Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 5)

May’s racing kicks off with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:55 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(3) HWANGWU JANGSA won a pair of trials before running 3rd on debut over this distance on April 9th, sitting handy and finishing off well having overcome a wide gate. He draws better here, should have come on for the run, and is the one to beat. (7) HAPPY TAEYANG has the fastest time for the distance among these, recorded two starts back when 2nd. She weakened a little over 1300M last time out but back down in trip and kindlier drawn, she is a danger. (5) ARION QUEEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far including a last start 3rd place at this distance. She should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) NEOGA CHOEGO and first-time starter (6) HERO J are among others to consider.

Selections(3) Hwangwu Jangsa (7) Happy Taeyang (5) Arion Queen (8) Neoga Choego
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

It’s hard to go too far past (4) SPECIALIST here. He enters off a 2nd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three, two of them at this distance and from a good draw can sit on pace or handy and should prove too strong. (7) ADELE HORANGI has only missed the top-five once in nine prior starts. He tends to sit back and can leave himself too much to do but he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance, and he should be going close. (3) ROCKS has mixed his form but going on his 3rd place at this distance two starts back, he should be right in this from a good draw. (1) PINHOLE EYE and (8) SPECIAL FACT are others who in this company can aim for a place.

Selections(4) Specialist (7) Adele Horangi (3) Rocks (1) Pinhole Eye
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(5) WONDERFUL APPEAL got her maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 9th when sitting handy throughout and then finishing off well in a quick time. She comes up in class but carries a light weight and from a good gate, she can measure up in this company. (1) MONEY CASE comes back in trip following a couple of spins around a mile which included a runner-up finish two starts back. He can be on pace here and should benefit from the shorter distance. (2) GOHEUNG CLASS will need a line drawn through her latest when she was slowly away from a wide draw and finished well back over 1400M. She comes into a better gate today and with a better start, should be much closer. (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI and (8) TAEWANG SINGI others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Wonderful Appeal (1) Money Case (2) Goheung Class (7) Doctor Kongdoli
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(1) GOLDEN WAVE is yet to finish any worse than 3rd in four career starts. Her win came at this distance in a quick time back in February at class 6 level when she led all the way, and she has more than held her own in two subsequent starts at this class. From a great draw, she should be on pace and can lead gate to wire once more. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (2) HANEUL JEWANG overcame the widest draw to win at class and distance in March and then followed up with a decent 4th, again drawn wide on April 2nd. He carries 3kg more than when he won but that is balanced by coming into a batter barrier, and he can go close again. (6) SKY JEJUHYANG is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has plenty of near misses and Seo Seung-un climbing on will attract interest. (5) ROSE FIGHTER and (3) DAMYANGUISIN are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Golden Wave (2) Haneul Jewang (6) Sky Jejuhyang (5) Rose Fighter
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(11) WORLD CLASS CAT remains a maiden after six attempts, but she has finished in the top-three in her latest five and looks to have as good a chance as any here. She has a strong finish on her so doesn’t need to lead and the step up to 1400M for the first time can be exactly what she needs. (1) ROAD TO GLORY got his maiden win with an all the way score over this distance on March 31st. He comes up in class but draws very well and he can be competitive in this company. (2) PEGACORN is also up in class. He is still a maiden, but he has five top-four finishes to his name at the lower level including a runner-up at this distance. He comes down in weight, draws well, and should be in the mix again. (9) VEREUDA and (6) SKY MOUNTAIN others in the placing frame.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (April 30)

The 2023 Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday when a full field of sixteen line up for the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. The Cup Mile is the last of 6 races at Busan which run from 11:00 to 15:45. There is also an 11 race meeting at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Something Lost won the Sports Seoul Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1:  Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) YEOLJEONG ARGO was a much-improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 1st. She led almost the entire way around, ultimately going down narrowly but in a time as quick as any have managed in this field. A similar run can see her win this. The main danger is (10) MY THUNDER. She ran an on-pace 3rd on debut at this trip on March 25th and while the draw is slightly wider than ideal, she should have enough early speed to get to a prominent position. (8) TUHON TEUKGEUP has hinted at ability across two starts so far and has a time for the distance equal to that of Yeoljeong Argo. That is enough to bring her firmly into placing contention in this company. (3) AKKAENGI and debut-maker (2) SARYEONI BULLET are others with minor money hopes.

Selections(7) Yeoljeong Argo (10) My Thunder (8) Tuhon Teukgeup (3) Akkaengi
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens and seven of the twelve are racing for the very first time. We’ll take a chance on a couple of those debutantes, firstly (3) ROSE BLADE. He ran on well in his trial to stop the clock in a decent time and while the heat was perhaps a little fast due to the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination), if he brings that form to the races, he can go well first-up. (7) HAENGBOK CHUKJE went even quicker in her trial when crossing the line 2nd having sat handy throughout. That was back in February so it has taken her a while to get race-ready, but she could be worth the wait here. (9) SUCCESS SHOW ME was a little slower in his trial, but he beat a couple of these in the process and that’s enough to have him in the frame here. Turning to the experienced ones, (2) CHEONGMAUI JILJU and (10) HAERANG JANGGUN are the most likely to improve.

