Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. Seo Seung-un and Park Jae-i, respectively 1st and 4th in the 2023 Busan Jockey Premiership, are both absent as they are in Seoul to ride in Sunday’s Herald Business Cup. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens. (7) SANSANGGEUISANG has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a narrow 2nd, beaten only a nose, when on pace over this distance on March 19th. He’ll be on pace again and this time can go one better. (9) EVERY KING IJI was an improved 2nd at start number two over this trip back at the start of February. He settled back and ran home well that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and while he’s had ten weeks off since then, he can be a danger. (1) HAVE A GOOD YEAR also improved second-up when 4th at this distance on March 10th. He draws very well again to challenge for the lead and should be in this a long way. He’ll be joined up front by (4) ARION QUEEN, who has run 4th in both her latest two, both times on pace and she can match or better that here. (6) CHOEGANG CHONGAL another potential improver.

Selections(7) Sangsanggeuisang (9) Every King Iji (1) Have A Good Year (4) Arion Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(3) VELOCIRAPTOR has hinted at ability across her seven outings and comes in following her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance o March 26th when she was bumped at the start causing her to be slowly away and settled right back, before shifting out wide and running on strongly in the straight. She can build on that here and with a better start, has strong claims here. (5) QUEEN ROMANCE was 4th in that same March 26th race racing handily throughout. She was just half a length behind Velociraptor and while she does come up in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, Franco climbs on and she can be a danger. (8) E-CASH has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks nicely in here with a 3kg claim. She can be running on late. (7) GOLDEN CAMP and (4) CHOICE ROAD are others with minor money hopes.

Selections(3) Velociraptor (5) Queen Romance (8) E-Cash (7) Golden Camp
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

This is a weak maiden. (1) TWOTWO FLYING has five top-five finish from eight starts including a 2nd place over 1200M in a good time in February. She finished well back on his latest appearance on March 12th but comes into a better gate and comes down in the weights. There isn’t much early speed so she could get an easy run from the inside. Four of these raced one another over this distance on March 19th with (4) KICK’N RUSH having finished the best of them in 2nd having settled in midfield and then run on. That was her best performance to date and is enough to put her in the mix here. (7) ROCKS ran 3rd in that race, half a length behind Kick’N Rush. For her too that marked a best finish to date and while she comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim, she can challenge again. (5) PURPLE STAR returned from almost a year out to run 5th in that race and should strip fitter for the run. (3) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG another in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Twotwo Flying (4) Kick’N Rush (7) Rocks (5) Purple Star
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

Good race for the level featuring five last-start winners, four of whom are up in class as a result. We’ll side with one who wasn’t a last start winner though. (3) FAST GUN got his maiden win over this distance in January before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 12th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but that’s balanced a bit by a good draw, and he can win here. (2) SAEKDAL FIGHTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1200M on March 17th when uncharacteristically coming from well off the pace. He too comes up in the weights but should be competitive here. (12) K GOLD BAR is one of those last start winners having led for most of the way around before scoring by eight-lengths over 1400M on March 17th. The draw does him no favours here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (7) DONGNAM WINNER and (9) NAKDONG JEONSA among plenty of others in the frame.

Selections(3) Fast Gun (2) Saekdal Fighter (12) K Gold Bar (7) Dongnam Winner
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 12

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

Competitive race. (8) FAST FURY enters with recent form reading well. She got her solitary win at class 6 level three starts back over 1200M and has followed up with two solid runs for 4th at this level. While she draws a touch wide, she has good early speed so should find her way to the front, and she can win here. (4) MULTI HIT made all to secure his first win at the fourth time of asking back in February. He finished midfield on his first try at this class on March 17th, but he was less than three-lengths away from the winner in a tight finish and had to contend with the widest gate. From a better draw today, he should be closer. (2) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT dead-heated for 3rd place in that March 17th race (the margins really were small that day) coming from off the pace and can be working home strongly again. (7) TWO TWO LIME and (6) MILK DAY among other potentials.

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Donga Ilbo Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 9)

The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.

Selections(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.

Selections(9) Specialist (10) Hwangu Jangsa (7) Successful (5) Hello Sunshine
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout.  She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.

Selections(4) Meni Pocket (7) Choegang Nice (8) Lucky Honey (2) Agapanthus
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs.  She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.

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Donga Ilbo Trophy Form Comments: Raon First Favourite as Queens’ Tour Kicks Off but Could In-Form Flat Babe Surprise?

This year’s “Queens’ Tour” for fillies and mares is split into two separate three-race series and Raon First headlines the opener leg of the “Spring and Summer” tour in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (Listed – 1800M) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Raon First won the President’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)

One of the most versatile horses in training in Korea, Raon First ran 3rd in the International Korea Sprint over 1200M last September before beating a field including Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man to win the Group 1 President’s Cup over 2000M in November.

Raon First is the defending champion in the Donga Ilbo, having scored by a comfortable four-lengths twelve months ago and she will be favourite, but there is no guarantee she will have things all her own way. The big danger is Flat Babe, who proved a revelation towards the end of her four-year-old season, rising from class 3 to class 1 and crowning the achievement by defeating an elite level field containing Winner’s Man in February over today’s distance. 

