The final leg of the 2022 Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup will be run on Sunday at Seoul but the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an eight-race card on Friday running from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s hard to go past (8) HUIMANG PUNCH. She debuted last October, beating just one home and then didn’t reappear until a trial in April. She was encouraging in that heat to the extent that she was well-fancied on her return to racing on May 13^th when an on-pace 2^nd at this distance. Her time for the 1200M was faster than any of the others here have achieved and she should win. (2) MORNING MUSE improved to 3^rd place on her latest start on May 20^th when she overcame a wide draw to sit handy and then ran on. She comes into a better gate today and can go close. (5) PURE MAGIC debuted in that May 29^th race, running a solid 5^th. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can go closer this time. (6) EURO STAR and (1) WONDERFUL TRICKS among others with scope to improve.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens. It’s not a strong field so we’re willing to take a chance on one of the two first-time starters. (3) WIDAEHAN HAMAN enters having won a May trial in which she looked assured, breaking well and then responding to urging late on and running through the line well. The time wasn’t fast but she demonstrated enough to suggest a bold showing first-up is possible. (7) SEOGWI CHUKJE was an improved 3^rd at start number four on May 6^th when settling back in the field and running on. An apprentice keeps her weight very light and she can place again. (1) STAR MATTA was well-backed on debut on May 8^th having won a trial in April in a fast time. While he settled handy, he didn’t quite see the race out and ended up only beating one home. He should have benefitted from that and could be a different prospect today. The other first-timer, (2) SILVER ROAD, trialed fairly and along with (6) TAP STAR is another to consider.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) WONDERFUL BOBCAT enters in consistent form with a strong 2^nd last time out when close to the pace over a mile. He has run well at this distance too and draws very nicely here to drop in behind the early speed and run on. This is his fourth start since returning from almost a year out and he could be peaking here. (10) MY SONG was a much-improved 2^nd at her latest appearance on May 13^th when she sat handy and ran on and while a long way behind a good winner, a similar run today will see her in the finish. (11) QUEEN’S DAERO beat both Wonderful Bobcat and My Song when 2^nd at this distance on April 15^th. That was her best result in eight starts so far and while she could only manage 6^th behind My Song on her re-appearance last month, she should be competitive here. (3) RHIANNON POINT and (2) BLUE CAPTAIN are among others in the placing frame.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) WONDERFUL SECRET comes in having won just the once but with no fewer than eight top-four finishes from twelve starts. That includes his latest on May 13^th when at this class and distance he beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2^nd place having settled midfield and run on behind a good winner. From a good draw he will be on pace here and is the one to beat. (7) CENTUM THOR is yet to win in sixteen attempts but is ultra-consistent with thirteen top-five finishes. He has run good times at this distance and was 5^th in the May 13^th race. He comes down slightly in the weights here and can be competitive. (1) ADELE BOSS was 3^rd in that same race having led for much of the way around. That was his first try around two turns and he should benefit from it. (3) DIA FORCE and (6) B J’S TERMS are others to take into consideration.

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

A maiden winner at this distance two starts back at class 6 level, (5) INDIE MAGIC ran a solid 3^rd on his first try at this class on May 1^st when settling back in the field and steadily improving. He looks to have scope for more development and from a fair gate will probably be a bit closer to the speed this time around and he can win. The biggest danger may well be his stablemate. (10) PURPLE MANGO comes up in class following an all the way score at this distance on May 15^th. While the draw is not ideal, she can get forward again and a Rice-quinella looks a real possibility. Also up in class is (4) INTO MARINE. He similarly made all over this distance on March 4^th and comes in fresh after three months. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and can go close. (8) SPICE INDIE and (3) JEONGDEUN-RO others in the frame.

