Racing Previews

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

Sunday sees daytime racing (albeit with a start and finish time one hour later than usual) at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races in Seoul from 11:35 to 19:00 while there are 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. Three of those who do have prior experience debuted together on June 3rd and (1) THE PLAYER came out the best of them running 3rd over 1000M having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest that he has a win in him sooner rather than later, Moon Se-young climbs on, and he will be a warm favourite. (7) SMART CAT also ran 3rd on his debut which came over 1000M on June 17th when settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and can be considered for improvement here. Among the first-time starters, (6) PURGE KING is the pick. He showed brightly across two trials, improving in the second of them when he settled handy. With some more natural improvement, he can put in a big showing first-up. (5) BAEKDU DAEMUL was 5th behind The Player on debut and can aim to improve while (9) GEOSEN BANGYEOK ran fairly in his first race on June 24th and is another who can expect to have benefitted from the experience.

Selections(1) The Player (7) Smart Cat (6) Purge King (5) Baekdu Daemul
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) STEALTH PARK showed good improvement when 3rd at start number two on May 28th, settling back in the pack and finishing strongly over this distance in a fair time. Third-up he should be peaking and from the inside gate, he is the one to beat. (10) LUCKY HONEY took a few goes to figure things out but she enters having shown good results from her latest three with two 4th places and most recently a close 2nd at this distance. The time wasn’t quick and it was back in April so she comes in following fourteen weeks out, but she can go close. (11) PURPLE WINK has hinted at ability across his three appearances to date. He can settle back and has a strong finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can challenge late on here. (9) PATHOS and (2) BANDO HUIMANG others in the frame.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (10) Lucky Honey (11) Purple Wink (9) Pathos
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(6) BOB AND JOY ran fairly on debut, racing just behind the speed and finishing 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on June 25th. She should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat here. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK ran a much-improved 2nd at start number four on June 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but draws nicely here and can maintain her momentum. (10) ROAD TO MAGIC won an April trial in a quick time before finishing midfield on debut over this distance on June 2nd. He raced on pace that day and in the trial so the wide draw is perhaps not ideal here but with a touch of luck at the start, he can be a danger. (11) ACE RUN and (9) DOCTOR WICKY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Bob And Joy (1) Choegang Week (10) Road To Magic (11) Ace Run
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) HANGANG HERO enters off a good 2nd place at class and distance on June 17th when settling midfield and then running on well. She was sent off at big odds but that was her second runner-up finish in her last three stats and while she is a seventeen-race maiden, today could be her day. (3) ICE CREAM has taken a few goes to get to grips with this level but she seems on the right trajectory, having led for much of the way around in a similar race to this on June 11th, ultimately finishing 4th. She draws well to be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (9) SOARA MEME us up in class and marginally in trip following a maiden win at 1200M on June 4th. She can measure up here. (7) GLOBAL CHANGA and (2) ZIRCON others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Hangang Hero (3) Ice Cream (9) Soara Meme (7) Global Changa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Weak maiden here. (7) SAMBA STEP has picked up across her latest couple of outings with a 5th place most recently over 1200M on June 16th when racing handy throughout. She comes up to 1300M for the first time, she should be on pace, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) MOST RAPID has been anything but rapid in four starts so far but is potentially getting better having beaten a couple of these on his way to 6th in a better maiden than this back in April. He comes in fresh and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back. (10) LUCKY BAND has a 3rd place to his name and while a mile didn’t suit last time, this looks a more suitable assignment. (2) EVERY KING IJI and (5) STORMY DAY other possibles.

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

The twilight racing season comes to Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00 including the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Tiara. Here are the previews:

Floodlight racing is back

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juveniles here with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN and (4) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA debuted together on June 17th and came home in 2nd and 4th respectively. The time was not quick, but the real race experience should be beneficial, and they shape as the leading two contenders here with Naegilui Captain favoured to score, potentially leading all the way. Of the debut-makers, (11) RAON THE TAP won his trial, leading for most of the way around. He isn’t done any favours by the draw, but if he brings that form to the races, he has at least solid placing chances. (7) YONGBI POWER went through a rare quick trial. She was a long way behind the winner but that is enough to put her in the frame first-up. (3) HANGANG GLORY is another who hinted at ability in his trial and can be considered.