Selections(3) Rose Blade (7) Haengbok Chukje (9) Success Show Me (2) Cheongmaui Jilju
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies with two of the ten racing for the first time. (2) PHOENIX CLASS is the one to beat having followed up a positive trial with a good 2nd place on debut over 1200M on February 25th when on pace throughout. She should have come on for that run, she draws well here, and she can lead all the way this time.  (1) MENI CHARM was a much-improved 2nd at start number four on April 2nd when ridden on pace for the first time. She was well-beaten by a good winner but can put in a bold showing again today. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (5) BARAMUI HYANGGI does have a 3rd place to her name and that alone is enough the give her at least a placing chance in this company. Debut-maker (10) BOREUM DALBIT went through two trials in fair times and couldn’t wish for a softer race to debut in. (4) RUBY AGAIN another in the minor hunt.

Selections(2) Phoenix Class (1) Meni Charm (5) Baramui Hyanggi (10) Boreum Dalbit
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) HEARTBREAKER has two 3rd places from his four starts so far including his most recent on April 9th when sitting handy all the way over 1300M. He comes up in trip and what with there being an absence of early speed in this race, the wide draw shouldn’t stop him from finding a good position. He has as good a chance as any. The rise in trip may suit (3) VELOCIRAPTOR. She’s worked through the line well in her latest two appearances, finishing 3rd both times at 1200M. From a good gate, Jeon Jin-gu can pick his spot and finish well. (7) TTANBONG QUEEN significantly improved when tried at 1400M on March 24th, securing her best finish to date in 2nd in a good time. She too may benefit from a further raise in journey today. (4) HAENGBOKAN GIL and (5) STAR DRAGON among others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Heartbreaker (3) Velociraptor (7) Ttanbong Queen (4) Haengbokhan Gil
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(1) SAVANA CHARLIE will be the favourite here. He has run 4th in both his latest two at 1300M and 1400M, coming from off the pace both times. This is not an especially intimidating field and similar efforts to those two should see him win. The main danger is (8) ZEROBAEK FIVE. She may be yet to finish in the top-two in thirteen attempts, but she has picked up minor money finishes in comparable company before, including last time when an on-pace 5th. She is one-paced but that should be enough to see her on the board here. (10) HERO QUEEN does have at least a 3rd place finish to her name. In this company, she should be passing plenty late on if not already on pace. (9) RED TAEPUNG and (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER are others who can be considered for the minors.

Selections(1) Savana Charlie (8) Zerobaek Five (10) Hero Queen (9) Red Taepung
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) YEONGGWANGUI ACE comes in having run 3rd to Betelgeuse in the Busan Classic Trial over this distance on March 19th, just over four-lengths behind the KRA Cup Mile favourite. He skips the Cup Mile and comes here instead and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is the one to beat. The main danger will break from the adjoining gate. (5) GRAND SUN returned from eleven months out to win over 1300M at class 5 level in February before running 2nd in a double-quick time over this class and distance on March 24th, starting slowly and settling back before running on. Third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he has strong claims. (1) K.AI enters off a good 4th place over 1200M on March 19th and from a much better gate can match or better that here. (2) B.K. NEW MOON is up 3kg in weight following a rather unexpected class and distance win at the end of March but shouldn’t be dismissed. (3) MAN OF THE STAR among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Yeonggwangui Ace (5) Grand Sun (1) K.Ai (2) B.K. New Moon
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

(1) COMPLETE FORCE gets the nod here. He comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both over class and distance and both times overcoming wider gates to get to a forward position. He does come up in weight here but that’s balanced by a better draw, and he is the one to beat. (7) BARAMUI GEOM returned from five months out to run 3rd at class and distance on April 2nd, racing handy and briefly hitting the lead in the straight. He should strip fitter for that run and should go close here. (5) NEVER AGAIN comes up in class following a maiden win at 1200M on March 26th when coming from off the pace. He’s going to need to go quicker in this company, but he comes down in weights and still has scope for improvement. (10) SECRET PLAY and (9) DANDI among others in the money frame.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 29)

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

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

Competitive maiden to open with. (2) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA has run fairly in her latest two, most recently leading for much of the way around 1300M on April 1st and ultimately finishing 4th of eight in a fair time. Slightly back in trip, she can be on pace again and has as good a chance as any. The probably betting favourite is (4) WHITE WITCH. That’s on the back of her very close 2nd place at this distance on March 26th when she overcame gate ten to race on pace. She comes into a better gate today, she should be on the speed again, and she could go one better. (1) SILVER PURGE won a February trial before running a fair 5th on debut at this distance on March 12th. She should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (6) TWO ACE and (7) HANGANG POWER others with minor money hopes.