Flat Babe (Pic: KRA)

It will be unchartered territory for most with 58kg on their backs for the first time. All that is except for the solitary three-year-old in the race. The up and coming Sure Win has won two of her latest three and the Bernardini filly gets a whopping 6kg allowance on the rest of the field.

Twelve go in total in the Donga Ilbo which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul:

1. SURE WIN – The only three-year-old in the race, she has won two of her latest three including last time out when on pace over this distance. That was at class 4 level so this is a stiff test, but she draws well and has a 6kg weight advantage over all the others.

2. QUEENS TOUR – A strong 4th in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last September but well back over 2000M at class 2 level behind Eodigana and Cheonji Yeogeol on her only 2023 outing so far.  Tactically versatile and jockey booking a plus, but while she may be named after the series, others are favoured.

3. FLAT BABE – A revelation recently with 2nd place in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup followed by a class 1 win over Winner’s Man at this distance on February 26th. She was getting 8kg from the Korea Cup winner, but she stopped the clock in a time faster than any of these have achieved for the distance. Can settle back and run on and is the main danger here.

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

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

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (9) UNJU OREUM looks the one to beat. She has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this distance and 1300M, both times from wide draws. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1200M before and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, she can win. (5) MASTER ROAD was a solid 3rd of twelve in a very tight three-way finish over this distance on debut on March 3rd, racing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement can be a danger here.  (6) MORO has been sent out at any old odds on all her four starts so far but she was much improved 2nd on her latest appearance on March 10th, coming from off the pace. A repeat of that effort will see her in the mix here. There are a couple of first-time starters and both (10) NARAE and (3) MAGIC ELEVEN hinted at ability in trials and can go well first-up. As ever, watch the market for clues.

Selections(9) Unju Oreum (5) Master Road (6) Moro (10) Narae
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(9) VICTOR BASIUM has finished between 3rd and 5th in seven of his eight starts to date, generally racing on pace before being caught and passed late on as happened on his latest over 1300M on March 24th. He makes a quick return here, dropping back in trip, and we’ll give him another chance to make the breakthrough. (8) DOCTOR CUCKOO can be given a pass for his latest on March 3rd when he used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to sit handy before weakening. The margins weren’t huge though and he came into that off the back of two solid 4th place finishes, also at this distance. He comes up in the weights, but that’s balanced by Choi Si-dae taking the reins, and he can go close. (4) ANY SINGS overcame gate eleven to get on pace and run a significantly improved 4th over 1300M at start number three on March 19th. That was the first time she had been ridden on pace and from a better gate today, can get an easier run.  (1) FLYING TOUCH and (11) WIN STING among others with placing hopes.

Selections(9) Victor Basium (8) Doctor Cuckoo (4) Any Sings (1) Flying Touch
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

(1) ALL OR NOTHING was an on-pace winner over 1000M on debut in December before overcoming gate eleven to sit handy and run on for 3rd over 1400M on his first try at this class back on January 29th. He’s had ten weeks off since then and he comes up very slightly in the weights, but from a good draw, he can be on pace and in this a long way. He’ll be a prohibitive favourite. (10) PILGRIM remains a maiden, but he’s been knocking on the door recently, including 2nd place at this class over 1200M on March 26th when running on strongly from a long way back. He makes a quick return here and Seo Seung-un’s presence will ensure support. (2) BAEDARI ICON was a big-priced 3rd over 1800M on March 17th. That was her joint-best finish in thirty-two attempts but while she makes a big drop back in trip, she is nicely weight, well drawn, and can aim to match that here. (3) DOCTOR KHALIFA and (8) MIGHTY STORM can mix their form but, in this company, shouldn’t be far away.

Selections(1) All Or Nothing (10) Pilgrim (2) Baedari Icon (3) Doctor Khalifa
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (4) MA GUN here. After two encouraging runs last summer, he didn’t reappear until March 5th, but when he did, he ran out a five-length winner in fine style over 1400M, stalking the leader early before taking things up a long way out and racing clear. He comes up in class and in distance and while the set weight scale here doesn’t really do him any favours, the draw does, and he should have too much. The main danger is probably (9) MONEY CASE. He was a beaten favourite on his most recent appearance on March 5th when 2nd at class and distance but despite the wide draw, he should be able to get forward again and can be close again. (3) HWANGOO MONEY got promoted to this level with three consecutive 3rd place finishes from his first three starts. The Goldencents colt more than measured up though when recording his best finish to date when stepped up to this class and distance on February 24th when he settled right back and ran on. There might not be an awful lot of speed for him to target here but he should be running into the money again. (12) TOP FRIEND and (1) YEOSU TORNADO others to keep safe.