Selections(6) Naegilui Captain (4) Seoul Choegangja (11) Raon The Tap (7) Yongbi Power
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. She has rarely found herself in such amenable company as this and from a good draw, she can be on pace and can perhaps go all the way. (9) GHANA DREAM has a 2nd and a 3rd among her four starts so far. She needs to be given a pass on her latest when she got too far back but she generally has a strong finish on her and if she is in striking distance at the business end of the race, she will a danger late on. (11) NEMO SPIRIT comes in having run an improved 5th on her latest appearance on June 11th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she is another who can be doing her best work late on here. (6) YEJIMONG and (3) JEONGSANG HIT don’t inspire much confidence, but both have shown themselves capable of running a good race in this kind of company.

Selections(2) Haengbok Yeowang (9) Ghana Dream (11) Nemo Spirit (6) Yejimong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) SHARP SUNSHINE has picked up in her latest three with two 4ths and a 3rd, that latter finish coming over this distance on June 17th. Her times haven’t been special but there is not much pace here and from a good gate she can lead and potentially go all the way. (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG showed a sharp uptick in form when 2nd at start number four over 1200M on June 18th, settling back and finishing well. A similar run here will put her in the finish again. (6) EXPECT has mixed his form across five starts so far but going on his 3rd place over 1400M at the end of April, he should come into the calculations here. (7) GOLD MIGHTY, with a 2nd to his name is another, while (8) SMART SOCKS has also hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Sharp Sunshine (10) Binnaneun Geumseong (6) Expect (7) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK enters in good form with a 2nd two starts back over 1200M followed by a 3rd place at today’s trip on June 17th when she led for much of the way and only went down narrowly. She beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process and from a good gate she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (8) LUCKY POWER had a hard time when stepped up to 1700M last time out, showing close to the pace and then weakening. He may be happier back at one turn here and he has a smart finish on him. (5) ORCHID VALLEY has four top-three finishes from six stats so far including last time out when a solid 3rd at this class over 1200M. In this company he can be on pace and in this a long way. (1) LEMON BLADE comes up in class following a maiden win at start number seven over 1200M. He comes down in weight and from the inside gate can measure up. (11) GRAND POWER another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Haengbokan Munmak (8) Lucky Power (5) Orchid Valley (1) Lemon Blade
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(5) SINUI BANJEON is a ten-race maiden, but she has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest start at this class and distance on June 4th when, as is her preferred style, she was on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she really should have the measure of this field and she is the one to beat. (6) CLUB D is also a maiden, but he has been finishing off his races well and the step up to two turns could well suit him. He can go close. (3) P N S AI comes back up to two turns for the first time since a shy at the stumps in last year’s Minister’s Cup (it missed). He has been steadily working back into form across recent starts, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M last time out and he can be in the mix again here. (7) GREEN FEELSTAR and (2) STAR K are others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday – Twilight Racing Begins: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

A short season of twilight racing begins this weekend. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener so we head to the trial videos (1) BLACK SPRING won his trial, racing in midfield from gate eight and then producing a strong effort in the closing stages to pull away under only minimal urging. The time wasn’t quick, but it was on a very dry track, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him win here. (2) CONTROLLER posted the fastest time in trials when running 2nd in a June heat, settling handy and then running on without the jockey needing to use his stick. He draws well and a repeat performance will see him in the mix first-up here. That fastest time will probably mean he starts the betting favourite locally. (6) HANGANG CLASS was an on-pace 3rd in his heat, and along with (3) YONGBI CHEONWANG and (10) BEST PRIME, can go well.

Selections(1) Black Spring (2) Controller (6) Hangang Class (3) Yongbi Cheonwang
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go far past (1) DOCTOR KANE here. After a good trial, she debuted in an all-filly juvenile event on June 9th and sat behind the early speed before running on 2nd. She was eight-lengths behind the odds-on favourite winner, but five-lengths clear of the rest and with some natural improvement, she will be hard to beat. (3) COLUMBIA CHAMP debuted in that same race, initially settling back before working home well for 4th place. She has plenty to make up on Doctor Kane, but she too should have derived benefit from that run and can be a contender at this slightly extended trip. (5) MAGIC ELEVEN has a 3rd place to her name and among those who have tackled this distance before, by far the quickest time. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she should be close. (9) THE ONE and (4) HOTFLEX others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(1) Doctor Kane (3) Columbia Champ (5) Magic Eleven (9) The One
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) HAMA has been getting closer across her five starts so far culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on June 16th when racing behind the leaders and running on well. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and she can make her breakthrough here. (3) B. K. HUNTER returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on June 23rd. He should strip fitter for that run and can go close again. (7) KELLY QUEEN came home 4th when sent off at big odds over this distance on June 30th. She returns quickly here and, in this company, should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) HAEUNDAE JEONSEOL and (5) CHOICE ROAD will need their respective latest starts overlooked but, in this field, can be competitive.

