Racing Previews

President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 19)

Global Hit returns to defend his crown in the Billion Won G1 President’s Cup in Seoul and there are also bug Juvenile Series races both in the capital and at Busan on a huge Sunday of racing. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won last year’s President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) DI NE ran 3rd on debut at 1000M in July before finishing a very fair 6th of thirteen in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th. He steps back into more amenable company here and third-up, he should be ready to claim his maiden win. (10) JEONGSANG HERA exceeded expectations on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, showing handy throughout and running on for 2nd. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (7) REFLECT ran 5th on debut at this distance on September 14th, starting slowly but finishing off well. He too can come on for that run. (8) CHOEGO GOLD and (4) SAEROUN BISUL are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Di Ne (10) Jeongsang Hera (7) Reflect (8) Choego Gold
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M and then 3rd in the Rookie Stakes in August. That led her to be given a crack at the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th and while she finished back in the pack, she didn’t run badly and coming back into shallower waters today, she is the one to beat. (11) TIGER ROAR was only ordinary in her first two outings, but she found form at start three on September 21st when only beaten a neck over this distance. Ruan Maia stays on and she shapes as a danger again. (6) TRIPLE PALMETTO enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently at this distance on August 24th and coming in fresh after eight weeks off, can aim to get closer. (1) DONGBANG FORCE returns to action for the first time since January but looked well in a September trial. (3) OMENO TIME another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Hwansangui Nara (11) Tiger Roar (6) Triple Palmetto (1) Dongbang Force
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) RAON FLORENCE has finished 2nd in all three starts so far, most recently only beaten a head over 1200M on his first try at this class on August 21st. From a good draw, he will be on pace, and he can go one better. (1) KING OF DRAGON was a promising juvenile a year ago running 4th in Listed company but not running again after being well back in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He finally returned to action in August and while he only finished midfield, he can strip fitter here and get closer. (6) CHEONMAHORYEONG returned from a similarly lengthy absence to run 4th at this class and distance on September 28th. He should have derived benefit from the run and be in the mix here. (3) DAEWONYONGMA and (10) UNIVERSAL are other chances.

Selections(2) Raon Florence (1) King Of Dragon (6) Cheonmahoryeong (3) Daewonyongma
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (8) SUN LIGHT enters off a 2nd place at this distance on September 14th when albeit nine-lengths behind a good winner, she raced well. That made it four top four finishes from seven starts and she has as much chance as any here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL ran 4th in both his first two starts before improving to 3rd over a mile on August 26th when handy throughout. He will be on or close to the pace here and is a big danger. (5) DELEKOOMDA looks to be figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on September 21st when coming from off the pace. He can be challenging late again. (3) HOLY NIKE and (1) SPEED BOY are other place chances.

Selections(8) Sun Light (4) Somanguigil (5) Delekoomda (3) Holy Nike
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

(7) RAON THE AFFIRMED got his maiden win at this class and distance on August 31st when he led from gate to wire, scoring by four-lengths. He comes up 3kg in weight, but that win was impressive, and he can follow up. (4) EODIDEUNJI was a winner over 1200M at start number two on September 20th when settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (9) BREEDO TROPHY comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1200M, working home well both times, and he can be in the finish again. (10) HIT FLY and (3) YEONGGWANGUI SKY, the latter getting a 4kg apprentice claim, are among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Raon The Affirmed (4) Eodideunji (9) Breedo Trophy (10) Hit Fly
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(12) SCYTHAI remains a maiden after nine attempts, but she has five top three finishes including her latest two when 2nd and then 3rd at this class and distance. She carries a light weight, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem as she has a strong finish and today can be her day. (5) SHACKLE SUN is likewise yet to win but only missed out by a nose when 2nd two starts back and was within a length of the winner when 4th last time out on August 24th. He can settle handy again and can be a danger. (11) DAEGIL HERO continues the trend of non-winners with a big chance of breaking through. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance coming from off the pace and he can be running on strong again. (2) SMART SMILE and (7) HEAVY DUTY are previous winners who should be in the frame.

Selections(12) Scythai (5) Shackle Sun (11) Daegil Hero (2) Smart Smile
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) CHARMING QUEEN will be a warm favourite here. After finishing 2nd on debut, she got her maiden win over 1300M at start number two in May and has since then finished as runner-up on both her tries at this class, most recently over 1400M on September 14th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit. The vastly experienced (not always a great thing at class 5) (8) BITNANEUN JILJU has raced thirty-six times since he last won but he enters following back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance and he can be in the finish again. (4) MIGHTY BOM is a non-winner of twenty but has eleven top three placings and this is the kind of race he can score a money finish n. (11) HEEMANGBAND and (6) WITH DIS KURO others to consider.

