Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 8)

The 2024 Graded Race program finally kicks off at Busan this Sunday when Eoma Eoma headlines a fourteen-strong field in the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint over 1200M. Before that the weekend’s action gets underway on Friday with 8 races at Busan from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Just a small field in this maiden but it is a competitive one. Three race for the first time, and based upon his trial, we’re happy to take a chance on (6) GOTOTHEVALHALLA. The Adios Charlie three-year-old showed on pace in his heat before crossing the line in 2nd in a decent time and seemingly with more to spare. If he brings that performance to the races, he has every chance. (8) DAESUNG DREAM similarly showed well in a trial, coming home an on-pace 3rd in a good time on a dry track. He has the challenge of the widest gate but in this small field, that shouldn’t be a problem. Of those with previous racing experience, (4) GOAT KING IJI was a fair 5th on debut and should have derived some benefit from it. (2) SEOGWI OREUM and first-timer (5) GANGSEO PRIDE are others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Gotothevalhalla (8) Daesung Dream (4) Goat King Iji (2) Seogwi Oreum
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

Another maiden where we will side with the first timers of which there are just two. It took several trials for (11) FLYING DANU to convince anyone that she is a racehorse, but she was significantly improved in a heat on February 1st when for the first time, she jumped well and led all the way, stopping the clock in a quick time. If that version of her shows up to the races, she can win. (10) MARIA’S CALL trialled last September but never made it to the races. She then went through the same heat as Flying Danu at the beginning of last month, coming home 3rd in a fair time. She too can go well first-up in this company. As for the experience, (5) GOLDEN AIR improved last time out at star number three and can get closer today. (9) WONDERFUL ONE and (7) HANEULPYEONGJEONG others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Flying Danu (10) Maria’s Call (5) Golden Air (9) Wonderful One
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) GREAT MAN gets the verdict here. After an indifferent debut, he has two 4th places and a 3rd from three subsequent outings and beat a couple of these on his latest over 1200M on January 21st. He likes to race on pace so draws very well and today can be his day. (6) RED JASPER enters having been a beaten favourite when 5th over this distance in an all filly and mare race on February 16th. Based on her form prior to that, with a 2nd and a 3rd in decent times, she can be given another chance here. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SKY SEUNG, who defied big odds to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance in that February 16th race when settling midfield and running on. She will warrant more respect here. (4) WEST POINT and (5) LEMON DOKKI among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Great Man (6) Red Jasper (10) Sky Seung (4) West Point
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 7, 11, 12

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

Competitive race. (5) SAMAKUI KKOT was a beaten favourite for the second consecutive time when 4th at this class and distance on February 4th, having led for most of the way around. In this company, she should find herself on the speed again and this time she can go all the way. She may not even start as favourite. (3) WILD SERVE comes up in class following a 3rd and a 2nd in two class 6 efforts at 1200M and 1400M. She is down in the weights, draws nicely and she should have more than enough about her to measure up in this company. (7) I AM LEGEND is up in class after a maiden win at start number four on February 2nd. It came at this distance and under a light weight, she can be competitive. (10) LAND BANK and (11) BREEDO WIZARD among others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Samakui Kkot (3) Wild Serve (7) I Am Legend (10) Land Bank
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) META PRINCESS enters off back-to-back wins over 1200M and 1300M, the latter at this class and both times settling handy and running on strongly. She remains lightly weighted, she draws well, and she can make it three in a row here. (12) MORNING FLOW finally got his maiden win at the twelfth time of asking at this class and distance on January 21st when settling handy early before taking things up entering the straight and running on very well. It was a super quick time and while he comes up 3.5kg in the weights and has a similarly wide draw, a repeat can’t be ruled out. (4) RAON THE CHEONHA comes up in class have pretty much made all to win over this distancer on January 19th. He comes down in weights and with only three starts in the bank, there is plenty of scope for more improvement. (6) SEOBU VISION and (1) CORNER ONE are among others in the placing frame.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 3)

Sunday racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 from 11:25 to 16:05. There are no Listed or Graded races, but plenty of action to get stuck into nonetheless. Here are the previews:

Thomas Gillespie’s Wonderful Lear won last week’s Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy (Pic: KRA)

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

A weak maiden to start with. (7) GOLDEN BALL has picked up in her latest two, registering back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1200M and 1300M, coming form off the pace both times. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she has as much chance as any here. (2) EXCELLENT TAN is the other logical winning chance. He enters off a much-improved 3rd place finish over this distance on February 3rd when settling midfield and running on well. He draws better today, and he also has the fastest time among these for the distance and will probably start as the betting favourite. (10) JEWELRY FASHION did nothing on January 28th but that was her first appearance since a solid 3rd on debut all the way back last May. She should strip fitter today. (5) SPALTA will at least be on pace and along with (1) SARYEONI FOR HONOR is a potential improver.