Selections(4) Ma Gun (9) Money Case (3) Hwangoo Money (12) Top Friend
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million

A winner of two from four so far, (2) INDIE BULPAE comes rapidly up in class having won two of three since returning from a seven-month spell after his debut. The latest of those was a striking score over this distance on March 10th when he led every step of the way, and while the set weights here mean he carries even more than he did at the lower levels, he draws well and Mr. Afleet’s little brother can continue on his merry way here. The one with the best chance of beating him is (6) YEOSU FIGHTER. He rana very close 2nd over a mile on his first try at this class on March 10th and while he comes up to race around two turns for the first time, it should suit. He comes up 3kg in the weights but still has 3kg in hand on the favourite. (5) ADELE ALLIE’S is another who comes up in weight, but he enters in consistent form. A previous go at this distance didn’t end well but he’s worth another chance on a place line here. (10) DEMON SPY and (7) ANNIKA GIRL other minor money hopes.

Selections(2) Indie Bulpae (6) Yeosu Fighter (5) Adele Allie’s (10) Demon Spy
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million

Possibly the most open race on the card. We’ll side with the experience of (5) SINJIN GANGHO who it is fair to say doesn’t win out of turn but who also enters in good form with two 3rd places among his latest three outings. He lokes to settle back and run on and he is capable of fast times at this distance. He carries plenty of weight but has every chance of snapping his eleven-run fallow streak here. The danger is the up and comer. (8) BRAVO HAMYANG got his maiden win at start number nine when pretty much making all over a mile on March 5th and holding on in a tight three-way finish. He comes up in class here, and up to the two turns for the first time, but he remains nicely weighted and should be close. Nothing else in the field finished better than 8th in their respective latest outings so we’re having to offer a full amnesty for next best. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and while it was at class 5 level, he looks nicely in here. (3) CHAMP GO and (11) HAVE A GOOD DAY are others who are potentially still better than recent form suggests.

Selections(5) Sinjin Gangho (8) Bravo Hamyang (2) Doctor Persia (3) Champ Go
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Two standouts here. We’ll side with Thomas Gillespie’s (4) FANTASTIC DAY, a winner of two from three so far including his latest over 1300M at class 5 level on March 3rd when he was really made to work for a narrow victory. He comes down significantly in the weights, comes into a nice gate and despite the step up in class and trip, he can win again. (10) AMAZING FOOT has probably earned favourite status. He made all to win at class and distance on March 10th, scoring by a full seven-lengths. He has a less favourable draw today and comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but a repeat can’t be ruled out.  (1) SPECIAL TOGETHER is up in class following a win over 1300M on March 12th when unusually, he was ridden on the speed. He comes down 5kg in the weights and from a good draw, he can be considered. (9) MAN OF THE MAN and (12) HAMAN BONGHWASAN among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Fantastic Day (10) Amazing Foot (1) Special Together (9) Man Of The Man
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(11) CARPE BABEL’s win had been coming and it duly arrived at the fourth time of asking on February 19th when she led all the way around over this distance, crossing the line with nine-lengths in hand of the rest. She comes up in class here and draws a touch wider than ideal but she should still have too much for this lot. (2) GOLDEN also comes up in class. He is in the best form of his lengthy career and drawn well, in addition to being massively down in the weights, he can be competitive here. (12) SONHADOR returns to action for the first time since last August. She looked well in a fast trial a couple of weeks ago and under a light weight can go well first up here. (10) RAON THE FLASH was an all the way winner over 1400M on March 5th and is another up in class but down in weight and in the hunt. (9) D’LOVELY QUEEN another who can enter the calculations in this company.

Selections(11) Carpe Babel (2) Golden (12) Sonhador (10) Raon The Flash
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

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

Sunday sees the first Group race of the season in the shape of the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint on the south coast. Eoma Eoma and Raon The Fighter will square off in a true heavyweight match-up. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. The Busan Ilbo is the final race of 6 at Busan on the card which runs from 11:00 to 15:40. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. With the weather forecast set for rain from Tuesday, it may be the last chance this year to visit one of the Seoul area’s cherry blossom festivals, which is open at the racecourse from 10am to 9pm.

Eoma Eoma defends his Busan Ilbo Sprint title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of three-year-old maidens contest the opener. (1) SMARTY FIGHTER is the pick with a best of 2nd from three starts so far with the other two both ending in 5th. His 2nd was at this distance in February when racing from handy throughout and from a good draw, he can win here. The main danger is (3) SSEULMO. He was a much-improved 3rd at this distance on March 5th when leading for much of the way around. He will be on pace again and he could well hold them all at bay. There are two first-timers and it may be worth considering them (7) HEART K and (5) MUNHAK EAGLE both posted fair times in their respective trials and if they bring that form to the races, they won’t be too far away here. (6) NEMO SPIRIT perhaps the most likely of the other experienced ones to improve.

Selections(1) Smarty Fighter (3) Sseulmo (7) Heart K (5) Munhak Eagle
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens. After winning a trial, (2) SINHAE MANGCHI has been 3rd in both his starts so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handily. He comes into his best gate to date, comes up slightly in trip, and with some natural improvement third-up, today can be his day. (5) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won a trial before finishing 3rd on debut back in December when settling back and running on over this distance. It’s been fifteen weeks since we’ve seen him but he’s been in regular work since the start of February and can put in a bold showing today. (1) JORDAN FIGHTING has a 4th and a 5th in two appearances so far. He had a hard time from the widest gate on his latest outing and can go better from the inside today. (4) POWER PLANE and (3) DOCTOR PANGPANG others in the hunt in a race of many chances.