Selections(2) Charming Queen (8) Bitnaneun Jilju (4) Mighty Bom (11) Heemangband
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

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

It’s President’s Cup weekend so it’s an excuse to bring out Triple Nine pictures

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. It looks competitive so as a tie-breaker we shall side with the one with experience in the shape of (6) SEONGSIL WINNER. After a couple of trials, she ran a fair 4th on debut over this distance on September 6th, showing on pace and stopping the clock in a decent time. That can give her the edge here. (3) HAKSAN SWORD went through two trials, improving in the second of them (it may not appear in all race cards but he clocked 62 seconds). He should be nice and fit for his debut and draws well. (4) ECHO STAR similarly completed two trials (62.9 seconds in the most recent of them). She will be on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) WORLD VICS and (5) MYUNG BRACING are the others that hinted at ability in their respective heats.

Selections(6) Seongsil Winner (3) Haksan Sword (4) Echo Star (1) World Vics
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

A maiden with five of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those debuts is eagerly anticipated. (4) SAMJEONG SPIDER looked great in a February trial but never made it to the races. He came back with another impressive trial performance on September 18th, showing on pace and running 2nd in a quick time and if he brings that form to race day, he will win. The exposed form isn’t great so other first-timers (1) RAON KINGSMAN and (7) POWERFUL KNIGHT, both of whom posted quick times in the second of their respective two trials look to be the main dangers. The former came from off the pace while the latter was on the speed (Powerful Knight’s second trial was voluntary so may not appear in all race cards, but the time was 62.1 seconds) and both can be competitive. Of those who have raced before (3) PASA QUEEN and (2) CHRYSOL STEP are perhaps most likely to improve.

Selections(4) Samjeong Spider (1) Raon Kingsman (7) Powerful Knight (3) Pasa Queen
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(7) LIVE STAR has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times running through the line well. The step up in trip today can suit and he looks to be the one to beat. (4) GEUMBIT POWER came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over this distance on September 13th. He should have derived benefit from that run and can build on it here. That will mean overturning the form on (5) SUN GALLANT, who ran 2n din that September 13th race, coming from a long way back. That was his best finish in twenty-three attempts and while he may not be a winning chance, he can be in the finish again. (8) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI and (1) THUNDER RUN other placing chances.

Selections(7) Live Star (4) Geumbit Power (5) Sun Gallant (8) Hwarangsan Jeonggi
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 6, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) WHIZ DREAM was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 13th, making all and scoring handsomely. She comes up in class and in trip, but the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come and she can measure up. (3) BISANG BELL got her maiden win over this distance three starts back and has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this level, most recently over this distance on September 7th. She got a bit far back in both those races but if she can be ridden more prominently from a good draw, she will be a danger. (10) RAON SILENCE and (8) SEOMDOLMORU finished 1st and 2nd in that September 7th race, the latter at big odds. They can both be competitive again although Raon Silence must contend with a 3kg weight rise. (4) VOSTOK another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Whiz Dream (3) Bisang Bell (10) Raon Silence (8) Seomdolmoru
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 10, 11

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

(6) BEOLGYO DESTINO has run 4th in both starts back since returning from a six-month layoff, both times settling back and running on well. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise and he has every chance of coming out on top here.  (9) HANMADILMALDO is similarly third-up following a lengthy absence. He is yet to win but ran 4th on his first try at this class over 1300M on September 20th and with CC climbing aboard for the first time, he can be a big player here. (4) MUSKET CLEAVER did nothing on debut before running out a 40/1 winner at start number two on September 7th. He is up in class but down in weight and drawn nicely enough to be competitive here. (3) SAENAE KHAN and (8) GRAND PARK are other place chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

Racing returns to Korea after the Chuseok break with an 8-race Friday card at Busan between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan is back (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile filly maidens with all but one racing for the first time. That experienced one is (2) GOLDEN EMPIRE and after winning a trial, she was sent off as favourite on debut in a very similar race to this on September 19th when settling midfield and running on to not miss by much. That experience should stand her in good stead, and she can go one better. Plenty of the first timers hinted at ability in trials. (7) ROAD TO CLEO showed on pace and finished a close 2nd in her heat and if she brings that form to the races, she will be in the mix. (3) WIDAEHAN HEART was similarly on pace before running 3rd in her trial in a good time. (1) SUCCESS QUEEN and (5) PISTOL CUT among others who caught the eye.