Selections(7) Golden Ball (2) Excellent Tan (10) Jewelry Fashion (5) Spalta
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (7) WONDERFUL PASS will be the hot favourite. After an ordinary debut, she has recorded two 4th places from her latest two, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. In this company she should be on pace and stepping up to 1300M for the first time, she can win. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL is yet to finish in the top-two but has no fewer than eight top-five finishes from thirteen starts. She has shown some aptitude for this distance and should be aiming for a career best finish here. The form falls off significantly after those two. (2) FLYING LION was an improved 5th last time out at 1200M coming from well off the pace and a similar run should see her closer today. (5) CAPTAIN TIME and (10) SARYEONI NIKE others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Wonderful Pass (8) Gangcheol Yeogeol (2) Flying Lion (5) Captain Time
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(5) SKY GRIT didn’t do much on debut early last summer but returned in December and has finished 4th twice, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. Franco gets on today and she should be on pace again and looks like the one to beat. (10) OAK RIDGE looks to be on the right trajectory too, having beaten a couple of these last time out on February 2nd when 4th at this distance. He is drawn a touch wider than ideal but should be able to get across and sit handy and can go closer. (6) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG was 6th in that February 2nd race having led for part of the way. He had previously beaten Oak Ridge and with Seo Seung-un aboard today, will have plenty of backers. (8) BLACK FALCON and (11) DANCING BOY among others in the minor money frame. 

Selections(5) Sky Grit (10) Oak Ridge (6) Kwaehan Yeongung (8) Black Falcon
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

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

(5) MOMO K got his maiden win at start number three on December 23rd, making all over 1300M, before then running 4th on his first try at this level, again over 1300M, on January 27th, this time starting slow and settling back before running on. In this company, he should be on pace, and has every chance of going all the way again. (9) BELOTERO comes up in class following a maiden win over 1300M on February 3rd when settling handy and running on to score narrowly. That win had been coming and she is down in the weights here with every chance of measuring up. (1) ONE SPEAR is the only one in the field to have won at this distance already and while he can mix his form and carries his fair share of weight, he draws very nicely here and shouldn’t be dismissed. (11) SHOOTING REVERSE and (3) JANGHEUNG CLASS are the other placing contenders.

Selections(5) Momo K (9) Belotero (1) One Spear (11) Shooting Reverse
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) AWESOME SUNRISE has been knocking at the door and comes in after a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both over 1400M. She is somewhat one-paced but that pace could well be enough here, and the additional furlong may suit her in shaking off the rest. (7) CLOUD LOVE is yet to finish in the top-three in seventeen attempts but that should really change here. He enters following back-to-back 4th places over a mile and will probably only need to run his usual race to get on the board here. (5) FUERTE ran 6th behind Cloud Love on January 26th having run 4th on debut a month earlier. There is plenty of scope for more development here and she can be considered. (8) HEUIMANG FLYING and (4) TOKYO K other potentials for the minors.

Selections(1) Awesome Sunrise (7) Cloud Love (5) Fuerte (8) Heuimang Flying
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

One of the most competitive races of the day. (10) UJU JEONJAENG won at start number two last April and then didn’t reappear until December when he finished down the field over 1200M. He stepped up to this distance on January 27th and ran a much-improved 2nd, coming from off the pace. Third up today, he should be peaking fitness-wise, and he can win. (7) HWASANGWIHWAN remains a maiden after eight attempts, but has four top-three finishes, including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He likes to run on pace, and he should be in this a long way. (2) AUSTIN LEADER comes in off a smart 4th place at class and distance on January 28th when coming from well off the pace. He carries less weight and comes into a better gate and can go close. (3) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA and (4) MANDAERO others in the frame.