Selections(2) Sinhae Mangchi (5) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Jordan Fighting (4) Power Plane
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

A maiden featuring seven fillies and one gelding. (7) BARAMSAL is the one they need to beat. While yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts, she has seven top-five finishes including two 3rd places among her latest three, most recently overcoming gate twelve to run close. She looks very nicely in here to settle a little closer than usual and today looks like her best chance. (1) EUNHYE GAMUN parted company with her jockey coming out of the gates on what was set to be her fist start in over a year on March 5th. She completed the course rather smartly without her partner and had previously trialled up well so is probably worth taking a chance on here. The only other one apart from Baramsal with a placing on her record is (6) TOUGH YEOJE. She tends to get a long way back but is another who benefit from this small field. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming to get on the board. (5) MENI CHARM and (3) RAON JUMP other potential improvers in a weak race.

Selections(7) Baramsal (1) Eunhye Gamun (6) Tough Yeoje (5) Meni Charm
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(5) QUEENS LANDING will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both over this distance and most recently on March 12th when she beat a couple of today’s rivals having settled midfield and finished well. In this company and from this gate she can be on or close to the speed and she should prove too good. (10) ACE A MOCA ran 6th on debut over this distance on February 17th when overcoming a wide gate to get to the lead before weakening late. She gets that widest barrier here, but with some natural improvement from that debut, she should be close. The form falls off after that. (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY beat Ace A Moca when 4th in that February 17th race. She was subsequently well beaten by Queens Landing on Mach 12th but can go better today. (9) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (2) UNJU GLOBAL others perhaps in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queens Landing (10) Ace A Moca (4) Wonderful Smarty (9) Seogyeong Daero
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

It’s hard to go too far past (5) BEAT UP here. His win came at this distance last November on his return from nine months off and he followed it up with two 3rd place finishes from his first two attempts at this level, again both at the 1200M. He could only manage 6th when favourite at 1300M on February 25th but back down in trip and in this company, he will take some beating. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE comes up in class following an all the way score over this distance on February 26th. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and should measure up in this company. (6) SUPREME STAR remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the to-five in eight attempts including his first try at this class on March 5th. She carries a light weight and can maintain her consistent record here. (10) WONDERFUL TIZZY comes up in class and along with the returning (3) BARAMUI GEOM – also up in class – is in the hunt.

Selections(5) Beat Up (2) Lucky Bounce (6) Supreme Star (10) Wonderful Tizzy
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(10) HANEUL JEWANG ran out a class and distance winner on March 5th when settling midfield from the widest gate and running on strongly. He comes up 3kg as a result, but Franco stays aboard, and we know the wide draw won’t be a problem. He can win again. (3) SPECIAL HERO was 4th in a decent time at class and distance on March 10th. She draws much better today and can match or better here under a light weight again. (7) SAVAHA comes up 2kg in the weights from his runner-up finish at class and distance on February 24th when he led for much of the way around. Expect him to be on the speed again and to be in this a long way. (6) PLAY THE INDY is up in class despite being a maiden but that makes him well weighted and he has run times that can be competitive in this company. (2) OK STAR another to keep safe.

Selections(10) Haneul Jewang (3) Special Hero (7) Savaha (6) Play The Indy
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(5) KING DIA went through several trials before finally arriving at the races, but it was worth the wait as he ran out a six-length winner, having led all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again. It’s fair to say that (3) CUPID BISANG doesn’t win out of turn but he is ultra-consistent and has been in the top-four in each of his last five starts. He likes to be on pace or handy and he should be playing a role in the finish again. (7) HIGH GRAND is up in class having prevailed by three-lengths over this distance at start number six on February 25th. That win had been coming and he’ll be competitive among this lot. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (1) GEUMSEONG SIDAE among others who can enter the calculations. 

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EOMA EOMA & RAON THE FIGHTER TO CLASH IN BUSAN ILBO – FORM COMMENTS

Busan hosts the first real heavyweight clash of 2023 on Sunday, and it really doesn’t get much bigger as Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes runner-up Raon The Fighter drops back in trip to renew hostilities with Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma in the Busan Ilbo Sprint (Sunday April 2: Race 6 G3-1200M).

Eoma Eoma (Pic: KRA)

Raon The Fighter was mightily impressive in smoking a Class 1 field over 1800M in early March and seemed set for a rematch with Winner’s Man, who downed him in the closing stages of both the Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes last season, in the Herald Business at Seoul later this month. Instead, he returns to the sprinting ranks and a rematch with the horse he made his name by beating, Eoma Eoma.

That was all the way back in late 2021 during that year’s late season crowded Stakes schedule when RAON THE FIGHTER downed the odds-on Eoma Eoma by a remarkable six-lengths to maintain what was then an unbeaten record in style. Eoma Eoma returned the favour in this race last April, but the pair have not met since.