Selections(2) Golden Empire (7) Road To Cleo (3) Widaehan Heart (1) Success Queen
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

Lots of chances here. (8) GEUMSEONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both over 1000M and both times racing handy. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and the step up in trip can suit. There is one debut maker. (6) JEONGMUN FAPPIANO was only steadily away in his trial but ran on well to cross the line 3rd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un aboard means that plenty will take note. (2) SHINING ONE beat a couple of these on his way to an improved 2nd at start number two on September 7th when racing on pace. Expect similar tactics here and he can be in the mix again. (4) AIR CITY and (10) VORTEX among others who can improve.

Selections(8) Geumseong (6) Jeongmun Fappiano (2) Shining One (4) Air City
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) GREAT STAR took a few goes to figure things out but she has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently on September 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals over this distance. She won’t need to improve much on that to be very close here. There is one first timer. (7) WORLD DANCER CAT ran 2nd in what was a very quick trial on September 13th, showing on pace throughout. She draws fairly enough here and if she brings that form to the races, she is a chance. (6) I AM HAPPY has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far and can be in the mix again. (10) SINCHEON FREEDOM and (2) SWORN QUEEN among others to consider.

Selections(1) Great Star (7) World Dancer Cat (6) I Am Happy (10) Sincheon Freedom
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(8) DIA X has improved in his latest two, most recently 2nd over 1300M on October 4th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here, has as good a chance as any. (5) LIKE DRAGON has been knocking on the door in her latest few with a 2nd place and most recently a 4th when beating a couple of today’s rivals at 1300M on August 2nd. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance previously and she can be a danger late here. (7) MUHAN NAREUSHA has a 3rd and two 5th places from three starts so far. He has been doing his best work late on each occasion and can finish strongly again. (4) DOCTOR ACE and (10) JEJU STONE are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Dia X (5) Like Dragon (7) Muhan Nareusha (4) Doctor Ace
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

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Saturday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 4)

There is no racing on Sunday as the Chuseok holiday starts so Saturday sees racing at both Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the nine racing for the first time. (9) MYEONG DREAM may only have been 7th of eleven on debut over this distance on September 7th but the margins weren’t huge, and she ran fairly enough in a decent time. She should have come on for the run and Ruan Maia getting on means she goes on top. Both (4) GEUMJEOKSAN and (5) WILD MAGIC showed promise in their respective trials, both of them settling midfield and running through the line well and both can go well on debut. (8) B.K. DEVIL was a fair 6th on debut over 1000M on August 23rd and along with (3) HAENGBOKAN JILJU, the latter having raced twice, can be considered for improvement.

Selections(9) Myeong Dream (4) Geumjeoksan (5) Wild Magic (8) B.K. Devil
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) MUJEOK HAMDAE has shown progress across his three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 7th. He has come from off the pace each time so the slight step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (4) ROAD TO STAR was an improved 4th at start number two in that same September 7th race. Third-up he can be fitter, and he can be the main danger. There is one debut-maker. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG went through two trials, improving to 2nd in his latest one when he came from off the pace to finish well and stopped the clock in a fast time. The 1300M can suit first up and he can go close. (10) GLORY JOY and (9) RAON THE BIG RED are others who can compete for the places.

Selections(8) Mujeok Hamdae (4) Road To Star (5) Sangim Yeongung (10) Glory Joy
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(3) BEST DREAM came very close to breaking through over 1200M on August 23rd when she led for most of the way only to be taken down late by a narrow margin. She comes up to 1400M for the first time, but she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (11) JILPUNGA has four top five finishes from his first five starts including two 3rd places over 1300M. The wide gate shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be challenging late here. (6) THUNDER LUCKY is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than nine finishes between 3rd and 5th. An apprentice takes 4kg off his back and that can bring him into placing contention. (5) CHRYSOL PEACE and (1) RAON THE BELMONT others in the frame.

