Racing Previews

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 20)

Raon The Fighter is the main draw on Sunday as the hottest property in Korean racing seeks to make it ten wins in a row. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Raon The Fighter (KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens go round here with five racing for the first time. One of those is set to be our top pick in the shape of (2) COMPLETE WEAPON.  He has been through two trials, winning the most recent of them in a fast time in early December and while it has taken him a couple of months to get to the racecourse, this looks like a winnable assignment first up. Sticking with first timers, (4) JEONGMUN JILJU was also a trial winner, sitting handy and then running on strong in his heat and he too looks set to make a bold showing on debut. Turning to those with experience, (11) EUNHYE has a 2nd and 3rd from two three starts so far, with both the good results being at this distance. He has proven able to run well from on pace or behind, so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (8) GOLDEN SCOOP was a much-improved 2nd when on pace at this distance on January 22nd and she, along with (10) CONCORDE SPURT, are others to take into consideration.

Selections(2) Complete Weapon (4) Jeongmun Jilju (11) Eunhye (8) Golden Scoop
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 4. 8, 14

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

(1) GRAND POWER will be a warm favourite here after a much-improved showing over 1000M on January 23rd when he was on pace for the first time and ran on well. He comes back up in trip here but draws nicely on the inside and won’t need to go much better to win this one. (11) LONDON POWER has shown decent consistency with four top four finishes. She has run some fair times at this distance and is likely to be on pace from the start and be in this a long way. (13) ROAD ACE was 3rd behind Grand Power in that January 23rd race. He has three top five finishes from six starts so far and despite the wide draw can be going close here. (5) QUEEN LION and (6) NUMBER ONE TARGET, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Grand Power (11) London Power (13) Road Ace (5) Queen Lion
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 13

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

It’s hard to look past (6) BE CRAZY here. He has two 4ths and a last start 3rd from three appearances to date, the latest being that 3rd over this distance on January 16th when he sat on pace throughout. He can lead here and should be too good. (12) MIDAS CAMP has the fastest time among these at the distance and enters off a good 3rd place at 1200M a month ago He had an apprentice on that day so loses the 4kg claim here and draws wide but can go close again. (3) HANGANG BOSS had a hard time from a wide draw at his latest start but if you can draw a line through that, his previous two efforts were good. Coming into a better gate today, he can be given another chance. (8) OKDONG GONGJU is yet to win but has six top five finishes to his name and can aim to place here. (2) SINJURYU another in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Be Crazy (12) Midas Camp (3) Hangang Boss (8) Okdong Gongju
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. We’ll go with (6) DOCTOR KONGSUNI who starts for the third time having improved to 2nd at her latest start on January 21st when stepped up to this distance. She was on pace that day and should be again and may have too much. (4) SANGIM YEOWANG overcame a wide draw to run a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M three weeks ago. She comes up in trip here, gets a better gate and Seo Seung-un climbs aboard so there is plenty to like. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE and (8) CHEONGHO BOSS came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at 1000M on January 16th. It was a big improvement for Wonderful Cutie while it was a debut outing for Cheongho Boss. The latter has since gone back and won a trial and both can be competitive today. In that trial, (1) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE ran 4th, a second encouraging performance, and she looks the best of the three first-time starters.

Selections(6) Doctor Kongsuni (4) Sangim Yeowang (2) Wonderful Cutie (8) Cheongho Boss
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 13

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

Maiden fillies here. The two French jockeys face off on the likely top-two in the market and we’ll side with Johan Victoire and (7) GALSAEK HYANGGI to prevail. The Menifee filly comes in having run 4th at her latest start at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process in a good time. She tends to settle back and run on and today can be her day. David Breux and (13) FIRST ROAD is the big danger. She has a 2nd place to her name, recorded two starts back at 1200M and she overcame a similarly wide draw to run 4th at that same distance at her latest start on January 16th. She has a good finish on her and will be running on here. (8) DONGSEO YEOGEOL has got a bit far back in her latest two but can be given another chance here from a better draw. (10) WONDERFUL NIKIYA and (11) TINA are others with genuine placing chances.

