Racing Previews

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Busan Fridays

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings with five of the ten racing for the very first time.   The favourite will be (4) ART KELLY. She has raced twice previously, improving to 2nd on her second appearance on February 18th, when she came from off the pace and worked home well. She’ll be hard to beat here. The second favourite will be one of the first timers, (8) BURNING PASSION. The Hansen filly trialed up nicely two weeks ago and a bold showing can be expected in this limited company. Another debut maker, (5) SEOBU TEUKGEUP also trialed in an encouraging manner and can go well here while (3) FANTASTIC YEOGEOL also hinted at some ability in her heat. As for the others with experience (1) DAEJI PERFECT was 3rd on debut, albeit in an utterly plodding time, and can be considered here.  

Selection(4) Art Kelly (8) Burning Passion (5) Seobu Teukgeup (3) Fantastic Yeogeol
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (7) BARBELL POSEIDON, who has raced fairly across his four starts so far with a best of 2nd over 1000M. At his latest, he ran on for 5th at this distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard today, could be ready to win. Possible betting favourite is (8) YOUNG BOSS. He was a much-improved 2nd at big odds on February 18th over this distance when he settled back and ran on and he could go one better here. (1) YONGGARI too has shown improvement across his latest two including 3rd place last time out over 1300M. The time wasn’t fast, but he draws very nicely here and can be in the finish again. (5) DOCTOR CANDY and (6) CHIEF ONE are others with the potential to improve.

Selection(7) Barbell Poseidon (8) Young Boss (1) Yonggari (5) Doctor Candy
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) KING GRACE has been working towards a win across his ten starts so far and will be hot favourite here following his latest couple of showings at this distance which ended in 5th and 2nd. His racing style is to settle back in the field and run on and he will probably do similar here and should prove too strong late on. (2) ANNIKA GIRL has lost her way a touch in her latest two but the step up in trip today may help. She was badly away last time from a wide draw but from a better gate she should go well here. (4) BARBELL STORM similarly had a rough time from gate fourteen at his latest start over 1200M a month ago. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and can find his form again here from a good draw. (1) HERO MAN and (7) HAEUNDAE BLUE are others in the placing frame.

Selection(5) King Grace (2) Annika Girl (4) Barbell Storm (1) Hero Man
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

This is a very open race. We’ll go with (11) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO, who has been finding her feet at this level with fair performances in her latest two. She has shown a bit of sped in the past and while the draw may not be in her favour as his best results have come when leading early, she can return to winning ways today. (10) MENIFEE SONG weakened on his first try at this class over a mile on February 13th. He won at this distance two starts back at class 6 level and the furlong drop should suit today. (6) USEUNG GANGJA comes in off a 3rd and a 4th at class and distance in her latest two, both at big odds. She’ll run on here and should be in contention for a place again. The up in class (7) GOSUUI POWER along with (9) DALYEORA VOLPONI are others who should enter the calculations.

Selection(11) Yeongcheon Solemio (10) Menifee Song (6) Useung Gangja (7) Gosuui Power
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) SANGIM YEOWANG comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number two on February 20th when she sat handy and ran on well over this distance. She draws well again and looks to have plenty of scope for further development, making her the one to beat here. (4) RAON THE FLASH is yet to win in six starts having been promoted to this class after three 3rd place finishes. At her latest start she led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing in 4th place and can be on or close to the speed again and be in this a long way. (8) ANASTASIA too led her latest outing ultimately coming home in 2nd place. She’ll be on pace again and will be competitive. (1) SEOBU QUEEN can have a line drawn through her latest and along with (10) HANEUL MISO is another in the hunt.

Selection(2) Sangim Yeowang (4) Raon The Flash (8) Anastasia (1) Seobu Queen
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) GEOMEUN SSONSAL returns to action for the first time in more than six months but is set to be favourite first-up here. He recorded two wins in five starts before the layoff and they were in fast times at this distance and at 1400M. He looked well when trialing two weeks ago and if he has any of his previous form about him, will be hard to beat here. (7) NAMDO QUEEN runs consistent, if unspectacular, times at this distance. She has very much found her level having been rapidly promoted at the start of her career, but this is the kind of race she can go close in. (3) ENDLESS RUNNING weakened late on over 1400M at his latest start, something he has done twice at that distance now. This is a more suitable assignment, and he can go close. (1) CHEONNYEONUI QUEEN and (9) JERA are others to consider for the places.

Selection(2) Geomeun Ssonsal (7) Namdo Queen (3) Endless Running (1) Cheonnyeonui Queen
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) DOCTOR FAITH comes back in trip after recent good work at a mile and further, most recently leading for much of the way over 1600M only to finish 2nd. He is an on-pace type and should get the lead here and will take some getting past. By contrast, (1) KING BROTHER likes to come from off the pace. His solitary victory came at this distance, and he will settle back here and run on strong again. (6) ACHIM BIT finished ahead of King Brother last time out when they ran home in 3rd and 4th places. He doesn’t win out of turn either but has an excellent record of money finishes and can go close again here. (4) PURE KING is another who comes back in trip, and it may well suit. (2) GLOBAL TOP another with placing claims.

Selection(5) Doctor Faith (1) King Brother (6) Achim Bit (4) Pure King
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(1) HANEUL ULLIM is developing into a handy stayer who has won at this class and distance and at his last start was hampered early when a close 2nd. He is nicely drawn today and can settle handy to midfield and is sure to make his presence felt. (3) CLEAN SHOT must be considered on his last start when a good 2nd under set weight conditions, beating plenty of these. The handicap favours him more today and he looks right in this. (2) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU is a galloper on the improve and can have his latest start disregarded when he had to contend with a wide draw. His previous form was very sound for a race like this. (6) QUATTRO MAX is a model of consistency and while he doesn’t win out of turn, he is always in the mix and worthy of thought. He is versatile and comfortable to settle from midfield to handy to the leaders place again. (9) TUHONUI BANSEOK another in the hunt returning from a layoff

Selection(1) Haneul Ullim (3) Clean Shot (2) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (6) Quattro Max
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

There is racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:50) on Sunday. All betting locations are open (except the Daegu branch), however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Tiz Plan is among those in action on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (3) GOLDEN THUNDER looks the one to beat, having improved to 2nd place at start number two on February 13th when beating three of today’s rivals with an on-pace showing at this distance. He draws better today, should be on the speed again, and can win. (6) THE FAVORITE didn’t run on at her latest start in January. She had hinted at some ability in her three prior starts though, showing a bit of speed and is worth another chance here. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, (8) STAR RACER caught the eye in his trial, crossing the line well ahead of the rest. The time wasn’t fast but in generally, trials have been slowly run of late and he can make an immediate impact first-up. (12) PURPLE STORM and (11) SIRIUS ALPHA others who can find the minor money.