Selections(2) Yamujin Saegangja (4) White Witch (1) Silver Purge (6) Two Ace
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

Seven fillies and two colts in this maiden. (3) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite having improved to 2nd at start number two on March 19th when slowly away from a wide draw before running on strongly. She comes into a much better gate so may be ridden forward and she should prove too strong. (9) BEST PLAN is yet to finish in the top-two in nineteen attempts but does have seven finishes between 3rd and 5th to her name. She enters with recent form reading positively and a career-best finish isn’t out of the question here. (1) RAON JUMP was a close 4th at this distance on April 2nd, equalling her best finish so far. She tends to get a bit far back in her races before running on too late, but she has a strong finish and if she can be withing striking distance at the top of the straight, she can go close. (4) CHALLANHAN BULKKOT and (5) FIRST CHOUX others to consider for the places.

Selections(3) Sorara Meme (9) Best Plan (1) Raon Jump (4) Challanhan Bulkkot
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens and quite a few look ready to win. After stumbling and throwing his jockey in the home straight two starts back having worked hard to get forward from the widest gate and then tiring, (7) DAEJANGBYEOL returned to run a close 3rd over this distance on March 18th when settling back and running on well. Similar tactics could prevail here and Johan climbing on is a plus. (9) FIRST USER improved to 2nd at start number two on March 25th when settling handy and running on. Despite the draw, she should be on or close to the pace again and can be a danger. (4) HALLSTATT has two placings from four starts including a runner-up finish on his latest over this distance when he led for much of the way. He’s had eleven weeks off since and should be competing for the early lead again. (6) CLUB D has come from midfield to run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two and should be running on again. (5) JEONGSANG HIT ran a creditable 4th on debut and can build on that here.

Selections(7) Daejangbyeok (9) First User (4) Hallstatt (6) Club D
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) DUSON CLASSIC remains a maiden after nine attempts but has six top-three finishes and enters off a close 2nd place at class and distance on March 25th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. Coming into filly and mare only company, she comes up 2.5kg in the weights, but a similar run here will see her hard to hold out. (3) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win over this distance in January and has since run 2nd in two tries at this class over 1400M and most recently at this distance on March 19th when she only went down by a neck. Her time in that race was as quick as any of these have recorded over the distance and she looks a serious chance here. (7) RAON CITY GIRL was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner over 1200M on March 19th. She comes up in class but remains nicely weighted and can measure up. (8) GALSAEK HYANGGI and (5) OKDONG GONGJU others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Duson Classic (3) Widaehan Hanma (7) Raon City Girl (8) Galsaek Hyanggi
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 11

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

(2) COMPLETE LEVEL won on debut last August over 1000M before following up with a runner-up finish at class and distance in September. He then had a series of small injuries and illness that kept off the track, but he returned to full training again in mid-March and looked very well when 2nd in a trial earlier this month when settling back and running on in a quick time on a wet track. He’ll need this but if he shows any of his original form, he can win first-up. (8) SUNGAN TOUCH enters with his recent form reading very consistently, most recently a close 2nd place at class and distance on March 18th when ridden on pace. He can settle just behind the lead here and can run into some money again. (3) ULTRA SOCKS was 3rd in that March 18th race, just a neck behind Sungan Touch. From a good gate expect him to be challenging for the lead again and to be in this a long way. (9) BEST FALCON and (5) BICHUICA are among others in at least the placing frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

This weekend sees the first leg of the 2023 Triple Crown with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday. The south coast is where the action kicks off with 8 races on Friday from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Captain Yankee won the KRA Cup Mile in 2022 (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (6) ZETTA DREAM looks the one to beat following a runner-up finish on debut over 1200M on a wet track on March 24th when briefly leading in the straight. He stopped the clock in a good time, he should have come on for the run and from a central draw can be aiming to lead from gate to wire. The main danger is (11) THE PURE MAN. After a good trial he ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on March 31st, overcoming a slow start and then running on. That run suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he should go close. (4) HERE THE QUEEN has mixed her form across three starts so far but she has a runner-up finish in a quick time to her name over this distance and comes in having overcome gate eleven to run 3rd over 1400M on March 24th. Any top-three finish will see her at class 5 level next time and a win isn’t impossible. (2) DYNAMIC WINNER and (8) QUEEN OF JOY other possible placers.

Selections(6) Zetta Dream (11) The Pure Man (4) Here The Queen (2) Dynamic Winner
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

(6) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the weekend. After winning a trial, he’s run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M and 1300M and in decent times. He settled back and midfield and can do similar here and should be hard to hold out in the closing stages. The clear second favourite will be (1) UNJU OREUM. She has a 2nd to her name at 1200M and come sin off back-to-back 4th places in decent times at 1200M and 1300M. She draws much better than she has done in any of her four appearances so far so may well be ridden more forward. (7) SHINE MONSTER went right back before running on for a valiant 4th at this distance on March 31st. That was a big uptick in form but puts her in the minor money frame here. So too (2) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, who ran 2nd two starts back at 1200M and from a good draw, can be on pace and in this a long way. (8) NINE FORCE ONE another with hopes of the minors.