Selections(3) Best Dream (11) Jilpunga (6) Thunder Lucky (5) Chrysol Peace
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (1) DAESEONG GOLD was a front-running trial winner on August 30th posting a good time. He draws the same gate for his debut and can win. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on September 12th. (12) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU was the best of them, showing on pace and ultimately finishing 3rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be close. (8) ART TREE went through two trials, improving in the second of them on September 13th when coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un being booked means he will have plenty of first-up backers. (6) COWBOY LOOK and (9) SINCHEON JUSTICE are the other two coming out of that September 12th race finishing 4th and 5th respectively and while they have plenty to make up on Cheongchuneunjayu, both should have come on for the experience.

Selections(1) Daeseong Gold (12) Cheongchuneunjayu (8) Art Tree (6) Cowboy Look
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 11, 12

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

(8) TIGER K is yet to win but has had several near misses including runner-up finishes from his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on August 30th when he led for most of the way. He is up 2kg, but he can lead again here and this time, he can go one better. (10) WONDERFUL SOCKS wasn’t fancied at all on debut over 1000M on September 6th, but she came from off the pace to snatch the win. She is up in class and in trip today, but she can measure up. (5) HERO CHOICE is up in class following a maiden win at this distance on September 6th when leading all the way. He is down in weight and drawn well to be on the speed again.  (2) TURBO SOCKS and (6) JUNMA FORCE are others in the frame.

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Holiday Friday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

We’re racing at Seoul this holiday Friday with 11 races from 12:50 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Final evening meeting of the year (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t’ catch the eye so (7) MANGEUM DAON is the pick. He settled midfield in what was a strong trial, crossing the line 4th in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he may be hard to beat. (4) SUNGANUI FIGHTER went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (3rd in 63.3 seconds from the widest gate on September 18th. Of the experienced ones, (11) GOOD MORNING COME was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 2nd and while he only managed 6th on his return at 1200M on September 7th, it’s enough to have him in the frame here. (1) SMART HAESEONG ran 5th on her debut on August 30th and can have come on for the run. (10) DAEHAN SIDAE another who hinted at ability in his trial.

Selections(7) Mangeum Daon (4) Sunganui Fighter (11) Good Morning Come (1) Smart Haeseong
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

Ten imported maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (1) WHIZ WIN led all the way to win a trial on September 18th. He draws nicely and with a good start he can lead again and will take some catching. (2) GEUMA SPLASHY similarly led from gate to wire to win his August trial and while the time wasn’t so quick, he looked nice and competent. (6) WHIZ FIGHTER went through two trials finishing 4th in both but was much quicker in the second of them (62.0 seconds on September 4th. After those two he should be nice and fit and can go close. (10) SOUTHERN BEACH and (5) CHOEGANG BELT are others who hinted at ability and can be in this.

Selections(1) Whiz Win (2) Geuma Splashy (6) Whiz Fighter (10) Southern Beach
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

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

Five first-timers among the eleven here. (7) FLASH RAY has gone through a whole heap of trials dating back a year but is finally ready to race. He was 2nd in a trial on September 18th when handy throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He won’t need to improve much on that to win. (6) AMOS BULPAE didn’t qualify when trialed in April but looked much better equipped when close in a quick time in September. He too has every chance first-up. Among the experience, (10) YONGBI STORM is the best with a 5th and a 6th in fair times. He should have an edge fitness wise and can be in the finish. (1) SAMJEONG WINNER ran twice at the start of the year including a 4th place. She returns for the first time since February and along with debut-maker (5) ECLIPSE BAY, rates as a minor money chance.

Selections(7) Flash Ray (6) Amos Bulpae (10) Yongbi Storm (1) Samjeong Winner
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) POWERFUL PARTNER has raced just three times and with a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, she seems to be figuring things out. She steps up to 1400M for the first time, but she has a strong finish on her, and it can suit. (10) TRIPLE JENNY has finished between 3rd and 5th four times from her five starts. Her best came at this distance at the end of June and she shapes as the danger here. (6) BLACK SUN ran well for 3rd at 1000M on September 6th and while a previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, she can be in the mix here. (1) P N S ME and sole debut-maker (2) ECLIPSE MARVEL are others in the frame.

Selections(11) Powerful Partner (10) Triple Jenny (6) Black Sun (1) P N S Me
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) MANI NODAGI got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2nd in a quick time on his first try at this class on September 14th. He is versatile inthat he won from the front but last time came from the middle of the pack, and he can win here. (1) SOMETHING DARK enters off a 3rd place at this class over 1300M on September 14th. His win came at this distance and under a light weight, he can be a danger. (10) YONGAM SARANG got her maiden win two weeks ago when making all at this trip. She took full advantage of the inside draw that day so this isn’t so straightforward, but she is down 3kg in weight and she can be competitive. (2) EXCELLENT HANSEN and (5) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the frame.