Selections(9) Hama (3) B. K. Hunter (7) Kelly Queen (8) Haeundae Jeonseol
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME comes up in class having notched his maiden win at start number two on June 18th when he was on pace throughout and crossed the line a cool ten-lengths to the good. He is up in distance as well but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again here. (7) VERLUC took a couple of goes to figure things out, but he too comes up in class following a 2nd place in May and then an all the way four-length score over 1300M on June 16th. He’ll be challenging Success Show Me for the early lead and he can be in this a long way. (2) NAMYANG BOLT beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place over 1300M on his first try at this class on June 18th. He holds a win at this trip and from a good gate can be a danger here. (10) WAITING FOR YOU and (1) MORNING MUSE among others in the hunt.

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) takes centre stage this Sunday when a full field of sixteen face off on the south coast. The big race is race 6 of seven on the card which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. At Seoul there is a 10-race card from 10:35 to 18:00.

Daehan Jilju is the probable favourite for the Busan Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies only with six of the eleven racing for the first time. The only one of the remaining five to have raced twice is the favourite and that’s (6) GEOLJAK ONE. She debuted in 4th place in a quick race on a wet track on May 28th and then followed it up with a 2nd place, going down very narrowly, on June 10th having raced close to the pace both times. It should be third-time lucky here. (1) PERFECT TIARA debuted in that June 10th race having shown little in trials but ran a good 3rd, coming from the middle of the pace. She has three-lengths to make up on Geoljak One but should have come on for the experience. (5) ECLIPSE BERRY debuted in the May 28th race and overcame the widest gate to run 6th. She too should be going closer this time. As for the first timers, (7) HAMPYEONG JANGMI and (10) SEIRENE were perhaps the best in trials.

Selections(6) Geoljak One (1) Perfect Tiara (5) Eclipse Berry (7) Hampyeong Jangmi
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) KING GO TAEYANG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on June 11th, albeit well beaten by the winner. He has the challenge of the wide gate here but the step up to 1300M can suit and he is the one to beat. (1) MENI SHARK showed signs of figuring things out when stepped up to this distance on June 11th and running a best to fate 4th. Her time that day was quicker than any of the others who have tackled this distance have managed and from a good gate, she can go closer today. (6) GOLDEN SNIPER also comes in off a best to date finish when 2nd on June 4th at this trip. He can sit behind the early speed here and can be in the finish. (4) BRAVO HANSEN and (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL among others who can dispute the minors.

Selections(11) King Go Taeyang (1) Meni Shark (6) Golden Sniper (4) Bravo Hansen
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) RAON THE AGAIN will be one of the banker favourites of the day. After a quick trial, she ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 2nd having settled back and run on strongly to only go down narrowly. She draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (6) KALJABI is the obvious second pick. After running 4th on debut, he led for much of the way around second-up on May 28th, again over 1200M, ultimately coming home in 2nd. He should lead again here and can hold off the favourite for a long time. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but the final place is up for grabs. (8) CHEONGMAUI JILJU ran an improved 4th last time out at 1200M and can maintain her positive momentum again here. (3) ILCHUL GOLD and (2) UNMATCHED are others who can compete.

Selections(1) Raon The Again (6) Kaljabi (8) Cheongmaui Jilju (3) Ilchul Gold
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) LONDON MYEONGGA had seemingly lost his way a little but came back into form with a strong 3rd over this class and distance on June 4th when on pace throughout. He draws well here to be on or close to the pace again and has every chance. (5) GLORY K remains winless but enters with recent form reading well with two 3rd place finishes from her latest three, most recently when leading most of the way around over 1400M on June 10th. She is under a very light weight, she draws well to lead again, and it would be no surprise if she made the breakthrough here. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG comes up in class after three consecutive 3rd place finishes, the most recent two over this distance. His times have been competitive enough and he comes down significantly in the weights. (7) LEGEND K and (9) KKANGDORI others to consider.