Selections(10) Uju Jeonjaeng (7) Hwasangwihwan (2) Austin Leader (3) Seoul Choegangja
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(2) DRAGON FIRE comes up in class having won at start number two on January 28th when settling right back and coming from off the pace. He comes down in the weights, he draws well, and the additional half-furlong can suit. (1) FANTASTIC HUMOR is similarly up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three on January 21st when racing on pace and stopping the clock in a fast time over 1300M. He too is down in weight, draws well and can measure up at this level. (3) HOTFLEX is yet to win in eight attempts but has a runner-up finish on his record over this distance and can be a threat. (10) ANOTHER ONE and (9) ASTIN MARINE among other placing hopes.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Former Singapore based jockeys Harry Kasim and CC Wong will both make their Korean debuts during the card. Here are the previews:

Nice Time won the Sports Seoul Trophy last Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(4) ACAPEL was well supported on debut on January 27th but started slowly from a wide gate before running into 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a better gate and with a better start, she can win. (10) BEST DAERO and (7) PROCEED weren’t especially fancied when they both debuted in the same race on January 28th, but they acquitted themselves well, coming home in 4th and 5th place respectively, with just a neck separating them. Both should have derived benefit from that experience, and it is hard to split them here. (9) MAX MA is a bit more experienced and while he has weakened after leading I his latest two, he does have a runner-up finish to his name and is not to be dismissed. (6) JEONGSANG HIT another possible for the minors.

Selections(4) Acapel (10) Best Daero (7) Proceed (9) Max Ma
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 10

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

Weak maiden here. (3) MENI WIN comes in following a last start runner-up finish over this distance when leading for much of the way around. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim, he comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by a nice draw and third-up this preparation, he may be peaking fitness-wise. (5) GLOBAL CODIE came from well off the pace to run a fair 5th at 1200M on February 3rd. In this company he will probably be ridden further forward and won’t need to improve much to go close. (10) EUNPA JOY finished midfield at this distance last time out but going on his 4th place two starts back in a quick race at 1200M, must be given a chance here. (9) MR. POWER and (7) MAGIC SILENCE others who may improve.

Selections(3) Meni Win (5) Global Codie (10) Eunpa Joy (9) Mr. Power
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(4) DREAM CARD has been getting closer across his three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on January 27th. He has come from off the pace each time, doing his best work late, so it is possible that the additional half furlong can suit, and he can go one better. (10) VICAR NAREUMA has two 5th places and two 3rd places from four starts so far, most recently at a mile on February 3rd. He too likes to come from off the pace and he shapes as the main danger and possibly the betting favourite (he started as favourite last time out). Harry Kasim takes his first ride in Korea and while it may not be his best chance (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI comes in off a pair of 4th places from her latest two appearances and can match or better at her best. (6) TAENGGEURI and (5) GIANT M are others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Dream Card (10) Vicar Nareuma (7) Baedari Hyanggi (6) Taenggeuri
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. Since getting her maiden win, (3) RAON THE DAESE has a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes in three attempts at this class (along with an also-ran in a Listed race for juvenile fillies). She has a very smart finish on her and while she is back in trip, she draws well and could have too much. (1) GEUMAK JINJU comes in having got her maiden win in a very similar race at class and distance on February 3rd when she settled midfield and proved too strong. She comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat shouldn’t be ruled out. (10) BEOLGYOWISU got her maiden win at start two but finished down the field on her first try at this class on January 21st over 1300M. She got bumped at the start before being ridden up to be handy then weakening and is worth another chance today. (6) SMART BYEOL and (9) GLOBAL CHANGA among other place chances.

Selections(3) Raon The Daese (1) Geumak Jinju (10) Beolgyowisu (6) Smart Byeol
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) BADEN BADEN showed plenty of ability with two wins before her three-year-old campaign was cut short. She returned from nine-months out to run fairly over 1400M on January 27th and with some natural improvement from that run, has every chance here. (1) LEGEND K got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M and was then 3rd over 1300M on January 28th. He tackles a mile for the first time, but his recent running style suggests that it can suit, and he can be a danger here. (6) KWAEHYANG returned from an absence of almost five months to run a solid class and distance 3rd on February 3rd, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He should strip fitter for that run and should go close today. (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS and (4) DIA KEY among others who can enter the calculations.

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Holiday Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 1)

March 1st is a public holiday in Korea and the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Quite an open maiden to start this holiday Friday with. (5) SUPREME QUEEN has shown progress across three starts so far with her latest being an on-pace 2nd over this distance. She comes into a better gate, she has the best start among these, and she can go one better today. (7) GLOBAL SPURT was an improved 2nd when sent up to this distance for the first time on February 18th, racing much further forward than in his prior efforts. That was Seo Seung-un’s first time riding him and he remains aboard here with similar tactics likely, making for a big chance. (4) GOOD KING MAN has a 2nd and a 4th among four starts so far and should be running on here. (1) WIN WIN and (2) STAR PARK the other leading candidates.