June kicks off with the final leg of the filly Triple Crown, the Gyeonggi Govenor’s Cup at Seoul on Sturday before the capital track hosts the Ttukseom Cup. the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, on Sunday. Before that there is an 8-race program at Busan on Friday which runs from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings, with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Among the newcomers is probable hot favourite (5) CAPTAIN GOLD. He produced one of the most impressive trial performances seen recently when leading all the way and crossing the line thirteen-lengths ahead of anything else and only asked for minimal effort. If he brings anything like that form to the races, he’ll win easily. (11) JOSEPHINE QUEEN is the best of the experienced ones. She’s finished in the top five on all four of her starts so far, registering fair times in the process. She can go close here. (9) CHONGAL CHARM has hinted at ability in three outings to date and should be in the placing frame here. (10) GRAPHENE KING and (12) TOMYRIS are other first time starters who looked well in trials.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

There is one debut-maker among this field of maidens and (11) INDIE BULPAE is likely to attract plenty of interest. He’s a half-brother to KRA Cup Classic winner Mr. Afleet and debuts here having improved in the second of two trials. This is not a very strong race and a bold showing first up looks on the cards. (1) DOCTOR KONGDOLI mixes his form but does have a runner-up finish to his name and from a good draw today can be competitive. (10) DAEJI SPECIAL has been reasonably consistent across his seven outings to date and drops back in trip following recent starts at 1400M and a mile. He is a touch one-paced but will can run on into some money here. (9) GALLOP BOY and (6) RUNNING WARRIOR are among others who can enter the calculations.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(4) CHOEGANG FORCE looks to be the one to beat here. He races for the first time since February, when he ran a good 3rd at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He does tend to get a bit far back in his races but he has a strong finish and he should prove too good for this lot. (1) CHOEGANG DUDEURIM enters off her two best finishes having run 3rd and 2nd. She too can leave herself a bit too much to do, but from a good draw and with an apprentice keeping the weight right down again, she can go close. (2) DOCTOR CANDY beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place over a mile last time out. She has run fairly at this distance too and can be in the placing frame at least here. (7) URI JOEUNNAL and (3) MY PAL are others to consider.

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

A small field of fillies here but it is competitive. We’ll give a chance to (7) DOKBO, who comes up in class having registered her maiden win on her third start in May 6th when leading all the way. She looks to have scope for more development and can be on pace here and win again. The probable favourite is (2) CHEONGHO BOSS. She’s yet to finish outside the top five and was a smart winner over this distance at class 6 level. At her latest start on May 6th, she beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place and from a great draw, will be in this a long way. (5) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN got her maiden win two starts back and then ran 3rd on her first try at this class over 1300M on April 24th. She has a strong finish on her and can be competitive here. (8) BLUE CARSON and (4) BURNING PASSION are others in the hunt.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) GOLD TAP was a winner on debut back in February and since then has run 5th an d 2nd in two assignments at this class. The most recent of those was on his first try at a mile on May 8th when prominent throughout and leading for part of the home straight, and he will be expected to return to the winner’s circle here. (2) WONDERUL FILE was a good winner over 1300M two starts back to get promoted to this class and ran 3rd on her first crack at it over the same distance on April 29th. She comes up in trip here but it can suit and she should be going close. (8) CHOEGANG MARINE and (7) GRAND CHUKJE can both have a line drawn through their respective latest starts. The former is a winner at this distance while the latter has placed at class and distance. (9) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN another who can be competitive.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field but a very competitive affair. (5) GALLANT WARRIOR was a class and distance winner on May 6th when on pace throughout. Both his wins have come at this distance and while he does come up 2kg from that run, he has every chance of winning again. (1) ROSE BULLET came home in 3rd place in that race having been on pace throughout. He draws nicely here and can be a danger again. (8) CHEONGHO LEADER enters off a solid runner-up finish at class and distance on May 15th. He came from well off the pace that day and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue. (3) GREAT DANCE is another who comes out of that May 6th race when he was 5th. While he only has the one win to his name, he has ten top-three finishes and should be close again. (7) YEONGWON POWER another to consider.

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

(12) BEAUTIFUL KING won back-to-back races over this distance in March and April the second of which was at this class. He weakened in the straight at 1400M on his latest outing on May 8th but this looks a more suitable assignment and he can return to winning ways. It’s a tricky race though. (6) A ONE PLUS is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but has no fewer than thirteen top-five finishes. He has some fair performances at this distance to his name and under a light weight again, can go close. (11) ROCKET SORI didn’t do too much wrong on debut at this distance on April 29th. He should have benefitted for the experience and with natural improvement can get closer today. (2) MUJEOK CHARLIE and (8) ONE PICK are among others in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

A very competitive race to finish with. (10) SONIC KING IJI might be ready to return to the winner’s circle. He’s been getting closer across his latest few appearances and ran 2nd at class and distance on April 22nd, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. The draw is not ideal but he doesn’t need to lead and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he has a chance. (11) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON won back-to-back races at this distance in March and April. She comes in off a 4th place when dropped back to 1200M on May 6th but back up in trip today, she can be a big threat. (1) COPY THAT beat Ilnyeom Tongcheon in that May 6th race having previously run 2nd to her at this distance. He gets a great draw here and can be a danger. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC and (3) BABEL HIT are others to consider.