Selections(3) London Myeongga (5) Glory K (4) Challanhan Pokpung (7) Legend K
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden. (11) ACE A MOCA has improved across three starts so far, most recently an on-pace 3rd over this distance on June 16th. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the widest gate here but she as good a chance as any. (9) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL comes in off a much-improved 3rd on May 19th when settling handy and running on. In this company she can be on the pace and while in the absence of an apprentice claim she comes up in weight, Choi Si-dae climbs aboard and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) HERO J has only raced twice and was an improved 3rd in the second of them when she came from well off the pace. She draws better today and comes into contention. (5) YONG GUN and (8) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ace A Moca (9) Yongsan Keunbyeul (4) Hero J (5) Yong Gun
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) SUNGAN TOUCH had a slightly disappointing day at the office when well supported over 1300M on June 3rd but finishing 6th of ten. He was going very well at this distance prior to that though with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class, and he will be a warm favourite to score here. (2) FIRST USER remains a maiden but comes up in class after two runner-up finishes at class 6. She likes to run on pace so she is drawn very nicely and the 2kg drop in carried weight can help her be competitive here. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE comes in having run 3rd at a big price at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but running on really well. She will warrant more respect this time around. (7) LONDON QUEEN and the up in class (5) SEOUL SPURT among others to consider.

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

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (3) TRAUM KING. The To Honor And Serve colt led every step of the way in his trial on June 2nd, crossing the line four-lengths clear of anything else in a decent time. From a good draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (4) JANGGUN GARAM is one of the two who have already races. He came home 7th of eleven in a quick race on a very wet track. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer today. That applies too to (11) MULLEBANGA who ran fairly on his debut and with some natural improvement, can be in the placing hunt. Returning to the first-time starters, (2) RAON THE MAN led his trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. It wasn’t quick but he showed enough to suggest he can go well first-up. (10) ILINX was a trial winner and while done no favours by the draw, can’t be ruled out either.

Selections(3) Traum King (4) Janggun Garam (11) Mullebanga (2) Raon The Man
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Eleven young imports with ten of the eleven racing for the first time. The one who we have seen before, (9) SPURT BIT, was impressive. Having won a May trial, he debuted on June 10th and sat on the heels of the leader before taking things up in the straight and running on to win by four-lengths. He won’t need to improve much on that to win again. (8) KLIMT WORLD trialled up in that same May heat behind Spurt Bit and he came home just half a length in arrears. It’s taken him a while to get to the races, but based on that trial, he can be a danger first-up. (11) GOOD HAPPY went through two trials, first to qualify in which he was slow away and underwhelming, and then a voluntary trial (which may not appear in all race cards) two weeks later at the end of May. He was a big improver in that one and can be considered here. It’s a similar story with (2) SINUI EREUM, whose official qualifying trial in April didn’t catch the eye but he has subsequently been through two more (again, these may not be on all race cards so do be aware) and improved in both, from wide gates. He draws nicely here and should go well. (10) NANO MASIN won his solitary heat and that’s enough to put him in the frame.

Selections(9) Spurt Bit (8) Klimt World (11) Good Happy (2) Sinui Ereum
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Standard maiden here. (5) BANFF probably warrants favourite status with a 3rd, a 2nd and a 5th from his three starts so far, all at this distance and all in fair times. In this company he should be on or close to the pace, and he can win here. (3) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI raced three times last summer and autumn, improving each time with a 3rd the best of them over this distance. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up on June 23rd and from a good draw should be on the speed and in this a long way. (9) TIZ ROCKET has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 4th last time out on what was admittedly a very fat track. He can aim to match or better that 4th here. (8) MOON DUST and (1) TESTA BLUE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Banff (3) Baekdu Meotjaengi (9) Tiz Rocket (8) Moon Dust
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (10) GEOSEN CHAMP here. He’s been knocking at the door across his six starts so far and comes in off his best finish so far when 2nd over 1200M on June 18th when he overcame the same gate, he has today to race handy. Like all but two of these, he comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (8) SATURDAY finished off pleasingly enough over 1300M last timeout for a best to date finish of 5th. He is another who may appreciate the slight step up in trip today and can go closer. (3) PURPLE SHINHWA has three 5th place finishes from three starts so far, all over 1200M. He has been a touch one-paced but in this company and from this gate he should be on the lead early and “one-pace” could be enough pace to at least place here. (4) BEST PLAN and (5) RED TAEPUNG the best of an ordinary rest.