Selections(5) Supreme Queen (7) Global Spurt (4) Good King Man (1) Win Win
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

(3) MACH MAN comes in off a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, coming from midfield on both occasions and last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company and from this gate, he can be on the pace and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, today could be the day. (9) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. he likes to settle in midfield and run on and the additional half furlong can suit. (11) MORPHEUS also has a 2nd place to his name, recorded two starts back at 1200M. He had a hard time on his latest, being slowly away before running on for 5th. He has the challenge again of the widest gate but with a better start, can be a danger. (10) WORLD WINNERS MAN and (5) STORMY DAY are the other logical placing chances.

Selections(3) Mach Man (9) Taepungui Chukje (11) Morpheus (10) World Winners Man
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here and we’ll have a short-priced favourite. That’s (11) AMAZING BOSS who, after an ordinary debut, was a much-improved 2nd over this distance at start number two on February 2nd. She came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t pose too many issues and, returning from a lengthy holiday, Franco Da Silva can make a swift return to the winner’s circle. With an apprentice claim, (7) GEUMA REJOICE may prove to be the testing material. She did nothing in her opening two races when a long way back but significantly improved at start number three when 3rd. She has had almost four months off since then so comes in fresh and that little weight break may be key. (4) LASER GRIT has raced fairly in her two starts so far and can aim to build on her last start 5th and should be working home well. (5) BLACK JILJU and (3) GOLDMASK other potential improvers.

Selections(11) Amazing Boss (7) Geuma Rejoice (4) Laser Grit (5) Black Jilju
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Like plenty of these (8) SANGIM BOLT remains a maiden, but he comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times. He is down 3kg in the weights and there is no reason why he can’t get on pace again here and potentially go all the way. (5) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE need s alone drawn through his latest when sent up to tackle a mile. This is a far more suitable assignment and prior to that he had demonstrated plenty of ability. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE ran a close 4th in an all-filly race at this class and distance on February 2nd when settling midfield and running on. She remains under a light weight and from a good gate can go close again. (7) GOHEUNG CLASS and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN among others in the hunt.

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Classic Trials Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

Seoul and Busan host their Classic trials on Sunday with both the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the South Coast. There are 11 races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Hangang Class was champion juvenile last year and starts his 3yo campaign in Busan’s Classic trial (Pic: KRA)

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

Not the worst maiden to start with and (9) CUPID MIR will be favourite. He has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest on January 20th being his best when an on-pace 3rd over 1300M. He should be on or close to the speed here and he can win. (12) RAON THE CLIPPER did nothing on debut last summer but was then put away for a few months. He trialled well in December and then ran a much-improved 3rd on his return over this distance on January 28th. He should strip fitter for that and can be a danger here. (3) MONEY TOUCH has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and should be challenging late on here. (8) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG and (4) MARU STAR others who have hinted at ability and shouldn’t be far away.

Selections(9) Cupid Mir (12) Raon The Clipper (3) Money Touch (8) Geumak Myeongjang
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

(4) YONGAM SESANG was 2nd on debut all the way back in May of last year but didn’t re-appear again until this January 20th when he ran an on-pace 3rd over this distance. He was favourite that day but evidently needed the run and with some natural improvement, he will be the one to beat here. That will require him to overturn the form on (12) RAON THE SPRINTER. He too returned from a layoff in that January 20th race, in his case of five-months since an underwhelming debut. He won his December trial and then was a smart 2nd on his return, two-and-a-half lengths clear of Yongam Sesang. He has the challenge of the widest gate today, but he should be close. With a 2nd and a 4th over 1300M from his latest to, (10) STUNNING MONEY looks to be the logical third pick while (1) YEJIMONG and (2) CROQUIS are others who may warrant support on a place line.

Selections(4) Yongam Sesang (12) Raon The Sprinter (10) Stunning Money (1) Yejimong
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

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

It took (2) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG a couple of goes to figure things out but on the evidence of his latest two, he is getting there. He has recorded a 3rd and a 4th over 1300M both in fast times and running through the line well. He has by far the fastest final furlong average time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) BIG WILD is getting there too. She has recorded back-to-back 3rd places over this distance and while the times weren’t quick, they were in much slower conditions than those experienced by the favourite. She has the challenge of a wild draw but should be a danger. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER will also be disputing favourite status. After running 3rd on debut, he was 2nd over this distance on January 26th, settling midfield and running on. Again, his times haven’t been quick, but he will be competitive here. (12) LUCKY HIT and (5) CHRYSOL HERO other place chances.

