Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

It’s the final weekend of twilight/evening racing and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 7-race program from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience, in particular, (1) DOCTOR RICH. He led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M on July 7th, ultimately coming home in 2nd place in a quick time. He should have come on for that run, he can be on pace again, and this time can go all the way. (4) CONTROLLER ran a solid 3rd on his debut on July 14th, settling handy and running on over the 1000M in a good time. He too should improve and the step up in trip can suit. As for the first timers, (10) FLYING KHAN produced the pick of the trial performances, while (5) ARION KING and (2) SUCCESS BAEKPA also posted good times and can go well first-up.

Selections(1) Doctor Rich (4) Controller (10) Flying Khan (5) Arion King
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Competitive maiden with two standouts. (7) DOCTOR KANE ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in June before following up with a 3rd place at this distance on July 14th when leading for much of the way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. She has been back to trial since then and with a more mature performance, she can be the one to beat today. The main danger is (1) BORIS MARINE. He too has raced twice, improving to a close runner-up finish at start number two on July 7th. He can settle back and run on here and should pose a danger in the closing stages. (3) JJARITHANISUNGAN debuted all the way back last December, racing fairly, but hasn’t been seen since. He came back to trial in June and showed some ability so can be given a chance first up here. (10) HAERANG YOUNGUNG and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Doctor Kane (1) Boris Marine (3) Jjarithanisungan (10) Haerang Youngung
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(4) BEOMHAN GOLD shapes as a warm favourite here. After debuting in February, he didn’t reappear until July 23rd when he was a very close 2nd over this distance, having led for much of the way. He should strip fitter for that run and from a good gate he can lead again and has every chance of making all. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR is yet to finish in the top-two in thirteen attempts, but she has had planet of near misses including a useful 5th last time over this distance. She tends to get a bit far back in her races, but she does finish strongly, and she can run into at least the placings here. (3) FLYING DIA races for the first time since a good 2nd over this distance in March when leading for much of the way. She looked well in a trial at the end of July and can be a danger first-up here. (5) LEMON BULPAE and (10) CHOICE ROAD others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Beomhan Gold (2) Velociraptor (3) Flying Dia (5) Lemon Bulpae
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) PISTOL STAR found himself a little overmatched when sent up to Seoul for a spin around in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown on July 22nd. At the start before though he was a good winner over this distance at class 4 level and under a light weight and from a good gate, he can return to winning ways here. (8) MAN OF THE MAN comes up in trip having run a good 2nd over a mile at this level on July 16th. Tactically versatile, he is lightly raced and should still have some improvement in him. (7) EUNSEONG WINNER was one of plenty here who raced one another at class and distance on July 7th. She ran 4th that day having got a long way back and can be expected to be a bit closer today. (2) ALL CROWN and (4) HWANGU FIHGTER others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Pistol Star (8) Man Of The Man (7) Eunseong Winner (2) All Crown
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

(7) SUCCESS MOCCA raced four times around the turn of the year and showed ability, winning over this distance at class 6 level. He returns to action here for the first time since March and looked very well when winning a July trial. He should be on pace here and can go all the way. Another one returning from an absence is (10) FAST FURY. She registered three consecutive 4th place finishes at this level up until April and she too looked very well when winning a trial in double quick time in late July. She races best on pace so may need a touch of early luck from a wide draw, but she has every chance of going close. (6) ACE A MOCA comes up in class following a smart win over this distance on July 30th. She comes down slightly in the weights and can measure up in this company. (8) TITAN K and (4) UNJU GLOBAL others in the frame.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 13)

There are daytime cards at both Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with a debut maker, and it wasn’t so much the time but the way (5) SPEED ONE completed his heat that puts him on top. Coming out of gate nine he sat handy and then ran on under a hold getting better with every stride. If he can show that kind of maturity at the races and when asked for an effort, he can win. (6) KNIGHT CHARM was asked for more in his trial in dreadful conditions in July. He responded nicely and ran on to cross the line with plenty in hand. He too can be considered first-up. Experience can count for plenty though. (9) MIRAE TOWER came from off the pace to run on for 4th over this distance on July 15th. He should have come on for that and with a better start can get closer today. (1) NICE TAEYANG and (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI the other pair who can improve on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Speed One (6) Knight Charm (9) Mirae Tower (1) Nice Taeyang
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(4) MOON DUST looks to be finally getting things together with a pair of 3rd place finishes from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. She draws nicely to get an easy early run here and she will be the one the need to beat. It’s not a strong race and that means we can give the solitary newcomer, (6) DAERYUN BULPAE, a chance. He trialled up a few times as a juvenile but never came anywhere close to qualifying before being put away for several months. He came back into training in June and looked much more assured when running 3rd in a fair time in a July trial. Don’t rule out a bold showing first-up. (8) FINE DAY has a 3rd and a 4th among her five efforts so far and should be in the mix here. (7) JEONGSANG HIT and (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG among others who can compete for the money in this modest contest.

Selections(4) Moon Dust (6) Daeryun Bulpae (8) Fine Day (7) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) GEUMA DISTINCTION will be a warm favourite. The Kim Young-kwan trainee went through two trials, crossing the line 3rd in both, both in quick times. He can settle just off the pace here and if he brings the trial form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (5) SINCHEON FIRST won a June trial before racing on pace in debut on July 7th and ultimately running 4th in a good time over this distance. He should have benefited for the experience and can go closer here. Returning to the first-timers, (2) HWANGGEUMSEONG led every step of the way to win his trial in a good time on a wet track. He draws nicely, Seo Seung-un partners, and there is plenty to like about him. (1) CHRIS MORE and (7) LIGHT BROWN others who could put in a bold showing first-up.