Selections(3) Golden Thunder (6) The Favorite (8) Star Racer (12) Purple Storm
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. We’ll take a chance on one of the two first-timer starters, (4) TIZ SUCCESS. She went through two trials, significantly improving in the second of them, running through the line very well in a good time. She draws well here and looks right in this. (6) MENI SPEAR will probably start as favourite. She ran 4th on debut and then improved to 2nd at start number two, both over 1000M. Her style so far has been to be on pace, something she is well drawn to do again, and she will be in this a long way. (2) BE FLOWER also comes up in trip having run 3rd in both starts so far. The extra furlong can suit today. (11) GORGEOUS SERVE took an age to get into stride on debut but should have come on for that and be given another chance here. Similarly (3) BLOOD MOON beat a couple of today’s rivals when running on for 6th place. She has a better draw today and can be competitive.

Selections(4) Tiz Success (6) Meni Spear (2) Be Flower (11) Gorgeous Serve
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (10) BE CRAZY here. He comes back to this distance following two good spins over 1300M which yielded a 3rd and a 4th. He doesn’t draw ideally but should have enough early speed to navigate his way to the front and from then on will be very much the one to beat. (9) SOARA DAERO has a 2nd and two 5ths in three prior outings and has registered the fastest time of any of these at the distance along the way. He too has good early speed and can sit on pace or handy here and can be a danger. (6) EUNHYE DREAM has made progress in her latest two with a 3rd and a 4th, both times coming from off the pace and making up good ground late. Expect similar here. (12) RAON THE WILD and (8) BADAUI KKUM have mixed their form, but both have hinted at ability and could make the minor money in this company.

Selections(10) Be Crazy (9) Soara Daero (6) Eunhye Dream (12) Raon The Wild
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small but competitive field here.  (7) EUNSEONG WINNER could be ready to win. She has two 3rd place finishes from her three starts to date, including her latest on February 20th when she came from well back to run on well over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and Franco Da Silva remains aboard. (3) B.K. NEW MOON was an improved 2nd at her second outing on February 13th over 1200M. She recorded a fair time and is another who may suit the slightly extended trip today. (1) WONDERFUL CUTIE came home in 6th place behind Eunseong Winner on her most recent appearance but two starts back was runner-up over 1000M. She is nicely drawn on the inside here and looks to have at least placing claims. (6) HONOR’S MARGAUX and (5) HAPPY SONG SONG have the potential to improve.

Selections(7) Eunseong Winner (3) B.K. New Moon (1) Wonderful Cutie (6) Honor’ s Margaux
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) SONGAM RACER enters off his best finish to date when 3rd over 1300M, running on well. Like five others, he tackles this trip for the first time and his running style suggests that it can suit with him expected to sit off the pace here and then finish strongly. He could be too good. (7) BLACK INDY looked very much as though he needed the run when well back over 1400M on January 29th, on what was his first start since last June. He drew very wide that day so had plenty of excuses and with a bit of natural improvement from that run, can be much more competitive today. (4) POSA POSA comes back in trip following a couple of tries around two turns. This should suit a little more and he can aim to at least repeat the 3rd place he scored at 1300M last December. (9) APPLE MINT and (1) M J STORM are others who can enter the equation.

Selections(8) Songam Racer (7) Black Indy (4) Posa Posa (9) Apple Mint
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) SAEROUN HAMAN has impressed in two starts so far, running 5th and 3rd over 1000M and 1200M and at his latest came from off the pace to run on very pleasingly. He comes up slightly in trip today and it could be what he needs to come out on top. (3) GREAT ONE comes back in trip after strong of runs at a mile, including his best finish to date of 2nd two starts back and has run fairly at this distance so in this company, can be considered. (6) DAEHO NURI comes up in trip after some adequate showings over 1200M including a 3rd place two starts back in a decent time. His running style has generally been to go back and run on so it may well suit here. (1) AGAIN HELEN and (7) SOUTHERN KING are others who may be considered for the minor money.

Selections(8) Saeroun Haman (3) Great One (6) Daeho Nuri (1) Again Helen
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

A big field and a competitive race here. (4) SHOWMAKER could be working her way towards a second victory. She enters off the back of two consecutive 3rd place finishes, both at this class, over 1400M and 1300M. She has good early speed compared with most oof her rivals here so can use a good draw to get a little further forward today and may go all the way. (6) HYPER CAR is potentially the betting favourite. He did well at this attest start to overcome gate fourteen to run 5th at class and distance and the time before ran a good 2nd. His times at the distance are consistent and while he remains a maiden after fourteen attempts, that could change here. (12) WANGINGHAENGCHA beat Hyper Car on his way to 3rd place last time out at class and distance. He has trialed up adequately since then and could be in line for another place here. (2) EUNHYE CHUNGMAN and (7) CURRERECUS are others who enter the calculations.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations (except Daegu) are open although attendance must be pre-booked with the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open the capital’s Saturday program. (9) MORNING PEARL is the one to beat, having raced consistently across five starts to date, including a 2nd place over 1200M and a last start 4th at this trip in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have achieved. She tends to go back and run-on but in the absence of much speed here, may be ridden further forward than before and be hard to beat. (10) NAMSAN MUJEOK improved at start number two when 5th over 1200M. His times have been underwhelming but the further slight step up in trip may suit and he won’t need to have progressed much to be in the finish here. (3) RESERVED JOHN finished off nicely for 3rd place on debut and with some natural progression can put be in the frame for at least another place. (5) THUNDER FLASH and (6) G STAR others to consider.

Selections(9) Morning Pearl (10) Namsan Mujeok (3) Reserved John (5) Thunder Flash
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (12) EUNHYE SERVE was sent off an odds-on favourite on February 13th but got too far back and while she finished off well, could only manage 5th, her worst finish to date. She’s not exactly got the best of the draw here but on her form prior to last time is probably worth another chance today. (4) KKANGDORI significantly improved at her latest start on February 13th when 2nd over 1300M having been handy throughout. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, and she can repeat from another good draw. (5) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE was 8th in that February 13th race, weakening in the closing stages. She has shown bits and pieces of ability prior to that though and the slight drop in trip brings her back into contention today. (1) GUK HYANG and (9) ELITE RULES are others with at least placing claims.