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

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (4) TWO TWO COIN is the one to beat and will be a warm favourite. She’s shown improvement across five starts so far and enters off a strong 3rd place over this distance on May 13th when prominent throughout. She likes to be on pace, so draws well here and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, on that last run to win here. (11) SHAKA races once last September, putting in a fair run in a fast race over 1000M. He’s not been seen since but he remains in Kim Young-kwan’s stable and he looked very well when leading for much of a trial on May 14th, ultimately crossing the line 3rd in a good time. The draw is not ideal but a bold first-up showing is possible. (10) SUPER CRACK improved significantly at start number four over this distance on April 29th when settling midfield and running on and is another who can be dangerous. (7) PRETTY CHARM and (1) SPECIAL WIND among others with placing chances.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (4) CUTE GUY here. Having trialed up well, he was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 4th and while he led for much of the way around, he ultimately ran a close 2nd to Green Cheetah. He’s had almost three months off since and while he carries more weight and comes up in trip, he will be the one they need to beat. (5) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE’s best finish to date came at this distance three starts back when on pace and finishing 2nd. The time was the fastest that any of these have posted at this distance and he can go close again here. (2) BAEDARI GANGHO can have a line drawn through his latest outing on May 13th when he was drawn wide and got a long way back. From a much more favourable gate today, he should be a different prospect. (6) NAREUCAT and (9) VIEW AMAZING others who can aim for the minor money.

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

Small but competitive field here. (9) MAN OF THE STAR may still be a maiden and may be up in class here but there is no reason why he can’t measure up. He has posted competitive times across his four starts to date, and at his latest on February 27th, he worked hard to get to the lead from a similarly wide gate, ultimately finishing 2nd. He comes in fresh here, is sown in the weights and today could be his day. He will vie for favourite status with (5) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG. He was slowly away at his latest start but gets a much better gate today and can be a different prospect, having already registered some good times at this distance. Expect him to be on pace this time. (2) KING BID finished ahead of Eunseong Yeongung last time out and has the best time of any of these at the distance. He likes to settle back and run on and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he can be a danger late on here. (8) STATICE and (4) BABEL PHOENIX among others with chances.

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

A small field of fillies and mares here but a competitive one nonetheless. (4) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM looks set to go well. Her solitary victory was all the way back in December 2020, before she missed the majority of her three-year-old campaign, returning to action in October following eight months out. Since then she has been working her way back into form and was a good 3rd at class and distance last time out on April 10th. In this company she could well be on the early speed and she can win here. (6) HAMAN BONGHWASAN has only raced four times, winning at start number two over 1300M. She comes in having run 3rd over 1400M on her latest start at the beginning of April and drops back to this distance for the very first time. She can settle handy here and run on. (3) HAVANA JANE took seventeen goes to get her maiden win and come up in class but she has seemed comfortable enough in three subsequent outings at this level and should be there or thereabouts again, (5) JEONGDEUN-RO and (8) BAEK GU others to enter the calculations.

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

The second division of the filly/mare handicap and it’s as equally open as the first. We’ll tentatively side with (6) ARTIE’S GAL to finally make the breakthrough at start number ten. She comes in off a front-running 2nd place at 1300M on April 29th and while she is ostensibly up in class here, this isn’t an intimidating set of opponents. She comes down in the weights, draws well, and she has as good a chance as any here. (4) RUN AND GUN is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than nine top-five finishes in fourteen attempts. She comes in off back-to-back 4^th place finishes and can settle back and run on to go close again here. (5) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC had gone a little cold prior to spending almost six months on the sidelines from last November. She returns to action here having won a trial at the end of April and could be heading back into form. (8) GUARDIAN ANGEL and (3) COLORFUL WIND others in the placing frame.