Selections(9) Geuma Distinction (5) Sincheon First (2) Hwanggeumseong (1) Chris More
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

A weak but very tricky race to predict. We’ll take a chance on (2) GOLDEN SNIPER, who ran 2nd two starts back over this trip, settling handy and nearly getting there. He followed up with a 5th place on his latest appearance on July 9th when on pace throughout and from a good gate, today could be his day. (8) POWERFUL VISION ran an improved 5th at start number two over 1300M when on pace throughout. She can be expected to show at the front early again and should once more be in this a long way. (5) SHARP SUNSHINE has shown signs of figuring things out, finishing in the top four in each of her latest four appearances. Her times haven’t been quick, but she finishes off her races well and can grind out another decent placing here. (7) SINUI HAMSEONG and (4) BEST PLAN, others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Golden Sniper (8) Powerful Vision (5) Sharp Sunshine (7) Sinui Hamseong
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

(9) WONDERFUL ONE has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over this distance on July 9th when handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Without an apprentice claim today, he does come up 3kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard, and he can win. (7) YONGSAN KEUNBYEOL was 4th in that July 9th race, continuing a positive start to his career. He has almost two-lengths to find on Wonderful One, but he gets a weight swing and should be challenging the favourite for the lead from the start. (1) WONDERFUL SMARTY is a thirty-six-race maiden but comes in following her first ever second-place finish over this distance on June 16th. She is another who doesn’t have an apprentice claim this time, but she has a good draw, and a repeat of that run will put her in the finish. (6) BLUE CAVIAR and (5) HANEUL BULPAE other placing chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a twilight meeting consisting of 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all eleven racing for the first time. Conveniently for us, five of them come out of the same trial on July 14th which was won – and won well – by (10) SPECIAL FORCE, who was quickly into the lead and crossed the line three-lengths to the good in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she will take some beating. We’ll return to that heat in a moment. (6) GEOLJAK SKY failed to qualify the first time around but looked much better in a second attempt in early July, running on pace and crossing the line in front in a good time. She draws better than Special Force and should be challenging from the start again. (1) BLUE LEMON was 2nd in the July 14th trial settling handy and running on. She has those three-lengths to make up on Special Force but draws nicely and shouldn’t be far away. (3) LOVE MUNMAK was a further length and three-quarters back in 4th in that trial coming from off the pace but worked him pleasingly enough to consider. (4) ORION ALPHA another who hinted ay ability in her heat.

Selections(10) Special Force (6) Geoljak Sky (1) Blue Lemon (3) Love Munmak
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRE 25 Million

The penny seems to be dropping for (1) HANGANG SKY who comes in following a much-improved 4th and 3rd from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. both times coming from off the pace from wide draws and most recently beating three of today’s rivals on July 9th. The step up to 1400M for the first time can suit and from a better gate, he is the one to beat. (5) EFFEL TAP has mixed his form across seven starts so far but does have a couple of 3rd places to his name. He weakened late on when returning from five months out at the end of July but should strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) THEME TANSAENG was 4th behind Hangang Sky in that July 9th race. He too comes up to seven-furlongs for the first time, he should be on pace, and he can be in this a long way. Those three look superior to the rest and will make up just about everyone’s top-three in some order. Something has to finish in 4th or 5th though with (3) DINSI CHAMP and (6) GEOMOON perhaps the most likely.

Selections(1) Hangang Sky (5) Effel Tap (8) Theme Tansaeng (3) Dinsi Champ
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 11

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

(6) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER led on debut before weakening but then stayed on much better for 2nd on her re-appearance on July 9th, well beaten by a good winner but in a quick time, nonetheless. She comes up in trip for the first time, she surely leads again, and she may not get caught. Except when missing the break two starts back, (7) NEW POINT has performed fairly across four outings so far, with a 2nd and a 3rd, most recently in an all-filly race over this trip on July 2nd. She can sit handy here and can still be there at the business end. (4) BANFF has finished no worse than 5th from four attempts. He has the fastest time for the distance among those here who have previously attempted it, recorded when 2nd back in March. He has a strong finish on him and should be a danger late on here. (11) BOREUM DALBIT is a bit of a wildcard having raced just the once back in April. She showed promise finishing 4th and while she has had fifteen weeks off since, she can be given a chance. (9) NURI TAEYANG perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Taepyeong Fighter (7) New Point (4) Banff (11) Boreum Dalbit
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) WONDERFUL JOY led for much of the way around at class and distance on July 8th, ultimately running a close 5th. He has a solid record at this distance and today could well be his day. The main danger and probable betting favourite is (5) CAMINO He has only raced seven times but has a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance with the latter being at this class on June 17th when leading until the closing stages. He comes down slightly in the weights. He will surely be on pace again and may take some getting past. (3) LIONETTE has run fairly in two starts back following a six-month absence. While yet to finish in the top two, she has posted a quick time at this trip, Johan climbs aboard, and third-up this preparation, she may be peaking fitness-wise. (6) DESIRE TO WIN, who is a class and distance winner, and (9) ORGALIM among others with at least placing claims in a competitive race.