Selections(7) Galsaek Hyanggi (13) First Road (8) Dongseo Yeogeol (10) Wonderful Nikiya
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 8, 10, 11

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

(12) CHAMP GO is the logical top pick here. He has the fastest time of those who have tackled the distance before and enters in excellent form with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two appearances. It’s true that he doesn’t draw as favourably today but an apprentice keeps his weight down and with a little luck at the start, he can win this. (1) LINE BREAKER has been doing his best work late in all three of his outings so far at shorter distances. From a much better draw and out to an extended trip, he can go very close here. (2) CHOEGANG FORCE also comes up in trip. He has three top four finishes from four starts to date and came from well back for a fast-finishing 4th last time out. He has the fastest average time for the final furlong and can be a danger here. (9) ZERAGE and (6) BAEK SEOL QUEEN are among others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Champ Go (1) Line Breaker (2) Choegang Force (9) Zerage
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 12, 14
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 19)

Saturday’s action moves to Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open although attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings and (4) GEOLJAK DREAM is the one to beat. She has been working up to a win across her four starts to date with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 8th. She generally sits handy but may be on pace here and should have too much. (12) HAPPY MIX looks the logical second pick. She has a 4th and a 3rd from her two prior outings, both over the 1000M in fair times and the extra furlong can suit here. (3) LAROMANEE has also only been tested at 1000M so far and while she hasn’t exactly pulled up trees in her three appearances, she worked home well enough for a midfield finish last time to suggest that she too will appreciate more distance today. (11) SPEAR GOLD and (2) COMPLETE JOY are others who may enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Geoljak Dream (12) Happy Mix (3) Laromanee (11) Spear Gold
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens here and plenty of potential on show. (1) DAEMUL gets the nod, based on a strong performance on debut on January 8th when he settled back before running on strong for 2nd place over 1000M with a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The extra trip today should be ideal, and he can win. (10) K N TIZWON was 4th in that same race. That was his second outing and second consecutive 4th and while he draws wide again, the additional distance can be in his favour. (7) TOUCH NINE too comes up in trip after three fair outings over 1000M with a best finish of 3rd. He has posted quick final furlong times and should be in the mix at the business end today. (8) UDDUG has tackled the trip before, coming from well back to run a solid 3rd on January 9th. He’ll get back here as well and will be running on strong. (4) ONE MORE RUSH another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Daemul (10) K N Tizwon (7) Touch Nine (8) Uddug
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field but tricky test here. We’ll side with (9) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN, who comes back in trip after a couple of spins around 1700M including last start 4th. He has run well at this distance too, most recently finishing 3rd back last August. David Breux takes over in the saddle, which can be to his benefit and today could be his day. (6) CHEONMUN appears the main danger. He is yet to run at this trip but has finished 4th at 1700M and last time out at 1300M came from well off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. He doesn’t usually get so far back in his races so could be on pace here and should have a big part to play. (7) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN remains a maiden after sixteen attempts, but his best finish today was a 2nd at this distance last November. He comes in following a solid 4th over 1300M a month ago and with an apprentice once again keeping the weight down, he should be going close here. (1) APPLE MINT and (5) GREAT JENNY are among others to take into consideration.

Selections(9) Semyeong Captain (6) Cheonmun (7) Sangseung Haengjin (1) Apple Mint
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(4) ILGYEOK PILSAL is yet to win in nine starts but has placed on four occasions, including at his latest start on January 23rd when he came from well off the place to run home strongly for 2nd over this distance at class 4 level. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but is back into his own grade here, draws well, Munro remains aboard, and he has every chance. (12) MAGIC TIDE will probably start as favourite off the back of her class and distance win on December 19th, when she sat handy throughout before stretching away to win well with three of today’s rivals behind her. She only carries a little extra weight and while her draw is slightly worse, she should be very competitive again. (8) JEONGSANG FIGHTING come sup in class and in trip following a win at start number two on January 16th. He carries a light weight here and should measure up in this company. (6) DIECO and the up in class (11) JILJU BORN are others in the frame.