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

(4) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM won his first two in fine style at 1300M before being tried arounf 1800M on May 6^th, his first try at this class. That proved to be too much too soon and having led early, he knocked up very quickly in the home straight. This is a much more suitable assignment with a much better draw and so long as that chastening experience three weeks ago didn’t take too much out of him, he can return to winning ways today. (6) MIRACLE SON returned from eight months out to run a strong 2^nd place over class and distance on a muddy track on April 29^th. He had put together an impressive set of results before the layoff and should be better for April’s run. He can sit handy here and be strong late on. (3) SANGSEUNG BOY has raced just four times with two wins and two 3^rd place finishes to his name. The latter 3^rd was his first try at this class and from a good draw, he can be expected to be on pace from the start and to be in this a long way. (5) CHOEGANG CUPID comes up in class but down in weight after a good win at this distance and can measure up at this level. The wildcard is (2) BEASTLY. Who returns to action for the first time since June last year. He looked well when winning a trial earlier this month.

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Good race this. We’ll stick with (2) BUSANHANG GALMAEGI, who scored on his first try at this class on May 13^th, tracking the leader and then running on for a narrow victory. He comes up 4kg in the weights, but that is balanced a little by a better draw and another win isn’t impossible. The big danger is (1) WINNNG DANCER. A class and distance winner in a fast time three starts back in January, he has since run 3^rd and 4^th, beating plenty of today’s rivals and will probably start as the favourite here. (4) ACE DAY is also a recent class and distance winner, having made all in February to win in a fast time. His only subsequent run was three weeks ago when he worked hard to get to a forward position from an unhelpful draw, only to weaken in the closing stages over 1400M. Today’s assignment looks a better one for him and he should go close. (5) BURNING FLY and (6) REVERSE SWEEP are both experienced at this class and capable of finding the money.

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

It took (2) CALM STRONG several attempts to figure things out but she seems to have got there, winning her latest two in fine style and fast times over the 1400M. She comes up in class and also up in distance to two turns for the first time here, but in this company she looks to have solid claims to win again. (6) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU came back into form with a strong class and distance 2^nd at his latest start behind his very good looking stablemate Tuhonui Banseok on April 29^th. He has run some good times at the distance and if Calm Strong gets found out, he could well be the one to take advantage. (9) SUNLIGHT BOY managed a good class and distance 2^nd two starts back, beating several of today’s rivals and can go close. (7) QUATTRO MAX and (5) MALIBU BYEOL are others in at least the placing frame.

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. It’s hard to look far past (4) SEOBU TEUKGEUP. She’s raced twice so far, finishing 4th and 3rd. both over this distance and registering times far superior than any of the other experienced ones in the race have come close to. She draws very nicely to be on or close to the pace and having won the Derby last Sunday, jockey Perovic should be returning to Busan with a win here. (7) POINT REIGN is the clear second-pick. It took him three trials to qualify but once he did, he ran well for 4th place at this distance on debut on April 10th. With some natural improvement for that run, he can give the favourite a race here. (10) MORNING MUSE has hinted at some ability over four starts so far, with fair times in his latest couple. (3) PURE MAGIC and (8) JANGSEONG DAERO are first-timers who in this company can be competitive first-up.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and another hot favourite. (6) MAN OF THE MAN trialed up promisingly a couple of times before running a strong 2nd on debut at this distance on April 17th when handy throughout and running on. He won’t need to improve much at all on that run to win here and can lead or sit handy again and prove far too strong. (1) UNJU STAR showed significant improvement at his latest outing when stepped up to 1300M on March 20th. He sat midfield and ran on well for 3rd that day and while he does come back in trip, he gets a good draw on the inside and can continue to make progress here. (10) WALTZ CHARM improved on her second start and while he does come up in the weights as a result of an apprentice not being engaged this time, he too seems be heading in the right direction. (5) LOUD COLOR looks the best of the two debut-makers at this stage, while (9) COME ON FIRST is another who can improve off a middling debut.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

We’ll take a chance on (7) NOBLE SPIRIT here. He returned from almost six months out to run a creditable 4th over 1200M on April 22nd when settling midfield and then running on well in a fair time. He should strip fitter for that run and the additional furlong may well suit. Despite the Perovic factor, he should be available at an each-way price. Probable favourite is (3) MAGIC WHISPER. He comes in having led almost the entire way around over 1300M on April 15th, only to be beaten late on by Wonderful File. From a good draw, he should lead again and will surely be in this a long way. (2) ZET CASH has already raced over this distance a couple of time, finishing 4th on both occasions, including at this latest outing on April 8th. He tends to go right back and then run on but may be ridden handier from a better draw today. He does come up 4kg in the weights due to not having an apprenticed booked, but he should be competitive. (10) SPEED SUNSHINE has been consistent and can aim for another money finish. (9) CHOEGANG DUDEURIM, a last start 2nd at big odds, another in the frame.