Selections(12) Eunhye Serve (4) Kkangdori (5) Neoreul Eungwonhae (1) Guk Hyang
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 7 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Small field but plenty enter with recent form reading well and among them (2) GRAND STAR appears to be the one closest to a win. He comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and has also recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He can lead or sit handy here and may take some beating. (4) THUNDER HORSE was scarcely involved from a wide draw over 1300M last time out but instead we can go on his 4th place at this distance two starts back in January. He settled in midfield and ran on that day and can go close again today. (7) BLOW MIND comes up in trip following a good 3rd place over 1300M in January when he went back and ran through the line well. The additional distance can suit and with only four stats behind him, there looks to be scope for ore development. (8) GREAT JENNY and (6) COUNTRY ROAD are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Grand Star (4) Thunder Horse (7) Blow Mind (8) Great Jenny
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

(3) WONDERFUL K was sent off as favourite at class and distance on February 12th having won at this distance in the past and having posted some decent times. He led almost the entire race only to be denied by a nose on the line and under the same weight and a good gate today, has every chance of going one better. To do that, he will need to overturn the nose on the horse who beat him that day (1) VIKING HEART. The Cowboy Cal four-year-old sat handy throughout before getting in front at exactly the right time and while he had mixed his form prior to that, he too carries the same weight, draws very well, and has every chance of a repeat. There was less than a length back in that February race to (11) CAPTAIN BRAVO, who crossed the line in 3rd. He rarely misses the minor money and should be there or thereabouts again today. (10) CHEONGSAN GANGHO has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and along with the up in class (6) DIA POWERCAT, are among others to consider.

Selections(3) Wonderful K (1) Viking Heart (11) Captain Bravo (10) Cheongsan Gangho
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there is an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open except for the branch at Daegu which will stay closed this week due to the ongoing forest fires in the area. Attendance at any racecourse or OCB must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens get things underway. Having won a January trial, (3) TRIPLE THUNDER was well-supported on debut at this distance on February 18th and having raced handy throughout, he finished in 4th place in a fair time. He should have come on for the experience and has claims here. In that race, Triple Thunder was half a length behind (1) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK in 3rd. The latter was improving at start number two, and he came from well off the pace. He draws much better today, gets Perovic aboard and a bold showing can be expected again. Those two will probably dispute favourite status but the solitary debut-maker may have a say. (5) FUSAICHI looked well when trialing, running on well and 1200M may suit first-up. (6) BAEK GU and (7) CHEONGHO BOSS are others to consider.

Selections(3) Triple Thunder (1) Widaehan Seontaek (5) Fusaichi (6) Baek Gu
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

This lot all have patchy form so it’s hard to have too much confidence. (7) YEONGSEONG QUEEN is the only one to have a runner-up finish to her name, something she achieved at start number two at 1000M. She sandwiched that result between two clangers, but Kim Hye-sun, who rode her to that 2nd, returns and in a much smaller field she can sit a bit closer and run on. If you value consistency a little more then (2) VICTORY NINE is the one to side with. He has raced fairly in his last few outings and comes in off an unspectacular 6th of 12 over 1300M a month ago. Unspectacular would be enough to see him close here. (4) GOLD SWEET won a trial in January and while she offered nothing on debut, she can be given another chance here. As for the rest, (9) DOCTOR TANGO did manage a 4th place four starts back, while (8) WONDERFUL REALTY has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before.

Selections(7) Yeongseong Queen (2) Victory Nine (4) Gold Sweet (9) Doctor Tango
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

(7) SEOGWI POINT will be a warm favourite here. She stepped up to this distance at start number six on February 20th and recorded her best finish to date with 2nd, beaten half a length in a blanket finish following a slowly run race. She may be ridden a bit more forward here and, on that performance, is the one to beat. (9) LINE BREAKER was 4th in that race, les than half a length behind Seogwi Point. That was his third 4th place finish in four starts so far and he will be coming on strong again late today. (3) JIN MARK is another who tends to do her best work late on although she is yet to crack the top-two from thirteen starts. She comes back in trip to the distance at which she got her best result to date, and she can place here. (1) BOUNTY HUNTER and (8) NEW CROWN are among others in the frame.

Selections(7) Seogwi Point (9) Line Breaker (3) Jin Mark (1) Bounty Hunter
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) ONE RUSH is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts to date with her best being a 2nd over this trip two starts back. She ran 4th on her latest showing on February 11th, alongside a few of today’s rivals and this looks to be her race for the taking. She will though need to reverse the February 11th form on (10) RAON THE MILLION, who was handy throughout and equaled her best finish to date in 3rd. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, but she doesn’t draw well and may not have as much improvement in her as the favourite. Keep her safe though as she should be in this a long way again. After an inauspicious debut, (1) NAREUCAT has two 5th places and from the inside gate can continue to progress here. (8) MY PAL showed significant improvement last time and along with (3) SUSO POWER are others to take under consideration.

Selections(7) One Rush (10) Raon The Million (1) Nareucat (8) My Pal
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race for fillies and mares. We’ll keep faith with (6) STELL LUNA, who had a difficult day at the office over 1400M on her first try at this class on February 13th when she worked up to midfield from a wide draw but then weakened. She come back slightly in trip, has a much better gate and with Perovic up, she looks worth persevering with. (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has finished in the top five on no fewer than eleven occasions. She overcame the same gate to run 4th at her latest start at class and distance and is tactically versatile. Expect another solid performance even if she may again find at least one too quick. (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI also remains a maiden but is on an upward trajectory. She comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finished over 1200M and while up slightly in trip too, she has run through the line well and from a great draw is a contender. (9) GREEN PAPAGO is up in class following her maiden win and along with (4) BEST WIND is another in the frame.

Selections(6) Stell Luna (10) Cheongma Hwanghu (3) Doctor Kongsuni (9) Green Papago
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

There is a warm favourite here in the shape of (10) H DAY. A winner over 1000M at class 6 level two starts back, he got a long way back on his first try at class and distance on December 17th but worked home well for 5th. He comes in here fresh and with a better early position, is the one to beat. (12) JATNAMUGIL similarly was a maiden winner two starts back at class 6 level, in his case over this distance, before running 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th. He likes to get on or close to the pace so he may need a bit of luck at the start, but he should be a danger here. So too (11) HARDY CHARLIE, who also goes best when on pace and his latest two finishes, both in 4th, are enough to see him into contention here. (7) CHEOGANG CUPID needed the run on his return from a lengthy absence in February. He has some ability though and has run fast times at the distance so be worth a chance at an each-way price. (6) HOT PLAY and (9) DOCTOR PRO are others with placing claims.