Selections(4) Wonderful Joy (5) Camino (3) Lionette (6) Desire To Win
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

Since scoring on debut, (9) BLOOMING STAR has been working back up towards another won and most recently ran a very close 2nd at class and distance on July 2nd having led almost the entire way around and just being taken down on the line. He does come up 2.5kg in the weights and he draws a little wider than ideal but neither of those are insurmountable and he is the one to beat. (7) WHIZ UP was a class and distance winner two starts back in June and while he never really got into things over 1400M when 6th on his return on July 8th, the margins weren’t huge, and he shouldn’t be too far away here. (1) ECHO ZONE comes in off a solid 2nd place at class and distance on July 9th when he began well, dropped back to midfield, and then ran on. He draws the same inside gate and won’t be far away. (10) WONDERFUL NAMCHON returned from four months off to get his maiden win over this distance at the end of June. He comes up in class but down in the weights and can measure up. (5) MONEY STONE another in the placing frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 11)

Typhoon Khanun should be safely out of the way but wet tracks can be expected across the weekend. THe action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a twilight card of 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens. Since scraping through a qualifying heat in early June, (1) SEVEN DRAGON has subsequent been through two voluntary trials and has been very good. This is important because those heats won’t necessarily appear in all race cards. He made all to stop the clock in 61.9 seconds on June 24th, well clear of Controller, who went on to run 3rd on his own debut, and then overcame gate eleven to run 2nd in another trail on July 28th in a time of 60.9 seconds. From the Kim Young-kwon stable, he will be favourite to win first-up here. Only one of them has raced before. That’s (8) HWANG YO who was an on-pace 3rd over this distance in a similar race on July 7th. Experience can count for plenty in these types of contests, and he shapes as the main danger. (2) YEONGGWANGUI GLORY and (7) BEST CHAMP trialled up together finish g4th and 5th in fair times and both can be considered for a money finish first-up.  (5) SPRIT FIGHTER another who caught the eye.

Selections(1) Seven Dragon (8) Hwang Yo (2) Yeonggwangui Glory (7) Best Champ
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(3) MASTER YODA perhaps wasn’t ready in his first couple of starts but after a three-months off, he came back in March and has looked much improved with a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back at 1200M and 1400M, racing on pace both times. He draws nicely here and comes back in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs on and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (8) UNJU TWO HEARTS might be worth a spin at an each-way price. She raced on pace on debut on July 9th before capitulating in the final furlong. She showed speed though and can be on the pace again here and with a bit more maturity, could be in this for longer. (6) CHEONSU SIDAE has hinted at ability across four outings with her best of 4th coming at this distance last time out. She can settle back and run into some money here. (4) DAY BY DAY and (1) CHEERFUL LIFE other possibles for the places.

Selections(3) Master Yoda (8) Unju Two Hearts (6) Cheonsu Sidae (4) Day By Day
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

(8) DOCTOR WICKY was an improved 2nd at this distance on July 16th, leading for much of the way around and comfortably defeating a couple of today’s rivals. He should be on pace again today and he should have too much. (5) BOB AND JOY finished 3rd in that July 16th race having been handy throughout. It was an improvement from his debut and while he has six lengths to make up on Doctor Wicky, with some more progress he can get closer today. (4) GANGSEO JEORYEONG ran 4th in that race. It was a big uptick on his previous efforts, but he is nicely drawn to sit just behind the speed, and he can continue his positive momentum here. (10) RICH COWBOY and (2) CHOEGANG CHONGAL both have 2nd places on their records already and are others who can enter the calculations. 

Selections(8) Doctor Wicky (5) Bob And Joy (4) Gangseo Jeoryeong (10) Rich Cowboy
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

Two standouts here. (2) THE ONE has shown signs in his latest two of figuring things out with a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M and both times settling back and running on. He draws well here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. The big danger is (10) ACHIMUI HUIMANG. Following an ordinary trial, she wasn’t especially well fancied on debut on July 9th, but she ran well overcoming a similarly wide gate to today to finish 4th in a decent time on a wet track over this distance. She was a long way behind an emphatic winner, but she should have derived benefit from the run, and she has a chance. (3) FIRST MENI has been knocking on the door of the places across her five starts so far. In this company she should be on pace and aiming for a career best to date finish. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK and (5) MIRACULUM others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) The One (10) Achimui Huimang (3) First Meni (1) Choegang Week
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) MA GUN won back-to-back races in March and April to get rapidly promoted to this class before running a creditable 4th when stepped up to this level and to this distance for the first time on July 9th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. That experience should be beneficial for him, and while he does have the challenge of the outside gate, he can win here. (6) WIND WINNER enters with recent form reading well and he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance. With Franco aboard, he can sit on or close to the speed and should be going close. (2) ARCTURUS has plenty of a ability and he signalled a return to form with a 2nd place at class and distance on July 16th running on pace and beating Wind Winner, among others. He draws well here and shouldn’t be dismissed. (10) GREAT ONE and (3) DAEHO NURI others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ma Gun (6) Wind Winner (2) Arcturus (10) Great One
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A very tricky one. (11) WAITING FOR YOU stepped up to this trip for the first time on July 14th and used up plenty of effort to get forward from the widest gate before running a close 3rd. She looks to have more development in her and while she draws wide for the third consecutive time, today could be her day. She has half a length to make up on (7) NAMYANG BOLT, who was 2nd in that July 14th race, having settled midfield and run on. He has won at this distance at class 6 level and warrants respect here. (8) LADY VADER got her maiden win at start number two in early June before running 5th on her first try at this class on July 7th when on pace over 1200M. She steps up to this trip for the first time and is likely to be on the speed and in this a long way. (3) BABEL HEART enters having won at this class over 1300M a month ago and while up slightly in weight, a repeat isn’t impossible. (2) FIRST PARK among plenty of others in the money hunt.