EOMA EOMA himself has come a long way since then, winning the Korea Sprint on international day last September, famously downing Japan-trained Raptus to win the Korea Sprint (G1-1200M) at Seoul last September before rounding out his season at Busan with a narrow win over Dauhan Jilju in the Kookje Shinmun (Listed-1400M). His only start of 2023 so far, saw him comfortably see off a class 1 field under handicap conditions at Seoul in February.

Raon The Fighter (Pic: KRA)

The draw favours Eoma Eoma. He has gate seven while Raon The Fighter has to contend with the widest gate (fifteen, although in reality fourteen following the scratching of Dolkong) but such is the brilliance of Raon The Fighter that at his best, he may well have the beating of Eoma Eoma again. At this stage it is hard to say who punters will even make favourite, let alone who will actually win.

The others are not necessarily just racing for 3rd place although the betting market will certainly reflect that. YES PERFECT hauls himself into the reckoning after a super win at the distance in March and of the favourites do over-race, he will be coming back to them late on. SSONSAL, DAMANGUI GIL and DAEHAN JILJU look the best of the rest.

Not among the starters is Dolkong with the nine-year-old having suffered a recurrence of his sesamoid injury during trackwork on Thursday. All hopes are now that he can be saved and finally retired.

1. DAEMANGUI GIL – 3rd in last October’s Kookje Shinmun (Listed-1400M) he has since scored three consecutive runner-up finishes at Class 1 level at distances between 1200M and a mile, being beaten by Ssonsal and Yes Perfect. Likes to settle back and run on, he will be finishing strongly and is a place chance.

2. BEOLMAUI STAR – Ended his three-year-old campaign in fine style with back-to-back class 1 scores over 1200M and 1400M before being slowly away then ridden up hard and wide before weakening over a mile on his only start this term in January. He hasn’t raced since then but looked very quick when winning a trial in early March. Can be on or close to the pace from a nice draw and in this a long way.

3. DAEHAN JILJU – An excellent 4th in the Korea Sprint (G1-1200M) was followed up with 2nd to Eoma Eoma here in the Kookje Shinmun (Listed-1400M) with the latter needing every yard to catch and pass him. Failed to fire from the widest gate in the Segye Ilbo (Listed-1200M) in January but draws better today and with a better start can get closer. 

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

It’s cherry blossom season. The annual festival kicks off at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and runs for the next nine days with the “blossom street” open until 9pm each evening. There are also 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. It’s not the strongest card in history, but here are the previews:

The blossoms are back at Seoul Racecourse

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener. (8) MR QUALITY ran 2nd on debut in January when on pace throughout, before disappointing second time out when drawn widest of twelve and struggling to find a good position. Widest of eight should prove less taxing, David Breux climbs on, and he is the one to beat. (6) GLORY AND HONOUR was an improved 4th on her latest appearance on February 25th over this trip. She draws well here and should be aiming to get closer. (4) LEGEND K has a 3rd place to his name over 1300M two starts back and that’s enough to put him in contention in this modest company. He too will probably be on the speed. In such a weak race it is worth giving a chance to the first timers. (5) JEONGSANG HIT took several goes to qualify but finished in midfield in her latest, stopping the clock in a fair time and could beat a few here. (1) ZETTA MASTER perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(8) Mr Quality (6) Glory And Honour (4) Legend K (5) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. The form is pretty hapless, so we’re prepared to overlook (8) TES MARY’s latest couple and instead go on her 3rd place at this distance back in January when she settled back and ran on. It was a slow race, but she won’t need to be fast to win this and she has as good a chance as any. (1) YEOLJEONG ARGO was 5th on debut and while she was dreadful on her reappearance in January, she ran fairly enough to finish midfield from a wide gate on February 18th. She has been running close to the pace and crucially she draws inside here, which should give her an easy run to the front. In such a weak race, it’s possible that nobody will catch her. (7) CUPID CHIC has the fastest time among these for the distance and although that is very much a relative term here, it’s enough to give her a chance. (4) HWANGWOO CHOEGANG didn’t run terribly on debut and along with debut-maker (3) MAGU is another potential placer. 

Selections(8) Tes Mary (1) Yeoljeong Argo (7) Cupid Chic (4) Hwangwoo Choegang
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

(4) DAEHEUNG CLASS will be favoured to score in this maiden. He has shown steady improvement across his recent outings, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on March 5th when he settled off the pace and ran on well. He can sit back again here and should prove too strong. (3) WONPYEONG CHUKJE looks the logical second best. He too has shown steady improvement, in his case across four starts so far and he registered a 3rd place over this distance on February 25th. The time was glacial, but he won’t need to improve very much to get even closer here. (2) CATS WOMAN has mixed her form across her nine races, but she ran 3rd at this distance two starts back and shouldn’t be far away here. (1) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA and (8) ACE TIARA others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Daeheung Class (3) Wonpyeong Chukje (2) Cats Woman (1) Yamujin Saegangja
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

