Racing Previews

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 9)

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

Ziggurat returns to action having won September’s Listed Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (6) WILD SMARTY went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them when runner-up in a good time having led from the widest gate for most of the way alongside some experienced horses (it won’t be in all racecards, so it was a time of 62.6 on September 11th). Drawn well he can lead here and win. (9) BEST THE ON is the best of the experience, having come from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1000M on October 25th, albeit well back behind a good winner. He should have come on for that, the step up in trip can suit, and he can get closer with Moon on. Returning to the first timers, (8) GRACE DAY was a very close 2nd in his second trial, leading for much of the way and he can be in the finish first-up as well. (11) SEMYEONG PEAK and (10) CHEONJI TANK are the others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(6) Wild Smarty (9) Best The On (8) Grace Day (11) Semyeong Peak
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

One of three debut-makers, (2) AMOS CHEONHA went through two trials, blitzing the second of them on October 16th, leading gate to wire and crossing the line plenty to the good in a quick time. Given his draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (9) POWERFUL KNIGHT was an on pace 3rd on debut over this distance on October 18th. He draws a touch wider than ideal but if Diego can find a forward position again, he can be in this a long way. (5) BLACK PEPE was a close 4th at start two over this distance on September 20th. Third up he has an experience edge over these and can be in the finish. (3) BANK LINE and debut maker (8) RAON THE CLARA are others who can be in the mix.

Selections(2) Amos Cheonha (9) Powerful Knight (5) Black Pepe (3) Bank Line
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

(4) ISIMNYEON SEWOL ran a much-improved 2nd at start number two on October 4th when coming from off the pace from a wide draw over 1300M. He comes into a better gate today, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can go one better. (2) GRAY PHANTOM enters off three consecutive 5th places and a 4kg apprentice claim may be what she needs. She can get a bit far back in her races but if she can be in striking distance in the straight, she can be close. Also getting a 4kg claim is (1) ACE MATCH. He has tended to do his best work in trials rather than in races but should be looking to improve in this company. The returning (6) KIA ORA looked good in a trial last week and along with (5) ECLIPSE BAY, can be in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Isimnyeon Sewol (2) Gray Phantom (1) Ace Match (6) Kia Ora
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

Class 1 opens proceedings as it is the smallest field on the card. (9) CONTROLLER is a winner of six races including five in a row up until this March when he scored at class 2 level over this distance from the front. He has been out since through injury and appears to have been gelded in the interim as well. He looked very well winning an October trial, and this looks the ideal first assignment back. (7) GANGSEO GIANT comes off a 3rd place two weeks ago at big odds in the G3 Kookje Shimun over 1400M, a race she won a year ago . She was beaten by plenty of these two starts back at this distance but if that Group race effort means she is back in form, then she is a danger. (6) BAEKDUUI KKUM is a stablemate of Controller and races for the first time since August 1st when she won over this distance at class 2 level. She looked very well when leading all the way in a trial two weeks ago and as a six-time winner at 1200M, can be firmly in this. (3) CHOEGOUI KKUM and (5) FANTASTIC KINGDOM are others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Controller (7) Gangseo Giant (6) Baekduui Kkum (3) Choegoui Kkum
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

Tricky one. (7) BLACK RUSSIAN enters off his best start to date, when at the thirteenth time of asking, he ran 2nd over this distance on October 18th racing handy throughout. The same apprentice takes the same 4kg off his back and he has as good a chance as any of going one better. (1) BODY CHECK raced twice much earlier this year, finishing 3rd in the second of them in March. He hasn’t raced since and hasn’t trialed since July, but he couldn’t hope for a softer race to return in. (3) JIJON BULPAE needs a line drawn through his latest when slow away and never a factor as favourite. Instead, we can go on his 3rd place over 1200M tow starts back and give him another chance. (6) NAEGEROWAJWO and (5) SUN GALLANT others who may place.

