Racing Previews

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 2)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time.  After improving over three trials, (1) REMEMBER AGAIN ran a fair 6th of ten on debut over this distance on September 29th, racing handy throughout. It wasn’t a quick time but still quicker than any of the others with experience here and from a good gate and with some natural improvement, he is the one to beat. The rest of the exposed form isn’t great. (3) DONGBANG FORCE is the only one to have raced twice and she did improve to 4th in the second of those, albeit a long way behind the winner. If she continues on that trajectory she can go close here. Of the debut-makers, (7) YEONGGWANGUI SKY will be the most fancied following a fair trial and Moon Se-young up. (9) WILD HAPPY and (11) DIXIE MAN also hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(1) Remember Again (3) Dongbang Force (7) Yeonggwangui Sky (9) Wild Happy
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

Filly maidens only here and it will be hard to go past (2) RAON THE KEISHA. After an ordinary debut in August, she was a close 2nd at start number two over 1000M on September 28th, settling midfield and running on well. The step up in trip can suit and she won’t need to find much improvement to win here. The danger is in the adjoining gate. (3) BEAT DOKKAEBI was similarly indifferent on debut but has since registered a 3rd and a 4th, most recently when stepped up to this distance on September 28th when ridden on pace. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (9) GAMUN PARTY has made similar progress across four outings with her latest a month ago when 3rd over 1300M and she should be there or thereabouts again. (1) GEOLJAK HAPPY and (10) MODERN DANCE others in the frame although the former will need a line through her latest.

Selections(2) Raon The Keisha (3) Beat Dokkaebi (9) Gamun Party (1) Geoljak Happy
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

(2) AMAZING STAR has already crossed the line in front first but had that win stripped after a post-race sample was beyond a threshold. She then struggled on her return in August but after going back to trial, she was much better on October 5th when 2nd over 1300M in a very similar race to this (although it was just fillies that day). She draws nicely and will be strongly fancied to go one better today. After three trials, (9) GWACHEON QUEEN finally debuted on September 28th over 1000M and after a slow start ran through the line well for 5th. She should have come on for that, and up in trip, she can go closer. (1) ARNOLD QUEEN will need to be forgiven her latest, but if we go on her effort two starts back when beating a couple of these on her way to 3rd place over this distance, she has to be considered. (5) KOTAP and (7) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG are other potential improvers.

Selections(2) Amazing Star (9) Gwacheon Queen (1) Arnold Queen (5) Kotap
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) BEAUTYWONDERFUL remains a maiden after ten attempts but has plenty of near misses, including her latest when 3rd over this distance on October 13th. She will be favourite to go one better here. (1) GLORY AND HONOUR is a consistent type who is rarely far away with multiple money finishes at this class. From the inside gate, she can settle just behind the speed and can be a danger late on here. (8) META got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M on August 17th before running 4th on her first try at this class on September 29th. She will be racing on pace, and she can be in this a long way again. (6) SPECIAL FORCE and (3) DREAM SKY are the other placing chances.

Selections(5) Beautywonderful (1) Glory And Honor (8) Meta (6) Special Force
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

She is yet to win in eight attempts, but (4) BIG BRIDGE will be a short price favourite to put that right this time. She comes un for two 2nd places and a 3rd from her latest three, all at this class and most recently on her first try at this trip on Octobert 6th when settling handy and running on. She is nicely weighted, she draws well, and it should be her day. (7) EUREKA has only won once but has no fewer than nineteen top five finishes from twenty-nine appearances. Last time out she was only beaten into 2nd very narrowly and with an apprentice claiming 4kg here, she can go close again. (8) SERGEANT LIGHT is winless but is up in class following too many near misses. She comes down in weight by 3kg and can measure up in this company. (2) WHIZ LOVER and (10) SINUI YNMYEONG others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 1)

November kicks off with an 8-race Friday card at Busan from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

An astonishing amount of prize money on offer for this very ordinary small field of maidens. (1) SUCCESS GOLD ran 4th on debut over 1000M on October 11th, settling midfield and running on. She should have come on for that run and has as good a chance as any here. There are three debut-makers and among them, (4) WIND MIREU shapes as the best chance. He ran a close 2nd in her latest trial in a good time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will be in the mix here. (3) SIX HERO improved to 3rd at start number two on October 6th and the slight step up in trip can suit. (7) EAST SUN and (2) BIG OWNER are others who can improve.