Selections(10) Geosen Champ (8) Saturday (3) Purple Shinhwa (4) Best Plan
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) MORNING PEARL remains a maiden but has no fewer than four placings at this class, most recently when 2nd over 1300M back in February. She hasn’t raced since then but she looked well in a trial just last week when she wasn’t asked to do too much and while she will evidently need this, she has a chance and should be available at an each-way price. (8) DALGEUM is also a maiden, in her case after eight attempts. She comes in off a very narrow defeat at this class and distance on May 27th and shouldn’t be far away again. (9) BEST JEONSA and (3) STAND BY ME came home 4th and 7th respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on June 10th, the latter performing below expectations but had been going well previously. Both should be aiming to improve here. (1) SMART BLUE comes in off a class and distance 3rd and is another in the hunt in a small but competitive field.

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 7-race program from 12:30 to 18:00. Jockey You Hyun-myung is back following a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury while Lim Sung-sil has transitioned from the weighing room to the trainer’s room and he sends out his first runner in the concluding race. Here are the previews:

Jockey You Hyun-myung is back in action (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener. (2) SINCHEON FIRST made all to win his trial on June 10th stopping the clock in a fair time on a dry track. That’s enough to make him favourite here from a good gate. (11) CORNER ONE was 2nd in that same June 10th trial, just half a length in arrears having settled just behind the pace. He is done fewer favours by the draw, but a repeat of that effort should put him in the frame. (3) SKY JILJU is another trial winner, coming from midfield to cross the line in front back in May and he shapes as the clear third favourite here. Another heat-winner is (6) NUMBERONEPICK who was a little slowly away on June 3rd but then went quickly to the lead and ran on. He may not be the number one pick, but he can put in a bold showing first up. (8) PERFECT ACTION among others who could go well.

Selections(2) Sincheon First (11) Corner One (3) Sky Jilju (6) Numberonepick
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) DOCTOR KINGDOM will be a warm favourite here having run 2nd on debut on May 26th when settling behind the speed and running on over 1000M. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he may take some beating. (3) LEMON BULPAE offered little in two appearances in December and February. After a spell he returned to trial on June 17th and blitzed his heat crossing the line six-lengths to the good in a quick time. He will be expected to be close here. (9) UNJU GLOBAL has mixed her form so far, but she does have a 2nd and a 4th to her name at this distance as well as the fastest time among these and she looks promising at a probable each-way price. (10) BORIS MARINE and (1) FIRST MENI others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Doctor Kingdom (3) Lemon Bulpae (9) Unju Global (10) Boris Marine
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive race. (4) HAENGBOKHAN GIL enters with his recent form reading well with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip when he has been ridden much further forward than in previous starts. He draws well to do similar today and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, he comes down in he weights. Today can be his day. (1) POWER RIDE didn’t do much in three starts across the turn of the year but after almost four months off, he returned to action with a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 9th when on pace throughout. He should have derived benefit from that run and can be a danger here. (2) SOLEDAD comes in off a best finish of 2nd over this distance on June 2nd and from a much better draw can go close again. (10) RUN TO KING and (6) WONDERFUL IMPACT are the other placing contenders.

Selections(4) Haengbokhan Gil (1) Power Ride (2) Soledad (10) Run To King
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) HONOR LORD got his maiden win over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before leading on his first try at this class on June 16th over 1400M, ultimately being passed in the closing stages and finishing 3rd. He only comes up slightly in the weights but the drop back in trip can be in his favour and he can lead all the way this time. (11) BABEL HEART ran 4th in that that June 16th race, her best finish at this level. She has more than two lengths to make up on Honor Lord but comes in nicely weighted and she has a good finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (3) FIRST STAR is very experienced, and this is the kind of race where she can pick up some prize money, as she did when 2nd over 1200M last time out coming from off the pace. (8) PILGRIM and (1) SANGSANGGEUISANG others in the hunt.

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Mayor’s Cup Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

Winner’s Man will seek to go back-to-back in the feature race of the weekend, the Busan Mayor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00 and 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews.

Winner’s Man seeks to defend the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the eight racing for the first time but a couple of the ones with experience showed well on their respective debuts and they will head the market. (3) MORNING BOLD did little in his trial but ran a solid 2nd on debut at this distance in a good time on June 3rd having been close to the pace throughout. From a good draw, he can be on the speed again and has every chance. (5) SMART CLAIR was 4th on debut in that same June 3rd race, settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer. Among the first timers, (1) LALA K posted a decent time in his trial and has the benefit of the inside gate. (6) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG won the second of his two trials and while the time wasn’t especially fast, that is enough to make him a first-up contender. (7) MIRACLE HANGANG another who hinted at ability in his heat and can be considered.