Selections(7) Black Russian (1) Body Check (3) Jijon Bulpae (6) Naegerowajwo
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of the newcomers in (3) FLASH TO ME. She showed on pace in her trial, crossing the line a very close 2nd in a fair time. She draws well Seo Seung-un is on, and there seems plenty to like. Four of the ones with experience debuted together in the same race at 1000M on October 17th. From a wide draw (2) BIG STAR came from well off the pace to finish the best of them in 3rd and she can be a danger here. (5) BLUE HUNTER was 4th in that race, just half a length in arrears and having previously been better than Big Star in trials, will be favoured by plenty to overturn that form. (10) SKY WHITE also comes out of that race and can improve for the run. (8) DREAM BLUE is another debut-maker who hinted at ability in her trial.

Selections(3) Flash To Me (2) Big Star (5) Blue Hunter (10) Sky White
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

(6) BEST PITCH is two for two having won on debut over 1000M on August 30th and then beating three of today’s rivals on his first try at this class over 1200M on September 28th, coming from well off the pace. He gets another crack at class 5 and while he has to contend with an additional 3.5kg, he can complete his hat-trick here. (10) TIGER K is yet to win in nine starts but he has four runner-up finishes with his latest at this class and distance on October 4th when on pace. His draw is a touch wider than ideal but if he can find a way to the front early, he can be a danger. (7) JUNMA FORCE will round out most opt three selections. Having finished 4th to Tiger K’s 2nd two starts back, she ran a close 2nd of her own at this class and distance on October 25th. She is up 2kg in weight but can be in the finish again. (3) DURAY SHOW and (9) SAENAE CLASSIC others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Best Pitch (10) Tiger K (7) Junma Force (3) Duray Show
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with an 11-race program 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 four of the eleven racing for the first time. (1) ARION QUEEN CAR ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 20th, leading until passed by a good winner who has gone on to place in Listed Juvenile company. She should have come on for the run, she draws well to be on pace again, and she can go one better. (8) RAPTURE was similarly impressive on debut, running 2nd over 1000M in a quick time on a wet track. She too should have benefited from the experience, and she can be a danger. (11) HOLLY TIARA went through two trials, winning the second of them in a quick time. Moon Se-young is on and she’ll have plenty of backers first-up. (5) YUKWAEHAN SEUNGJA was a solid 4th on debut and can improve. (6) PARAIBA hinted at ability in her heat.

Selections(1) Arion Queen Car (8) Rapture (11) Holly Tiara (5) Yukwaehan Seungja
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(6) FIVE STAR has raced twice, improving to 3rd at start number two over 1200M on September 7th, coming from well off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and today can be her day. (1) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY was a solid 4th on debut, settling midfield and running on pleasingly. He should have come on for the run and shapes as a danger. So too does (3) GEOMEUN SUP had the widest draw on September 21st over 1200M, but he showed on pace before weakening into 5th. He still managed to beat a couple of today’s rivals and with a much better draw, he can get closer this time. (7) SAEROUN BISUL and (9) MIGHTY CRIS are others who can be considered.

Selections(6) Five Star (1) Comeback Holymoely (3) Geomeun Sup (7) Saeroun Bisul
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Small but very competitive field of juvenile maidens with three of the five racing for the first time. (4) PASA SPURT was a solid 4th of ten on debut over 1000M on September 27th, settling midfield and running on. The step up in trip can suit and he can win here. (1) VICTORY SOCKS went through two trials, improving to 3rd place from a wide draw in the second of them. From the inside gate he can put in a bold showing first up. (2) WHIZ WIN was a touch disappointing when 6th of ten on debut but he was previously a trial winner, and he can be given another chance here. (7) MY MUNNINGS and (5) MIGHTY CHOICE others who should be firmly in the hunt.

Selections(4) Pasa Spurt (1) Victory Socks (2) Whiz Win (7) My Munnings
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) RAON BLAIDE was 3rd on debut over 1200M on September 20th, settling midfield then dropping right back before running on. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. (1) LIGHT WING has raced three times without distinction but went back to trial on October 23rd and win his hear, being dropped in behind the leaders and running on. Moon stays on and improvement will be expected. (7) THUNDER FIGHTER has raced on pace across his three starts so far with his best finish being a 2nd place at 1200M. He should be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (11) GHOST and (3) CHOWOLMA others in the mix.

