Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

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

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

Twelve previously unraced juveniles so it’s time to fire up the trial videos. They will point us in the direction of (12) GEOLJAK SIDAE, who went through two trials, qualifying in the first of them in April when a close 2nd having led for most of the way, and then going through a voluntary one on May 23rd when he led all the way, stopping the clock in a quick time. He did that from the same wide draw he gets today if he can bring that form, he will take some beating. (1) HANGANG PERFECT was 2nd in his trial, coming from off the pace and finishing off well in a decent time and shapes as the main danger. (10) CHEONGUNG STROM came through the same trial as Hangang Perfect, finishing 4th and looking ready to race. (9) CHEONGSAN JILJU and (6) HANMADIMALDO others who could have a say first up.

Selections(12) Geoljak SIdae (1) Hangang Perfect (10) Cheongung Storm (9) Cheongsan Jilju
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 12

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

(11) ASSI JANGGUN has been knocking at the door for a while now and enters with a 3rd and a 4th place from her latest two, both at 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but the slight step up in trip may be what she needs. (1) EAST QUALITY has shown progress over three starts to date, with his latest being her best. That was a 4th place over 1300M on May 5th when settling back and running on, but in this company and from the inside gate, he can be expected to be further forward, and he will probably start as the betting favourite. (5) B.K. BELLE is another who should be challenging for the early lead. She has mixed her form across eight outings but has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record and should be in the mix here. (10) LEGEND TAP and (2) MARUBYEOL look the other place chances.

Selections(11) Assi Janggun (1) East Quality (5) B.K. Belle (10) Legend Tap
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden and a couple enter ready to win. Chief among them is (4) TOHOMARKET, who comes in off a best to date finish of 2nd over this distance on May 19th when settling midfield and finishing off well. That gave her the joint fastest time of any of these for the distance, and from a better draw today, she can go one better. That time is shared by (2) CALIPH who similarly comes in off her best performance when 2nd over this distance on May 12th. That was a big uptick in form and from a good gate, she can keep her momentum going here. (11) CLOUD HEART and (8) GREEN CONCORD both come in off back-to-back 4th places from their respective latest two, and both should be aiming for career best finishes here. (10) SAHARAMONG another in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Tohomarket (2) Caliph (11) Cloud Heart (8) Green Concord
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(4) NAOL INDY got his maiden win at start number four over this distance on May 26th when leading from gate to wire. That win had been coming and while he comes up in class here, he is down in the weights and from a good draw can get to the front and lead all the way again. (6) SONE SONJABGO got her maiden win at start two at the end of March and immediately followed up with a 10/1 score on her first try at this level at 1200M on May 12th. She only comes up 1.5kg in the weights and only 100M in trip and a hat-trick isn’t impossible. (2) TRAUM KING could only manage 6th on his return from seven months out on May 11th. He should strip fitter for that run, and he has placed at this class and distance. (7) GEUMAK DIA and (8) EUREKA among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Naol Indy (6) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Traum King (7) Geumak Dia
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

The final leg of the Triple Crown series, the Minister’s Cup, highlight’s the weekend’s action at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, things get underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in this maiden with four of the ten racing for the first time but one with experience goes on top and based on her last two starts, (5) DEUMULEO may be hard to beat. After a few very ordinary showings, she was much improved when 3rd over this distance on May 3rd and backed it up with a 2nd place on May 24th, both in quick times. She’ll be on pace and won’t need to improve much more to win here. A couple of debut-makers follow. (6) BACK TO THE LADY led every step of the way to win her trial in a fair time on May 25th. She responded well when asked for effort and can go well first up. (7) SCORPION QUEEN won a heat on May 18th, similarly, leading all the way. Her time was quick and unfashionable connections may mean she starts longer than she should (2) GUKDAE MIRACLE and (10) WORLD PINK CAT other money chances.