Selections(11) Waiting For You (7) Namyang Bolt (8) Lady Vader (3) Babel Heart
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A difficult finale. (6) GOLDEN WAVE had a disappointing day at the office when well supported at class and distance on July 7th, racing handy but weakening. She has previously run very well at this distance though and with Franco up today, she can be given another chance. That will mean overturning the July 7th form on a couple of these including (11) SOUTHERN SUPERONE. The only juvenile in this field, he debuted in that race having won a June trial. Just like today he had to overcome the widest gate, but he acquitted himself well, settling back and then running on for a creditable 5th. He should benefit from the experience and can get closer here. (4) ROCKET SORI comes back in trip following a good 3rd place over a mile on July 14th. He has run well at this distance too and can be a danger. (8) BREAD HIT and (1) BLUE CARSON among plenty of others with placing hopes.

Selections(6) Golden Wave (11) Southern Superone (4) Rocket Sori (8) Bread Hit
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 6)

Seoul is the only racecourse hosting live racing on Sunday with a 15-race daytime program from 11:35 to 19:00. Here are the previews:

Complete Value has grown up a bit since he became Champion Juvenile in 2021. He goes in the class 1 feature at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (8) MIRACLE HANGANG, who ran a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on July 2nd, leading for much of the way, only to be left behind by a good winner in the closing stages. He’ll be on pace again and has every chance of going one better. (11) MORNING BOLD is the only one in the field to have raced twice. He ran 2nd on debut in June before then finishing 3rd behind Hangang Miracle in that July 2nd race having settled handy. He has a length and a quarter to make up but shouldn’t far away again. (6) GOLDEN LINE was an on-pace 3rd in a quick race on debut on July 1st. He should get to the lead again and may take some passing. Among the first-time starters, (2) NICE TIME looks the best He went through two trials clocking similar times in both and from a nice draw can go well first-up. (4) ORAEDAHAMKKE, 4th on debut, another who can improve.

Selections(8) Miracle Hangang (11) Morning Bold (6) Golden Line (2) Nice Time
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

Tricky maiden. (7) TESTA BLUE gets the verdict having run an improved 2nd over this distance on July 8th when settling just behind the speed and stopping the clock in a good time. Expect similar tactics today and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (9) MUNHAK CENTRAL has a couple of 4th places to her name most recently on June 18th when settling back and running on over this distance. She has run fair times so far and still has some scope for improvement. (4) WINNER JERIN ran 2nd in a trial and was then a creditable enough 5th of nine on debut on July 2nd when racing handy. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can get closer here. (11) NEMO SPIRIT and (1) MISTER STAR, the latter returning ten months after his inauspicious debut but looking much more promising in a June trial, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Testa Blue (9) Munhak Central (4) Winner Jerin (11) Nemo Spirit
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. Nothing especially jumps out so without much confidence we’ll go with (9) SHOOT UP SPARK, who has at least been consistent across ten starts so far, picking up four 5th place finishes. She has run some fair times and facing weaker than usual company, she has as good a chance as any. In an indication of just how weak, (11) CLASS HEEMANG hasn’t raced since a middling debut a full fifty-six weeks ago. She may even start as favourite here though following two very positive trials on consecutive weeks in July where she finished 2nd and 3rd, both in good times. That double trialling should ensure that despite the layoff she arrives race fit, and she couldn’t hope for a softer race to return in. (7) SESANG APERUO showed on pace in her second of two starts so far and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (3) RAON JUMP and (6) WONPYEONG LIST others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(9) Shoot Up Spark (11) Class Heemang (7) Sesang Apeuro (3) Raon Jump
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

(2) WINNER DRAGON gets the nod here based on his last start 2nd place when he came from off the pace to get close over 1200M on June 11th. He draws well here, carries the same weight and it looks as though he has finally figured things out. (11) VELVETY has steadily improved across three starts so far culminating in a 4th place at 1200M on July 8th. She has the challenge of the widest gate but there isn’t much in the way of early speed here and with a bit of luck, she may well get a forward position and can be on this a long way. The additional half-furlong can suit. (1) ONE SPEAR and (8) FOUR ACE came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on July 1st. The former has raced once – disappointingly – since then but comes into a better gate today and both can challenge. (5) MAGUMA another placing chance.

Selections(2) Winner Dragon (11) Velvety (1) One Spear (8) Four Ace
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Wide open maiden. At a potential each-way price we’re happy to take a chance on (1) GEUMA STEADY. After an ordinary debut, she was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on July 2nd when racing handy throughout, albeit beaten by a good winner. She draws nicely to do similar here and has as good a chance as any. (8) PURPLE SHINHWA began his career with three consecutive 5th place finishes before improving to 2nd when stepped up to this trip on July 8th and racing on pace. The time wasn’t quick, but he had a couple of today’s rivals behind him, and he will be expected to get to the front again. (7) JECHUK ILHO was 3rd in that July 8th race having shared the early lead with Purple Shinhwa. That was a big uptick in form, and he can maintain that momentum today. (10) BUTTER K and (6) COLITAS others firmly in the hunt in a race of many chances.