Selections(6) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Unju Oreum (7) Shine Monster (2) Seongsil Cheonha
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Tricky one. We’ll go with the filly (5) SKY SEUNG, who has only raced once and that was all the way back last July when 4th at this distance. She looked well in a trial two weeks ago and once again can put in a bold showing first-up. (7) DOCTOR CUCKOO has three 4th place finishes from his latest four appearances including last time out over this distance when on pace. He has the fastest time among these for this trip and shapes as the main danger. (9) MOVIE MORE ran a much-improved 2nd last time out when on the speed in an all-filly affair over this distance on April 7th. That was just her fourth start, it was a good time, and she may well have more improvement. (3) ECTON POWER and (4) GOLDEN CAMP probably don’t have much improvement in them but in this company are capable of money finishes.

Selections(5) Sky Seung (7) Doctor Cuckoo (9) Movie More (3) Ecton Power
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

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

This is a good race for the level with plenty entering with recent form reading well. (2) GOLD ROSE just about gets the nod following a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this class and over 1300M and most recently this distance on March 31st. She has been on pace in both of those and is well drawn to lead again. She may prove hard to pass. (3) CUTE GUY weakened late on when tried over 1400M on his latest on March 26th. He is third-up today having returned in February from eight months out, and this lightly raced five-year-old could be peaking fitness-wise. (6) B.K. GALLOP got his maiden win over this distance two starts back before running 4th on her first try at this class on April 16th having raced on pace. She remains under a light weight, draws slightly better, and she can be dangerous. The up in class pair of (1) QUEENS LANDING and, to a lesser extent, (11) AQUA MAGIC, are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gold Rose (3) Cute Guy (6) B.K. Gallop (1) Queens Landing
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

(7) FANTASTIC CHAMP comes up in class having run 2nd on debut all the way back last May and then finally returning to action ten months later on March 26th and winning over 1200M with a front-running effort. H comes sown in the weights, draws the same gate and neither the class rise nor the slight rise in trip should trouble him. He can win again. Also up in class is (12) SINHAE MANGCHI. He was 3rd in his first two starts before getting his maiden win over this distance on April 2nd when leading all the way. The draw here will mean that he should be available at an each-way price, and he could surprise. (1) DIA BOSS ran 2nd on his first start at this class over 1400M on April 2nd when beating three of these and having led for much of the way. He’ll be on pace again and the slight drop back in trip should suit. (11) SPECIAL WIND and (6) MENI GLORY others to consider.

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Luna Stakes Sunday – Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 23)

The Triple Tiara – or filly Triple Crown – begins at Busan on Sunday with the running of the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas). See here for a full preview of the race. The Luna is the last race of 6 on a Busan card that runs from 11:00 to 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Doctor Oscar is a contender in the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (1) HONOR ROSE will be favourite having run 3rd on debut in a good time over 1200M on March 18th when handy throughout. She draws well here, she has the same weight, and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. All that applies too to (2) MINT PLAY. She ran on from midfield for 3rd on her debut on March 19th over 1200M and she will be a danger. There is one debut-maker and (8) NAOL ROONEY is not without a chance. The Cross Traffic filly improved across three trials and those multiple efforts should stand er in good stead. At her latest trial she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield then handy and ran on well and in limited company, she can put in a bold first-up effort. (5) JANGHEUNG CLASS and (7) SEONGSIL INDONG other placing chances.

Selections(1) Honor Rose (2) Mint Play (8) Naol Rooney (5) Jangheung Class
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens and (4) LAND BANK is the one to beat. He has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times having led from the gate almost until the line. He draws well, he should lead again, and it can be third-time lucky. There is one first-time starter. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE posted a fast time in his trial, albeit aided by the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination) to pull them along. This is hardly the most intimidating of races to debut in and he can be considered first-up. (3) HAERANG THE ONE comes back slightly in trip following a 4th and two 5th placed finishes over 1300M both from behind and on pace. She should be competitive here too. (8) FABULOUS BEATER ran out of steam late on debut but should stirp fitter for the experience and can improve here. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND another in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Land Bank (10) Captain Charlie (3) Haerang The One (8) Fabulous Beater
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens. (1) WONPYEONG KINGDOM ran 3rd on debut at relatively big odds having got away to good start and then led until the closing stages over 1300M. He draws well again the slight step back in trip can suit, and with some natural improvement, he can win. (10) FIJI BLADE also put in a creditable showing on debut, in her case over this distance on March 11th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she too should have come on for the run and while she draws a touch wide, she can be a danger. (5) WORLD FASHION has more experience and has improved across his three outings to date and was 4th behind Wonpyeong Kingdom in the latest of those on March 26th. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but has a strong finish and will be running on here. (2) GEOLJAK TOUR and trial winning debut-maker (7) SEOUL LION among others in the frame.