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Busan Thursday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

There is no racing this Sunday (or at all next weekend) as the long Chuseok holiday begins, so all race days have been brought forward by one. That means a rare Thursday meeting at Busan where there are 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

(7) WHITE FLARE ran a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on August 29th, settling back and running on in a good time. He should have come on for the run and looks the one to beat in this opening maiden. (4) FANTASTIC EAGLE was also 3rd on debut, in his case over 1000M on September 5th when finishing off very well. He too should have improved for his first run and the step up in trip can suit. (11) CHOEGANG LOUIS was a much-improved 2nd at start number four last time out on September 5th when he led. He has the challenge of a wide draw this time, but he can be close again. (10) PORT MORE and (6) SAENAE HILL others in the frame.

Selections(7) White Flare (4) Fantastic Eagle (11) Choegang Louis (10) Port More
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) WORLD BLUE PIN CAT has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at 1200M on August 15th when running on and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and it could be what he needs to make his breakthrough. (7) MISS SNIPER was one of those behind World Blue Pin Cat in that race and she returned on September 7th to lead for much of the way around before running 3rd. She should be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (8) OWNER CHAMP has two 3rd places from her latest three as well as the fastest time among these for the distance. (10) HEUIMANG DANBI and (1) FINAL ATTACK other placing chances.

Selections(6) World Blue Pin Cat (7) Miss Sniper (8) Owner Champ (10) Heuimang Danbi
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 12

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

(2) D’LOVELY KING wan twice last autumn, finishing 2nd both times, and then returned following nine months out at the end of August to run 2nd again at this class over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can finally go one better here. (12) LEGEND HIT got his maiden win at start number two over 1200M on August 29th. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he can measure up. (1) STUKA has been the beaten favourite in both his latest two, most recently when 3rd at this class and distance on August 31st. His win came at the 1400M and from the inside gate he can be given another chance today. (4) NAMHAE MAGIC and (8) ALL ROUND ONE are others to consider.

Selections(2) D’Lovely King (12) Legend Hit (1) Stuka (4) Namhae Magic
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

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

It’s been a while since (3) ASTIN MARINE won, but he enters as the form horse here with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two both at this class and distance. One of his wins came over the 1800M and under a light weight and well-drawn, he is the one to beat. (12) SEKWANG LIGHT came from off the pace to run 3rd over a mile on August 24th and in this company, he may be ready for another crack at 1800M. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG was 6th behind Astin Marine last month but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and that’s enough to have him in the mix here. (10) CHAMP GO and (11) GUKDAE HERO are other place chances in a race with little obvious early speed.

Selections(3) Astin Marine (12) Sekwang Light (9) Jilju Yeoljeong (10) Champ Go
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 28)

September racing concludes with 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. The feature is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy in the capital. Here are the previews:

Wonpyeong Storm goes around in the last (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens although all but two have raced before. (12) EVERY TIME debuted on August 30th and from a wide draw settled handy and ran on to run 2nd at this distance, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He draws even wider this time but the step up in trip can suit and he is the one to beat. (11) SEVEN KAISER led that August 30th race before ultimately finishing in 3rd place. He too should have come on for that run and while he may be more disadvantaged by the draw, he can be a danger. (10) KING MASTER has raced twice already, finishing 3rd both times at this distance. Moon Se-young stays on and with his experience and potential fitness edge, he can go close. (2) MASTER PLAN and (6) GEOSEN DOLGYEOK are others who may improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(12) Every Time (11) Seven Kaiser (10) King Master (2) Master Plan
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 12

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

(4) STORM TROOPER has shown plenty of promise across his three starts so far, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals when 3rd over 1300M on August 31st, leading for much of the wat. Maia has ridden him all three times and from a great draw they can lead again, and this time go all the way. (3) ECLIPSE TANGO enters off back-to-back 3rd places over this distance. He is another who likes to get forward early and he can be in this a long way. (7) AWESOME STEP was an improved 2nd over 1300M on August 17th, coming from way off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit, and she can be a danger late on. (10) HWANGGEUM MASK and (6) SAENAE FIGHTER others in the frame.