(6) EUNHYE looks set to be a warm favourite here. His solitary win came four starts back and before he missed ten months. He is two starts into his comeback and has impressed with a 3rd and a 2nd so far, both at this class and distance and both times settling midfield and running on. Third-up he should be peaking fitness wise and today should be his day. (9) CHEOLLICHONG is a decent type who may be yet to win in eighteen attempts but has nine top-five finishes including five 2nd places. She comes down 2kg on her last start 4th on March 4th and while she may find one too quick again, she is firmly in the placing hunt. (5) BEST FALCON was 3rd in that March 4th race ahead of Cheollichong. She too comes down in the weights, she should be on pace and she can be in this a long way. (2) COMPLETE LUCKY and (3) CLAIR BEST among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Eunhye (9) Cheollichong (5) Best Falcon (2) Complete Lucky
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

We’re going to need to overlook some bad last starts here as none of this lot managed better than 6th on their respective latest appearances. (4) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI is still a maiden but got promoted to this class with two 3rd places followed by a 2nd, all at 1200M. She was away badly on her first try at this class, again at 1200M on March 4th but from a good draw, can be ridden handy here and is worth another chance. (9) JILJU DAESE was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two last October. She didn’t reappear until February 26th when finishing midfield on her first try at class and distance. She should strip fitter for that run and has solid claims. (5) GEOLJAK MAN ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back. He tends to leave himself a bit too much to do but does have the fastest finish among these and can go close here. (3) WONPYEONG GWANGYA and (7) VIENTO others in the minor money hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 31)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Moon Se-young is in Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time.  (1) LAND BANK is going to be a hot favourite. He led for much of the way around on debut over this distance on March 3rd, ultimately finishing 4th. He comes into a much better gate today, which should see him get a much easier run to the front, and with any kind of natural improvement from his debut, he will be hard to hold out. The rest of the exposed form doesn’t exactly stand out so we’ll turn to the first timers to find the dangers. (8) GLOBAL WEEK won his trial, settling handy and running through the line in a quick time. If the Hansen colt can bring that form to the races, he should be at least placing here. (5) THE PURE MAN also showed well in his heat, settling midfield and running on for 3rd and is another who won’t need to improve much to be competitive first-up. Returning to the experience, (7) HAPPY BRIANNA and (3) NEOGA CHOEGO probably have the most potential to improve.  

Selections(1) Land Bank (8) Global Week (5) The Pure Man (7) Happy Brianna
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

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

Competitive maiden. We’ll take a chance on (9) PEGACORN, who has four top-four finishes from six starts so far and comes back in trip following a spin around a mile a month ago that ended in 4th place when on the pace throughout. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard here and today can be his day. (2) GLOBAL SARANG comes into the equation following a much improved 2nd place over 1200M on March 3rd. He’s been finishing off his races well and the additional half furlong may well suit. (1) HAPPY BLUE fills out the obvious top-three, having beaten three of today’s rivals on his way to a best to date 3rd over 1400M on March 5th when settling handy. He comes into a better gate today and should be close again. (4) ECTON POWER and (7) DREAM RUN among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Pegacorn (2) Global Sarang (1) Happy Blue (4) Ecton Power
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(5) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on March 5th when leading gate to wire and stopping the clock in a good time. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip too, but neither should be an issue and with a good draw, he can lead again and can go all the way again. (4) WORLD CLASS CAT remains a maiden after five attempts but has had plenty of near misses including on her latest when 3rd at this class and distance.  She can sit handy here and has the strongest finish of any. (8) GOOD MAGIC got her first win on her second start in February before running a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on March 5th. She remains very nicely weighted and should be joining Dubai Wonjeongdae on the speed and be competitive all the way around. (3) SUCCESS TIME and (9) VEREUDA, both up in class after last start wins are among plenty of others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Dubai Wonjeongdae (4) World Class Cat (8) Good Magic (3) Success Time
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 11

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

Plenty in with a shout here. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (4) GOLD ROSE, who was a winner on debut all the way back last July but has been working towards another having most recently run 3rd at this class over 1300M having led until the final furlong. She comes slightly back in trip here, she draws well, and she has as good a chance as any. (2) UNJU MACH is up in class following a win over this distance on March 3rd. The time wasn’t fast but her won going away and under a light weight and from a good gate, he should measure up in this company. (1) MILK DAY is very experienced and can be a touch frustrating but the drop in trip compared to his recent outings may be in his favour and he could surprise at a probable each-way price. (7) BUILD UP and (8) TWO TWO LIME among others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Gold Rose (2) Unju Mach (1) Milk Day (7) Build Up
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Moon Se-young is in town to ride Eoma Eoma in Sunday’s G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint and his presence is probably enough to make (3) HALLOWEEN PARTY the favourite here. He could only manage 5th when sent oof at a short price at class and distance on March 5th, but he did beat a couple of today’s rivals and from a good gate, Moon can lift him over the line on top today. (6) HANGANG SAVER comes up in class having prevailed over this distance on February 24th when settling midfield and running on. He hasn’t missed the top-four since his debut and he comes down nicely in the weights to the extent that he should be competitive at this level. (8) KENDRICK has seemingly lost his way of late, but he has been back to trial since his most recent race and duly arrived from off the pace to cross the line in front in a fast time. If he is back to his old self, he has winning chances here. (9) YASAENGHWA and (4) INDY CHOICE are others to consider.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 26)