Selections(1) Geuma Steady (8) Purple Shinhwa (7) Jechuk Ilho (10) Butter K
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Another competitive affair. (3) SAENAE KHAN has only put in one poor performance to date when badly away two starts back. He returned to form with a close 2nd in a quick time over this distance on July 1st when racing handy and he could well go one better today. (4) K N GOLDEN KING will ned a line drawn through his latest when well backed but could only managed 6th of eleven. The margins weren’t huge though and at the start prior he only went down a very narrow 2nd at class and distance. He will be on pace here and may be hard to pass. (6) PEERLESS is yet to win in seven attempts but has six top-four finishes including last time out at class and distance. She should be there or thereabouts again. (5) GEUMBIT CHEONHA and (7) SONGAM DRAGON among others in the frame.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 5)

Seoul is the only track in operation this weekend and the two day program begins with a 15 race afternoon and evening card on Saturday with 15 races from 13:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (9) ZIGGURAT who came from off the pace to run 2nd on debut on June 24th over this distance in a decent time. He should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement will take some beating. (6) RAON THE FANTA is the only newcomer who enters having won her trial. She did that on June 9th, beating a couple of these in the process when settling handy from gate ten. If she can bring that form to the races, she won’t be far away. (10) HERE I AM was slowly away in his heat but finished off pleasingly and while he draws wide, with a better start he can get close on debut. Aside from the favourite, the other one with racing experience is (3) SONGAM SKY. He only beat a couple home in a slow race on July 15th but had previously gone quicker in a trial and should strip fitter today. (1) GEUMAK EAGLE took two goes to qualify but improved significantly the second time around and if she can maintain that trajectory if development, can be considered.

Selections(9) Ziggurat (6) Raon The Fanta (10) Here I Am (3) Songam Sky
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

Imports with northern hemisphere juveniles and southern hemisphere three-year-olds. Seven of the eight have already raced, four of them facing each other in a very similar race to this on June 10th. (7) ECLIPSE TOWN came out the best of them that day settling midfield and running on for 3rd in a good time. Like the rest, he should have derived benefit from that experience and looks the one to beat here. The solitary debut-maker has claims. (8) PANORAMA KING. The Tapwrit colt comfortably won his trial settling handy early before dominating in the closing stages and stopping the clock in a fair time. (1) HERO FIGHTER was a big-priced 4th on his debut on July 8th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He draws the same inside gate and will be much shorter this time around. (2) KLIMT WORLD was 6th in that same race having shown close to the pace and along with (5) VICTORY HIT, the only one in the race to have appeared twice before, most recently behind Eclipse Town, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Eclipse Town (8) Panorama King (1) Hero Fighter (2) Klimt World
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Back to juvenile maidens here with all but two having raced before although none at this distance. (5) PERFECT TIARA has raced twice, finishing 3rd and 4th at 1000M. She can race on pace here and it can be third time lucky. (11) TRAUM KING was a June trial winner before running an on-pace 4th on debut on July 8th. He may need a touch of luck from the wide draw ut he too can be on pace and can be in this a long way. (6) VINCENT CAVALLO was slowly away from the widest gat on debut on June 24th. He draws better this time, the additional trip can suit, and Kim Yong-geun climbs aboard. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and (8) SMART CLAIR among others with the potential for improvement.

Selections(5) Perfect Tiara (11) Traum King (6) Vincent Cavallo (4) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) LUCKY HONEY had a dodgy first couple of outings but has put together four top-four finishes on the spin including a 2nd and a 3rd in her latest two, both over this trip when racing just behind the speed. Any top -three finish here will see her into class 5 next time and today could be her day to come out on top. The penny seems to have dropped too for (9) NAOL SKY with two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest two. She has posted fair times and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (7) RAON AIR FORCE was a much-improved 3rd on June 16th when for the first time he led. Expect similar tactics today and he can be in this a long way. (3) GRATITUDE and (10) WONPYEONG SKY are others in the minor money frame.

Selections(5) Lucky Honey (9) Naol Sky (7) Raon Air Force (3) Gratitude
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) SEVEN BLADE will be hot favourite here. After running 5th on debut in May, he was a close 2nd when sent up to this distance on June 25th, settling just behind the leaders and running on. In this company and from a good gate, he can be expected to be on the speed, and he will take some beating. (11) MENI SHARK has shown steady improvement across six starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on July 9th. She has the fastest time among any of these for the distance and she should be a factor here. (7) KARIZMA picked up significantly in his latest outing, overcoming gate ten to run 2nd. He was ridden much further forward than he had been previously, and similar tactics can be expected here. (5) GOLDEN PEARL and (3) WONDERFUL RULES the other placing chances.

Selections(4) Seven Blade (11) Meni Shark (7) Karizma (5) Golden Pearl
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Another race with a strong favourite, in this case (7) MADE STAR. After taking a few goes to figure things out, she has a4th and a 2nd from her latest two, at 1200M and 1300M, both times coming from off the pace. She has a strong finish on her and so long as she isn’t left with too much to do or too much traffic to get through, she should be making the breakthrough here. (11) WONDERFUL FOX is the logical danger. She has been a model of consistency with five top-three finishes from six starts so far and while she is yet to break the top-two, that should change today. Another one with a strong finish, the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and she can be a danger in the closing stages. (2) SMART SOCKS comes in off a best so far 3rd on July 15th. She comes into a better gate today and a repeat isn’t impossible. (4) SAEBYEOK ANGAE and (8) ARCH RUNNER others in the hunt.