Selections(5) Deumuleo (6) Back To The Lady (7) Scorpion Queen (2) Gukdae Miracle
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) OAK RIDGE shapes as favourite. He has five top-five finishes among eight starts so far and comes in off a smart 2nd place over this distance on May 17th when close to the pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and he can go one better. (5) BEST BOY ran a close 3rd in that May 17th race, his second consecutive 3rd place finish and he looks the main danger. Solitary debut maker (1) BREEDO SHOOTER went through two trials, the second of which may not appear in all race cards as it was a voluntary trial. This is unfortunate because she showed significant improvement, running on for 2nd from a wide draw in a good time. She draws nicely here and can go well first-up. (10) PRIME PARK and (2) GWANGSOKMA among others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Oak Ridge (5) Best Boy (1) Breedo Shooter (10) Prime Park
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in eight attempts but has five top-five finishes including a last start 5th over a mile at this class on May 19th. He has generally finished off his races well, and the step up to two turns can suit. (1) BLUE POINT is similarly a maiden, in his case from five starts, getting promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes over a mile in March and April. He ran 6th behind Seobu Vision in that May 19th race and both can be closer today. (6) YEONSEUNG BRAVO led that May 19th race before capitulating. He was racing for the first time in almost six months though so can be forgiven and he has placed at this class and distance. He should strip fitter here. (2) DAEHOMA and (9) QUEEN’S ROAD others in the minor money frame.

Selections(8) Seobu Vision (1) Blue Point (6) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Daehoma
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

(7) CHARON TODAY returns to racing for the first time since September last year. Her win came and this distance and she followed up with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. Having looked well when 2nd in a late May trial in a good time, she can be supported first up. (3) RUBY STONE is yet to finish worse than 5th and got her win in a quick time at this distance. She comes in off a slightly disappointing last start on May 24th when on pace and weakening, but from a good draw is worth another chance today. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SANGIM BOLT, who got his maiden win at this class and distance in that May 24th race when racing handy and running on. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is possible. (11) TRIPLE DREAM and (6) TAURUS KING, the latter another out of that May 24th race, are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Charon Today (3) Ruby Stone (10) Sangim Bolt (11) Triple Dream
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

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

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Triple Tiara Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

The Triple Tiara Series for three-year-old fillies concludes on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse with Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and Eclipse Berry will be the favourite to complete a clean-sweep of the series having already won the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks. The big race is race 8 on a 10-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry (KRA)

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

It’s hard to go past (9) CUPID MIR in this maiden. He has no fewer than six top-four finishes from seven attempts, including his latest over 1200M on May 18th when slow away and settling right back before running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and in this company, he should be on pace and will take some beating. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished in either 4th or 5th place in all seven of his starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can be aiming for better here. Solitary debut-maker (4) WONDERFUL TECHNO trialled up well and from a good draw shouldn’t be ruled out first up. (2) DAEMUL SOCKS and (1) SCALE KING the other major place chances.

Selections(9) Cupid Mir (3) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Wonderful Techno (2) Daemul Socks
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(1) SUNSHINE QUEEN comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times finishing off well. She comes up to 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, Jo Jae-ro can pick his spot behind the speed and she has solid claims here. (8) MK LEE has shown good progress across four starts so far and was a close 4th over 1300M last time out. He too comes up to the 1400M for the first time and in this company can be on or close to the pace and can be in this a long way. (3) RAON THE KLAMMER was 5th behind MK Lee at his last start. He draws better this time and can be a danger, (11) TRES VITE and (6) SMILE GOLD others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Sunshine Queen (8) MK Lee (3) Raon The Klammer (11) Tres Vite
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

One of two debut-makers in the race, (5) QUEEN SOPHIA looked very well when winning a trial as easily as she pleased in a quick time on May 18th, sitting behind the leader before pulling clear. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (8) SEOGWI STAR is yet to finish outside of the top-five and comes in off her best finish so far when 2nd at this distance on May 17th. She carries a light weight here and can be a danger. (1) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE likes to race on pace and today draws very nicely for a much easier run to the front. Franco climbs on and she should be in this a long way. (10) GREEN BULLDOZER and (3) PURE DANCE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queen Sophia (8) Seogwi Star (1) Yeonggwangui Rose (10) Green Bulldozer
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