Selections(4) Ilgyeok Pilsal (12) Magic Tide (8) Jeongsang Fighting (6) Dieco
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11
(more…)

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

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open as usual although attendance must be pre-booked and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

A maiden for three-year-olds kicks things off. (2) HANEUL GANGJA raced once back in August of last year when he performed fairly over 1000M. He is favoured for this based on a January trial which he won in fine style, running through the line well. He draws nicely and on that form is the one to beat. (13) ART KELLY won a trial before debuting just a week later on January 21st at this distance. She took a while to get going and only ran 7th but should have come on for that run and despite the wide draw can go better today. (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI improved to 2nd place at start number two on January 23rd. He comes up in trip and for the first time and can continue his progression. (3) BARBELL POSEIDON has shown some promise and he draws much better today than he did on his first go at this distance last month. He will be coming on strong at the end. There are four debut-makers and among them (4) TRIPLE THUNDER looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(2) Haneul Gangja (13) Art Kelly (7) Doctor Kongdoli (3) Barbell Poseidon
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

A very competitive maiden here. (11) CHEONGMA POWER has four top-five finishes from seven starts so far and is the only runner in the field with a 2nd place to her name. She ran on fairly for 5th place last start and has the fastest time among these at the distance. Today can be her day. (12) SPEED SUNSHINE comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. He too has registered competitive times at this distance and while the draw does him no favours, he can be in the mix here. (4) BAEK GU does draw well. She ran a decent 6th on her first try at this distance three weeks ago and can build on that today. (14) BARBELL STORM has been up and down the distances but may finally have found his go with a 4th at this trip on January 21st. He settled midfield and ran on that day so the draw may not hurt his chances here. (6) SUPER CRACK may improve from his debut at what should be good odds.

Selections(11) Cheongma Power (12) Speed Sunshine (4) Baek Gu (14) Barbell Storm
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 13

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

Another competitive race, this one for fillies only. Without huge confidence we’ll side with (10) GREEN PAPAGO. Her best finish came when 2nd on debut but she has run fairly in two starts since then and regardless of the wide draw, should be right in this. Draw a line through the latest showing from (9) B. K. HANA at 1000M. Instead go on her two starts immediately before that when she ran places in good times. Expect her to be on pace and to be in this a long way. (8) BLUE CARSON can be treated similarly. She had a hard time last start from the widest gate but prior to that had been going well with a 3rd and a 2nd, both at 1200M and from a kinder barrier today, should be a danger. (13) NEW FRESH was a much-improved 3rd last time out at this distance and under the same light weight today can be competitive again. (12) BAEDARI ICON another in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Green Papago (9) B. K. Hana (8) Blue Carson (13) New Fresh
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here and (11) MISS GO is favoured. She has finished in the top-four in all four starts so far and comes back in trip following a good 2nd over 1400M last start when she led for most of the way around. She may need a touch of luck at the start but if she can get on pace again, she will be hard to go past.  (9) ILNYEOM CHEONHA beat a couple of these when 5th at class and distance last time out when settling back and running on. She carries a light weight again and should be in the mix here. (13) GUARDIAN ANGEL is up in class following an all the way score over 1000M at her second start. She will need to overcome the draw but can measure up in this company. So too can (14) BORAMI who got her own maiden win at her third outing last month and can aim for a money finish again. (7) COLORFUL WIND struggled on her first attempt at this level but can be given another place chance here.