Selections(8) Raon Blaide (1) Light Wing (7) Thunder Fighter (11) Ghost
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) ECLIPSE MARVEL was 3rd on debut in a filly only maiden over 1400M on October 3rd when she led early. She should have come on for that run and while she has the challenge of a wider gate, she won’t need to improve much to win this modest contest. (8) GOLDEN SAVE is the second pick. He has a 4th and a 5th from two outings so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handy. Similar efforts will see him closer today. (9) AWESOME STEP didn’t do much last time out but her 2nd place at this distance two starts back is enough o put her in the mix in this company. (1) K SIMON and (4) YONGBI SHINHWA are perhaps the best of a somewhat limited rest.

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

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seo Seung-un is on plenty of chances on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the nine racing for the first time. (7) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU has raced twice, finishing 3rd on debut and then 2nd at start two in a quick time over 1000M when settling just behind the speed and running on. He should have the edge on these both experience and fitness-wise, and he is the one to beat. (1) FANTASTIC BOSS looks the best of the debut-makers. He came from midfield to run 3rd in his heat in a decent time and 1200M should suit first-up. (9) ANY WIN also has an experience advantage. He improved to 5th at start two over 1000M and can continue to make progress here. (3) MYSTIK JIN and (2) CHOEGANG HAPPY also hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(7) Cheonchuneunjayu (1) Fantastic Boss (9) Any Win (3) Mystik Jin
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

(6) DREAM RACER was 5th on debut over 1000M and followed up with 3rd at 1200M on September 7th when handy and running on. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and third-up he can be peaking. Stablemate of Dream Racer (10) JEONGMUN FELIX returns to action for the first time since registering back-to-back 3rd place finishes in March and May, both at this distance. He looked well when he was close to the pace in an October trial, and he can pick up from where he left off here. (1) SEOGWI OSEONGTAP enters off an improved 4th over 1400M last time out when coming form off the pace. She draws well and, in this company, can be in placing contention. (2) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (9) QUEEN THE GOLD others who may play a role.

Selections(6) Dream Racer (10) Jeongmun Felix (1) Seogwi Oseongtap (2) World Triple Cat
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

(9) SOMANGUIGIL has raced four times and recorded back-to-back 4th places followed by back-to-back 3rd places, beating plenty of today’s rivals along the way. One of those 3rd places was at a mile and in this company, he can be on pace early and he can be winning. (5) CHAMP KING has a 3rd place at this distance two starts back when settling back and running on. He has been consistent over his six appearances to date, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (1) HOUND POKER was 4th behind Champ King last time out on September 12th. He can get a bit far back in his races but draws nicely on int inside and can be running on strong again. (12) FINAL ATTACK and (6) HIGH LEVEL are others in the frame.

Selections(9) Somanguigil (5) Champ King (1) Hound Poker (12) Final Attack
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 11

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

After finishing 4th on debut in July, (12) TWIN RAINBOW got her maiden on August 22nd over 1000M, leading throughout. She was given an easy time in a trial last Saturday and while she is up in class and distance, as well as having the challenge of the widest gate, she can make it two in a row. (2) ROAD TO WIN has a3rd and two 4th places from her lates three, all at this class and distance. She looked well when a close 2nd in a quick trial on October 25th, and well-drawn, she can be a threat. (8) FLASH DAY returns to action for the first time since April and while his most recent trial was in August, he can be competitive in this company. (5) UNLIMITED RUN and (11) TRIPLE J are perhaps the best of an out of form rest.

Selections(12) Twin Rainbow (2) Road To Win (8) Flash Day (5) Unlimited Run
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) POWERFUL RUN was a winner on debut in June and has since recorded a 6th and a 4th in two tries at this class, the latter over this distance on October 17th when she was handy throughout. Expect her to be similarly ridden today and she can win. She will need to overturn the form on (2) SEOGWI LADY, who was 3rd in that October 17th race, settling behind the speed and running on. That was her first start since June so she can strip fitter for the run and be in the mix again. (11) MAGIC SWEETIE has just the one win from twenty-six starts but has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eleven occasions and she can be there or thereabouts again. (8) NEW LEADER and (7) SEONGSIL JEIL, both of whom raced alongside Magic Sweetie on October 4th, are others to consider.