Selections(3) Morning Bold (5) Smart Clair (1) Lala K (6) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A standard maiden but it’s very open, mainly because nothing comes in with consistent form. With that in mind, we’ll take a chance on the one that’s done the least wrong so far, the only debut-maker, (8) WINNER JERIN. He was on pace in his trial, crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. Kim Yong-geun rides, and if he can bring that form to the races, he shouldn’t be far away. (6) MADE STAR was an improved 4th at start number four on June 11th, having started slowly and coming from a long way back. If he can give himself more of a chance with a better start, then he can be finishing strongly here. (7) MAGIC K enters after a 4th place over this distance on June 4th when handy throughout. She can sit behind the speed again and press late. (3) SINUI YEOIN and (1) WONDERFUL DEPUTY others in contention for the minors.

Selections(8) Winner Jerin (6) Made Star (7) Magic K (3) Sinui Yeoin
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) TAURUS KING raced in November and then again in early February without troubling the judges. That earned him a gelding, and he has looked much better since returning, first when 2nd in a quick trial in May and then on June 11th when finishing 3rd on his comeback race over 1200M. He should strip fitter here and won’t need to improve much to win. (11) MAGIC SWEETIE achieved a 3rd place over this distance two starts back before running fairly at 1300M last time out. She may need a touch of luck from the outside gate, but she has enough early speed to find a forward early position and she can be a danger. (3) BRAVE CAPTAIN has two 4th places from three starts so far, most recently on May 26th when he led for part of the way around. He’ll be on pace here and can be in contention a long way. (6) ANY SINGS and (10) HAERANG YOUNGUNG perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Taurus King (11) Magic Sweetie (3) Brave Captain (6) Any Sings
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only here and another very competitive maiden although this time it is because quite a few look ready to win. One of those is (9) SEUNGNI GONGJU. After an indifferent debut, she has a 4th and back-to-back 3rd places in three attempts, most recently over 1300M on June 3rd. Despite drawing a touch wide, she can be on pace here and has as good a chance as any. (8) MUNHAK EAGLE was an improved 2nd at just her second start on May 13th, coming from off the pace and running on well. It was a fair time, and she can settle handy and threaten late again here. (4) NAOL SKY and (5) NEW POINT came home 3rd and 7th when they raced each other at this distance on June 4th. For Naol Sky it was a second consecutive 3rd place finish while for New Point it was something of a disappointment following a runner-up finish at her previous start in May. Both can be competitive here. (2) MENI CHARM another in the frame.

Selections(9) Seungni Gongju (8) Munhak Eagle (4) Naol Sky (5) New Point
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Another tough race. (5) UNJU OREUM is perhaps the one to beat. She has four top-four finishes from six starts so far and has the fastest time among these for the distance. She should be on the pace from the start and has every chance. (6) HAERANG ISEUL has a 2nd and a 4th from her two starts to date, both at 1200M. She has the quickest start among this field and from a central gate can challenge Unju Oreum for the lead and can be in this a long way. (9) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG has picked up in his latest two efforts, running 2nd and 3rd, both over this distance in fair times. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim, he is up in the weights, but he can be competitive again. (1) GLOBAL WEEK and (4) CHEONSU SIDAE are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Unju Oreum (6) Haerang Iseul (9) Success Yeonggwang (1) Global Week
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) HANGANG CROWN was a winner on debut in a double-quick time over 1000M on May 28th (a day when the track was very fast), racing on pace early and taking things up turning into the straight. She is up in class and in distance here but comes in under a light weight and while she is the only juvenile in the race, she can beat her elders here. (8) YESULIYA has led both his latest two, ultimately coming home 2nd and 3rd, both at this distance. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be on pace again and can be in things a long way once more. (4) FIJI BLADE got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes from her first two starts. She weakened when tried at 1300M for her first attempt at this class but slightly back in trip, can be given another chance today. (2) RAON HOLIDAY and (5) CHANCELLOR others in the hunt.

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RAON THE FIGHTER INJURY LEAVES TUHONUI BANSEOK AND WINNER’S MAN TO SQUARE OFF IN MAYOR’S CUP

The Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2), not to mention all of Korean racing, suffered a huge setback on Thursday as Raon The Fighter, arguably the best horse in the country, sustained an injury that not only rules him out of Sunday’s race, but also has put his career in doubt.