Selections(10) H Day (12) Jatnamugil (11) Hardy Charlie (7) Choegang Cupid
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start7, 11, 12, 13

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race. (7) LANE KILLER was a winner over this distance at class 5 level two starts back before running 4th on his first try at this class on February 18th when he got a long way back and left himself too much to do. He does carry more weight today but is worth another chance in this company. (8) SONHADOR won back-to-back races at the end of last year to get promoted to this level and then ran a fair 3rd on her first crack at it over 1400M on Boxing Day. She has had a couple of months off since and while she comes up in trip and in the weights, has strong claims here. (3) BOLAVEN tackles two-turns for the first time too. His sole win so far came at 1200M, but he has run fairly at 1400M too. He is nicely weighted and drawn and can go close. (9) DASEUNG E and (10) ADELE CROWN among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(7) Lane Killer (8) Sonhador (3) Bolaven (9) Daeseung E
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) WINNER STAR may only have won one of his eight starts so far but it came in the Rookie Stakes, and he ran 3rd in the Breeders’ Cup championship juvenile race in early December. He swerved the Classic trial over 1400M last Sunday and lines up here instead having already run encouragingly enough twice over this distance. He draws well and will take some beating. (4) CHOEGANG LIGER enters in the best form of his career with two wins from his latest four including at this class over a mile. He comes up a furlong here, but he has been finishing off his recent races well and he should be competitive from off the pace again. (7) DUMUSAN too has been consistent across his latest starts, all of which have been at this distance. He tends to go back and run on and can run into the money again. (5) QUEEN HARLEY and (9) TOHAM STAR are others to look out for.

Selections(3) Winner Star (4) Choegang Liger (7) Dumusan (5) Queen Harley
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Classic Trial Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 6)

It’s been less than three months since the last Triple Crown series finished but what with the Three-Year-Old Championship moving back to its usual place on the calendar, we are just over a month away from the first leg the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday April 17th. Therefore both Seoul and Busan run trials on Sunday with the Sports Seoul Cup in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup at Busan, both Listed races over 1400M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting branches are open and while the vaccine pass system has now been ended, attendance myst still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Complete Value was champion Juvenile last year and kicks off his 2022 campaign in the Listed Sports Seoul Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (7) YESULIYA shapes as the one to beat having hinted at ability across five starts to date including an on-pace 2nd place over 1000M at his latest. He also has the fastest time among any of these at today’s distance and is likely to be on the lead early with claims to go all the way. (12) PURGE DAY was an improved 2nd place over 1000M on his second start back in November. He comes in here following seventeen weeks off and while the draw isn’t ideal, this looks a nice race to return in. (9) P N S GOLD ran a good 2nd on debut and while she hasn’t quite managed to build on that yet, Moon Se-young climbs back aboard and she should be in the frame today. First-timer starter (11) SAEBYEOK BAND put in a decent trial and can be considered first-up with (10) CASH BACK also entering the calculations. 

Selections(7) Yesuliya (12) Purge Day (9) P N S Gold (11) Saebyeok Band
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look far past (1) FINAL CHARM here. He ran on well from a wide gate for an improved 4th on his second start on January 29th, running on well. There isn’t much early speed here so he may be on pace from the start and be hard to run down. (6) DISCO BOY is the logical second pick. He has come on from well back in his two starts so far to finish 6th and 5th. He comes up in trip today and in this limited company, should be finding at least the places. Those two should fill out the quinella as the form drops off a cliff after them. (3) MIR BEST from a good draw may improve, while (4) MONEY TAP too made-up ground after a bad start last time and can sneak some minor money too. (8) DONGBANGUI HON perhaps another one capable of getting round.

Selections(1) Final Charm (6) Disco Boy (3) Mir Best (4) Money Tap
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

Another hot favourite here, this time in the shape of (4) DREAM SPEED. She has finished in the top five in five of her six starts so far and has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two. She tens to settle handy or midfield and should have way too much for this lot. (8) SHINE MUSIC comes back in trip after a spin over 1700M when she led but weakened in the home straight. She possesses the fastest time of any of these over today’s distance and has much chance as any of placing. (2) BANGTAN YEOGEOL and (3) DDATTEUTHANBIT can both be forgiven their respective latest outings. Both have performed fairly at this distance and should be in the placing frame here. (9) FYING BARIBE another with minor money hopes.

Selections(4) Dream Speed (8) Shine Music (2) Bangtan Yeogeol (3) Ddatteuthanbit
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field and probable warm favourite in (8) FLYING THE CHAMP. After a nondescript debut, he was a much-improved 3rd on his second start which came over 1300M on February 13th in a good time. In such a small field the outside gate shouldn’t be a problem and he may take some beating. (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG came from well off the pace to run a fast-finishing 2nd over 1200M on February 11th, very nearly getting to the winner. The additional half furlong can work in his favour here and he will surely be coming on strong late again. (5) DONGBU WORLD was 4th behind Eunseong Yeongung in his racecourse debut. He’d previously been through plenty of trials, worked home well and can build on that performance here. (2) PHANTOM ACE and (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI others to consider.

Selections(8) Flying The Champ (4) Eunseong Yeongung (5) Dongbu World (2) Phantom Ace
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(2) BLACK MASK has raced three times and finished as runner-up on all three occasions, twice at 1000M and most recently at 1200M. That’s enough to send him up in class here but that shouldn’t matter as from a great draw he should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. (8) TES GO DAEBO looks to be the main danger. He too is up in class following a maiden win at start number four, but it had been coming. He can settle handy here and run on. (9) FLEX QUEEN will need a line drawn though her latest when she was slowly away from a wide gate and never made an impact. She has run well at this distance at class 6 level though and with a better start can challenge for the places. (4) ROCK FIGHTER too had a hard time at his latest when drawn wide but from a much better gate today can be given more of a chance. Another up in class following a last start win, (7) DIAMITE is another to keep safe.