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

No Group or Listed races this Sunday but still plenty to get stuck into with an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and a 6-race program at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens though all but three have raced before. (10) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG is the pick and probable favourite having run 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 27th, settling midfield from a wide draw and running on to narrowly miss out. The step up in trip can be in his favour and he can go one better. (2) PANGPANG DAERO was a front-running 2nd at 1000M on his debut back on August 16th. He draws well to be on pace again and Maia staying on is a plus. (1) DAEHAN SIDAE ran 4th on debut at 1000M on October 3rd, coming from a wide gate and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He draws much better today and can be in the mix. (6) YONGBIGYO and (12) EUNPA BOOSTER others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(10) Cheongsan Dolpung (2) Pangpang Daero (1) Daehan Sidae (6) Yongbigyo
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. Since running last on debut (2) TRIPLE JENNY has gone close in each of five subsequent outings, most recently finishing 2nd over 1400M on October 3rd when on pace throughout. Drawn well here she can lead and today should be her day. (5) HAEMAJI may be figuring things out with a 2nd place on her latest at this distance on August 31st. On that form she is the danger. (6) OUTSTANDING GIRL hasn’t shown much in the way of speed across three outings to date, but she does come in off a 4th place at 1200M on October 4th and in this company, she can aim to match or better. (3) DAEHAN COCO’S and (8) JINJUUI SIMJANG are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Triple Jenny (5) Haemaji (6) Outstanding Girl (3) Daehan Coco’s
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

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

(8) WILD MAGIC was 3rd on debut in a filly only maiden over 1200M on October 4th when settling midfield and running on strongly, although well behind the winner. She takes a big step up in trip here but she should have come on for the run and may even be available at an each-way price. (3) ECLIPSE TANGO has been a beaten favourite a couple of times now and will need a line drawn through his latest at 1400M on September 28th when slow away. He is usually on pace and is worth another chance in this field. (5) BLUE DRAGON stepped up to this distance on September 27th and registered his best finish to date with a 3rd place and he should be there or thereabouts again. (1) WHITE ROMANCE and (4) COMMANDING LEAD are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Wild Magic (3) Eclipse Tango (5) Blue Dragon (1) White Romance
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the eight making their racecourse debuts. We’ll side with one of those newcomers, (3) POWER TREE. He won his trial, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He draws nicely to be up top early again and can go all the way. If you prefer experience, (2) ISIMNYEON JIGI is the one. After a good trial, he ran well for 3rd on debut having been on the speed throughout. He should have come on for that run and will be challenging for the lead right from the start. Expect him to be the market’s choice. The rest of the experience is unconvincing, so we return to the first timers. (7) WORLD FIGHTER MAN was a quick 2nd in his most recent trial and if he brings that form to the races, he can be a factor. (8) YOUNGYOUNG BRAVO and (6) HUIMANG SPEED also look to have some ability.

Selections(3) Power Tree (2) Isimnyeon Jigi (7) World Fighter Man (8) Youngyoung Bravo
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(2) SAMJEONG LADY has mixed her form a bit but when she has had trouble it has been at 1300M and when drawn wide. She draws great today and has two wins and a 3rd in four outings at 1200M. She can add to that win count here. (11) SEONGSIL DAERO has a 3rd and two 4th places from her latest three, beating a few of today’s rivals along the way. An apprentice jockey keeps her under a light weight and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, she can be a danger. (10) DONGBANG FORCE returned from nine months out to run 3rd over 1300M on October 19th. She should strip fitter for that run and while she is up in class, she is down in weight and can be competitive. (3) HERO CHOICE and (9) MUNHAK BELL others in the frame.