Competitive race. (10) AMAZING STAR has two 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far racing handy on each occasion. She draws a touch wide here but should be able to find a relatively forward position and today can be her day. (8) BLACK SPECTER ran 3rd on debut in March before following up with a close 5th on May 4th, both times over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be a threat here. (7) SEONGSIL CHEONHA has trialled twice since his latest run and looked much more assured in the latter of those on May 23rd (may not appear in all racecards) when a close 2nd in a quick time. He can be in the mix first-up here for his first race in sixteen weeks. (5) ALL NUT and (1) MAX PARTY among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(10) Amazing Star (8) Black Specter (7) Seongsil Cheonha (5) All Nut
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Open race with plenty of chances. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER is yet to win but got promoted to this level having placed in each of his first three starts. He then ran a solid 5th over this distance on his first try at this level on May 10th when he had to overcome gate ten. He draws much better today and under a light weight, he can win. (6) STRIKE ZONE has never finished any worse than 5th in seven attempts with his win coming at 1300M. He races for the first time since running 3rd in a quick race at this class over 1400M in January, but he looked well in a May trial and can go well first-up. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off a 4th place at class and distance on May 10th coming from off the pace and he can be a danger late on again here. (8) MOST RAPID and (9) GOLDEN AIR others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wonderful Fever (6) Strike Zone (7) Majestic Dancer (8) Most Rapid
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

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

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

Maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though, and (5) YEONGUNG JARYONG, who ran a close 5th on debut at this distance on May 18th, racing handy throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time. He had previously shown plenty of speed in his trials and with some natural improvement from that first start, should take some beating. (3) X-FACTOR ran 2nd at big odds on debut on April 13th. The time wasn’t quick but that showing is enough to make him the second pick here. (4) ULTRA MANGCHI improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on April 27th leading for much of the way around and should be on pace again here. The debut-makers are probably better watched first-up so (9) P N S OHOH and (1) SERGEANT LIGHT are the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Yeongung Jaryoung (3) X-Factor (4) Ultra Mangchi (9) P N S Ohoh
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden. (9) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has been getting closer across seven starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has been finishing off his races well and the step up to 1700M, as well as CC climbing aboard, could be what he needs. The main danger is (8) COSMO KING. He has a 2nd, a 4th and a 3rd in his last three starts, all of them at this distance and with some of today’s rivals behind him on all three occasions. He can settle midfield and run on and should be in the mix again here. (2) TWO TWO THUNDER ran 4th to Cosmo King’s 2nd when they raced at this distance on March 16th. He comes in fresh following twelve weeks out and is a place hope here. (5) GOLD MUNGCHI and (4) GANGCHEOL POWER others in the minor money frame.

Selections(9) Galsaek Dojeonja (8) Cosmo King (2) Two Two Thunder (5) Gold Mungchi
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) VIVA CHEONGSU remains a maiden having been promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes in her first two starts but has shown she can measure up at this level with a 4th and a 3rd from two tries at it, most recently over 1300M on May 4th. She remains very lightly weighted here and today can be her day. (3) QUERER got her maiden win in the weakest race imaginable back in January but has, perhaps surprisingly, worked herself into competitiveness at this level, culminating in a close 2nd at class and distance on May 12th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely to be on pace and should be close here. (1) STUNNING LADY enters off a smart 2nd place at 1300M on April 27th and can be competitive here. (7) DREAM SKY and (9) HAPPY ICTUS among other placing chances.