Selections(2) Black Mask (8) Tes Go Daebo (9) Flex Queen (4) Rock Fighter
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(9) UNJU BULPAE looks to be working towards a win with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1200M. He has raced at this distance too, posting a fast time (albeit at a time when the track was extremely fast). He will be expected to be on pace or handy here and could well have too much. Both Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic are in form, and they team up here with (6) WONDERFUL FILE. The filly was much improved at her second outing at this distance on February 18th and will tempt plenty here. (11) SKY JEJUHYANG has got forward in all three of her races so far. She doesn’t draw well here but has good early speed and can go close again. (4) HWARANG BRAVO and (7) BLUE CAPTAIN are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(9) Unju Bulpae (6) Wonderful File (11) Sky Jejuhyang (4) Hwarang Bravo
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(6) EUNSEONG MARU was a good winner on debut over 1000M when coming from a handy position and running on but whatever could go wrong did on his reappearance at this class and distance on January 23rd. He pulled hard early before his saddle shifted forward at the 1000M and then he came back slightly lame. He has been back in work since mid-February and can return to winning ways here. (10) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK is yet to win in nine attempts but has six top-four finishes including at his latest start on January 22nd when he was 3rd at class and distance, settling midfield and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but should be going close. (9) NEW HOPE also comes in off a good 3rd last time out and while up in class can measure up. (11) NONSTOP CAT comes up a couple of kilos in the weights on a good 2nd place last time but should be competitive again. (4) TANK SOCKS will need to be forgiven his latest two, first over 1700M and then when getting too far back at this distance. He does have ability though and can go better this time.

Selections(6) Eunseong Maru (10) Byeolbit Boseok (9) New Hope (11) Nonstop Cat
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) LIGHT STORY has mixed his form since an impressive win on debut, but he has placed at this class over 1400M and comes in having run 4th over 1800M at his latest start when close to the pace throughout. He can return to winning ways today. The main danger is (9) YEONSEUNG BRAVO. He got his maiden win over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 3rd on his first try at this class on January 21. He goes best when on pace and will be aiming to get forward early here. (1) PICTURE JASPER remains a maiden but comes up in class after a good 2nd place at his latest start on February 11th. From a wide draw he got on pace and ran on well and under a lighter weight and much better gate, he can overturn the form on (6) DIA FORCE, who won that race and comes up in class too. That was a big upturn in form for the latter, but he can’t be completely ruled out here. (10) ALIVE CAPTAIN another to consider.

Selections(7) Light Story (9) Yeonseung Bravo (1) Picture Jasper (6) Dia Force
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race here as the form isn’t especially convincing all round. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (5) RUFFIAN PARK, whose sole win was at this class and distance. He also has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and comes in following a decent 3rd place finish – again at class and distance – on January 30th. He carries the same weight here and from a good draw can go well. (10) DOUBLE TAKE is yet to win in eleven but has run well at this distance, albeit at class 6 level. Choi Bum-hyun, who rode him to his best finish, climbs back aboard today and he can be competitive. (9) CHALLAN HANNAL has decent experience at this class including a runner-up finish over 1400M. In this company he should be there or thereabouts. (2) FAST TRACK and (8) REAL PACK are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Ruffian Park (10) Double Take (9) Challan Hannal (2) Fast Track
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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

Racing moves to Seoul on Saturday with nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open and while vaccine passes are no longer required, attendance must still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. There will be a hot favourite in the shape of (5) RAON THE PEARL. She ran 4th on debut at 1000M in October before stepping up to this distance at start number two on January 16th and finishing a strong 2nd when handy throughout. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and should take some beating. There are two debut-makers and of them, (4) GREEN DRAGON could go well. She worked home well in her trial in a fair time and from a could draw can put in a bold showing. (6) GIPPEUM HWANHUI improved to 3rd at her second start on January 23rd and she can continue her positive trajectory here. (1) HERA BLADE and (9) CITY CHARM others in the placing frame.                                                                                                  

Selections(5) Raon The Pearl (4) Green Dragon (6) Gippeum Hwanhui (1) Hera Blade
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2,5, 7, 8

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

Small field here and (4) FLYING ATHENA is the one to beat. After back-to-back 6th place finishes from her first two outings, she was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on January 30th when handy and running on. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (2) ORGALIM has the best time among these at the distance, recorded three starts about when 2nd in early December. From a nice draw, expect him to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (1) WILD SOCKS was beaten by Orgalim on their respective latest starts, but he draws much better today and should be a stiffer prospect.  There are two debut makers and (6) GLOBAL CASTLE looks best placed to make an immediate impact while (3) TOUCH NINE is another in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Flying Athena (2) Orgalim (1) Wild Socks (6) Global Castle
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Small but competitive field here. (6) BLACK ROOKIE comes back in trip following recent efforts at 1400M. She also comes down considerably in the weights. She has run fast times at 1300M, and this looks a suitable assignment today. (3) CHAMPION GAMUN comes up in class following a maiden win at start number eleven on January 23rd. It didn’t exactly come out of nothing, but it did mark a big uptick in form, and he draws well with a repeat not entirely out of the question. (7) VIENTO made all to win over this distance at class 6 level in December. Draw a line through her first effort at today’s trip when she was unable to settle from gate thirteen and she is worth another chance today. (4) ECTON JILJU and (8) WONDERFUL STORM other minor money prospects.

Selections(6) Black Rookie (3) Champion Gamun (7) Viento (4) Ecton Jilju
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Big field. (2) JAY TROSS looks the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in four outings to date. Her win came over 1000M when she made all at class 6 level but at her latest outings, she came from off the pace to run a very close 2nd at 1200M. The extended trip today can suit. (13) K N UNDERKING has a 2nd and a 6th in two starts at this class since getting his maiden win last October. His running style is to settle back and run on so the wide gate shouldn’t be too disadvantageous. (8) JANGSAN POISON comes up in class following his maiden win at start number three when making all at this distance in a fair time on January 29th. That was the first time he had led as he does have a decent finish on him as well and he should measure up in this company.  (4) SOUJU and (12) ICE STAR are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Jay Tross (13) K N Underking (8) Jangsan Poison (4) Souju
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here and plenty of them too. (10) CUPID JUMBO races for the first time since getting her maiden win at start number two over 1200M on Christmas Day. She is up in class and up in trip here but looked well enough when trailing up from a wide draw at the end of January. She can win again. (11) WONDERFUL SHADOW comes up in class and distance too following her own maiden win which came when she made all over 1000M on January 23rd. She might not get such an easy lead today but can be considered again here. (5) QUEEN OF BEST has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She comes up in weight today but that’s softened a little buy a better draw and she can be competitive. (8) SOEWAKKOT and (3) K N MENIQUEEN among others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Cupid Jumbo (11) Wonderful Shadow (5) Queen Of Best (8) Soewakkot
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

The weekend’s racing will be headlined on Sunday the Classic trials at both Busan and Seoul. The southern track gets things underway though on Friday with an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance should still be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens kick things off with five of the nine racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (2) KING SATURDAY. Draw a line through his latest outing at 1400Mwhen from gate ten he got on pace then weakened, and instead go on his first two when he went close at both 1000M and today’s 1200M. From a good draw and against modest opposition he will be hard to beat.  (3) YEONGCHEON POWER ran fairly at this distance before and looks the logical second pick while among the first-time starters, (1) GOODBYE RABBITS went the best in trials and from a favourable draw should be aiming for the money first-up here. (5) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (7) POWER GUY are others who could plausibly place.