Selections(2) Samjeong Lady (11) Seongsil Daero (10) Dongbang Force (3) Hero Choice
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

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

November kicks off with an 11-race Saturday meeting at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (4) HOT FEVER took two goes to qualify but looked good when doing so on October 16th, showing on pace and running a close 3rd in a quick time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll be close. (9) STEEL MORE also raced close to the front in her trial, ultimately finishing in 2nd and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She can be on pace here too and be a threat. The only one to have raced before is (7) DANAEUN RUBY and while she only managed to beat one home on debut, she previously trialed well and can have a fitness edge on her rivals here. (6) COWBOY SOCKS and (8) TIGER BULPAE are others who ran good times in trials and can go well first up.

Selections(4) Hot Fever (9) Steel More (7) Danaeun Ruby (6) Cowboy Socks
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

(2) GEOSEN DOLGYEOK has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently on September 28th at this distance when handy throughout and posting a time significantly quicker than any of today’s rivals have managed for the 1200M. He draws well to be handy again and he is the one to beat. (9) FLASH RAY took plenty of trials to get to the races but was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M on October 3rd and he can build on that here. There are three debut makers and of them (8) HAKSAN TAEPUNG looks the more likely to make an immediate impact. He was a trial winner in September in a quick time and bringing that form to the races will mean he goes close. (6) PLAY STAY was ordinary on debut but has since looked much better in a trial. (10) RAON EXTREME looked ok in the second of two trials.

Selections(2) Geosen Dolgyeok (9) Flash Ray (8) Haksan Taepung (6) Play Stay
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) SANGIM YEONGUNG debuted over 1300M on October 4th and ran a solid 3rd, overcoming a slow start to run on and beat a couple of today’s rivals. He should have come on for that run, the additional half-furlong can suit, and he can win here. (7) SAENAE FIGHTER was an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes but enters off a best to date 3rd place when stepped up to this trip on September 28th and ridden a bit further forward than in previous starts. Expect similar tactics here and he can be in the finish. (9) CHAMPION SOCKS has made good progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on September 20th when stepping up to this distance and leading. He has a wider gate this time but can be in this a long way again. (5) ROAD TO STAR and (11) SUBMISSION other place chances.

Selections(6) Sangim Yeongung (7) Saenae Fighter (9) Champion Socks (5) Road To Star
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) UNICA was a winner on debut over 1000M in August, coming from well off the pace, before running a very solid 3rd behind Mujehan Geup and Wonpyeong Sket, currently considered the second and third best juveniles at Seoul, in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in September. She comes in fresh after seven weeks out and back in shallower waters, she will be a hot favourite to win. (6) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL was a close 2nd at this class and distance on September 21st. She has won at this trip and she shapes as the main danger. (9) SECRET WOLF comes up in class following an all the way win at this distance last time out. That was back at the end of July so she comes in fresh, and she is down in weight. (11) THUNDER YEOGEOL and (10) POETIC NUBI others in line for the minors.

Selections(5) Unica (6) Gwanaksan Wonderful (9) Secret Wolf (11) Thunder Yeogeol
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview: October 31

October concludes with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all of them racing for the first time so we have to head for the trial videos. (8) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN was the fastest in heats, winning his trial from the front. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up. (11) NONSTOP HUG won her trial too, leading all the way around and finishing in a quick time. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but if she can find a forward position, she can be in this. (4) GREAT POWER showed on pace in his trial, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a good time, albeit well back behind the heat winner. She draws well to be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) BAMTORI BAMBAM and (10) GAMDONGUI BAKSU others who hinted at anility in their morning tests.