Selections(2) Gwangyaeuihamseong (11) Big Wild (4) Wonderful Fever (12) Lucky Hit
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

(1) DAEMUL SOCKS comes in off a best to date 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on February 4th. He draws very nicely to be on the speed again and he can go one better this time.  (9) NARAOLA enters following a 5th and a 4th from his latest two, most recently beating a couple of these on January 28th on his way to posting the quickest (it’s all relative) time that any in this field has achieved for the 1400M. In this company, he should be able to get on to the pace from the start and will be in this a long way. (10) SHOUT KURO was away slowly and never a factor behind Naraola on January 28th. Prior to that though he had been in good form with a smart 3rd place over 1300M and he can be given another chance here. (4) SHARKTEN and (2) NEXTLEVEL among other minor money chances.

Selections(1) Daemul Socks (9) Naraola (10) Shout Kuro (4) Sharkten
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 24)

Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. There was a lot of snow in Seoul on Wednesday and Thursday and while it will probably all have melted by the time racing gets underway, there could accordingly be a very wet track surface. Here are the previews:

Plenty of snow around this week

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It is the experience that will be favoured though and chief among them is (7) GIANT STEP. After winning a trial he debuted on January 20th and came from off the pace to run a solid 4th in a decent time over 1300M. He should have come on for that run, the extra half furlong can suit, and he is the one to beat. (2) MK LEE was slowly away on debut but worked home very well to run 4th over 1200M. Moon Se-young remains aboard, and he too should appreciate the extra trip. (8) TAENG TAENG BALL. He raced handy on debut, coming home in 2nd place over 1200M. In this company he should be on or close to the pace and should be in this a long way. (11) NESSUN DORMA and (9) BEAT YEONGUNG are others who hinted at ability on debut and should show some natural improvement here. All of them tackle 1400M for the first time.

Selections(7) Giant Step (2) MK Lee (8) Taeng Taeng Ball (11) Nessun Dorma
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

This is a very ordinary maiden with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Given the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll take a chance on newcomer (3) BARO DANAEUN. The Hansen filly only went through one trial, but she ran second in it and while the time was only fair and it was all the way back last November, she draws nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. After a poor debut, (1) MAX WEEK has finished midfield twice in better company than this. He gets a much better draw today and should be a danger. (10) SHINE BOLT similarly improved to 5th at start number two, albeit in a very slow race on January 14th. She came from off the pace and a similar run should see her closer. (5) MO CHUISLE has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before – not exactly an impressive feat, but enough to put her in the numbers. She trialled up fairly at the end of last month having last raced in September. (6) HERO GOLD another who could improve.

Selections(3) Baro Danaeun (1) Max Week (10) Shine Bolt (5) Mo Chuisle
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) GENERAL POWER has steadily improved across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. She has come from off the pace all three times and the additional half furlong may be what she needs to get the breakthrough. (4) STUNNING CHAMP comes in having beaten a few of these on her way to a close 4th at 1200M on January 27th. She also has a 3rd place to her name and shapes as the main danger here. (5) DIVA LAURA has raced just the once, but it was a good showing, with her finishing 2nd at 1200M in a similar race to this. The time wasn’t quick, but she should have benefitted from the experience and can go well again. (7) NATURAL SOUND and (12) RAIN STAR others to consider for the places.

Selections(8) General Power (4) Stunning Champ (5) Diva Laura (7) Natural Sound
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

(5) CHEONGUCHAT will be a warm favourite. After a couple of ordinary showings, he has been figuring things out in his latest couple, running 2nd and 3rd at 1200M and most recently this distance on January 28th. He draws well, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today should be the day. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE led on his latest on January 7th but was ungenerous in the straight to the extent he was sent back to trial despite still finishing 4th. He passed his heat in good fashion and with slightly better manners and from a great draw, he can be a danger. (2) BAEKRYONG has a 2nd place to his name over this distance which he achieved on Christmas Day when settling midfield and running on. He led in his latest start over 1400M, ultimately coming home in 5th and he should be closer here. (10) TOJONG GLORY and (4) SAENAE PARK others in the frame.

Selections(5) Cheonguchat (3) Heunghaeng Bulpae (2) Baekryong (10) Tojong Glory
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

(4) STORM GUY got his win at 1200M last November making all and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class and distance, most recently on January 13th. He draws very nicely to lead here, Moon Se-young gets on, and he can go all the way. That will mean overturning the form on (12) LAST PITCH. He ran 3rd in that January 13th race, making light of a wide draw to close strongly. He draws even wider today but his one win came at this distance in December, and he shouldn’t be dismissed here. (1) SLAM DRAGON comes up in class having won at this distance on January 21st with a front-running effort. He comes down in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can be competitive here. (5) GLOBAL MENI and (11) GUKDAE FIGHTER also both come up in class and in distance following maiden wins on their respective latest starts and both can measure up in this company. 