Selections(11) Miss Go (9) Ilnyeom Cheonha (13) Guardian Angel (14) Borami
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start5, 7, 11, 13

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

(5) STAR ACE was a good winner on debut, getting on top early and running on to score comfortably over 1000M on January 31st. He comes up in both class and distance here but down in weight and from a good draw, he looks the one to beat again. (11) USEUNG GANGJA has performed solidly at this distance, including a good 3rd place last time out. She likes to settle back and run on, and she should be working home strongly again here. (7) INDIAN PART Y is yet to win in twenty-one starts but has no fewer than twelve top-four finishes to her name. She may find one or two too quick again but don’t rule out another money finish. (6) MONEY BAG and (13) HOT PLAY are among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Star Ace (11) Useung Gangja (7) Indian Party (6) Money Bag
Next Best13, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 13, 14

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) MISS INDIE ran out a class and distance winner on January 28th when prominent all the way around and running on well. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she gets a nice draw again and should take some beating. (3) DOCTOR GIANTS ran 2nd to Miss Indie in that race, running on well from back in the field. He is a consistent performer and shapes to be the main danger once again. (5) ILBEONJI is rapidly up in class having won both of her starts at 1000M and 1200M. She has had two months off since the latest of those and while this is a significantly harder assignment than she has faced so far, she may well be equal to it. (6) ENDLESS RUNNING comes in here following bac-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class over 1200M and should be in the placing frame again. (4) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO another to consider.

Selections(2) Miss Indie (3) Doctor Giants (5) Ilbeonji (6) Endless Running
Next Best4, 13
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(11) ADELE CROWN won back-to-back races to over a mile in November and December to get rapidly promoted to this class. He then ran 2nd, again over a mile, on his first try at this level on January 7t with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He tackles two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) LANE KILLER was a good winner over this distance at his latest start on January 16th. He comes up in class here but that’s offset by a significant drop in the weights, and he has every chance of going close again. (14) TRIUMPH KING has plenty of experience at this level and comes in off a 3rd place over this distance last time out. The widest gate at 1800M at Busan is never ideal but he can be competitive again. (5) DUMUSAN and (13) SNYDER are others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Adele Crown (3) Lane Killer (14) Triumph King (5) Dumusan
Next Best13, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 12, 13

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A competitive race to finish with. We’ll side with (14) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU to continue his consistent run of form which has seen him place no worse than 3rd in five outings to date. At his latest start on January 21st, he beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at class and distance and while he comes up a full 4kg in the weights and has the widest gate to contend with, he can go one better here. (4) QUATTRO MAX is also ultra-consistent and comes in on a string of 3rd place finishes over 1800M. He comes back to the mile today and from a good draw looks firmly in the hunt here. (7) MAN OF TOP and (5) JANGSAN BOBBY were among those beaten by Yeokjeon Myeongsu last time out and they, along with (9) DUNCAN are among others to consider for the places.

Selections(14) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (4) Quattro Max (7) Man Of Top (5) Jangsan Bobby
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

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

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). All betting locations are open as usual but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

It’s been a long time since Wang Beotkkot won the Nonghyup as a juvenile in 2018 but he has a chance ti win his first class 1 event on Sunday afternoon

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the fourteen racing for the first time and a couple of them look promising. Experience will be on top though with the most experienced, with three starts to his name, (5) TES GO DAEBO set to be the logical favourite. They have seen him accrue a 2nd and two 4th placed finishes with that 2nd coming at this distance. He can sit on pace or handy from a good draw and should have too much. (9) USEUNG BARAM ran a very encouraging 2nd on his debut over 1000M on January 15th when running on from midfield. The extra furlong can suit, and he should be competitive. Turning to the first timers, (6) PUREUN NARAE was fastest in trials, leading for much of her heat. An apprentice booking means she carries a light weight. (2) BLACK BEOMI won her trial by plenty and while it wasn’t a fast time, she looked to have lots more in the tank. She draws very nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. (8) GOLDEN THUNDER went back to trial after an indifferent debut and looked quite sharp. Expect improvement.

