AT SEOUL & BUSAN HERE.

Speed Young (Pic: KRA)

While restricted to Korean bred runners, the race nevertheless has attracted most of the nation’s top sprinters, including the first three locally trained horses across the line in last September’s international Korea Sprint.

VINCERO CAVALLO was only the 3rd best local in that Korea Sprint, coming home in 6th place, but he has kicked on since then with a 4th place in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy (1400M KOR-Listed) followed by back-to-back wins at today’s distance of 1200M, both at class 1 and in contrasting styles, from the front, and from well off the pace. Versatile and perhaps with his best yet to come, he can get his first Stakes win here.

The Korea-trained horse who got closest to Remake, Jasper Krone and Anarchist in the Korea Sprint, running on late for 4th, was SPEED YOUNG. He is a two-time local Group race winner, having won the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie as a juvenile in 2022 and the 2024 G3 Busan Owners’ Cup at a mile last June.

Speed Young rounded out the year with 3rd place in the G1 President’s Cup at 2000M and G1 Grand Prix at 2300M, both races won by stablemate Global Hit. Global Hit’s regular jockey Kim Hye-sun rides him on Sunday.

Champion jockey Moon Se-young is rapidly closing in on 2000 career wins and he partners NAOL SNIPER. Runner-up to Global Hit in the 2023 Korean Derby, he moves down to the sprinting ranks for the first time after a strong end to 2024 and is an intriguing entry.

One of just two fillies or mares in the race, CROWN HAMSEONG is a winner of seven from ten most recently on her first try at class 1 in December. This is a stern step up in challenge, but she looks to have plenty of potential and it’s not impossible she could give jockey CC Wong his first Korean Stakes win.

Twelve runners will go around in total:

1. HANGANG CLASS – Champion juvenile in 2023, it didn’t really happen for him as a three-year-old and he missed five months of the season. Showed signs of a return to form with 2nd at class 2 over 1800M on December 27th. A two-time winner at this distance (as a juvenile), he will have some backers on a place line.

2. CROWN HAMSEONG – A winner of seven from ten including her latest two, both over a mile and most recently her first go at class 1 on January leading all the way. Moon Se-young rode her in both and while he gets on Naol Sniper, CC Wong is a more than adequate replacement and from a great draw she can be in this a long way.

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Segye Ilbo Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 16)

For the first time in more than two months Stakes race action returns to Korea as the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M takes place at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Last year’s Segye Ilbo was won by Vics Go, who doesn’t return to defend his title (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) ROAD TO A SPUR has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over this distance on December 22nd. CC stays on, he draws well to lead and today can be the day. (11) SPARTAN has mixed his form across seven appearances so far with his best being a pair of 3rd places over this distance. He has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) BS STORM was a fair 5th on debut over 1300M on December 28th, starting well before getting shuffled right back but then running on. He should have come on for the run and be closer here. (9) STUNNING WORLD and (6) NONSTOP SERVE others who can be considered.

Selections(2) Road To A Spur (11) Spartan (8) BS Storm (9) Stunning World
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden and plenty look ready to win. (6) TURBO CHARGE ran 4th a couple of times before an improved 2nd over 1400M on January 4th when she led for much of the way around. She comes back slightly in trip, she draws well to lead again, and she can win. (2) MUNHAK BELL was 6th on debut before running 2nd at start number two over 1200M on January 5th, settling in the front end of midfield and running on. Third up she can be peaking fitness wise and has every chance. (5) RAON THE AFFIRMED ran 3rd in that January 5th race having also shown on the speed. She has two-and-a-half lengths to make up on Munhak Bell but looks good for at least another place finish. (7) GRAY PHANTOM and (4) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL are among plenty of others who have shown potential.

Selections(6) Turbo Charge (2) Munhak Bell (5) Raon The Affirmed (7) Gray Phantom
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

(3) LADY BLUE beat three of these on her way to an improved 2nd place on January 18th, racing on pace throughout over 1300M. Like most of these, she comes up to1400M for the first time, she draws well to lead again, and she can go one better. (4) BLACK SMILE ran 5th in that January 18th race having gone well back and run on. That continued signs of her having started to figure things out and Maia climbing on means she can continue to make progress here. (5) YONGAM GIPPEUM also looks to be on the right trajectory and comes in off a 4th place at this distance last time out. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be a danger late here. (8) HEEMANGBAND and (10) EAGLE WINGS are others who may improve.

Selections(3) Lady Blue (4) Black Smile (5) Yongam Gippeum (8) Heemangband
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) KYUNGNAM DRAGON ran twice last summer for a 4th and a 2nd at 1000M and 1200M. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well when 3rd in a January trial and Seo Seung-un partnering with Bart Rice means she should be sent off as favourite. (8) RIGHT CHAMP has been getting closer in recent starts, most recently when 3rd at 1400M on January 19th. In this company, she can be on pace and has a chance (4) THE NOMINATE was 7th on debut last May and then didn’t reappear until January 19th when she was a solid 3rd place at this distance. She should strip fitter for that run and can press again here. (12) QUEEN TYCHE was 2nd in that January 19th race, her best so far and she can be in the mix again. (10) ILLUSION another place contender.

Selections(9) Kyungnam Dragon (8) Right Champ (4) The Nominate (12) Queen Tyche
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 12

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) ECLIPSE EDGE here. He got his maiden win at start three over this distance last November and then following a dodgy day at the office on his first try at this level, ran 3rd on January 18th, again over this trip. He likes to race on pace or handy and won’t need to improve much to win this. Plenty of others enter in form though. (5) BAEKDU ILSEONG is one for one having scored on debut over 1200M on November 11th. The way he ran on suggests the increase in trip can only suit and the class rise shouldn’t be a problem. (2) HAKSAN CAIRO was 5th behind Eclipse Edge on January 18th on his first try at this class. He comes into a much better gate today and can get closer. (6) ORANGE TIME and (3) EAST GANGJEOK are the other main chances.

Selections(1) Eclipse Edge (5) Baekdu Ilseong (2) Haksan Cairo (6) Orange Time
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 11

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

(8) INDY GHOST has finished 3rd in both outings so far most recently in a slow (even by current standards) race at this distance on January 12th when midfield and running on. Third up she can be peaking, Munro is on, and she can win. (10) GOD NIKE has picked up in her latest two, with back-to-back 3rd places. She likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can get even closer today. (11) DOCTOR CASTLE has mixed his form across his four appearances so far. Three of those have been over a mile but he does have the fastest time at this distance (in as much as times are relevant presently with the slow track) and can be a danger here. (5) BARBELL TROFEO, who needs a line through his latest, and (1) RAON FLATTER are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Indy Ghost (10) God Nike (11) Doctor Castle (5) Barbell Trofeo
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

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