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

(5) HIT THE ROAD has the joint-fastest time of any of these at the distance, and comes back in trip following a 6th place over a mile on April 29th. Two starts back he was 2nd at this distance when handy to the lead throughout. An apprentice jockey takes some weight off here and he looks very nicely in to add a second win at what will be his twenty-second start. (3) O.K. THUNDER was a good winner on debut at 1200M on Boxing Day. He didn’t reappear until April 17th when he stepped up to this class and ran 7th of twelve over 1300M. He should have benefited from that run and be much more competitive here. (4) KING PARTY was a good winner at this distance two starts back before running 5th on his first try at this class on April 29th. He draws well and can go close. (2) JIN MARK got her maiden win at start number fourteen over this distance at class 6 level on April 29th, when going right back and running on. She draws nicely, carries a light weight, and can measure up. (7) LIGHT STORY among others to consider.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) TOP ADELE comes in having made all to win at class and distance back in February. That was a good fourteen weeks ago but coming in fresh shouldn’t be a problem and nor should the additional 3kg on his back. He draws very well again and can lead all the way again. The most credible danger to the favourite is (4) DAEHO NURI. His solitary win came at 1300M two starts back when he came from well off the pace and he ran similarly on his first go at this class on April 17th, again at the 1300M. The step up to the mile could well suit and he can go close here. (6) B J’S TERMS returned to action on April 29th following nine months out. He ran well, finishing in 3rd place on a sloppy track over 1400M. His reward is he has to come up in class but in this company he can measure up and while he may not be a wining chance, he can place again. (1) GREEN PAPAGO and (7) DIA FORCE are others in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) TRIUMPH CAT returned to action after almost six months out on April 10th and he ran well for 2nd at this class and distance, settling back and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights today but draws very well and looks to be the one to beat. (2) HANBIT YEONGGWANG is yet to win in nineteen attempts but ran well for 3rd on her latest start on April 17th when just off the pace throughout and running on well over 1400M. She steps up in trip today and from a good draw, it can suit. (8) RUN FIGHTER was a class and distance winner two starts back on March 4th when on pace throughout and winning emphatically. He could only manage 6th on his reappearance on April 24th but can be given another chance here despite the high weight. (6) K K WON came home in 3rd place in that April 24th race and along with (7) CHEONGMA HWANGHU is another to consider for the minors.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (4) MY DESTINY will be a warm favourite to win. Her sole win came at this distance and she has eleven top-five finishes from thirteen starts. At her latest outing on April 29th, she beat three of these on her way to 2nd place over 1400M racing handy throughout. She comes up a couple of kilos in the weights, but that is balanced by a better draw and she may take some beating. (5) MORNING THUNDER comes up in class following a good win at this distance on April 15th, when she ran on strongly after a going back at the start. She comes down in the weights, draws nicely and should measure up at this level. (3) K.B. BOSS was a last start winner at this class and distance, settling midfield and then running on. She comes up 2.5kg but should still be competitive on that and can go close. (2) ACHIM BIT and (9) NAMDO QUEEN are others in the hunt.

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(8) BURNING PARTY comes in having won the TCK Trophy at this distance on April 3rd when she tracked the leader throughout, hitting the front at the top of the straight and then running on comfortably. That was her second win at the distance and while a couple of these have beaten her before, she looks to be the one in-form. (2) ADELE PUPIL was 2nd in that race having been handy throughout. She meets Burning Party 2kg better here and from a great draw will be a danger. (4) GEUMA KAIROS returned to action on April 15th after more than a year out. He ran 5th of nine over 1200M and should be much the better for it. He won at this class and distance before the layoff and don’t rule out a big performance here. (5) HILL MORE, up significantly in weight after a last start class and distance score, and (9) ALIVE CAPTAIN, up rapidly in class following back-to-back wins, are others who can enter the calculations.