Selections(4) Storm Trooper (3) Eclipse Tango (7) Awesome Step (10) Hwanggeum Mask
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

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

(8) FUNNY TAP has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since being promoted to this level following a June win. They were both at this distance and both times from her favoured on pace position. She can lead here and can go one better. (11) KING WARRIOR comes up in class having scored over 1300M on August 17th when leading all the way around. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he comes down 3kg in weight and he can measure up. (2) ORANGE TIME is a two-time winner at this distance and enters off a smart 2nd at this class on August 2nd. He likes to come from off the pace and can be a late danger. (7) CANVASEN GO and (10) GIANT BOSS others to consider on at least a place line.

Selections(8) Funny Tap (11) King Warrior (2) Orange Time (7) Canvasen Go
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

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

(10) JUST SHINY has mixed his form over five outings to date but has a 2nd and most recently a 3rd place to his name, scored at 1300M on August 17th when handy throughout. The draw shouldn’t be much of a concern, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he can win here. (5) JIJONSANBANG was 2nd on debut in June (albeit fifteen lengths behind the winner) and last time out beat a couple of these when 5th on August 31st. He tends to do his best work late and the step up in trip can suit. In a race with little in the way of early speed (3) CARAT KING, who was 4th last time out, can lead and be in this a long way. (7) SMOOTH KICK and (4) FINAL HIT others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Just Shiny (5) Jijonsanbang (3) Carat King (7) Smooth Kick
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8 , 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Wide open. (2) SMILE NAMSAN has raced just twice but finds herself up in class and massively up in distance after back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M. She comes down in the weights, draws well, and she could be shrewdly entered here. (4) X FACTOR hot his maiden win at 1400M on August 24th racing handy throughout. He is up in class and in distance but is down in weight and he can measure up. (6) GROW enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on September 13th when coming from off the pace. She has pretty much the same weight today and she can be in the finish again. (3) BS STORM and (9) SHARKTEN are others who can be in the mix.

Selections(2) Smile Namsan (4) X Factor (6) Grow (3) BS Storm
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) TRIPLE DREAM was a winner at this class in filly only company at 1200M two starts back before running a close 4th on August 29th when handy to the speed throughout. She comes up to 1400M for the first time and it could well suit. (7) YONGAM BLACK beat a couple of these on his way to a front-running 2nd at 1300M on August 9th. He was well beaten by a good winner but should be on pace again here and has every chance of going one better. (2) DOCTOR SOLAR got his maiden win over this distance on September 5th taking things up halfway home and running on. He is up in class but down 3.5kg in weight and he can be competitive again. (6) DAEGIL HERO and (11) ROAD TO HEUIMANG, the latter requiring a line through his latest, are others to keep in mind.

Selections(5) Triple Dream (7) Yongam Black (2) Doctor Solar (6) Daegil Hero
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

(7) DRAGON KILLER has been no worse than 3rd in five starts to date and come sin following his maiden win at this distance at the end of June. That came at this class and while he is up in weight and fresh after thirteen weeks out, he can win again. (5) BEST PITCH was a winner on debut in a juvenile maiden over 1000M on August 30th, settling handy and running on. He is up in class and in trip and faces his seniors here, but he should have come on for the run, is down in weight, and can be a danger. (1) SAENAE CLASSIC has run 4th in two starts back since a nine-month layoff. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and can go close. (9) LALA GIRL and (11) GEUMSEONG YEOJE among other chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 27)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday between 13:15 and 20:00. Here are the previews:

Dongbanui Gangja, now 20, is to visit the racecourse this weekend (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (3) EUNPA BOOSTER took two goes to qualify but looked very accomplished in the second of them, running 3rd in a quick time and beating some experienced racehorses. If he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (1) BEST A ONE also took trials and similarly improved in the second of them, showing handy throughout and finishing 4th of eleven in a fair time. From the inside gate she can be on pace and can go well. (9) START UP was a long way behind Vincero Cavallo in his second trial but he was up with the rest of the field and having shown progress from his first effort, can continue to get better here. (4) ANYANG DREAM and (11) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG also hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(3) Eunpa Booster (1) Best A One (9) Start Up (4) Anyang Dream
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

Imported maidens with nine of the ten racing for the first time. (4) GEUDAEMANIDDAMYEON is not destined to be a racecaller’s favourite but he will be the betting favourite. That’s off a trial win in a double-quick time on September 11th when he led all the way around. He won’t need to improve much – if at all – on that to win first up here. The only one with racing experience is (1) WASSOIDA. He faded badly at start two, but he previously ran well for 3rd on debut. With Maia on, he is worth another chance. (3) PASA SPURT went through two trials, improving to 2nd in a good time in the second of them and he can be running on here. (6) ROOFTOP won his trial and along with (10) HWASAN POKPAL is another who can go well.