Selections(5) Viva Cheongsu (3) Querer (1) Stunning Lady (7) Dream Sky
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG came back into form with a very close 2nd place at this class and distance on May 11th when close to the pace throughout. He comes up a full 3kg in the weights here, but he has every chance of going one better. (3) NAVY CHROME is the danger. A winner at class 6 level two starts back, she ran 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on April 20th, coming from off the pace. In this company and from a good gate, she can be expected to lead, and she has every chance. (2) SPACE RUBY comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number two over this distance back in February. She hasn’t been seen since but has scope for more development and can measure up in this company. (8) BEST THOR and (6) HEART SIGNAL are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Seongsil Yeongung (3) Navy Chrome (2) Space Ruby (8) Best Thor
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

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

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

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

Having been through several trials, (3) DREAMING BOY made his debut over 1200M on May 10th settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have come on for that experience, he draws nicely and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) HAERANG JINJU enters having run an improved 2nd place over this distance in an all-filly maiden on May 10th. She can settle just behind the speed here and can be a danger late on again. (7) DORAON ZETTA has the fastest time among those here who have previously tackled the 1300M. Franco climbs up and she should be aiming to go better than her previous best of 4th place. (9) WE LIKE MONEY and (2) GOLDMASK are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Dreaming Boy (8) Haerang Jinju (7) Doraon Zetta (9) We Like Money
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

A very underwhelming maiden. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG hasn’t raced since running 3rd over this distance back in February but including that result, he has three top-four finishes. He gets the verdict here having run a very quick 2nd in a May trial and if he brings that form to the races, he could be hard to hold out. There are two debut makers and (3) BREEDO KELLY performed fairly in her trial. She draws nicely and with Franco booked, she is worth a chance first-up in this limited company. (1) HOMYEONG JILJU ran fairly for 5th place over 1400M on May 12th, his best finish to date and from a good gate – and with absolutely no early speed in this race – can be further forward earlier and bettering that here. (4) GLOBAL SPURT and (8) MY WAY are the other placing hopes.

Selections(9) Haerang Yeongung (3) Breedo Kelly (1) Homyeong Jilju (4) Global Spurt
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

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

(5) BLAZING MAN has been getting closer across his five starts so far and comes in following the best of them to date when stepped up to a mile for the first time on May 10th and running a solid 2nd place with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. In this company, expect him to be on or close to the pace, and he can go one better. He will be a prohibitive favourite. Second favourite will be (9) SEOBU CAPTAIN. He ran 5th behind Blazing Man in that May 10th race when on pace and weakening late. He comes in under the same weight and in slightly weaker company, he should be closer. (1) SUPER KANEL ran 3rd over 1400 at his last start and this is the kind of race the twenty-one-start maiden can find some money in again. (3) AMAZING CURLIN and (2) NANGMAN DAERO are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Blazing Man (9) Seobu Captain (1) Super Kanel (3) Amazing Curlin
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

Tricky one but we’ll go with (7) YEONYEIN. He has mixed his form in three starts at this level since getting his maiden win at this distance but his 3rd place two starts back in a decent time is enough for him to go on top. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (4) SUCCESS BATTLE broke through at big odds at the eleventh time of asking over this distance on May 5th. It was a fast time, and he overcame the widest gate to do it and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he warrants more respect this time. (3) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TOO CUTE GIRL enter having run 3d and 4th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on May 12th and both can be in the mix again here with the former more favoured. (10) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH another to consider.

Selections(7) Yeonyein (4) Success Battle (3) Blue Captain (1) Too Cute Girl
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

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

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JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG POISED FOR QUEENS’ TOUR SWEEP

She won all three jewels in the Triple Tiara last season and now Jeulgeounyeojeong has the opportunity to repeat as having won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer, she bids to complete the set with victory in the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS BUSAN ON SUNDAY.

Jeulgeounyeojeong was an easy winner of the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)

After her Triple Tiara triumph in the first part of last year, Jeulgeounyeojeong went on to make inroads into the big filly and mare late season races too, culminating in victory in the brand-new Breeders’ Cup Queen race at Busan in December.

A welcome three-months of rest before Jeulgeounyeojeong kicked off her four-year-old campaign by tackling the first leg of the Queens’s Tour Spring/Summer, the Donga Ilbo Trophy over 1800M in March.

JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG came through that test, but she was pushed hard by Wonderful Slew, who beat her in the Gyeongnam Governors’ Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan last October and got within a length of her in the Donga Ilbo.

Wonderful Slew didn’t run in the second leg of the series, the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2), where Jeulgeounyeojeong ran out a routine four-length winner over Gangseo Giant.

WONDERFUL SLEW reappears this time, having run a solid 5th behind Global Hit and Tuhonui Banseok when sent out against the best of the boys in the YTN Cup, the second leg of the Stayer Series.

Luigi Riccardi’s filly is still relatively lightly raced – eleven starts to Jeulgeounyeojeong’s nineteen – and   while she has only won four of them, she always races in top class company.

Moon Se-young, who rode her to that close defeat in the Donga Ilbo, has travelled to Busan to ride Wonderful Slew and it’s not impossible that she comes out on top.  

Jockey Moon cursed his luck after the Donga Ilbo as having made the decision to go for home early between the 3rd and 4th corner, Wonderful Slew couldn’t quite get there.

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KNN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 2)

Jeulgeounyeojeong will aim to complete a clean sweep of the Queens’ Tour Spring & Summer as that series concludes on Sunday afternoon with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3). In a change to May’s schedule, there are 8 Sunday races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00 and 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong beat Wonderful Slew in the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (10) SEUNGNI GITBAL. She beat three of these on her way to 2nd place over this distance on May 3rd and while she has the challenge of the widest gate here, she doesn’t necessarily need to lead, and she may not even need to improve to win this. That’s because there isn’t much to fear from this opposition. (1) YONGBI CHEONWANG overcame gate eleven to run a fair 4th over 1200M on May 5th. Given today’s draw he may well revert to leading – as he had done in previous starts – and he can be in this a long way. (2) ILCHUL GOLD was 3rd behind Seungni Gitbal in that May 3rd race and while she has plenty to make up, she gets a weight swing in her favour as well as a better draw. (3) JOJOBA and (6) HAPPY NORTHERN are the other place chances.

Selections(10) Seungni Gitbal (1) Yongbi Cheongwang (2) Ilchul Gold (3) Jojoba
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

(2) CHOEGANG TIME has had a stop-start beginning to his career but ran a solid 2nd at this distance back in January. He hasn’t race since he won a trial in a double-quick time in mid-May and from a great draw and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back, he can win first up today. (5) SHINE BOLT has been getting closer across her four starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on April 14th when slow out and coming from a long way back. She shapes as the main danger here. (9) PRINCE DAY enters off a 2nd place at this distance on April 21st, albeit well beaten by a good winner. In this small field, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he is another who has a smart finish on him. (8) TWO ACE and (6) STUNNING SERVE are others in the placing frame. 

Selections(2) Choegang Time (5) Shine Bolt (9) Prince Day (8) Two Ace
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

Two first timers among these maidens and one of them, (5) OPEN SKY, will be the warm favourite. The Cowboy Cal gelding showed on pace in his trial, pulling away to win in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (3) BEOLMAUI ACE raced once for a fair 5th last November and hasn’t been seen since. He trialled well two weeks ago and Moon Se-young, intown to ride Wonderful Slew in the KNN Cup later, taking the mount catches the eye. (9) GOTOTHEVALHALLA ran a fair 4th on debut in March, albeit in a slow time over 1400M. He comes in following twelve weeks out but in this company should be a threat. (4) FLASH DAY has a 4th and a 5th from his latest two, both at this distance and that’s enough to put him in the frame here. The unfortunately named (11) FAT BOY, another who can improve having trialled twice since an anonymous debut.

Selections(5) Open Sky (3) Beolmaui Ace (9) Gotothevalhalla (4) Flash Day
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

It’s hard to go past (4) ECLIPSE HONOR. From two starts so far, he has a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and in fair, if unspectacular, times. He has settled behind the speed and run on in both and in this company, he should have too much. (3) LADY FOX enters off a solid 2nd place in an all-filly race over 1300M on April 21st when she overcame gate eleven. She looks nicely in here and can be a danger. (7) CUPID RISE has the second fastest time among these for the distance, after only Eclipse Honor. That was recorded when 4th last time out on April 21st when he led for much of the way. David stays aboard and he should be in the finish again. (2) CRAZE CHANG and (10) NATURAL SOUND others to look out for.