Selections(8) Boryeong Ultra Man (11) Nonstop Hug (4) Great Power (7) Bamtori Bambam
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) DOLPHIN KICK has finished between 3rd and 5th in five of six starts so far and she returned from eight months out to run 3rd at this distance on September 19th, showing on pace. She should strip fitter for that run, and we can take a chance on her here. After running 3rd on debut (7) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL was an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes in August but returned to shallower waters and was 4th in a similar race to this on September 26th. Franco returns and she can be in this. (8) MAGIC SHOW was an improved 3rd at start three on September 12th and can build on that here. (6) CHAMPUI SIDAE and (10) I’M THE ONE are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Dolphin Kick (7) Crystal Mulgyeol (8) Magic Show (6) Champui Sidae
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

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

(7) GLOBAL FORCE has made good progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in an all-filly race over 1200M on September 26th when racing handy. She was well back behind a good winner, but she won’t need to improve much to go one better here. (4) DEIMOS was ordinary on debut but was an improved 4th at start number two at 1200M, settling midfield and finishing off well. The step up in trip can suit and he can get closer today. (5) DELEKOOMDA has mixed his form so far but going on his 3rd place at this distance two starts back, has to be considered to be in this. (9) FLARE UP was a much-improved 2nd place last time out at big odds and will be much shorter this time. (6) JIJONSANBANG another in line for the minors.

Selections(7) Global Force (4) Deimos (5) Delekoomda (9) Flare Up
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 12

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

(1) TOHAMSAN DRAGON remains a maiden but is up in class having run 2nd in both his starts so far at 1200M and 1000M. He is down in weight; he draws nicely to be on pace and Seo Seung-un stays on. He can win. (4) FANTASTIC EAGLE ran 3rd on debut at 100M before winning at start number two over 1200M on October 2nd, settling midfield and running on strongly. He is up in class, but down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (8) ALL ROUND ONE was a desperately close 2nd at this class over 1400M on October 2nd when slowly away but rallying well. With a better start here, she can have claims with Franco climbing aboard for the first time. Veteran (10) MAGIC ELEVEN enters off back-to-back 3rd places and can be there or thereabouts again. (2) SUCCESS POWER another in the hunt.

Selections(1) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Fantastic Eagle (8) All Round One (10) Magic Eleven
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

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RUAN MAIA GUIDES MUNHAK BOY TO G3 SUCCESS AS SEOUL HORSES COMPLETE RARE GROUP RACE DOUBLE AT BUSAN

Jockey Ruan Maia has been dominating Seoul in recent months and on Sunday secured his first Group race success in Korea when making a flying visit to Busan and partnering American import Munhak Boy to an all the way success in the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3).

Coming off the back of five consecutive wins, Munhak Boy was sent off as the slight odds-on favourite as he tackled Group company for the first time but under Maia, he made the race largely a formality, taking full advantage of the inside draw, (his fourth in his last five starts) to get to the front of the sixteen-strong field and never looked like being headed.

Japanese import Smart Boss was 2nd while last year’s winner Gangseo Giant, who entered as a 90/1 chance with dismal recent form, seemed to know this is her race, and closed well for an excellent 3rd.

“It’s my first Group race (win) in Korea and I’d like to thank the trainer, the owner and the staff in the stable for giving me the opportunity to ride this nice horse” Ruan Maia told KRBC.

“I’m very proud of the horse, he showed his performance today and winning a Group race is very important for everybody.”

Munhak Boy is a three-year-old colt by Lord and Nelson and out of the Speightstown mare Miss Guided. He was imported in-utero. He is owned by Kwon Kyung-ja (of Moonhak Chief fame) and trained at Seoul by Jung Ho-ik.

Disappointments in the race were aplenty including Sprint Series winner Vincero Cavallo who was even more lackluster than his Korea Sprint effort, being the slowest away and finishing well down the field. He took a bump at the start and afterwards was found lame in his right foreleg.

Super Finish, 3rd in the Korea Sprint, as well as Champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong, both also finished down the field. Initial vet checks came back clear for both.

Earlier, in the first Group race of the day, Boryeonglightqueen was sent off as the odds-on favourite for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter.

It was not to be though for the three-year-old, who won the final leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies and also took out the first leg of the current series at Seoul a month ago. She settled well back as expected but this time did not run on under jockey Jung Do-yun, ultimately only making it up into 5th.

Instead, it was Flying Star, the 12/1 fifth favourite, who took the honours comfortably, settling handy before taking things up on the turn for home and going on to win by a full seven-lengths with Jang Chu-youl in the saddle.