Selections(1) Wonpyeong Kingdom (10) Fiji Blade (5) World Fashion (2) Geoljak Tour
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens and (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER may take some beating. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from is latest two, both at 1200M. He has the fastest time at the distance by a wide margin and from a good draw, he should be on pace here and will be hard to get past. (1) SEONGSIL STAR came back to this distance and ran a much-improved 2nd on February 17th and after nine weeks off, he can be competitive again from the inside gate. (8) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT has three top-five finishes from four starts so far and while her times have not been quick, she can challenge for the lead here and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA HUGE HIT did nothing on debut last November but was put away after that and looked much better when sent back to trial in March. Franco climbs on and she should show improvement. (5) DREAM RUN another potentially on the right trajectory.

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Filly Triple Crown Gets Underway with Luna Stakes at Busan on Sunday

The three-year-old Classic season gets underway this weekend and it’s the fillies who get the first crack at it with the Luna Stakes (1600M – Listed) making up the first leg of the Triple Tiara – the filly Triple Crown – over a mile at Busan Racecourse this Sunday.

Raon Giant won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy in November (Pic: KRA)

Twelve fillies, seven from the host track and five who have travelled down from Seoul, will line up for the what is the Korean 1000 Guineas, which leads into June’s Korean Oaks also at Busan, and then the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul in July.

Heading the Seoul contingent is Raon Giant. The Park Jong-kon trained galloper has won five of her seven starts so far, including the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy last November. Moon Se-young comes down to Busan to ride and she has every chance.

Disputing favourite status with Raon Giant will be Jeulgeounyeojeong. She has a fast 2nd place over the Mile when a very solid 3rd at class 3 level. She will though need to overturn the form on Listed Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo Trophy winner Doctor Oscar, who finished 2nd to her 3rd when the pair raced over 1800M. Jeulgeounyeojeong was giving away 3kg that day, but they will be at level weights this time.

Raon Forest and the so far relatively unexposed Gold Cheonsa are among others in the frame for what should be a competitive renewal:

1. JEOMSUNI GO – Only raced four times, winning one over 1200M at maiden level and was most recently 2nd over 1400M at class 5. Her times have been consistently quick, and she may appeal for a place at probable big odds.

2. FURIOSA – Runner-up to Raon Giant in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy, coming from off the pace. Subsequently registered a 4th and 6th at class 4 level up to 1400M. Drawn well but will need to find more here.

3. PEOPLE POWER – One of just four who have tackled the mile before and while she only beat one home, she has since found her form again with a 2nd and then a win over 1400M, both at class 4 level in quick times. On those runs she has minor money claims here.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 22)

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

Spring Festival is finally over…

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and while the field is small, it’s competitive. (7) HEY CUPID debuted in a nondescript fashion last October and was then put away. He returned to training in February having been gelded and looked very well when leading every step of the way in a March trial. He can make a winning return here. The main danger is (5) CHEOGANG HYEONMA. In four appearances, he is yet to finish any worse than 5th with his best being a 2nd place over 1300M two starts back. In this small field he will probably be ridden further forward today, and he could make the breakthrough.  (8) CLAIR QUEEN has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks to be figuring things out following back-to-back 5th place finishes. First time starter (2) GANGJAUI BIT, who trialled up behind Hey Cupid, and (1) CHOEGANG NICE among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Hey Cupid (5) Choegang Hyeonma (8) Clair Queen (2) Gangjaui Bit
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Fillies (and one mare) in this maiden. (4) EUNBIT DOLPUNG has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at this distance and 1300M, the latter time beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely here, Johan climbs aboard, and she can make it third time lucky. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1300M on March 26th. She was ridden closer to the pace that day, just as she was in a previous 3rd, and with similar tactics today, she has a chance. (6) COSMO QUEEN has been consistent over her six outings including a 3rd place two starts back when stopping the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance, albeit n a wet and fast track. She is at least a place chance. (3) TOUGH YEOJE and (10) TI AMO others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Eunbit Dolpung (8) Nangju Yeogeol (6) Cosmo Queen (3) Tough Yeoje
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

It’s hard to go too far past (4) MIR POINT. After a couple of indifferent runs to start with, he has shown good consistency and has been working towards a win in his latest few. He comes in off a 3rd place at 1200M when he settled midfield and ran on, but in this company, he will almost certainly be ridden on pace and may takes some passing. He has been a beaten favourite before though so if you fancy him to be one again then (8) BADAUI KKUM could be the one. Yet to score in fifteen, he has seven top-five finishes to his name and continues to benefit from a 2kg apprentice claim here. He should be on the speed too and he runs through the line well. (2) WONDERFUL WISHING ran out an improved 2nd over 1400M on March 18th. He draws well and can build on that here. The form drops off after that with (3) SPEAR QUEEN and (5) WONDERFUL DEPUTY perhaps next best.

Selections(4) Mir Point (8) Badaui Kkum (2) Wonderful Wishing (3) Spear Queen
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

Competitive race. (4) ARGO SMILE got his maiden win at start two over 1200M in February when settling midfield and running on. He then ran 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on March 5th behind a winner who has since gone on to place at class 4. An apprentice claim means he carries even less weight today, he draws well, and he has solid claims. (11) BLACK MOTION enters off a 3rd place at 1200M in late February when settling right back and then running on. That effort suggests that the wide draw won’t be a problem and he can be a danger. (10) STRENGTH and (1) ORCHID VALLEY ran 2nd and 3rd respectively when they faced each other at class and distance on March 11th. There is a slight swing in the weights in Orchid Valley’s favour and he also gets the better of the draw, but both can be competitive again. (5) WORLD KING MAN among plenty of others with placing claims.