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Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 30)

Busan flies solo for the last day of racing in July. There are 15 races from 11:35 to 19:00:

Double Classic winner Captain Yankee will be in action at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all eleven racing for the very first time so we must head for the trial videos. They won’t detain us for very long because (4) FANTASTIC FIELD was by far the star performer, leading all the way in his heat to cross the line as many lengths to the good as he pleased in a quick time. He will be a short-price favourite and if he brings anything like that form to the races, he will win. (9) HIT SOCKS finished off his trial very nicely, making up excellent ground late on. It wasn’t a quick heat, but he showed plenty of promise. (11) OVER ENERGY trialled on a very wet track and ran on well under only a small amount of encouragement and looks to have promise. (7) BURUI JEWANG was sked to do a little more in his heat but ran well, leading for much of the way. He should be on pace here and can be competitive. (8) PURE DANCE went quite wide in his trial but ran on pleasingly at the business end and is another who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(4) Fantastic Field (9) Hit Socks (11) Over Energy (7) Burui Jewang
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(9) KALJABI has raced three times so far, finishing in the top four on each occasion. While he has drawn a touch wide here, with a bit of luck at the start, he can get on pace, and he will take some beating. (3) ACE A MOCA has a 3rd place to her name at this distance and she is set to be one of the main dangers. She had to contend with gate eleven last time out but should have an easier run of it today. (8) CORNER ONE debuted over 1000M on July 7th, settling right back and running on strongly with a very quick final furlong before running out of track. The additional distance today can suit. (1) CONCORD PARK and (7) GLORY CROWN others to consider. A final note, the solitary debut maker (2) SINGAPORE PARTY doesn’t make it into the top line of numbers, but she went through a second voluntary trial after qualifying and posted a much better performance and time (1:03.5) from a wide gate. This may not appear in all race cards.

Selections(9) Kaljabi (3) Ace A Moca (8) Corner One (1) Concord Park
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) DOCTOR BROWN is one for one having scored in debut in a quick race over 1000M on July 7th when he settled just behind the leaders early before proving too strong. He comes up in both class and in distance here, but neither should be a problem and from a great draw, he can be on pace and can maintain his 100% record. (9) HELLO SUNSHINE looks the standout second pick. He made all to win over this distance in April before coming close to repeating the trick on his first try at this class over 1300M in May only to be caught late on. He has had ten weeks off since then so comes in fresh and back slightly in trip, he warrants consideration. Back in trip may also be the key for (6) ABERLOUR. He finished midfield on his latest at 1400M but the start before when 3rd at this class and distance suggests he can be competitive here (8) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT and (4) E-CASH among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(1) Doctor Brown (9) Hello Sunshine (6) Aberlour (8) Goldenthunderbolt
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

Tricky race. (5) NICE DAY defied odds of nearly 50/1 to win at class and distance on June 9th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. That was his first try at this class but his form going in had been good and the win perhaps wasn’t as much a surprise as the odds suggest. He draws a better gate here and the engagement of an apprentice jockey means he carries even less weight. A repeat isn’t impossible. (7) HANGANG SAVER was a class and distance winner in a super quick time in March before having a hard time in a valuable trophy race in May. He bounced back with a 4th place on June 18th, and he should be on pace and in the mix here. (1) HANEUL JEWANG was 3rd behind Nice Day in that June 9th race and has since run 3rd over 1400M. He carries a light weight and should be close. The wildcard is (9) SPECIAL ROAD, who has four top-three finishes from five starts. She comes up in class from her last race in March, but she looked very well when winning a trial just last weekend. If she didn’t leave her race there, she has a chance. (8) BLUE CARSON is another to keep safe.

Selections(5) Nice Day (7) Hangang Saver (1) Haneul Jewang (9) Special Road
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) CAPTAIN COMMANDO has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on June 30th. He was well beaten by a good winner but that was his first race back since January and he should strip fitter for the run. He can settle behind the early pace, and he can potentially go one better here. (7) CAPTIN DIA may be due an edit of the spelling of his name, but he showed potential on debut on June 23rd when settling back but running on strongly for 2nd place over 1000M. The additional furlong and a half should suit him and with some natural improvement, he can be a danger. Keeping with the “Captain” theme, (8) BRAVE CAPTAIN comes in off a solid 3rd place over 1200M last time out on July 2nd, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. In this company he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) PIMI and (10) RICH COWBOY both come in off places at this distance and are among plenty of others who can aim for at least the minors.

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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 29)

With Seoul taking its summer weekend off, there is a rare Saturday card at Busan. It’s a twilight schedule with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00:

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

Maidens in the opener with all but two having raced at least once before. (6) DREAM WAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on June 23rd and rana fair 3rd after starting slowly and settling back before running on. He should have benefited from that experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he looks to be the one to beat here. (2) CHARON TODAY ran once last October without distinction and hasn’t raced since. She looked very well when making all in a trial two weeks ago, stopping the clock in a quick time, and that will be enough to give her plenty of backers first-up here. (3) YONGBI STAR ran fairly for 5th on debut having raced right at the back most of the way around. The experience and the step up in trip should be beneficial. (9) GRAY BOSS and (5) TODAY QUEEN others to consider for improvement. 