Selections(2) King Saturday (3) Yeongcheon Power (1) Goodbye Rabbits (5) Fantastic Magic
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

More three-year-old maidens, this time with three of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll side with one of these first timers, (8) MARIA’S GAL. She was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and with a bit of natural progression from that looks the one to beat here. (7) GASOK DAY hasn’t exactly shown much in the way of speed in two outings to date, both at 1000M, but she has managed to finish 5th and 4th. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish here. So too (3) CROWD ONE who made a significant improvement to 2nd at start number two January 9th. She comes up in distance as well and has claims. (2) ADELE GOLD and another first-time starter, (4) DOKBO are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Maria’s Gal (7) Gasok Day (3) Crowd One (2) Adele Gold
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) PLAY THE INDY has finished 5th in both starts so far, both at 1000M. He worked home fairly enough on both occasions and up in trip and with a nice draw is the one they need to beat here. (4) INTO MARINE races for the first time since last July. He had hinted at some ability in five outings with the best being a 3rd place over this distance. He trialed up fairly at the end of January and can pick up from where he left off here. Draw a line through the latest from (8) BAEK SEOL QUEEN when she was slowly away and never made an impact over 1400M. Her prior form was relatively promising, and she looks worth another chance in this company (5) SORI TAEPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY are others who should be in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Play The Indy (4) Into Marine (8) Baek Seol Queen (5) Sori Taepung
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (8) ARTIE’S GAL, who comes in after a 3rd and a 5th in two starts since returning from several months off. She has the best start among these so should be able to get on pace early and may be able to hold on. (6) GREEN CHEETAH has been improving across four starts so far with her best being her latest over this distance on February 13th when an on-pace 3rd. She will be up on the speed again and can go even closer today. (3) SPEED SUNSHINE didn’t offer much in early appearances but looks to be figuring things out with two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three. He too will be aiming to get on to the early speed and can maintain his positive run of form here. (9) GALLOP BOY and the first-time starter (4) CUTE GUY are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Artie’s Gal (6) Green Cheetah (3) Speed Sunshine (9) Gallop Boy
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go far past (4) ORANGE GARAGE here. He stepped up to this distance on January 28th and beat a few of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place having sat handy throughout from gate eleven. He gets a much better draw today, will be on pace from the start, and won’t be easy to beat. (3) KING GRACE beat Orange Garage when the pair came home 4th and 5th over 1400M two starts back before running 5th on his first try at a mile on February 11th. He shapes to be the main danger here. (8) HIT RUNNER was 6th behind Orange Garage at his latest start and can be competitive again here while (6) MAJOR FORCE has run a decent time at the distance and comes back up in trip following a good 4th over 1200M when coming from well off the pace last time out. (1) DANGDAE BLUE the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Orange Garage (3) King Grace (8) Hit Runner (6) Major Force
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

A competitive race. (11) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back before overcoming gate fourteen to run a good 2nd on his first try at this level on January 21st making up excellent ground late on. He doesn’t get the best of the draw again here and is up a little in the weights but should be running on strong again. A good draw makes (3) HAMAN BONGHWASAN the probable betting favourite. She ran 2nd at this distance on debut before winning on her second outing when making all over 1300M. She comes up in class here but remains well weighted and from a great gate will be aiming to lead all the way again. (10) INDIAN PARTY has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and enters in consistent form. Remarkably he is yet to win but has ten top-three finishes and can maintain that record here. (8) USEUNG MELODY and (9) TAEPUNGI are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(11) Cheongma Yeongung (3) Haman Bonghwasan (10) Indian Party (8) Useung Melody
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 12

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ALIVE STAR will take some beating here. A maiden winner at 1200M two starts back, he stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on February 13th and ran 2nd to a good winner having been handy throughout. He comes back in trip here, draws good gate and should win. (5) QUEEN STAR was an unfancied winner on debut over 1000M last month. She came from off the pace and worked home well so while this is tougher, it may suit, and she can measure up. (1) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM finished midfield when drawn wide over 1300M at his latest start. A more favourable barrier today and back slightly in trip puts him into contention here. (4) BEAUTIFUL KING and (6) A ONE PLUS are among others with placing chances.

Selections(3) Alive Star (5) Queen Star (1) Tteugeoun Mannam (4) Beautiful King
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(3) GOLDEN POWER comes up rapidly in class having won two of her latest three, most recently a smart score at class 5 level over 1400M on January 21st when coming from off the pace and running on. Her racing style suggests a mile will suit and under a light weight she has every chance of continuing her hot streak. (11) RUN FIGHTER is ultra-consistent having finished no worse than 5th in eight starts to date. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance, the latest of which was at this class, and he will surely be very competitive again. (9) GALLANT WARRIOR races for the first time since winning over 1800M at class 5 level last November. He is another who should suit a mile and he looked well enough when trialing two weeks ago. (6) GEUMA STARLET and (2) ROSE BULLET others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Golden Power (11) Run Fighter (9) Gallant Warrior (6) Geuma Starlet
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 27)

Sunday sees racing at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). Last year’s champion three-year-old Heat Yegam makes his season-debut in Busan while in the feature in Seoul, 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief will be among the contenders. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to fate vaccination against Covid-19 is required:

Heat Yegam races for the first time in 2022 (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies open proceedings. (6) CUPID WAY is set to be a warm favourite. That’s based on her debut when she ran on well to run 2nd in a decent time behind a good winner over 1000M with an eye-catching final furlong. She comes up in trip but that should suit, and she’ll be hard to beat. It’s hard to go past (9) SONGAM BEST for second choice She beat three of these on her way to 3rd place on debut at 1000M on January 30th and can be expected to be on pace here. (3) MENI ACE and (12) DOLBAE were two of those behind Songam Best in that January race, and both can aim to improve and get closer here. There are three first time starters and among them, (10) SINHAN TEUKSONG looks to have the best chance of making an immediate impression.