68/1 outsider Ace High was 2nd with the ever-reliable Raon Forest in 3rd.

Flying Star is a four-year-old by Colors Flying and out of Gaya Gongju (by War Zone). Owned by Song Chang-oh she is trained at Seoul by Seo In-seok. A winner of five races, she was successful in the final race of the same series last year, the Breeders’ Cup Queen.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (1) FOREVER HIT took two goes to qualify but did so well at the second time of asking, running 3rd behind two experienced horses having shown handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for this and can win. (12) GENERAL WIND won his trial in late September showing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate but if he brings that form to the races, he will be in the finish. (11) WALLSTREET was on pace too in her heat, crossing the line in 4th in a decent time and she too can put in a bold showing first up. (5) FANTASTIC BRO and (7) SONGDANG SKY trialed up behind Forever Hit and hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Forever Hit (12) General Wind (11) Wallstreet (5) Fantastic Bro
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 12

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

Imported juvenile (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) GEUMA SPLASHY won a trial and then led for most of the way on debut over 1200M on October 3rd, before being passed by Roshe. Drawn well to lead again, the cut back in trip should be in his favour and he will be a strong favourite. (7) MIGHTY CODE took three trials to get to the races but debuted well in 2nd at 1200M coming from well off the pace on August 30th.  He should have come on for it and will be finishing strongly. Of the first timers (1) GAMSAUI HIM won his trial in a decent time and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. (6) ONE DIA significantly improved in a second trial can also be considered first up. Returning to the experience, (11) SOUTHERN BEACH was a fair 4th on debut and can build on that today.

Selections(3) Geuma Splashy (7) Mighty Code (1) Gamsaui Him (6) One Dia
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 11

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

(9) POWERFUL SLEW finished midfield over 1000M on debut in September but was an improved 3rd at start two when stepped up to this trip on October 4th, coming from well off the pace. Third up he can peaking fitness wise and he looks the one to beat. (6) DDATTEUTHAN WIRO has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when a close 2nd over 1300M, running on. CC climbs up for the first time, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (4) CHRYSOL DONGHAE was 2nd on debut all the way back in January but came out of the race lame and didn’t race again until July by which time he was gelded. It was a good return, finishing 3rd at 1200M and while he had further setbacks afterwards, he came back into work in the second week of this month, and he is already a proven performer first-up. (5) PARADISO and (1) SEVEN KAISER are the other placing chances.

Selections(9) Powerful Slew (6) Ddatteuthan Wiro (4) Chrysol  Donghae (5) Paradiso
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only and we’ll take a chance on (11) CLUB Q. After a 3rd and a 2nd, she got her maiden win at start three over this distance at the end of June, coming from off the pace from a similarly wide gate. She is up in class and after seventeen weeks out match fitness must be taken on trust, but she looks worth a go at an each-way price. (2) I AM GO went a bit cold for a couple of races but came back into some form with a 3rd place at this class over 1300M when on pace. She can aim to lead here and be in this a long way. (10) WONDERFUL ALONG mixes her form but on her 2nd place at class and distance two outings back, she has to be given a chance in this company. (4) GIDAEHARA and (6) GOOD FRIEND others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Club Q (2) I Am Go (10) Wonderful Along (4) Gidaehara
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 24)

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

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) B K. SPIRIT ran midfield on debut over 1000M on September 19th but that was in spite of a dreadful start and then laying out. She was sent back to trial, which she blitzed in a time of 60.2 seconds and if her manners are up to scratch here, she can win. (9) ONE PLUS ONE was a trial winner, on pace throughout. With a good start here, he can be in this a long way first up. (1) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE is another who was slowly away on debut, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 4th, albeit well beaten by Funny Wild who was 3rd in Listed Juvenile company last Sunday. She comes into a much better gate today and can go better. (4) GLOBAL PRINCE and (11) SUCCESS RUN among others who hinted at ability in their trials.  