Selections(6) Dream Way (2) Charon Today (3) Yongbi Star (9) Gray Boss
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

(3) TAURUS KING didn’t do much in two initial starts across the turn of the year, but he returned after four months off in June, gelded and looking much more like a racehorse. He has finished 2nd and 3rd in his two starts back, both at 1200M and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking and can win. (11) ILGANG DAERO put in some positive efforts during his juvenile campaign with his best being an on-pace 2nd at this distance. He returns to action for the first time since last October but while he will need this, he trialled well, and he warrants consideration first-up. (4) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1300M on June 30th. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it can suit. (6) ANY SINGS and (8) BLUE CAVIAR are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Taurus King (11) Ilgang Daero (4) Yeonggwanguihamsung (6) Any Sings
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

(9) DOCTOR KINGDOM has run 2nd and 3rd in two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, both times sitting behind the speed and running on. The slight step up in trip can help and he looks to have scope for plenty more improvement. In this company he may be a little further forward than in those two previous outings, and he can win. (3) ANOTHER ONE showed significant improvement at start number five on July 9th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd at this distance with three of today’s field behind him. A repeat of that effort will put him in the finish again. (2) HERO J also beat a couple of these when a close 2nd at 1200M on July 9th. That was his third start, all at 1200M, and he has shown progress each time. He draws well, and the slightly extended trip can be in his favour. (6) VELOCIRAPTOR and (5) YONG GUN others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Doctor Kingdom (3) Another One (2) Hero J (6) Velociraptor
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

A very tricky race with plenty having chances. (3) SUCCESS BATTLE is still a maiden but comes up in class here following a 3rd place and then two runner-up finishes. She posted a good time over this distance last time out, she carries a light weight, and having finally drawn a good gate, she can get on pace here and can win. (4) COLUMBIA CHAMP is up in class having registered her maiden win at the second time of asking over 1200M on July 14th racing in pace throughout. She too draws nicely here to get to the front early and she should measure up at this level. (10) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG is another up in class despite being winless. He really looks to have figured things out in his latest three though, all at this distance, and while he draws wider than ideal, with a touch of luck at the start he can get a forward position and be in this a long way. (2) BEAUTY HILL and (7) LET IT GO have both placed at this class and can potentially do so again.

Selections(3) Success Battle (4) Columbia Champ (10) Success Yeonggwang (2) Beauty Hill
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

Another very competitive race. (3) BACKTOTHELEGEND was an also-ran in the KRA Cup Mile but returned to shallower waters and ran 2nd at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but quickly up to a handy position. He stays down in the weights, he draws well, and he can have benefitted from that experience of racing around two turns. (10) CHAMP GO enters having won at class and distance on July 16th when close to the pace throughout and then running on to win very pleasingly. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is not to be dismissed. (8) HONEY DRAGON is a twenty-race maiden, but his recent form reads well with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this class and distance. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but he can be running on late and it’s not impossible that today can be his day. The up in class (7) WONDERFUL FILE along with (1) NAKDONG JEONSA are among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 23)

There is Sunday racing scheduled for both Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and at Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). The forecast is for heavy rain. Here are the previews:

Hangang Ace is back Seoul on Christmas Eve

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

Juvenile maidens with all eleven racing for the very first time. The probable favourite is (1) BUNDANG TSUNAMI. He showed close to the pace in his trial, crossing the line in midfield in a fair time. From the inside gate, he should be able to get to the lead here and he has as much chance as any. (5) TAEPYEONG HERO went through a couple of trials, running an improved 4th on a wet track in the second of them. If he can continue with that trajectory, he can go close here. (4) JECHUK IHO ran a very close 2nd in his heat, coming from off the pace. The time wasn’t quick, but it is enough to put him in the mix here. (11) GREAT STORM and (7) YEOWANG SOCKS, the latter trailing up in the same heat as Bundang Tsunami, are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Bundang Tsunami (5) Taepyeong Hero (4) Jechuk Iho (11) Great Storm
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

(6) BEAT RACER beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place over 1300M on June 18th. That was his best finish to date and continued a pattern of steady improvement. Like all but two of the field, he steps up to 1400M for the first time and with Moon Se-young climbing on, today can be his day. (2) VILLARRICA took a few goes to figure things out but has picked up in his recent two with a 2nd and a 4th. Both at 1200M. He finished off well both times and the step up to 1400M could work in his favour. (5) ONE SPEAR enters off a best to date result of 2nd over 1300M on July 1st. He is another who comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (10) SAVANA CHARLIE loves coming 4th and has every chance of doing that again. (1) EFFEL TAP another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Beat Racer (2) Villarrica (5) One Spear (10) Savana Charlie
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. That one with prior experience is (3) CHAMSARANGGIL, who having won a trail in May debuted on June 11th over 1200M where she raced handily and briefly hit the front before eventually finishing 2nd. She has had six weeks off since then, but she should have derived benefit from the experience and has every chance of going one better. (7) BORN DIA won her trial having run on pace, stopping the clock in a good time on a wet track. She can be expected to be on pace here and can put in a bold showing first up. The same applies to (4) MY MELODY. She led for much of the way around before being overtaken and ultimately ran 2nd. It’s fair to say that trial winner hasn’t shown much in three starts but nevertheless,  My Melody can be on the speed and in this a long way. (2) ROAD STAR and (8) GEUMA PRECEDE are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Chamsaranggil (7) Born Dia (4) My Melody (2) Road Star
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) JUMONG CHEONHA remains a maiden after six attempts but has finished in the top-four on no fewer than five occasions. That includes his latest two, at 1200M and 1300M when running on for 3rd and 4th, and the slight step up to 1400M today could be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough against a limited set of rivals. (3) DOLBAE has plenty of experience at the level and while here recent form reads rather ordinary, she has posted some fast times in better company than this. From a good draw she can be on what passes or the speed here and can go close. (10) FLYING LIGHT ran a good 2nd at this class over 1300M two starts back and the margins weren’t huge when he was beaten into 7th last time out. He has a strong finish on him, and the wide draw shouldn’t matter. (11) STAR PRINCSSS and (2) BICHUICA others in the frame.