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 23)

It’s Classic trials weekend in Korea with both Seoul and Busan hosting their respective lead up races for the Triple Crown on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Japanese rider Ueda Masashi, who rode at Seoul between 2020 and 2022, has returned and takes his first rides on the south coast.

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

A maiden with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) RUBY STONE was a trial winner in December before running 3rd on debut in an all-filly maiden over this distance on January 28th when she led for much of the way. She has the challenge of a wide gate here, but she should have come on for that run and has as good a chance as any. (2) TROPHY WARE was an improved 2nd at start number two on January 21st when settling midfield and running on. The time was significantly quicker than anything else here has registered and from a great draw, she is a big danger. (1) ONES HEYDAY has progressed across three outings so far, most recently 3rd at this distance on January 26th. She likes to settle back and run on and can be pressing late. (12) SEOGWI STAR and (6) LET THEM ALL COME, the latter having knocked up fast on debut having showed on pace, others to consider.

Selections(11) Ruby Stone (2) Trophy Ware (1) Ones Heyday (12) Seogwi Star
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-olds only in this maiden and it’s hard to look past (6) CHEONHA SARANG. He ran 3rd on debut over 1200M before an on-pace 2nd when stepped up to 1400M at start number two on February 2nd. The step up in trip again can suit and he should have too much for this lot, which will be reflected in a prohibitive price. (2) BABEL DREAMY has run on well for 4th and 5th in two appearances so far at 1200M and 1300M. She has recorded fast final furlongs and should relish a bit more distance to get stuck into. (8) STEALTH MODE was a fair 6th of twelve behind Cheonha Sarang earlier this month and can get closer in this company. (9) LEMON DRAGON and (11) UNJU LEGEND others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Cheonha Sarang (2) Babel Dreamy (8) Stealth Mode (9) Lemon Dragon
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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

(11) MAX THE CAT has been getting closer across four starts culminating in a 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on January 26th flashing home from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go one better here. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS was 5th in that January 26th race, also coming from a long way back. He already has two 3rd places to his name at this distance and should be in the mix again today. (8) WONDERFUL KAYLAN enters off a to-date best of 2nd place over 1400M then racing handily. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (12) NANGMAN DAERO and (9) SEOBU CAPTAN are other potential improvers.

Selections(11) Max The Cat (4) Yeonggwanguiclass (8) Wonderful Kaylan (12) Nangnam Daero
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Eleven imported maidens with four of them racing for the first time. Most of the ones with prior racing experience raced against each other on January 12th at this distance with the best of them being (1) WOLFS KING MAN, who settled handy and ran on for 2nd place. He had been sent off as favourite on what was his debut having impressed in trials and he will be a short-priced favourite to go one better. (2) CONNECT MARINE ran 3rd in that race, coming from well off the pace. He has three-lengths to find on Wolf’s King Man but can have the beating of the rest. The only one to have raced twice already is (10) WINNABLE EDITION. He has been fancied in both having won a trial and he did improve in the second of them to finish 5th of eleven. He comes up in the weights but can continue to get closer. (6) AKARAKA was 5th on debut in the January 12th race and can improve. (5) CHOEGOUI KKUM looks the best of the debut-makers.

Selections(1) Wolfs King Man (2) Connect Marine (10) Winnable Edition (6) Akaraka
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10
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Segye Ilbo Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 18)

The 2024 Stakes program gets underway on Sunday as the long road to the Korea Sprint starts with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul. 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:

Daehan Jilju (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

(8) STUNNING FLATTER didn’t catch the eye in trials but instead saved it for races, running a good 3rd on debut on January 7th over this distance, settling back and running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he is the one to beat here. (12) STAR CHANGER has made progress across four starts so far and enters off a close 3rd place in a slow race over this distance on January 14th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer this time. (4) SOLAIRE has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has the best finish on him among these and can be a danger late. (10) BLUE RACER and debut-maker (3) MR. TROT others who may feature.