Selections(4) Argo Smile (11) Black Motion (10) Strength (1) Orchid Valley
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) YEONGWON FIGHTER led from gate to wire to win on debut over 1200M on February 11th. He has had ten weeks off since then and he comes up in class here, but he comes into a much better gate and is down in weight. He can make it two for two. (10) JANGSAN SPO was a similarly good winner at class 6 level in February and while he finished back in the pack on his first try at this level on March 18th, the margins weren’t huge, and he can be given another chance here. (7) YONGBI SEOUL has finished 5th in his latest two. Both at this class and distance and both in quick times. He can settle just behind the speed here and can finish off well. (11) JUMONG CHEONHA and (2) BLOOMING STAR others in the frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 21)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and such is the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll side with first-timers. (3) OK DREAM went through two trials stopping the clock in quick times in both, having been on pace. That combined with the good draw and Franco on her back is enough to make her the top pick.  (2) GOLDEN STELLA was also on pace in her heat, crossing the line 2nd in a good time. She too draws well and can put in a bold showing on debut here. Of those with experience, (5) U PING has been well backed in all of her starts so far and got a 2nd and a 3rd in her first two outings. If she can get a good start, she could be a winning chance here. (11) WIND VICTORY is treated less kindly by the draw than the other two debut-makers, but she improved over the course of two trials and with some natural improvement from those, can also show well in this company. (9) HANEUL HAETSAL the best of the rest.

Selections(3) OK Dream (2) Golden Stella (5) U Ping (11) Wind Victory
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

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

Quite a good maiden with a few of them looking ready to win. (2) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two in fair times at this distance and 1300M. He sat on pace in his latest start and from a good gate can do similar here and he has a big chance. (9) VICTOR BASIUM has entered these selections on many occasions and remains yet to finish in the top-two. He has though been between 3rd and 5th no fewer than eight times. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be on pace and while we write that every time about him and he will probably once more find at least one too quick, but he should be there or thereabouts. (6) WONDERFUL SMARTY comes in off a fair 4th at the distance on April 2nd. He can sit behind the speed here and run on again. (8) JANGSAN DEFI and (10) NAMYANG BOLT among others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Global Sarang (9) Victor Basium (6) Wonderful Smarty (8) Jangsan Defi
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

(6) BABEL HEART has shown significant improvement in his latest two, running 3rd on both times, most recently at this distance on March 26th. He tends to be a slow starter and settles right back before running on, but he has done that well recently and has a chance to go one, or even two, better today. (8) WORLD POINT was 2nd to Babel Heart’s 3rd when they raced one another in a slow race on February 24th. He comes up to this distance for the first time and it may well suit. (4) SOLEDAD has finished 4th or 5th in five of six starts so far including her latest on March 26th behind Babel Heart. There is an absence of early speed in this race so from a good draw, she may well be the pacesetter and can be in this a long way. (9) ACE RUN and (5) FIGHT FAMILY others who could enter the calculations.

Selections(6) Babel Heart (8) World Point (4) Soledad (9) Ace Run
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

(8) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M in a quick time before running 4th on his first try at this class and distance in a quick race on March 31st when he led for much of the way.  He should be on pace again and it can be his day. (7) BLACK VOLT comes up in class distance following his maiden win over 1200M on March 19th when settling back and running on to score narrowly. He has raced well at this distance already and should measure up in this company. (6) WONDERFUL OCEAN remains a maiden after ten attempts but enters in good form off back-to-back 3rd places both at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and under a light weight she can be in the mix again. (5) RUBY STORM and (2) NOBLE COWBOY among others in the frame.

Selections(8) Dubai Wonjeongdae (7) Black Volt (6) Wonderful Ocean (5) Ruby Storm
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(3) PAN STAR came close to making all over 1300M on March 24th, just being overhauled in the closing stages and finishing 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but draws well, Seo Seung-un stays aboard, and he slight drop back in trip could see him home on top this time. (4) SPECIAL HERO enters with recent form reading well. On her latest on April 2nd, she sat handy before running on for 3rd in a fast race at class and distance she looks nicely in again here. (6) SEOGWI CHUKJE has picked up significantly in her latest two recording back-to-back 2nd places, both times at each-way prices. She continues under a very light weight here and can be competitive again. (10) GREAT BLUE and (5) GAMDONG ENERGY among others with at least placing claims.

Selections(3) Pan Star (4) Special Hero (6) Seogwi Chukje (10) Great Blue
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING won his first two starts to get rapidly promoted to this level and has a 2nd and a 4th from three attempts at this class, both over 1400M. He draws a touch wider than ideal but the drop back in trip can suit and he can return to winning ways. The main danger is (12) BLUE ICON. He has only finished out of the top three on one occasion and comes inhere having beaten a few of today’s rivals on his way to a close 2nd in a fast race over class and distance on March 19th. He is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (4) GOLDEN was slowly away last time out and finished well back but his form prior to that was good and from a good gate, he can be given another chance today. (11) DOCTOR TIFFANY and (5) HALLOWEEN PARTY others to consider.