Selections(5) Tes Go Daebo (9) Useung Baram (6) Pureun Narae (2) Black Beomi
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

Maiden fillies and mares. (5) EUNHYE SERVE has shown plenty of promise across three starts to date and stepped up to this distance at her latest outing on January 8th and beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 3rd place when on pace throughout. She draws better this time, should be on pace again and may take some beating. (14) P N S HER ran adequately in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at just her second start last October. She then put in two ordinary performances before running an improved 4th behind Eunhye Serve a month ago. She draws even wider today but Munro gets on and she can go close. (11) COMPLETE LUCKY was an also-ran in that January race, starting slowly and scarcely getting involved. She had previously shown flashes of speed and with a better start today, can get closer. (6) NEW SMART showed signs of starting to figure things out when running on for 4th at this distance on January 15th and can continue to make progress here. (3) CHEONUNCHONG finished off nicely at 1000M last time and may like the additional furlong.

Selections(5) Eunhye Serve (14) P N S Her (11) Complete Lucky (6) New Smart
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start5, 11, 12, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Good little maiden this. (7) MORNING PEARL enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently coming from well back over 1200M. She only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws fairly and the step up in trip can be to her benefit. (8) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE has shown some decent speed across her three starts so far with the best being a swift 2nd at 1000M. She beat two of these on her way to 4th place at 1200M at her latest start on Boxing Day when she settled midfield and ran on and looks firmly in this today. (10) THUNDER HORSE comes back in trip after a creditable 3rd place over 1700M on January 8th. That equaled his best finish and having run a good time at this trip in the past, can match it again today. Draw a line through the latest run by (4) ORGALIM when from a wide draw he worked hard to get to position over 1200M before weakening. Instead go on his good 2nd place two starts back. He should be on pace here and will be in this a long way. (11) WILD SOCKS another in the frame.

Selections(7) Morning Pearl (8) Neoreul Eungwonhae (10) Thunder Horse (4) Orgalim
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 1

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

Three-year-old maidens with every horse in the race tackling the 1300M for the first time.  After an ordinary debut, (4) RAON THE TANK was a much-improved 2nd when from a wide gate he settled midfield and ran on strong over 1200M on January 14th. He comes up slightly in trip again but draws significantly better and could well have too much here. Logical second choice is (9) ADELE STELLA. He comes back in trip after a solid 3rd place at 1600M on January 7th finishing off well from midfield and should be close here. (1) VICTORY NINE may appreciate the step up in trip. All his previous starts have been at 1000M, and he has run adequately but from the inside gate today and with further to play with, he may be a tougher prospect. (10) JOSEPHINE QUEEN and (11) SOUTHERN KING didn’t finish too far back on their respective debuts, and both have the potential to improve here.

Selections(4) Raon The Tank (9) Adele Stella (1) Victory Nine (10) Josephine Queen
Next Best11, 13
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

(1) POSA POSA performed poorly on his first try at this distance on January 8th, finishing back in the field. He was later found to have some swelling in his right foreleg. He came back into training in the last week of January and from the inside gate and amongst company that can best be described as modest, he can win. That will mean overturning the form from that race on (2) LAGERTHA, who notched his second consecutive 5th place finish. He comes down slightly in the weights today with a small apprentice claim and looks the most credible danger. (5) B J FLASH did little in three outings last year but has subsequently been through two trials, winning the second of them, and may well be a different prospect tackling two turns for the first time. (3) HANI and (8) CLOUTER among other chances in a race with very ordinary form.

Selections(1) Posa Posa (2) Lagertha (5) B J Flash (3) Hani
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

(2) SEONGSIL CHOEGO has raced just twice with a 6th on debut followed by 4th at start number two on January 7th when he worked hard from a wide gate to get on pace. He comes into a better gate today which should give him an easier run in the race and that can allow him to overturn the form on main danger and possible betting favourite (1) DAEHO NURI. The latter comes in following 3rd place in that January 7th race when settling back and running on. He also has the fastest time among these at the distance to his name and is sure to be in the finish once more. (3) GREEN CHEETAH ran an improved 5th last time out at 1400M and while back in trip, draws well and has a very light weight with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN should be better for coming back in trip today after two spins around 1400M. His best result was 3rd at 1200M last November in a good time. (6) YEONGCHEON POWER is another in the frame.