Tuhonui Banseok left Winner’s Man in the dust in the YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)

Raon The Fighter had seemingly worked well on Thursday morning, galloping in company with the class 3 horse Great Captain and looking in fine order under scheduled race day jockey Lim Gi-won. However, on his return to the stables he was found to be lame, and a vet inspection revealed he had an off-foreleg sesamoid fracture. He will be transported back to Seoul for further assessment and treatment, but it seems more likely than not that we have seen the last of Raon The Fighter on a racecourse.  

That leaves Sunday’s race, the main prep race for September’s international Korea Cup, looking a straight battle between Tuhonui Banseok and Winner’s Man.  Tuhonui Banseok was a revelation when he chased home Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter in last December’s Grand Prix Stakes and he got a Group win of his own when scoring in the YTN Cup (2000M) at Seoul in May by a stunning eleven-lengths ahead of Winner’s Man. That victory has catapulted him into the elite (his rating rose a full fifteen points) but while the margin may have been a surprise, the result was not so much.

With every Group race since his first, when 8th in this race a year ago, Tuhonui Banseok had been getting closer. He was 3rd in both the KRA Cup Classic and that aforementioned Grand Prix Stakes to round out 2022 and then began this year with 2nd place in Herald Business before his YTN Cup win. He made all and he will be the one to catch again. With Park Jae-I suspended, Jung Do-youn gets the call-up on the Bart Rice trained Verrazano five-year-old.

Winner’s Man won the Korean Derby in 2021 and completed a Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes double in 2022.  He can throw in the odd underwhelming performance though, as when 3rd in the President’s Cup last November and then when unable to lay a glove on Tuhonui Banseok in May. His overall quality though means he is not to be written off.

As for the rest, Simjangui Godong and Black Musk look the most likely candidates to take advantage should either of the big-two fail to fire.

The Busan Mayor’s Cup is race six on the seven-race program at Busan this Sunday July 2.

Selections: (1) Tuhonui Banseok (4) Winner’s Man (8) Simjangui Godong (9) Black Musk

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

July’s racing program – and the second half of the season – kicks off on Saturday with a 10-race program at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener although three of the eight have raced once apiece already – all in the same race. And they will be the favourites, especially (5) MY CENTER, who ran 3rd on debut on May 28th in a fast time on what was a wet and fast track having been on pace throughout. From a central gate, he should lead again, and this time can go all the way. (4) LUCKY DRAGON and (1) MAGIC STRONG came home 5th and 8th respectively in that same May 28th race and they shape as the main dangers. Both recorded good times and while Magic Strong was some way back, he draws much better here. As for the first timers, (6) SEOCHEON LION was best in trials, running on pace and coming home second in an admittedly slow heat (as many were in June). (3) HANGANG LEGEND the next best.

Selections(5) My Center (4) Lucky Dragon (1) Magic Strong (6) Seocheon Lion
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Standard maiden here. (7) PURPLE WORLD will be the favourite. He has raced just the once and it was all the way back in January of 2022, but he showed promise running in 2nd place over 1000M. Then all sorts of setbacks started. He refused to load for his scheduled second start in March of last year, and while he passe his trials to requalify, he then had a litany of setbacks. He returned to full work at the start of June and looked well when running 3rd in a good time in a June 16th trial. If he brings that form to the races, he should be hard to beat. If he does manage to find something to go wrong again, (11) NAOL ROONEY may take advantage. He has run solid 4ths in both starts so far and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, can go closer today. (1) SHOOT UP SPARK has the fastest time for the distance among these, while (5) WONDERFUL FOX and (8) GRATITUDE are among others in contention for places.

Selections(7) Purple World (11) Naol Rooney (1) Shoot Up Spark (5) Wonderful Fox
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Unusual combination of seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (5) FOUR ACE gets the nod based on her last start runner-up finish over this distance when she overcame gate eleven to race handy. From a better draw and in a smaller field, she should get an easier run to the front in the early stages, and she can go one better. (2) GOLDEN PEARL is the logical second choice. She comes in off an improved 3rd place over this distance on June 4th when handy throughout. She too draws a better gate and with an apprentice claiming 2kg, she looks very nicely in. Jockey Lee Hyeon-jong is back from a year in the suspension wilderness (off track things) and he rides the solitary gelding, (6) ONE SPEAR. He enters off his best run to date when 5th over this distance two weeks ago and they look to strike again while the iron is at least lukewarm. It may be enough in this company. Something else has to improve and (7) SAMBA ZONE and (1) GALAXY SOCKS look the most likely.