Selections(8) Stunning Flatter (12) Star Changer (4) Solaire (10) Blue Racer
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 12

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

(4) CHEONMA BULPAE comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to a to date best finish of 3rd over this distance on January 21st when racing handy throughout. He is under the same weight today and comes out of the same gate and with Breux climbing up, he can make the breakthrough. (5) FLYING KING has been getting steadily better across four starts, culminating in 3rd place last time over 1300M. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time today and should be on pace and in this a long way. (1) BLOOD MOUNTAIN was 4th behind Cheonma Bulpae in that January 21st race, coming from off the pace. That was his best finish so far and he should be there or thereabouts again. (6) CRAZE CHANG and (12) TONNERRE others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(4) Cheonma Bulpae (5) Flying King (1) Blood Mountain (6) Craze Chang
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 12

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

Three first-time starters in this field and we’ll take a chance on one of them (1) THE GREY MAN ran 2nd in a quick trial two weeks ago, running on pace. He draws nicely to be on pace and the apprentice engaged means both a light weight and probably a slightly better price than otherwise. (9) WORLD MAID CAT will probably jump as the favourite. She came from well off the pace to run 2nd over this distance on debut on January 12th with a couple of today’s opponents behind her. She should have come on for that run and can be a big danger late on here. (6) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE ran 4th behind World Maid Cat in that race having led for much of the way. She should be on pace, and she too should show some natural improvement. (4) MR.KEYMAN and (12) MASTER ROAD are others who have hinted at ability and can be considered.

Selections(1) The Grey Man (9) World Maid Cat (6) Yeonggwangui Rose (4) Mr.Keyman
Next Best12, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 12

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

Weak maiden here. (4) ASSI JANGGUN has a 2nd place to her name over 1200M in a decent time back in December when coming from off the pace. She wasn’t completely horrible when 6th on her return on January 14th and won’t need much improvement to win this. (5) YEONGWON POTEN overcame a wide draw and a slow start to run on for a midfield finish on debut on January 6th. With a bit more experience, a better draw and hopefully, a better start, she can get much closer here. (3) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has a 3rd place to his name over the distance and while he has been ordinary in two subsequent starts, that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. (2) AWESOME BRAIN did nothing on debut on New Year’s Eve but has since been back to trial and looked better. (6) FEDERAL PRESS another who may improve.

Selections(4) Assi Janggun (5) Yeongwon Poten (3) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Awesome Brain
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday – Wonderful Slew v Nut Play: Race-By-Race Preview (February 17)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and it features the first real heavyweight clash of the season as promising four-year-old colt Nut Play faces filly Wonderful Slew in the class 1 finale. Here are the previews:

Nut Play (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with all tackling the 1400M for the first time. Of two debut-makers. (7) MIGHTY BOM was an improved 2nd at start number two on January 13th over 1200M, settling midfield and running on but unable to get to the winner. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and the step up in trip should suit. Debut-maker (10) GLOBAL GUNJU won a trial, racing handy throughout and finishing off well. In this limited company, he has to be given a chance first-up. (6) SPACE RUBY came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1200M. She should have come on for the run and she may well appreciate the additional furlong here. (11) SEGWANG JILJU and (3) ÉCLAIR POWER among others with the potential to improve.

Selections(7) Mighty Bom (10) Global Gunju (6) Space Ruby (11) Segwang Jilju
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) CHANIGO has raced three times and was an improved 2nd in the latest of those, over this distance on January 21st when on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. She can be on the speed here and this time can go one better. It’s a competitive race though. (11) MAGIC IMPACT looks a good debut-maker. She got quicker over the course of three trials, winning the latest at the start of this month in a good time and racing on pace. The draw does her no favours, but she can put in a bold showing first-up. (2) THUNDER STORM came from off the pace to run 4th on debut. She gets a better draw here and with some natural improvement can get closer. (9) LADY HANABI and (5) HERO JILJU others with claims for improvement.

Selections(8) Chanigo (11) Magic Impact (2) Thunder Storm (9) Lady Hanabi
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) JEONGSEONGTIGER has improved across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on Christmas Eve when, as has been her style, she raced handy throughout. She draws nicely here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she can go one better. The big danger is (1) PASALUBONG. He also has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance. He likes to race on pace, so he gets a great draw to be on speed and he could well lead all the way. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella as the rest of the form is very patchy. (6) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG has hinted at ability, while (2) TURN TABLE and (4) GRATITUDE look to be others with the most chance of challenging for the minors.

Selections(3) Jeongseongtiger (1) Pasalubong (6) Beautiful Hwaseong (2) Turn Table
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

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

(9) SEOBU TEUKSONG obliged as favourite at start number two over 1200M on January 6th, settling handy and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but she carries a nice light weight, and she could repeat. (4) HAKSAN MACHO is yet to win in seven attempts but has plenty of near-misses and was 4th on his first try at this class over 1300M on January 21st. He can race on pace or from the back and he can be a danger here. (5) VIVA CHEONGSU is also yet to win but comes up in class having run 2nd in both her first two races over 1200M She has been doing her best work late on so the step up to 1400M may well suit and she comes in under a light weight. (8) BEAT RACER and (10) HANGANG POWER, who is back in trip and has been back to trial since his latest effort, are among others to consider for the places.