Selections(2) Seongsil Choego (1) Daeho Nuri (3) Green Cheetah (7) Blue Captain
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) BAEKDU GIRL was a good winner on debut on December 18th when she sat handy early, hitting the front in the straight to run on comfortably over 1000M. She comes up in class and in distance here but has every chance of maintaining her 100% record. (1) HWASUBOON is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts so far. That 5th was last time, and it was her first try at this class and distance, but the margins weren’t huge and from the inside gate today, she should be close. (11) BURUI YEOWANG ran 3rd in that race, which was her 7th top-five finish from eight attempts. She is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance to her chances here. (14) BEST TORCH and (13) RAON THE DASH both come up in class following last start wins, the latter at this distance and the former on debut, and both should be able to measure up in this company despite the unhelpful draws.

Selections(6) Baekdu Girl (1) Hwasuboon (11) Burui Yeowang (14) Best Torch
Next Best13, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 11, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) LEGEND NUMBER ONE comes up in class and in distance following his maiden win at start number two over 1200M on January 14th at this distance. He is down in weight, draws superbly and the jockey/trainer combination ensures he will be favourite. (3) ALIVE STAR was an excellent winner 1200M at class 6 level on December 19th coming from just behind the early leaders to score comprehensively. He is up in class here but surely measures up and has claims again. So too a third last start winner in the shape of (13) STELL LUNA. Her win came at 1300M, but she hasn’t ben worse than 4th in four appearances to date and has posted good times at today’s trip. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but carries a light weight and should not be dismissed. (4) CHEONGHO LEADER is a perennial non-winner but knows how to bank money in this company and along with (10) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON is a placing chance.

Selections(1) Legend Number One (3) Alive Star (13) Stell Luna (4) Cheongho Leader
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 13
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

A maiden for three-year-old fillies opens proceedings and it is a competitive one. We’ll go with (3) UJUUI BOM, who led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M, ultimately finishing 3rd in a fast time. She draws nicely here, can be on pace again, and while there is an additional furlong to deal with, she can win. (9) WONDERFUL KITTY has raced three times so far with a best finish of 2nd at 1000M. She got too far back on her first try at this distance on Boxing Day, before running on well and given more of a chance here can be right in this. (8) HWIPARAM has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts, racing on pace both times and another bold showing will be expected here with the additional furlong likely to suit. (2) QUEENUI JILJU ran on pleasingly for 3rd on her debut having settled midfield and from a better draw today can be in the mix. (11) MIRACLE K perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(3) Ujuui Bom (9) Wonderful Kitty (8) Hwiparam (2) Queenui Jilju
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

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

(5) JILJU JEONSA has been making steady progress in recent outings with a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two, only going down narrowly over 1300M last time when racing handy throughout. He steps back in trip today but has the fastest time among these for 1200M and could well go one better today. The main danger is (3) WARRIOR THUNDER. He too has found some consistency recently and enters off a solid 3rd at this distance on January 15th when he was close to the pace throughout. He’ll be challenging for the lead again here and will be in this a long way. He meets Jilju Jeonsa marginally better in weight than when they last raced each other. Disregard the latest outing of (1) LUCKY INDY when he had a hard time from a wide draw. He gets the inside lane today and should go much better. (6) KING CRUSH came home 4th behind Jilju Jeonsa last time and can go close again while (12) BADAUI KKUM is another in the frame.