Selections(7) B K. Spirit (9) One Plus One (1) Lampyojeonggeenie (4) Global Prince
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

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

Maiden fillies with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) WORLD EAGLE CAT has raced twice, following up a 5th on debut with a 3rd at start two on September 19th, both over 1000M. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) YURIM ACE was well supported on debut and did show on pace until blundering and becoming unbalanced at the top of the straight, ultimately finishing 6th of nine. Seo Seung-un is on and plenty will give her another chance. (12) BORYEONG ONE ROAD ran 4th on debut over 1000M before being given her chance in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy in September. She finished last in that but in much more amenable company today she should be better. (3) PILSEUNG WINNER looks the best of the first timers and if the trial is anything to go by, will be on pace, while (10) WOLF STEP is another who could go well first-up.

Selections(11) World Eagle Cat (8) Yurim Ace (12) Boryeong One Road (3) Pilseung Winner
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

(12) CAPTAIN DRAGON didn’t do much in three starts at the beginning of this year but in two outings back following four months out, he has run 3rd and 2nd, both at a mile and most recently beating three of today’s rivals when he led on September 26th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he is the one to beat. (2) OWNER CHAMP has five top five finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 4th over 1400M from her latest two. She has a smart finish on her and the step up to the mile can suit. (11) BREEDO CAPTAIN was 5th behind Captain Dragon on September 26th but was 2nd over this distance two weeks before that and can be in the mix here. (3) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG and (7) CHAMP KING among plenty of others with chances.

Selections(12) Captain Dragon (2) Owner Champ (11) Breedo Captain (3) Neverstop Heemang
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) ACE SUN ran 2nd on debut in August and then led all the way to win by a full ten-lengths at start number two over this distance on September 12th. He comes up in class but is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well to lead again, and the manner of that victory suggests more to come. (7) FANTASTIC FORCE ground out a hard-fought win over 1000M on debut on September 26th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and in trip but is down in weight and can measure up. (10) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five runner-up finishes including all of her latest three and she will be there or thereabouts again. (1) SWEET BELLE and (11) OH FANTASTIC among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Ace Sun (7) Fantastic Force (10) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (1) Sweet Belle
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

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Global Hit Returns To Mount President’s Cup Defence

Korea’s best horse returns from the injury that kept him out of the Korea Cup to defend the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1), the country’s richest open age race restricted to locally bred runners. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

A year ago, Global Hit won the President’s Cup on his way to securing the season ending Grand Prix Stakes. That particular streak of wins had begun with the KRA Cup Classic, but Globa Hit came unstuck in that race this time around in August when from a wide gate, he struggled to settle under jockey Kim Hye-sun and ultimately finished a well-beaten 2nd.

It’s perhaps a sign of the esteem Global Hit is held in that there has been scarcely any talk of his injury in the build up to the race. After the KRA Cup Classic he came back lame, but it wasn’t as serious as first feared and he returned to work on August 29th and hasn’t missed a planned session since. The layoff – and missing a very taxing Korea Cup – may work in his favour.

There’s a familiar supporting cast. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG can run well at any distance at the highest level but almost always runs into one too quick, be it Global Hit or latterly SUCCESS BAEKPA, the KRA Cup Classic winner. If the favourite doesn’t perform on his return, those two are the most likely beneficiaries.

Here is a full run down of the field:

1. GANGPUNGMA – Enters in great form having won three of his last four, all at class 1 and all at 2000M. He likes to settle back and run on and while he was well back in this race a year ago, he is a better horse now and while maybe not a winning chance, he will have backers on an each-way line.

2. MY DREAM DAY – Won the final leg of the Triple Crown at this distance in Seoul in June but was 2nd to Oasis Red at class 3 level over 1800M on his return. Enters off a class 2 win at 1800M on September 14th when handy throughout. Big step up in terms of opposition but potential.

3. GLOBAL HIT – The defending Champion, he placed in Group 2 company at Meydan in March. He won her first two starts back in Korea in the Stayer Series but then suffered a reverse to Success Baekpa in the KRA Cup Classic when failing to settle from a wide draw and coming back lame. He has been back in work since late August and has had no problems first-up in the past. Much better draw than the Classic and the one to beat.

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