Selections(1) Success Gold (4) Wind Mireu (3) Six Hero (7) East Sun
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) GREAT MARU has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place at this distance on October 11th when racing on pace. He draws well to be on pace again and he may take some beating. The solitary debut maker is (7) GEUMBIT TODAY. Her trial wasn’t quick, but she went round within herself, crossing the line a close 2nd and she couldn’t hope for a better race to debut in. (1) LIKE DRAGON comes in off a fair first couple of outings, both over 1000M. She has been doing her best work late and she should appreciate the step up in trip today. (8) SEOGWI OSEONGTAP and (5) HAEUNDAE SUNSHINE others who can improve in very ordinary company.

Selections(2) Great Maru (7) Geumbit Today (1) Like Dragon (8) Seogwi Oseongtap
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(1) STORM FIGHTER has hinted at ability across three starts so far, most recently when 3rd over 1300M on October 11th, when settling midfield and running on. He can settle behind the speed here and could well prove too strong. (3) STEROPES seems to be figuring things out and enters off a smart 3rd place at this distance on October 4th. He too will try to settle just behind the early speed, and he can prove a danger late on. (5) CAPTAIN KOREA finished in 4th place behind Steropes in that race on October 4th. That was her second consecutive time troubling the scorers, and she can be in the hunt again here. (10) BURUI JEONSA and (4) BIG JAWS among others in contention.

Selections(1) Storm Fighter (3) Steropes (5) Captain Korea (10) Burui Jeonsa
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(9) WONDERFUL BIDDER was a winner on debut and has since gone close across four tries at this class, most recently when 4th at this distance on September 27th. He has a smart turn of foot and can settle behind the speed and prove too strong here. The danger is on the outside. (10) BEOLMAUI ACE was 5th behind Wonderful Bidder in that September 27th race when sent off as favourite. Before that, he ran 3rd and 2nd at this class, and he can be going close here. (5) ONES HEYDAY mixes his form, but he comes in off a 2nd place at class and distance on October 6th, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process, and she can match or better that today. (3) SEOGWI OREUM and (7) DAEHOMA are others to consider.

Selections(9) Wonderful Bidder (10) Beolmaui Ace (5) Ones Heyday (3) Seogwi Oreum
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

There’s no Stakes action but there is still plenty to get stuck into on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Captain Yankee goes around at Busan on Sunday. Aged 3 he won two legs of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the ten racing for the first time. Experience goes on top though as (1) BEST RACE ran a solid 2nd place over this distance on debut on October 5th, racing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. With any kind of natural improvement, he is hard to go past here. Among the debut-makers, there are a couple of standouts. (8) MR.STORM won his trial leading all the way around and if he brings that form to the races, he will be a chance. Meanwhile, (7) JISAN FORCE led for much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a good time. Moon Se-young’s presence will ensure he has plenty of first-up supporters. (9) QUEEN DIA and (5) SEMYEONG DIA are others with experience who may improve.