There’s no Listed or Graded racing this Sunday but still plenty of action to get stuck into. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Can Jangsan Laser prevail again over a mile? (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) NONSTOP THUNDER will be the one to beat. She almost led the entire way around on February 18th over 1200M, ultimately being taken down by the favourite in the closing stages. She comes up slightly in trip but draws nicely to be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (10) AKKAENGI races for the fist time since December when he was an improved 3rd over 1200M. He’ll therefore have to be taken on trust fitness wise but the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can sit behind the early speed and run on. (6) WORLD FASHION came from off the pace for 3rd at this distance on February 25th. The additional half-furlong can suit and if he can continue on the same upward trajectory, he’ll be in the mix here. The form drops off a bit after that although (9) JEONGSANG LUCKY has a 2nd place to her name which gives her the right to be considered here. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL another potential improver.

Selections(5) Nonstop Thunder (10) Akkaengi (6) World Fashion (9) Jeongsang Lucky
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. (11) MIRACLE ONE has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on February 3rd in a tight three-way-go on the line. That was the second time in a row that she overcame the widest gate to go close and while the draw does her no favours again, this time she can go one better with an additional half furlong to play with. (10) HAPPY TAEYANG was a much improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on February 19th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd. She was well back behind a good winner but she is another who may apprentice the slight rise in trip and she can be a danger. (8) ACE GOOD JOB ran 3rd on debut at 1200M on February 24th having barely scraped through a trial. The time was painfully slow, but she beat three of today’s rivals coming from off the pace and she may well pass plenty late again here. (5) SOLEDAD and (2) FLYING DIA others to look out for.

Selections(11) Miracle One (10) Happy Taeyang (8) Ace Good Job (5) Soldedad
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 11

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

A weak maiden and it’s hard to go past (5) CLUB D. He only went down by a nose at start three over this distance on February 26th when settling midfield and almost catching the all the way winner. He comes into a better gate today and a similar run surely sees him home on top. (12) NEVER AGAIN has shown definite improvement over his four starts and came home 5th in a fair time at this distance on March 4th. The wide draw may not be too much of an issue as that day he went back and ran on and he can improve once more today. (7) SECRET WANGJA was the longest shot on the board when 3rd over this distance in January in a time faster than any of the others here have managed (albeit on a weekend when the track was playing very quick). He wasn’t much better fancied when 5th of nine over 1300M on February 11th. He will be shorter today and can keep the positive momentum going, probably taking a sit and finishing strongly. (11) TWO ACE and (3) HERO QUEEN other place chances.

Selections(5) Club D (12) Never Again (7) Secret Wangja (11) Two Ace
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(12) GLOBAL SKY has a couple of 4th place finishes and last time out improved to 2nd place over this distance when sitting handy and running on stopping the clock in a time quicker than of the rest here have achieved for this distance. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a touch of luck at the start can sit behind the speed and run on. (7) FANTASTIC CHAMP ran once last May and ran well, coming from well off the pace to finish 2nd. He then had a setback and has had forty-three weeks off. He ran at his own pace earlier this month in a trial that was blitzed by Beolmaui Star, who was preparing for next week’s Busan Ilbo Sprint, so we shan’t read too much into that but Seo Seung-un being aboard means he is sure to be very well backed. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was on pace a long way on debut over this distance on March 12th, beating a couple of these in 4th. She is another who may need some luck in the early stages but can be a danger. (2) WORLD POINT and (6) MIRACULUM among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(12) Global Sky (7) Fantastic Champ (11) Baedari Dolpung (2) World Point
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) EUREKA was a beaten favourite on his latest start on February 26th when handy throughout but only finishing 4th – a finish he has achieved on no fewer than six occasions now. Two starts back he beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance and from a great draw, today really should be his day. If he does find one (or three) too quick again then it might be (10) EURO GANGJA. He has done it before having been 3rd in that February 26th when he sat midfield and ran on. That was a big uptick in form but in this company there is no reason why he can’t repeat. (5) PURPLE STORM comes up to two turns for the first time having been 2nd and 5th in his latest two, both at 1400M. Both times he has gone right to the back before making up good ground and the additional distance may well suit. (6) HOUYHNHNM and (7) TRES VITE others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Eureka (10) Euro Gangja (5) Purple Storm (6) Houyhnhnm
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) SUCCESS MOCCA has finished no worse than 3rd (a dead heat on debut) in three starts so far. His win came over this distance at class 6 level in January before he was then a close 3rd from a wide draw on his first try at this class on February 17th. He likes to be on pace, so he has a much more favourable draw today, and he may prove hard to hold out. (11) NORTHERN BID was an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on February 19th stalking the leader early before taking command a long way out. He comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide draw, but with a bit of luck early, he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) PHANTOM ACE got his maiden win three starts back and has subsequently held his own in two starts at this level, both over 1200M. He can take a sit behind the early speed – of which there should be plenty – and can launch a late challenge here. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN and (8) THUNDER FURY are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Success Mocca (11) Northern Bid (2) Phantom Ace (9) Sky Mountain
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(12) ARGO RICH remains a maiden but after finishing 4th on debut, has since run 2nd on three consecutive occasions, most recently at his class over 1300M on February 25th. He as run 2nd from on the pace and from off the pace so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and he can go one better today. (10) SAENAE HWANGJE also remains a maiden, in his case after seventeen attempts but on the strength of his latest effort at class and distance on February 26th when he was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd in a good time, he must be right in this. He also has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance, and he should be close. (4) QUEEN OF BEST has run fairly for 4th and 6th in her latest two. She is another who has posted a quick time for the distance and who can be running on strong at the business end here. (11) WORLD KING MAN and (9) BLUE INDY others in the hunt.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Top jockeys Moon Se-young, Choi Bum-hyun, Lim Gi-won and Jang Chu-youl all find themselves with two-day bans this weekend. Here are the previews:

Park Tae-jong finally got his 2200th career winner last week and is one of few top local jockeys not suspended this weekend – although he only has one ride Saturday and four Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. One of four first-timer starters, (1) GREEN VIVACE took four trials to qualify but in the latest of those on March 3rd, pinged the start and then led all the way under a hold and ask for very little. The time wasn’t quick, but she was well clear of the rest and didn’t get out of first gear. It was a big improvement on her previous trials and if she brings that form to the races, she may be hard to hold out. (4) TI AMO ran on gamely for an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 18th. A similar performance will put her firmly in the frame here. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) BRIGHT WINNER was still somewhat green in her second trial but ran through the line well and can make an impact first up in this company. (7) FIRST USER and (10) BEATRIZ potential improvers.

Selections(1) Green Vivace (4) Ti Amo (2) Bright Winner (7) First User
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies but imports this time and nine America breds face the starter. All have raced at least once before including the top pick (9) POWER VICTORY. She beat several of these on her way to 2nd place on debut on February 25th in a very similar race to this over the same distance. With some natural improvement from that run, she may prove hard to beat. (2) MOONHAK SONG came 3rd in that race on what was for her, start number five. She has a length and three-quarters to make up on Power Victory but she led that day and draws well to do so once more. She can get closer this time. (3) MEDICI WOLF was well backed in that February race but was no better than midfield throughout. She was 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy behind Raon Giant and Furiosa last November though and in this company should be given another chance. (4) DUSON CHAMP is another to keep safe while if you want something that didn’t go in that February race (6) MIGHTY Q, who beat a fair few of these on Christmas Day, would be the pick.

Selections(9) Power Victory (2) Moonhak Song (3) Medici Wolf (4) Duson Champ
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-years-old, this time open to the boys as well. (6) FINAL CHUKJE just about gets the edge, based on an improved 3rd place when stepped up to this distance on February 19th when he led for most of the way. That was the first time he had been ridden forward and from a central gate we can expect similar tactics today and for him to be in this a long way. The main danger is (3) SAVANA CHARLIE. Aside from two starts back when he drew the widest gate, he has run well including a 4th place last time out on February 11th when settling back and finishing strongly. The additional half furlong should suit, and he will be a danger running on late. (7) RUBY AGAIN comes into the calculations based on her run two starts back when 2nd over 1200M. She is another who likes to get back and run on. (5) THUNDER PRINCE and (8) DASI TAEEONADO others to keep safe.

Selections(6) Final Chukje (3) Savana Charlie (7) Ruby Again (5) Thunder Prince
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only in this maiden and there are no Oaks contenders here. That means that the 4th place registered by (3) MADISON MOUNTAIN in her latest effort at this distance on February 5th is enough to make her the top pick. She has a tendency to get a bit far back, but today’s competition is softer and there should be less danger of her leaving herself too much to do. Second pick is (7) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER. She comes back in trip following a spin around 1700M just two weeks ago when she was handy before coming home 5th. She’ll be on pace here and despite the quick turnaround can be in this a long way again.  The form drops off the proverbial after those two. At a push, (4) SINPUNG YEOGEOL might be expected to kick on following a career best 6th place last time out. (9) ZIRCON and (1) GEOLJAK TOUR others for whom we can’t have much confidence in but in this race should really be looking for improvement.

Selections(3) Madison Mountain (7) Hampyeong Fighter (4) Sinpung Yeogeol (9) Zircon
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(7) POWERFUL SOCKS got his maiden in two starts back over this distance making all at class 6 level before running a useful enough 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th when handy throughout. He has the fastest time among these for the distance, he has a smart finish on him, and he has every chance of returning to winning ways here. (3) LEGAL HIGH comes up in class following a maiden win over 1200M on February 18th when settling just off the pace and running on. The class rise is balanced by a much better gate and a very slight drop in the weights, and she can measure up in this company. (2) K N TIZWON comes back down in trip following recent work over 1700M including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He can get a bit far back in his races but from a good gate can be ridden further forward today and he should be dangerous. (10) TANGJA and (6) DAECHEON CHAMP among others in the placing frame.

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