Selections(4) Geudaemaniddamyeon (1) Wassoida (3) Pasa Spurt (6) Rooftop
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. After running 7th on debut, (5) MUNHAK DAESE was an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on August 30th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Third up she can be peaking and can win. (2) EUNHA KALAS was 6th in that race, running fairly enough on what was her debut. She should have come in for the run and can improve here. The rest of the exposed form is not great so debut-maker (4) RAON THE PLUMA can come into the equation. She led for much of her trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd (behind Rooftop who was set to debut in race 2) and in a good time. She can lead here and can be a danger. (7) MINKY PINKY has been back to trial since a forgettable debut and can improve. (3) ILGEUP BISUL, behind Munhak Daese and Eunha Kalas on August 30th, can also get better.

Selections(5) Munhak Daese (2) Eunha Kalas (4) Raon The Pluma (7) Minky Pinky
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) NAMSAN MINYEO has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both from wide gates. She has finished off her races very well so the step up to 1700M can be in her favour, and she can win. (2) GANGCHEOL POWER remains a maiden after nineteen attempts but comes in here with recent form reading well with a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, coming from off the pace both times. Expect him to be ridden patiently here and while he may once more find one too quick, he can be in the finish. (3) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around at this distance on August 30th before finishing 3rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals. She can lead again and be in this a long way. (8) BLUE DRAGON and (5) BLACK SMILE are place chances.

Selections(1) Namsan Minyeo (2) Gangcheol Power (3) Alpha Female (8) Blue Dragon
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(3) CHOEGANG SPEED came from well off the pace to run 3rd in a quick race at this class and distance on August 31st. He only comes up half a kilo in weight and in this company, he is the one to beat. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE is yet to win in twelve attempts but has had several near misses including last time out over 1400M on September 6th when he got a long way back before running on. He is up 2.5kg in weight but draws well and can be in the finish. (5) GLOBAL HAMSEONG was 4th behind Cheogang Speed in that August 31st race, settling midfield and running on. He was sent off as favourite that day after back-to-back 2nd places leading up to it, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he overturned the form.  (1) JURING SKY and (6) SHINE BOLT others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 26)

It’s the penultimate week of evening racing and it kicks off at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. It took (5) FANTASTIC FORCE two goes to qualify but he did it in style at the second attempt, winning his heat in a quick time having raced handy. If he brings that form to the races, then he is a winning chance first-up. (9) YONGBI SHARK ran 2nd on debut on August 9th, showing on the speed throughout. He should have come on for that run and can be close again. Similarly (11) TOHAMSAN DRAGON was 2nd on debut on August 29th, in his case at 1200M. Seo Seung-un stays on and he can be in the mix. Trial runner-up (4) ISIMNYEON JIGI, along with (7) ROYAL CRYSTAL, are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Fantastic Force (9) Yongbi Shark (11) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Isimnyeon Jigi
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Maiden fillies. (4) GRAND TREE was an on pace 2nd on debut on August 22nd over 1000M, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She should have come on for that run, she draws well to lead again, and while she is up in trip, she can win. (10) GLOBAL FORCE was an improved 3rd at start two over this distance on August 31st. Third up she can be peaking fitness-wise and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time means she will have plenty of supporters. (8) BORYEONGUI SINYONG dead-heated for 3rd place on debut behind Grand Tree in that August 22nd race, coming from off the pace. She has six-lengths to make up but can be closer. (7) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL was 3rd on debut before finishing well back in the Rookie Stakes and can be given another chance here. (6) THEMIS another who can improve.

Selections(4) Grand Tree (10) Global Force (8) Boryeongui Sinyong (7) Crystal Mulgyeol
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

(11) SEATTLE DREAM has taken to a mile well with a 3rd, a 5th and a 2nd place from her three tries at it, the latest when beating four of today’s rivals when only missing out on August 29th. She has the challenge of the widest gate but that shouldn’t be a problem, and she can go one better here. (3) CAPTAIN DRAGON was 3rd in that August 29th race, showing on pace throughout. That was his first outing since April so he should strip fitter for the run and from a good draw, he has every chance of overturning the form. (6) BREEDO CAPTAIN was 2nd at this distance on September 12th, having led for most of the way around. He comes into a better gate and can be in this a long way again. (4) SEOBU GAMBLE and (1) SOMANGUIGIL others to consider.