Selections(6) Cupid Way (9) Songam Best (3) Meni Ace (12) Dolbae
Next Best10, 13
Fast Start5, 9, 12, 13

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

(1) SUPERDIA is the one to beat here. After trailing fairly, she put in a very solid effort from gate twelve on debut to get handy to the lead and then run on for 3rd. She draws much better on the inside today and should get a softer run to the front and be hard to go past. (2) MARUMA will almost certainly jump as second-favourite. He won a (slow) trial in December and then ran on well from a long way back to make it up to 5th over 1000M on debut on January 9th. He too draws much better this time around, and the step up in trip should suit. (11) LONDON SKY has already had a couple of spins around this distance and hinted at progress last time. He can run on and into some money here. (4) GEOLJAK MAN can aim to match the 4th place he achieved at his latest start while (9) SMART BYEOL is another with money chances.

Selections(1) Superdia (2) Maruma (11) London Sky (4) Geoljak Man
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

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

Short-priced favourite here in the shape of (9) ASPENROS. Having run 3rd on debut at this distance, he stepped up to 1400M on January 29th and having settled midfield from gate twelve, ran on for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll take some beating here. (1) SMART BLUE has shown improvement at his latest two with a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M. He draws well here and can continue to make progress. (7) EURO GANGJA was 3rd behind Aspenros in that January 29th race. That was an improvement, but he has seven-lengths to make up on him here. (2) FLY STAR debuted adequately in the same race and should have come on for the experience. (10) NEW A ONE another who has placing chances.

Selections(9) Aspenros (1) Smart Blue (7) Euro Gangja (2) Fly Star
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 8, 11, 13

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) MAN OF THE STAR has put in three promising runs so far including a good 3rd place over 1200M last time out when he led for much of the way around. He comes up slightly in trip today and despite the wide draw should have enough early speed to get on the lead again. This time he may not be caught. (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home in 5th place to Man Of The Star’s 3rd on January 14th. That was an improvement from his debut, and he seemed to appreciate the step up in trip. He gets a little further today, and more development is possible. (6) GRAND SUN too hasn’t done much wrong in two outings to date, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M. He will be on pace or handy here and can go close. (7) QUALITY QUEEN and (1) RAON THE FIGHTING, are others to consider for at least a place.

Selections(10) Man Of The Star (4) Great Captain (6) Grand Sun (7) Quality Queen
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky one where only four of the twelve have tackled the 1700M before. (1) KING MOUNTAIN has never gone further than 1200M, but he has consistently run fair times and made a significant breakthrough when 2nd at his latest start on January 9th. When sitting handy and running on. He draws nicely on the inside again and may be worth taking a chance on here. (2) NAUI NARA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1400M and 1300M, the former time beating a few of today’s rivals. Expect him up on pace as well and he can go close. (8) DIVINE POWER has raced at this distance before and while he is yet to finished in the top-three in thirteen attempts, this is the kind of company in which he can pick up a cheque. (4) NAMSAN DREAM and (6) BLACK KING are others to enter the calculations.

Selections(1) King Mountain (2) Naui Nara (8) Divine Power (4) Namsan Dream
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Despite the wide draw, (14) RADAR is going to be the favourite here. Having trailed well, she was a front-running 2nd on debut at this distance on January 28th, only going down by a small margin in a good time. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight very light, and she will be expected to win here. (13) SAVE US didn’t do an awful lot in two starts last summer but returned on Christmas Eve after a few months off and has longed a much better prospect in two outings since. She has registered a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She too has a wide draw to overcome but should be equal to it. Those two should fill out the quinella in either order. (4) STELLA QUEEN may appreciate the step up in trip and could be an each-way price. (6) HAVANA JANE is the most experienced in the race by some margin; obviously not a good thing at class 6 but she has shown flashes of ability and has run good times at the trip. First-timer (9) LIONESS, potentially another who can go well.

Selections(14) Radar (13) Save Us (4) Stella Queen (6) Havana Jane
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 12, 14

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

Competitive race. (5) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK was a winner over 1300M at class 6 level two starts back before beating a couple of these on his way to an in now way disgraced 6th on his first try at this class having navigated his way across from gate fourteen. He does come up a little in the weights today but draws much better and has a chance. (8) POWER BOX will probably be favourite. It’s fair to say that he has mixed his form across five starts so far, including a disappointing showing last time out. He has run good times at this distance and if we catch him in-form, he may be too good. (11) SEUNGSEUNG POWER comes back in trip following good showings at 1300M and 1400M. He comes up in the weights and doesn’t draw well but can be considered. (4) DESK TAP was disappointing last time behind, among others, Seungseung Power, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (13) DONMA was a shock winner on debut and could be anything.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 26)

Seoul has 9 races on Saturday running from the unusual start time of 11:10 and going through until 18:00. This is to accommodate an additional Jeju race to make up for the ones canceled last week due to the weather. All betting locations are open, however, reservations must be made in advance through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive opener. We’ll go with (2) NAMSAN HORANGI, who showed promise in two starts towards the end of last year, running 5th both times, the latter in a fair time over this trip on December 11th. He has had a couple of months off since then but looked well in a trial last week and from a nice draw can win here. (3) ACE PLAN showed improvement at his latest outing on January 29th when tackling this distance for the first time and only going down narrowly for 2nd in a tight finish. He can sit handy and run on here and will be a danger. So too (8) GLOBAL BOBAE, who comes up in trip after a 2nd and a 4th in two efforts over 1000M. He ran on well enough both times and the additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue here. (13) CLAIR BEST ran 4th on debut last September. He didn’t offer too many clues in a January trial but may be of interest here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN looks on the correct trajectory having improved significantly at start number two when 3rd to Ace Plan’s 2nd

Selections(2) Namsan Horangi (3) Ace Plan (8) Global Bobae (13) Clair Best
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 11, 13