Selections(4) Eclipse Honor (3) Lady Fox (7) Cupid Rise (2) Craze Chang
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here and (1) BLACK JILJU will be the one to beat. She is still a maiden after six attempts, but she has never finished outside the top five and she comes in having run 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on May 5th, racing on pace. She draws well to lead again and this time she can go all the way. (3) MARIA’S CALL got her maiden win in a similar all-filly race over 1300M on May 10th when leading from gate to wire. She comes up in class here but with only three races under her belt, has plenty of scope for more improvement and she can be the danger. (6) SUPREME QUEEN is, like Black Jilju, a maiden but she comes up in class following a few too many near-misses. She is another who likes to race on the speed and under a light weight, she can measure up. (9) TAP DREAM and (2) MORO the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Black Jilju (3) Maria’s Call (6) Supreme Queen (9) Tap Dream
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4 ,6

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) UASEN was a dominant winner on debut over 1200M on May 5th, taking things up in the home straight and skipping away to win by plenty. She comes up in class and also slightly in distance, but neither should be an issue and she will be a warm favourite to make it two from two. (5) PINK WIND also comes up in class following a maiden win, in her case at start number six over this distance on April 21st. Her time was faster than any of the others here who have tackled the 1300M have achieved and down in weight, she can measure up. (1) LOVE COWGIRL ran out of steam on her first appearance in over six months in April. She has placed twice at this level though and should have derived benefit from that run to the extent she can be in the mix here. (6) DIANA and (8) GIANT FORCE among others to consider.

Selections(4) Uasen (5) Pink Wind (1) Love Cowgirl (6) Diana
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

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

Competitive race. (11) GONJOHARI debuted somewhat anonymously last summer and then didn’t reappear until this April 26th. And some reappearance it was as he slipped away from the field to win by a cool twelve-lengths over 1200M. He comes up in class but the manner of that first-up win suggests there can be more to come, and he is favoured here. (9) BREEDO WIZARD is yet to win in seven outings but has also never finished any worse than 4th. He enters off a close 2nd place over 1200M at this class on May 10th and he should be close again. (5) META PRINCESS is a winner of two from four including at this class and distance. She comes back in trip following a fair 5th over 1400M and after twelve weeks off, can be in the mix here. (4) ONEULISUNGAN and (2) ROAD TO WARRIOR are others to consider.

Selections(11) Gonjohari (9) Breedo Wizard (5) Meta Princess (4) Oneulisungan
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 1)

June begins with an 11-race Saturday card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden. (2) I’M THE BEST did nothing on debut but was promptly sent back to trial and emerged much better at start number two on May 4th, coming from off the pace to run 3rd over this distance in a good time. She draws well and she looks the best of these. (11) WONDERFUL PASS also has a 2nd place in her record, secured two starts back over 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but has proven capable of coming from off the pace and can be considered. (8) YEONGWON POTEN weakened over 1300M last time out but going on her previous start, when 3rd at this distance, she warrants consideration in this company. (4) MO CHUISLE and (6) MAGIC SOUND others in the frame for the minors. 

Selections(2) I’m The Best (11) Wonderful Pass (8) Yeongwon Poten (4) Mo Chuisle
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

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

This is wide open so at what should be each-way odds, we can take a chance on (1) OSONGEUI BYEOL. He showed a big uptick in form last time out when 2nd over this distance on April 13th when settling just behind the speed and running on and from a great draw and with CC climbing up, he can go one better today. (7) AMAZING ROCK has shown steady progress across three outings to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance eon May 18th when coming from off the pace. She is nicely weighted here and with some similar improvement, she can get even closer this time. (6) B.K. BELLE has four top-four finishes from seven attempts with her best being a 2nd at 1200M and she can be in the mix here. (4) DANGCHAN NANGNO and (2) CHEONJANGSA among plenty of other chances.