Selections(1) Best Race (8) Mr.Storm (7) Jisan Force (9) Queen Dia
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

More juvenile maidens. (1) ONE PUNCH DRAGON showed on pace on debut over this distance on September 28th, ultimately finishing 3rd. It was a run full of potential and from the inside gate again, he should be on pace here with every chance of going all the way this time. (6) GEUMA FOREMOST has raced twice, finishing 5th on debut over 1000M, and then 3rd at 1200M at the end of August. He comes in fresh following eight weeks off, and he can be in this, Like One Punch Dragon, (8) GRAND KWAEMA was 3rd on debut in his case over 1200M on September 29th. He too should have come on for the run and shapes as a danger. Solitary debut maker (7) WONDERFUL FAPPY (may get a spelling alteration) dominated a trial earlier this month and if he brings that form to the races, has to be in the mix. (9) ECLIPSE THE KING has run fairly in his first two appearances and may improve.

Selections(1) One Punch Dragon (6) Geuma Foremost (8) Grand Kwaema (7) Wonderful Fappy
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

Maiden fillies only here and anything could win. (9) NICE BUDDY ran 2nd on debut over this distance on September 27th well beaten by a good winner but showing promise. With some natural improvement, she has as much chance as any here. (6) DREAMMA enters off the back of two consecutive 4th place finishes, both at this distance and both times sitting just behind the speed and running on. She has the fastest time among these by a considerable margin (admittedly recorded in a week when the track was racing very fast) and she can be a danger. (3) WORLD ANGEL CAT returned from over three months out to run a much-improved 2nd over 1400M on October 11th, leading for much of the way. She makes a quick return here and draws well to lead again. (10) GOLDMASK and (12) DOLPHIN KICK are others to consider.

Selections(9) Nice Buddy (6) Dreamma (3) World Angel Cat (10) Goldmask
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

Two standouts here. Following an inauspicious debut, (10) HANURI was a close 4th at start number two over 1300M on September 14th, settling midfield and running on. He has the challenge of the widest gate but the slight step up in trip can suit and he can win. The danger is (8) ELDORADO HEUNGBU. He has a best of 3rd from three starts so far, having dropped back and run on each time. He should similarly benefit from the extended trip. (5) HIPPODROME is starting to get some consistency and enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently when stepped up to this distance on June 30th. He has had seventeen weeks off since then and was lame in August, but he has been back in work since the second week of this month, and he can be competitive again here. (3) JEWELRY FASHION and (7) NEOMANEULWIHAESEO others in the frame.

Selections(10) Hanuri (8) Eldorado Heungbu (5) Hippodrome (3) Jewelry Fashion
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(10) COWBOY MAN came out of gate eleven over 1000M on debut on September 29th and finished off very well for a fair 6th of twelve in a race where the margins weren’t big. He should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can be to his benefit, Munro stays on and he can win. (7) RIGHT CHAMP stepped up to this trip at start number two on September 27th and from a handy position, ran on to run 2nd. In this company, he can be forward early, and he can be a threat. (6) BLACK SPEED has shown progress over three starts with his latest 4th place at 1200M being his best. You Hyun-myung climbs on here and he should be aiming to get even closer. (9) HI LEGEND and (2) TEAM SURPRISE others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(10) Cowboy Man (7) Right Champ (6) Black Speed (9) Hi Legend
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

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

(6) FLASH GOLD did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1400M on September 28th when handy throughout. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise, and he shapes as the one to beat here. (9) USEUNG JINLI is the danger. He went through plenty of trials before debuting, which he finally did over 1200M on September 28th, settling back and running through the line well. He should have derived benefit from that run, and the step up in trip can suit. (7) POSEIDON BLUE enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at 1300M and both times finishing off well. He should be there or thereabouts again. (2) COMMAND BLUE hinted at improvement last time out and can build on her 5th place, while (4) SUPER BLUEMOON is another seemingly on the right trajectory.  

Selections(6) Flash Gold (9) Useung Jinli (7) Poseidon Blue (2) Command Blue
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s another big weekend of racing with the Queens Tour Fall/Winter continuing on Sunday with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, as well as a pair of big races in the Juvenile Series the same afternoon. Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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GLOBAL HIT AND SPEED YOUNG HEADLINE PRESIDENT’S CUP SHOWDOWN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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