Selections(5) Four Ace (2) Golden Pearl (6) One Spear (7) Samba Zone
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) BYEOLBIT MARU has won just one out of eighteen so far but enters off a strong 3rd place at big odds at class and distance on May 27th when ridden a bit further forward than usual. She has a good finish on her and with Kim Yong-geun taking the mount, it could be her day. (4) DREAM PLAY comes up in class having won over this distance on May 27th when settling in the front end of midfield and running on well. That win had been coming and he can measure up at this level. (11) SAENAE KHAN was slowly away and had an all-around poor day at the office last time out on May 28th. He was favourite that day for a reason though with his prior form reading well and he can be given another chance here. (3) MONEY STONE and (9) CHEONGGYE GISANG others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Byeolbit Maru (4) Dream Play (11) Saenae Khan (3) Money Stone
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race. (9) CHADOL RUN comes in off a quick 2nd place at class and distance on May 28th on a very wet and fast track when she overcame the widest gate to race handy. At the start before she was a winner at this class over 1300M in similarly swift fashion when coming from well off the pace. She is nicely weighted still, we know the wide draw isn’t a problem, and she can win here. The main danger is (7) MENI WONDERFUL. On May 21st he beat a couple of these on his way to a smart 2nd place at class and distance continuing a positive trend in recent outings. Expect him to be on pace here and in this a long way. (2) NEULGAEUL was 5th in that quick race behind Chadol Run in May and has also placed at class and distance. He draws well here and can go close. (8) COMPLETE LEADER and (4) CLOUTER others with minor money hopes.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 30)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 7-race card from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens in the opener. Having won a trial, (3) MAGARITA was sent off as favourite on debut on June 2nd when she raced on the pace and ultimately went down to a narrow defeat. Her time was more than a second quicker than any of the others here have managed for this distance and she won’t need to be much better to win here. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on May 12th. The wide draw may not help here but a similar performance will put her in the finish again. (6) CAPTAIN COMMANDO raced twice across the turn of the year and hinted at ability. He races for the first time since January and looked well when trialling up in May. (5) ACE RUN and (2) HAPPY BRIANNA are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Magarita (11) Baedari Dolpung (6) Captain Commando (5) Ace Run
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A competitive maiden. (9) GEUMA HUGE HIT has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in a good time over 1200M on May 26th. She comes up to this trip for the first time but the way she has finished off her races suggests that it can suit, and she can win here. (10) I’M KING IJI has been there or thereabouts in most of his starts so far. He draws wide again which is less than ideal, but he should be in the hunt here. (7) FANTASTIC TIME enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at 1200M. Seo Seung-un climbs on here and the step up to 1400M can be in her favour. (11) VELOCIRAPTOR and (8) CHEONMA DOKJU, the latter coming in after a much-improved 4th at this trip ahead of I’m King Iji earlier this month, are others to look out for.

Selections(9) Geuma Huge Hit (10) I’m King Iji (7) Fantastic Time (11) Velociraptor
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Good maiden with all but one of these coming in having finished 5th or better in their respective latest outings. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (1) ROSE BLADE. He hasn’t shown a huge amount of speed over his two starts so far, but he has finished 3rd and 4th over 1200M, finishing off well both times. He draws nicely here and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (9) SUCCESS BATTLE has shown big improvement in her latest two, coming home 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1400M. She raced on pace last time out but came from midfield at the start before and she can keep her positive run going here. (5) PIMI will surely be on the pace. She comes in off a significantly improved 3rd when stepped up to this distance on June 4th and can follow-up in this company. (2) HANEUL HAETSAL and (3) GLOBAL SARANG others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Rose Blade (9) Success Battle (5) Pimi (2) Haneul Haetsal
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Another competitive race. (11) SEONGSIL CHEONHA was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 6 level before running a good 3rd on his first try at this class on June 4th when leading part of the way around. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of the outside gate but he has every chance of winning here. (3) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA had a hard time when stepped up to a mile for his first race at this level in May. At the start before though he made all over this trip to win and back down in distance and well-drawn, he warrants another chance. (6) FANTASTIC WOMAN was slowly away last time before rallying for 5th over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and under a light weight, she can be in the finish. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO and the up in class last start winner (9) DAEHO NARA are the other logical contenders.

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