Selections(1) Osongeui Byeol (7) Amazing Rock (6) B.K. Belle (4) Dangchan Nangbo
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Small but competitive field. (4) GOLD SIDAE won on debut over 1200M on April 14th, racing on pace throughout. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in the weights, he draws well, and he can make it two from two. (5) YONGAM SESANG got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M on May 4th at this distance. He too comes up in class here and while he doesn’t get a weight drop, that was his first appearance since January so he could well strip fitter and is a big danger. (8) SPALTA got his first win two starts back before running an on-pace 2nd on his first try at this class on May 4th. He comes up in the weights but in this company should be close again and will be expected to be on the speed. (7) DANCING GANGJA and (6) THUNDER A ONE are other chances.

Selections(4) Gold Sidae (5) Yongam Sesang (8) Spalta (7) Dancing Gangja
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

None of these enter off convincing last starts but the one it’s easiest to draw a line through is that of (3) YONGBI POWER who had a poor day at the office over 1700M. She drops back to a distance at which she has finished 3rd and 4th in two attempts at and from a good gate and under a light weight, she has as much chance as any. (8) ECHO ZONE is the only one who emerged from his last start with much credit, having beaten a couple of these on his way to 4th place over this distance on May 5th. He won’t need to improve much to get closer here. (6) GLOBAL JINGYEOK has been cold of late, but he has placed at class and distance and Kim Yong-geun climbing on makes for some appeal. (4) EUREKA and (1) HERO QUEEN are others in the mix.

Selections(3) Yongbi Power (8) Echo Zone (6) Global Jingyeok (4) Eureka
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

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

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

The two-year-old races begin and eight face the starter for the first time, so we head to the trial videos. (2) BIG MUSICAL STAR went through two trials scraping through the first in the slowest allowable time but then much better on May 11th when overcoming a wide gate to settle midfield and run on for a close 4th in a quick time (as a voluntary trial, this may not appear in all race cards, so do take note).  The trainer/jockey combination will ensure he has plenty of backers first up. It took (6) ARION TAEYANG two goes to qualify which he did well on May 4th settling on pace and while a long way back behind a six-time winner the time was good, and he will be a danger here. (3) YONGBI PAEWANG settled right back in his heat before running on. (8) WORLD KNG IJI and (1) WONDERFUL GROOM others who may offer some interest at longer prices.

Selections(2) Big Musical Star (6) Arion Taeyang (3) Yongbi Paewang (8) World King Iji
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6 

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) ONE WAY has shown improvement across her three starts so far and enters off a 4th place at 1200M on May 3rd when racing close to the pace. She may need a touch of luck from the wide draw, but she should be close here. (8) ONES HEYDAY enters off am improved 2nd place over this distance on April 28th when leading for much of the way. She recorded the fastest time of any of these for the 1300M and she can be on pace and in this a long way again. (4) GREEN LEGEND enters on the right trajectory with a 5th and a 4th from her latest two and she can be there or thereabouts again. (7) DREAMMA and the returning (10) ALLURE, the latter looking well in a trial earlier this month, are others in the frame.

Selections(11) One Way (8) Ones Heyday (4) Green Legend (7) Dreamma
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 11

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

(10) FLYING ICE has raced just twice but did improve in the second of those when stepped up to this distance on May 3rd. That was four months after his inauspicious debut and he should strip fitter for that run and with Franco climbing on, there is plenty to like. (6) TODAY QUEEN has a 4th and a 5th from her latest with the 4th coming when she led at this distance. There isn’t much early speed here so she should get an easy run to the front again and she should be in this a long way. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th in all three starts so far. He comes into slightly softer company here and can be aiming higher. (1) GUKDAE WIFUNG and (11) B.K. MARON other placing chances.