Selections(10) Seungnimagic King (12) Blue Icon (4) Golden (11) Doctor Tiffany
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Competitive race but (6) CAPTAIN GOLD gets the nod. He was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 4 level before running 2nd on his first try at this level on March 10th, again over the 1400M, when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed again and can win here. (9) MAN OF THE YEAR returned from almost a year out to lead every step of the way over 1200M on March 3rd. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is plenty more to come and he can be a big factor here. (7) SONHADOR also returned to action last start after a lengthy absence. In her case she ran a strong 2nd over 1200M and should strip fitter for that run. (10) SANGSEUNG BOY and (12) MENIFEE SONG among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(6) Captain Gold (9) Man Of The Year (7) Sonhador (10) Sangseung Boy
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 8: Class 1 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 110 Million

Small but competitive class 1 field to conclude. (3) SO MUCH GO is the one to beat, having won at class and distance on March 26th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He likes to settle back and run on and under the same weight today, he looks a winning chance again. (1) CRAZY CONTI was 5th in that March 26th race when racing on pace. He comes into a good gate today and can get closer. (5) KING OF GLORY returned to form last time out at the end of February when beating (an admittedly out of sorts) Winner’s Man on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. The same apprentice jockey takes the edge off the weight again and he can be a danger. (8) PRO CONSUL and (7) MACH TITAN other placing hopes.

Selections(3) So Much Go (1) Crazy Conti (5) King Of Glory (8) Pro Consul
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Winner’s Man Set For Herald Business Defence

The Stayer Series gets underway at Seoul Racecourse this Sunday when Winner’s Man will head the field for the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3). With Raon The Fighter (successfully) and Raon First (unsuccessfully) having been pointed to different Group races over the past two weeks, the 2022 Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner’s task to win the race for the second year in a row is not as taxing as it might have been.

Winner’s Man won this race last year (Pic: KRA)

Winner’s Man didn’t make an auspicious start to 2023. Assigned 60kg under handicap conditions over 1800M on February 26th, he briefly struck the front in the home straight, but didn’t run on, ultimately finishing 4th behind winner Flat Babe, and also Tuhonui Banseok. It should be different this time and Choi Ki-hong’s stable star will be a short-priced favourite to win.

Tuhonui Banseok returns. After 3rd place in the KRA Cup Classic he repeated that feat in the Grand Prix Stakes and was gaining on Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter with every stride. He has since followed up with two more 3rd-place finishes at class 1 level, including that one ahead of Winner’s Man and shapes as the greatest danger here.

The rematch between Winner’s Man and Raon The Fighter isn’t happening – the latter won the Busan Ilbo Sprint on April 2nd – and nor the President’s Cup rematch between Winner’s Man and Raon First – she was beaten in the Donga Ilbo Trophy last Sunday. But owner Son Chun-soo and trainer Park Jong-kon are represented by four-year-old filly Raon The Spurt. She won the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup against older fillies and mares over this distance last November and looks ready to take on the elite males here.

The Herald Business Cup is race 8 on an eleven-race program at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 16:35. There are eleven runners in total:

1. WARRIOR CLASS – Scored back-to-back wins over 1800M in January and February and while it was against class 3 and 2 opposition, he posted class 1 times. 3rd over this distance at class 2 on his latest on March 5th. Tough ask at level weights in this company.

2. CAPTAIN YANKEE – Winner of the KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup and 3rd in the Korean Derby as a three-year-old last year, he has only raced twice since and not at all since an also-ran in the President’s Cup. Trialed up well in March and has a big race jockey on board but this is a very difficult assignment first-up.

3. MOONHAK CHIEF – Missed the start at his latest on March 18th and has since been back to trial. Not the same horse he was in 2019 when winning the Korea Cup and Grand Prix but he did run 2nd at class 1 over this distance behind Chief Indy as recently as Christmas Day when conceding 6kg. Not a winning chance but a minor money one

4. TUHONUI BANSEOK – Super 3rd in both the KRA Cup Classic and the Grand Prix and followed up with two more 3rds so far this year back at Busan. Can settle handy or drop back and run on, he seems to like racing at Seoul, and he can be a danger.

5. RAON THE SPURT – The only filly or mare in the race gets a 2.5kg allowance. After near misses in the Triple Tiara, she got her Group win in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour over this distance at Busan last November. She enters here off a class 1 win over 1400M on March 5th and while this is a different challenge, she can be a factor. She draws well and is a potential pacesetter.

6. CHIEF INDY – 6th in the President’s Cup then a class 1 winner on Christmas Day over this distance. Comes in off back-to-back 2nd places also at 2000M. Settles midfield and runs on and is among the favourites here.