Selections(11) Seattle Dream (3) Captain Dragon (6) Breedo Captain (4) Seobu Gamble
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

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

(4) BEOLMA WINNER is still a maiden but comes up in class having run 2nd in both his latest two at 1300M and at 1400M. He is a down in weight and from a great draw, he can be on the pace and third up this preparation, he can win. (7) SIX HERO returns to action for the first time since April. He has a win and three placings from seven goes at this distance prior to the layoff and if he brings the same form to the races that he showed in a quick trial two weeks ago, he has a chance first-up. (1) BREEDO MIRACLE was a class and distance winner two starts back and while she had a hard time from the widest gate at 1300M last time out, she comes in here fresh after ten weeks out and she can be given another chance. (10) NONPAREIL and (8) GALLOP QUEEN others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Beolma Winner (7) Six Hero (1) Breedo Miracle (10) Nonpareil
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

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BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN LATE BURST OVERWHELMS OLDER RIVALS IN JEJU GOVERNOR’S CUP

She didn’t quite manage to out “Lala K” Lala K, but nevertheless, BOREYONGLIGHTQUEEN pulled off one of the more remarkable come from behind efforts to flash past the two-time defending champion Jeulgeounyeojeong – and everyone else in her way – to win the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Bryeonglighqueen leaves Jeulgeounyeojeong and Gladius in her wake (Pic: KRA)

The winner of the final leg of this year’s Triple Tiara, and the only three-year-old taking her chance, Boryeonglightqueen was sent off as 14/1 fifth choice in the market as she took on her filly and mare seniors in the Jeju Governor’s Cup, the first leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter. Jeulgeounyeojeong, bidding to win the race for the third year running, began as the 2.5 market favourite.

Second-favourite Crown Hamseong looped the field to take the early lead and as the field settled down was joined on the pace by Born Dia and then Jeulgeounyeojeong and Donga Ilbo Trophy winner Gladius, with the field being strung out behind and the ultimate winner at the back.

Turning into the straight, Born Dia was the first to be shaken off, followed by Crown Hamseong, and it looked as if it would be a straight fight between Gladius and Jeulgeounyeojeong.

That would be to reckon with Boryeonglightqueen who, having been let loose at the top of the straight, proceeded to complete the final three furlongs a full two seconds quicker than the two leaders, improving from 12th to 5th in the penultimate furlong and then sweeping past the rest, winning by two-lengths on the line.

Jeulgeounyeojeong, making her first start for trainer Lee Sang-young, following Kim Young-kwan’s retirement, was 2nd, with Gladius a further length back in 3rd.

“I was concerned about the early pace of the race” winning jockey Jung Do-yun told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “The race got a bit stretched and I think that was how we were able to win.” Jung was bullish about Boryeonglightqueen’s prospects for the remainder of the Queens’ Tour. “She’s better at longer distances so we’ll be aiming to win the Series.”

Winning trainer Kim Gil-jung echoed Jung’s thoughts: “I had some expectations in my own mind but considering her best result had come at 2000M I did fear perhaps the 1400M might be a bit sharp with not enough time for her to come back at them in the straight.”

“We’ll go on to the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup in October. Everything is easier in October with the summer over and the horses peaking. She’ll have home advantage (at Busan) and back at 2000M, we will be looking forward to it.”

Jockey Kim Yong-geun, who finished 3rd on Gladius admitted that he had been focusing on his duel with Jeulgeounyeojeong when Boryeonglightqueen surprised them both.

“As expected, (Gladius) didn’t start very well but I gave her a bit of bridle, and we made our way forward. I was confident into the 4th corner when Jeulgeounyeojeong came alongside. She is a strong horse, and we had a good battle. I thought we were making progress back at her, so I was a bit confused when another horse came so fast down the outside.”

Boryeonglightqueen is by Rock Band (by Ecton Park) who was foaled and did his racing in Korea, winning the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup, in 2015. She is out of the Menifee mare, Yaho Prez, who also raced in Korea.

The next leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter is the Gyeongnam Govenor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on October 26th.