Selections(10) Flying Ice (6) Today Queen (7) Pompeii (1) Gukdae Wifung
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) BURUI TONGCHI ran 3rd on debut last October but didn’t reappear until March when he won first-up over 1200M on the last day of the month, overcoming a wide gate to settle midfield and then run on. He stepped up to this class on April 26th and from the same wide draw, ran a close 2nd place at 1300M. He comes up slightly in the weights, but that’s offset by a better gate and the slight step up in trip can suit. The big danger is (3) MR.KEYMAN. He too got his win over 1200M and comes in having run 5th of twelve in a quick race over this distance on May 5th.  He too draws better this time and won’t need to go much better than that to go close here. (10) LEMON BULPAE races for the first time since running 2nd at class and distance in January. He looked well in an April trial and can be competitive first-up. (8) SKY SHOT was a class and distance winner on April 21st and while up in weight shouldn’t be dismissed. (5) BLACK EAGLE another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Burui Tongchi (3) Mr.Keyman (10) Lemon Bulpae (8) Sky Shot
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

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GLOBAL HIT SEEKS STAYER SWEEP IN LUNCHTIME TV SHOWDOWN

Global Hit can further establish himself as the top horse in Korea if he wins the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) and in doing so complete a clean sweep of the Stayer Series in front of the KBS N Sports cameras at Busan Racecourse early on Sunday afternoon. See here for race-by-race preview of all races at Seoul and Busan.

Gloabl Hit beat Speed Young and (out of shot) Tuhonui Banseok in the YTN (Pic: KRA)

Having already taken out the first two legs of the Stayer Series, the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3), both at Seoul, Global Hit, who was crowned champion three-year-old last year having taken out two legs of the Triple Crown, will be the favourite to score again over a similar field.

By To Honor And Serve, GLOBAL HIT is a winner of seven of his twelve races and was runner-up to Winner’s Man in both the President’s Cup and Grand Prix Stakes to round out his 2023 campaign. He is two for two this season with his wins in the opening two legs of the Stayer Series, both times overcoming a wide draw to settle back and prove too strong. He has a furlong less to play with this time and while he races at what is ostensibly his home track of Busan for the first time in more than a year, he can be too good again.

He has thirteen rivals to contend with. TUHONUI BANSEOK won this race and the YTN Cup last year, both times defeating Winner’s Man to be crowned the Series champion. Although his form tailed off slightly towards the end of 2023, the Bart Rice trainee was a fair 5th in the Grand Prix Stakes before returning to run 3rd in the Herald Business and then 2nd in the YTN, only going down by a nose to Global Hit in the latter. He draws very nicely to be on pace, and he can be a big danger. Seo Seung-un climbs back on.

NUT PLAY registered a 4th and two 3rd place finishes in the Triple Crown Series last year before scooping up a Listed prize in the autumn. A comfortable class 1 winner over this distance in February, he ran a close 2nd to Global Hit in the Herald Business, before running 4th in the YTN Cup. Both times he has a got a bit far back but with the drop back to 1800M as well as an excellent draw, he may be ridden closer this time and can have a say in the finish.

Former Champion Juvenile SPEED YOUNG was highly fancied in the first two legs of last year’s Triple Crown but didn’t live up to expectations. He redeemed himself somewhat with a close 2nd to Global Hit – his stablemate – in the final leg, the Minister’s Cup and then a 3rd place behind Winner’s Man and Global Hit in the President’s Cup. With a 5th and a 3rd from the first two legs of the Stayer Series, he should be a contender again.

GALAXY ROAD and ALIVE STAR bookend the barrier in gates one and fourteen respectively. Both are in the best form of their careers at age six and may have a say. Veteran SIMJANGUI GODONG was well back in the first two races in the series but can’t be ruled out of a return to form.

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is race 3 on the 7-race program at Busan with a local post time of 13:35. Admission to the racecourse is free and the race will be shown live in Korea on the SBS N Sports Channel.

Selections(11) Global Hit (6) Tuhonui Banseok (5) Nut Play (1) Galaxy Road
Next Best3, 14
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11