Selections(8) Jumong Cheonha (3) Dolbae (10) Flying Light (11) Star Princess
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(11) GANGSEO BULPAE won an April trial and then ran a close 2nd on debut on June 25th almost making all over this distance and stopping the clock in a significantly quicker time than any of the others here have managed. She should have come on for that run and while she is drawn wider than ideal, she is the one to beat. (10) HANEUL HAETSAL has a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, both over 1300M and both times having raced on pace. She too received no favours from the draw but with a touch of luck at the start, if she can find a decent position, she should be in the finish. (5) FIRST MENI has finished off her last couple of races well and she steps up to 1300M for the first time. She is third-up this preparation having missed the entire first half of the year and she could be peaking fitness-wise. Solitary debut-maker (1) FIRST KOREA was an on-pace 2nd in a good time in his trial and in this company must be given a chance first-up. (9) URI DAHAMKKE another in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Gangseo Bulpae (10) Haneul Haetsal (5) First Meni (1) First Korea
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) SPECIALTIME was a winner on debut over 1200M on June 17th when she overcame gate ten to sit behind the speed and then ran on well. She comes up in class and slightly in distance here, but she comes into a better gate and with some natural improvement from that first run, she can maintain her 100% record. The main danger is (2) BURUI KKOT. She is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has five runner-up finishes to her name, including her latest on June 18th. She is well drawn; she has run good times at this distance and today could be her day. (7) BIG BLED comes up in class having secured her maiden win at start number three on May 28th when she scored by a full seven-lengths over 1200M. This is tougher but the manner of that win suggests that there may be more to come. (4) HWANGGEUMKKOT and (8) DORIPO among plenty of others with placing claims in a competitive race.

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Minister’s Cup Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 22)

The Triple Crown concludes under the floodlights at Seoul on Saturday evening with the running of the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) Korean Derby winner Global Hit returns at the head of full field of sixteen. There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 14:45 to 18:00.

Global Hit won the Derby (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with all eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (5) DALBITJOGAKSA. She sat handy in her trial before running away from the field in the closing stages to cross the line in front by as many as she pleased in a quick time. She draws well, and if she brings anything like that form to the races, she will take some beating. (9) HAENGBOKHAN SEUNGJA showed a good bit of speed in her trial too, running 2nd behind an experienced racehorse. She sat just behind the early leaders and ran on well and should be in with a shout here. (6) GEUMAK JINJU similarly was 2nd in her heat, showing on the speed and should have supporters. (10) TAEPYEONG VISION won her heat and while the time wasn’t hugely quick and she does draw wide, that showing is enough to put her in the numbers here. (1) HAPPY ICTUS, who improved in the second of two trials (it may not be on all race cards) another who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Dalbitjogaksa (9) Haengbokan Seungja (6) Geumak Jinju (10) Taepyoung Vision
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 10

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

Maidens with northern hemisphere juveniles and southern hemisphere three-year-olds. Eight of the eleven race for the first time. (3) UWARYUNG was 2nd on debut at this distance on June 10th when settling midfield and running on. She was well beaten by the favourite, Spurt Bit, who has since gone on to win again, but she posted a good time and with some natural improvement, she can be the one to beat here. Of the first-time starters, (11) I’M JJANG is the pick. He went through two trials, running fairly for 4th in the first of them and then going through a voluntary one (which may not appear in all race cards) in May, which he won. In a quick time, settling midfield and running on. Moon Se-young is aboard, and he will have plenty of backers. (10) ULTRA DRAGON was slowly away in his first trial and missing the qualifying time, but he was much improved in a second one, leading all the way to win the heat in a good time. The draw is not ideal but if he brings that form to the races, he can go close. (4) MIGHTY JJANG and (8) ENDING FIRE others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Uwaryung (11) I’m Jjang (10) Ultra Dragon (4) Mighty Jjang
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

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

(1) GANGPUNGMA debuted on June 11th and having settled back in midfield, finished strongly for a creditable 3rd place. The time was quicker than any of the others have posted for this distance, and he should have derived benefit from the experience. He draws better this time, he should be closer to the speed, and he has solid claims. (4) AUSTIN LEADER may sound like a regional Texas newspaper, but he’s shown some ability across three starts so far, especially in his last start 2nd over this distance when he led almost the entire way around, just getting headed late on. He comes into a better gate today, can lead again, and can once more be in things a long way. (3) NAOL DAEWANG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at this distance. In the first he came from well off the pace while in the second he was ridden much handier. Expect the latter today and he has a strong finish on him. (11) GEOMUI JEONSEOL and (2) TAEPYEONGMU others who come in with recent form reading well.

Selections(1) Gangpungma (4) Austin Leader (3) Naol Daewang (11) Geomui Jeonseol
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(10) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK’s last start 2nd in a good time over this distance is enough to put him on top here. He has only put in one bad run in five and that latest effort on June 25th saw him race handy and only go down narrowly to a long shot. The draw isn’t the best, but he should have enough about him to find a decent position again and if he does, he is the one to beat. (11) DAONDI beat Sidaeui Myeongjak two starts back when the pair ran 2nd and 5th over 1200M on May 28th. He didn’t run on in his subsequent start at this distance in June but is worth another chance here. (1) JANGHEUNG CLASS is another who will need a line drawn through his latest when he had a wide gate and used up plenty of energy getting close to the lead before weakening. Form a better draw and with Moon Se-young aboard, he will be backed. (5) NAOL JEONGSANG, who returns for the first time since a promising debut last Christmas Day, is the wildcard, while (3) FLYING ZEST was a useful 4th at start number two last time out and can build on that here.

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