7. BARBARIAN – Well back in the Grand Prix but bounced back with a class 1 win over a mile in January. Has also won at this distance in a fast time. He can race handy or come from behind, and he is a major player here.

8. WINNER’S MAN – The Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner last season, he was flat on his reappearance over 1800M on February 26th when giving away weight over 1800M. That race obviously wasn’t the target, this one is, so expect him to be fitter today and he is the one to beat. Can settle midfield or can go forward.

9. THE GUMPU – Solid class 1 campaigner, he was 4th behind Chief Indy last time out. Perhaps not quite at the elite level it takes to win a race like this but at his best can be aiming for a money finish. Goes best on pace or handy.

10. BLACK MUSK – Versatile horse who was an excellent winner over this distance at class 1 level in January, leading every step of the way before dropping back to 1400M and running 4th in early March. The draw is a touch wide but if he can find a forward position, he can’t be ruled out.

11. SHAMROCKER – The ten-year-old still picks up the occasional cheque and rarely runs a bad race but he has lost a yard of pace, and this looks too hard.

Selections: (8) Winner’s Man (4) Tuhonui Banseok (5) Raon The Spurt (7) Barbarian

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

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

Jocket Lee Dong-ha rode his first Listed or Graded winner aboard Eodigana in last weekend’s Donga Ilbo Trophy. The rider is back in action at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens and a couple look ready to win. Chief among those is (8) BANFF, who ran 3rd on debut in February before improving to 2nd on March 19th in a good time over this distance. He’ll be on pace here and it can be third time lucky. Any top-three finish will see Banff up to class 5 next time and that’s true too for (7) FINAL JILJU. She also has a runner-up finish to her name over this distance and comes in off a 3rd place over 1300M on March 18th when coming from off the pace. She may be ridden a little handier here with the slight drop in trip and she should be close again. (3) PURPLE WINK is the solitary debut-maker. He won a March trial in a good time and from a nice draw can be a factor first-up. (9) FEDERAL PRESS has shown gradual improvement across three starts so far. He has generally left himself too much to do but his last start 5th was encouraging. (6) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA another in the hunt.

Selections(8) Banff (7) Final Jilju (3) Purple Wink (9) Federal Press
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

(8) DAERYUN SIDAE came close to a gate to wire win over 1300M on March 12th, only to be denied by a neck in the final strides. That was the first time she had been ridden forward and was her second consecutive placing. She comes back slightly in trip and in this small field the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem. (2) DARK ZONE returns to action for the first time since last July. He has a 5th and a 4th on his record and looked well enough in a March trial when on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. With not much early speed in the race, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) WONPYEONG SKY has a 3rd place to his name at this trip when overcoming the widest gate. He followed up with a 5th of ten over 1300M on March 18th and should be competitive here. (7) HOUYHNHNM and (6) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG others to keep safe.

Selections(8) Daeryun Sidae (2) Dark Zone (5) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Houyhnhnm
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

It’s hard to go too far past (5) STAND BY ME here. He’s been knocking firmly on the door in his latest few including a last start 2nd over this distance on March 18th when handy throughout. There isn’t much speed here so he should get an easy run early on and can go one better today. (11) CHOEGO POINT has run encouragingly in his latest two, running on for 4th last time out over 1400M. He has run some fair times over this trip and Antonio climbing aboard can be in his favour. (8) FLY DAY has finished off well in each of his three starts so far with his best being 3rd over 1200M. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (3) LAST PITCH and (1) GOLDEN PEARL other potential place chances.

Selections(5) Stand By Me (11) Choego Point (8) Fly Day (3) Last Pitch
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

(6) TANGJA’s win came at 1200M at class 6 level back in December and since then he has gone on to perform solidly in three attempts at this class including a close 4th over this distance on March 25th when from a wide draw, he had to settle back. He comes into a better gate today and may take some beating. Having won a trial, (9) WONDERFUL SLEW duly won on debut over 1200M back in December. She reappears for the first time since up in class and up in distance, but she remains nicely weighted, and she can measure up first-up here. (5) HANGANG JIJON also comes up in class having won well over this distance on March 11th. That was a big uptick in form, but he comes down in the weights and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish. (1) ROSE GOLD and (3) HUIMANG OREUM are others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Tangja (9) Wonderful Slew (5) Hangang Jijon (1) Rose Gold
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) BULUI NALGAE comes in off his maiden win at start number six over 1300M on March 18th. It had been coming too as he had been getting progressively closer in his previous outings. He comes up in class here but down in the weights and the slightly extended trip can suit. (11) MONEY JANGGUN remains a maiden but got promoted to this class following two runner-up finishes at class 6. He then overcame the widest gate to run 3rd at this class on February 25th. His style is to settle back and run on and while so far, he has run out of track each time, he is another who may be suited by the seven-furlongs today. (7) BEST JEONSA is another maiden, but he has plenty of experience at this level and has run good times over the distance. He comes into a better gate than in his latest two so may well be on the early speed here and can be in this a long way. (10) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM and (5) NAMSAN MUJEOK among others in the hunt.

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