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

(4) MUSTANG POWER is set to be the one to beat here. He came off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M leading him to be sent off as favourite on reappearance at this distance on January 29th. Things didn’t go his way that day and he finished in 6th place, but the margins weren’t huge, and he looks well worth another go here. (6) RISING HAWK is another who will need to be forgiven his latest start when he raced four wide with no cover throughout.  He had been more encouraging on debut, and in this company should be able to get on or close to the early speed. (3) HATMURI has worked home well in all three of his starts to date including last time out when beating a couple of these on his way to 6th place. Expect him to settle midfield here and come on strong late. (10) K N SKETCH took forever to get going on debut but should have come on for the experience and the additional furlong may assist. (8) BURUI JILJU among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Mustang Power (6) Rising Hawk (3) Hatmuri (10) K N Sketch
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only here. (11) WONDERFUL WOMAN goes on top following her best finish to date on January 29th when she led for much of the way around over this distance, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. The draw is not kind today but expect here to be quickly up on pace again and she can go all the way this time. (1) WONDERFUL HAWAII was a much-improved 2nd on her latest start, albeit a long way behind a good winner. She gets the inside gate here and can maintain her momentum. (12) K N POST ran on adequately for 6th on debut at this distance in January. She posted a fast final furlong time, and the jockey booking catches the eye here. (9) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWARYEOHAN MISO are others who may have a say in the placings.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday. The 8-race card has been shifted a little from previous Friday’s in order to accommodate an additional pony race at Jeju where two races were lost to the weather a week ago. Busan runs from 12:30 to 18:00. All betting locations are set to be open although attendance must be pre-booked and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program with six of the fourteen racing for the first time. We’ll side with (3) INDIE MAGIC, who ran (an admittedly distant) 2nd on debut over 1000M at the end of January, when he worked home well from a wide draw. The step up in trip should suit and coupled with the good barrier, makes him the one to beat. (6) ALPHA SONGDANG also ran well for 2nd on debut. Expect her to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (4) FLOWING RIVER came from the middle of the pack to run home well for 3rd on debut and is another who may appreciate the additional journey here. As for the debut-makers, (8) TWO OF US looks to be the pick. He made all to comfortably win his trial and can make a bold showing first up here. (10) BABEL PHOENIX another in the frame.

Selections(3) Indie Magic (6) Alpha Songdang (4) Flowing River (8) Two Of Us
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 14

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

A very ordinary maiden here. Nothing really deserves to win but we’ll take a chance with (9) YONGGARI, who seems to be figuring things out after a decent 4th place over 1200M last time out. He can settle back and run on here and should beat plenty. (8) CHIEF OFFICER comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1200M on January 16th. He has certainly mixed his form to date but in this company has every chance. (5) STATICE has plenty of experience and has raced fairly in recent outings. She has a 2nd place to her name at this distance and also has the fastest time at it among those who have raced at 1300M before. She can go close here. (11) ETTEUMI improved at start number two last time out and along with (1) DONGBU STAR is among others who have at least placing claims here.

Selections(9) Yonggari (8) Chief Officer (5) Statice (11) Etteumi
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) ADELE STELLA has been consistent across his four starts to date and comes in here having run 4th at his latest outing over 1300M. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance too and could well be peaking today. (14) GRAND CHUKJE beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at the distance on January 28th. The draw does him no favours today, but he should be competitive again in this company. (9) CHOEGANG MARINE stepped up to this distance at his latest start and ran a very solid 3rd place. He will be close to the pace again here and can go close. (6) DAEJI SPECIAL has been solid, if unspectacular, in recent outings and has fair placing claims. (8) HAEUNDAE BLUE mixes her form but does have a 2nd place finish to her name and is another to take into consideration.

Selections(1) Adele Stella (14) Grand Chukje (9) Choegang Marine (6) Daeji Special
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 12

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

Small field here but it’s certainly competitive enough. (4) SANGSEUNG BOY gets the nod. He won on debut over 1000M before running 3rd at class and distance on January 30th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. (2) FANTASTIC LOVE is yet to win in five starts but has finished no worse than 4th with three runner-up finishes to her name, including last time out on her first try at this class and distance. She too will look to get forward early and while she may find one too quick again, should be maintaining her consistent record. (1) JATNAMUGIL comes up in class following a good win at the distance on January 28th when he sat handy and ran on strong. (7) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO and (8) UNJU HERO are others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Sangseung Boy (2) Fantastic Love (1) Jatnamugil (7) Yeongcheon Solemio
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

Having taken himself out of contention on debut, (5) USURP returned to win well second up on January 21st over 1200M when leading gate to wire. He comes up in class here and slightly up in trip too, but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (13) MONEY CASE is up in class too following a win at start number three on January 16th. He doesn’t get the best of the draw, but he should be able to measure up in this company. (14) ADELE CHUKBAE draws even worse but is better than his latest effort suggests, and he can be given another chance here. (7) D’LOVELY QUEEN comes in off two positive showings over 1200M and along with (1) HARDY CHARLIE, who showed a big uptick in form at his latest start, is another in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Usurp (13) Money Case (14) Adele Chukbae (7) D’Lovely Queen
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 13

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

The two main contenders here both come in having had an off day at their respective latest starts. For (11) PUREUN JANGMI it was in the Korean Oaks back in November and having shown on the front, she didn’t see out the trip. She was going very nicely prior to that though and after a couple of months off, can be given another chance here. (3) DONGTEUJA BOY was beaten by a couple of these in a flat showing over 1400M last time out. He is much better than that though and back in trip and with a nice gate, can go much better today. (14) MILLION BANK was one of those who finished ahead of Dongteuja Boy last time out. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th and can maintain that record today. (13) CLEAR and (6) WONDERFUL FAGER are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(11) Pureun Jangmi (3) Dongteuja Boy (14) Million Bank (13) Clear
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 11, 13

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

Tricky one this but we’ll give (10) SEUNGNI TOUT a chance to return to form. He is a class and distance winner and while he has come up short in his latest two, Seo Seung-un climbs back aboard today and he should be right in this. (7) BULMYEORUI GIL shapes as the probable favourite courtesy of his class and distance win on January 21st when he came from off the pace to run on very strongly. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of a repeat. (11) LUCAS SUN comes up in class having won at this distance a month ago. His running style is to settle back in the field so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be competitive at this level. (9) ACE JACKPOT and (12) CHEONGDAM DRIVE are among others with placing chances.

Selections(10) Seungni Tout (7) Bulmyeorui Gil (11) Lucas Sun (9) Ace Jackpot
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

A really good race to finish with. (9) YEONGUNG LOUIS came up short in two big Group races at the end of last year and then was surprisingly beaten when racing alongside many of these on his return to normal racing on January 23rd. He has plenty of quality about him though and can return to winning ways today. (3) DAEAM JANGGUN enters having won his latest three in fine style. All at this distance. He is up in class today but draws nicely and can measure up in this company. (11) QUEEN OF THE WORLD beat Yeongung Louis and a host of today’s rivals when winning at class and distance on January 23rd. She comes up in the weights and draws less favourably today but she clearly warrants respect. (1) ONNURI JILJU is up in class following a good win over 1200M last month and along with (10) SUCCESS PARTY, is another to take into account.

Selections(9) Yeongung Louis (3) Daeam Janggun (11) Queen Of The World (1) Onnuri Jilju
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10