Selections(9) Seobu Teuksong (4) Haksan Macho (5) Viva Cheongsu (8) Beat Racer
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

Small but competitive field. (2) LEGENDSUN was thought highly enough of to be given his chance in a Listed race for juveniles last autumn. That didn’t go well, but he has more than held his own at this class with back-to-back 3rd places at this distance and while he carries his fair share of weight here, he will surely be in the finish again (9) DONGJIN BULPAE was a winner at start number two over this distance on January 20th when he began fairly before being ridden to the pace and ran on to score well in a time considerably quicker than any of the others here have achieved. He comes up in class today but won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (6) BEOLGYO VERITAS was a convincing winner on debut over 1200M before running a close 4th on his first try at this class and distance on January 6th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. The wildcard is (8) GHOST WOLF, who won her only start to date all the way back in July 2022. She offered few clues in her December trial but is worth keeping an eye on. (5) ARCH RUNNER among plenty of others with claims.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 16)

The short Lunar New Year break is over and racing returns to Koralea this weekend. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.50 to 1800. Here are the previews:

Magic Hands: Masa Tanaka is back (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (1) RED JASPER has looked as though she is figuring things out at last with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and recording a time significantly quicker than any of the others here have managed. She draws nicely, You Hyun-myung is aboard, and today can be her day. The main danger is (6) CHIMING RUN. After a positive trial, she looked assured on debut on December 15th, running 2nd over 1200M when racing on pace. She has had a couple of months off since, but she should have come on for the experience and has every chance here. (3) BARADEON BADA has drawn wide and got a bit far back in both her two starts so far but she has hinted at ability and has a much better gate this time. (11) BORAM and (7) TWOTWO MONEYGUN the other placing chances.

Selections (1) Red Jasper (6) Chiming Run (3) Baradeon Bada (11) Boram
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 12

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

Two standouts here. (3) LOLLY has shown steady improvement across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when stepped up to a mile on January 14th, and closing from midfield with three of today’s rivals behind her. She should have derived benefit from that experience, and she can go one better today. She maintains a weight advantage over (8) LEMON DOKKI, who came home in 4th place in that January 14th race when ridden slightly further forward than in previous outings. He too looks to have further improvement in him and should go close here. Masa Tanaka returns to Busan this weekend and in (6) FLYING DIA, he rides a live chance. The filly has mixed her form across seven starts to date but comes in off a smart 3rd place over 1300M and the step up to a mile can suit. (1) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (5) CLOUD LOVE among others in the hunt.

Selections (3) Lolly (8) Lemon Dokki (6) Flying Dia (1) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 3, 4, 9, 10

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

(4) WILD SERVE ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 5th, settling midfield and running on well. She should have come on for that run, the step up to 1400M can suit, and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat. (7) POWER BANK wasn’t quite so impressive on his debut on January 14th, but he raced handy throughout and finished a fair 3rd. He too should have derived benefit from that and can be a danger here at what will probably be each-way odds. (1) DAESEUNGNIJA enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M. She has been doing her best work late and from a good draw, she can benefit from the slight step up in trip today. (6) SEOBU VISION and (11) GRAY BOSS others firmly in the hunt in a competitive maiden.

Selections (4) Wild Serve (7) Power Bank (1) Daeseungnija (6) Seobu Vision
Next Best 11, 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 11

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

This is a competitive race. We’ll go with (4) OVER THE TRIPLE who, after getting a long way back on debut, was a front-running winner at start number two over this distance on January 12th. He comes up in class here but comes slightly down in the weights and draws a good gate. He can repeat. (10) SINCHEON FIRST was an emphatic winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back, before running a fair 3rd at 1300M on his first try at this class three weeks ago. He is another who likes to be on pace and while he has to contend with a wide draw, he should be in this a long way. (2) YEONYEIN ran 3rd on debut before winning at start number two over 1300M on January 19th when racing handy. His times haven’t been spectacular, but he carries a light weight here and can measure up in this company. (8) MONSTER DRAGON is up in class and distance having won on debut over 1200M and along with (12) WONDERFUL CUTIE – a maiden but placed at this class in both her latest two – is not without a chance here.

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