Selections(5) Jilju Jeonsa (3) Warrior Thunder (1) Lucky Indy (6) King Crush
Next Best12, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) DREAM SPEED looks the one to beat here. She comes up marginally in trip following a runner-up finish over 1200M on January 15th when she sat handy throughout and finished off well. The time was slow but so was the track that day and she won’t need to find much more to win here. (14) ARCH CHARM gets no luck with the barrier but has worked home well in two starts so far, both at 1000M. If Park Eul-woon can keep her into contention coming into the straight, she should pick plenty off, given the additional furlong and a half to play with today. (4) SAINT LUCCA struggled to overcome the widest gate last time out, using up plenty of effort to get on pace and then weakening over 1200M. He should have an easier time of it earlier on today and has claims. (9) EUNHYE DREAM improved last time out at start number three when going back and then running on over 1000M. She’s another who may like the extra distance. (10) BROWN CHARM one who could improve.

Selections(5) Dream Speed (14) Arch Charm (4) Saint Lucca (9) Eunhye Dream
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

It’s hard to look too far past (2) VICS GO. Having got his maiden win at 1000M two starts back, he stepped up to this class on Christmas Day and ran a very close 2nd. He comes up in trip and in weight today, but that is alleviated a little by a much better draw and with Munro climbing aboard, he looks hard to beat. (4) JISANGUN led at his latest start over this distance on December 26th, ultimately finishing a close at hand 3rd having used up plenty of effort getting across from gate thirteen. He too gets a much better draw today and will be on pace an in this a long way again. (14) HYPER CAR has overcome wide draws in both his latest two to run 3rd and 2nd. He is yet to win in thirteen attempts but has seven top-three finishes to his name and it would be no surprise to see him working home well again. (8) STELLA ROAD was a last start winner at this class over 1700M and can’t be discounted here. (9) GOLD K another with placing claims.

Selections(2) Vics Go (4) Jisangun (14) Hyper Car (8) Stella Road
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

(6) WONDERFUL K’s solitary win to date came at this distance three starts back at class 6 level and while he disappointed as favourite on his first try at this class in November, showed that he can compete at this level when 4th in his latest outing on December 12th. He comes in fresh here and can win this. Probable betting favourite is (2) CAPTAIN BRAVO. He has been consistent across his latest starts with three consecutive 4th place finishes in respectable company at 1200 to 1400M. All three times, he has finished off very smartly indeed, suggesting he may be ready to tackle two turns again. (1) GREAT EYE got his maiden win at class 6 level over 1400M in December before beating a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on his first try at this class and distance on January 16th. He draws well to sit behind the pace and can be in the mix again today. (8) AMAZING WHIZ enters in consistent form and should be there or thereabouts along with (5) DOUBLE TAKE.

Selections(6) Wonderful K (2) Captain Bravo (1) Great Eye (8) Amazing Whiz
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (3) REDBACK here. He won well at this distance at class 5 level in October before getting too far back at 1400M on his first try at this class the following month. He ran a good 4th over 1800M on Christmas Day when close to the pace throughout. He comes up 1kg for that effort but expect him up with the leaders early and he should be too strong. (9) GRAY CAT comes up in class following a maiden win at start eleven over 1200M on January 15th, a win that had been coming. His running style suggests that two-turns should suit even better, and he can measure up in this company. (2) CHOIN GANGJA hasn’t quite lived up to his early potential, but he has a 2nd place at class and distance to his name and from a good draw can go close. (4) VICTORICA comes in off a 4th place at class and distance on a slow track on January 9th and along with (1) CHEONGSAN GANGHO is another with at least placing chances.

Selections(3) Redback (9) Gray Cat (2) Choin Gangja (4) Victorica
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Alllowance / KRW 60 Million

The top picks here all have wide gates to contend with. The very widest goes on top in the shape of (13) WOL YEONG I. While it took her fourteen starts to break through, which she finally did on January 16th, the win had been coming and she is consistent at this distance. She comes up in class, but this doesn’t look that much more difficult than her last assignment and while she may need a but of early luck in running, she is the one to beat. (11) BEST CHEONSANG is ultra-consistent with eight top five finishes from eleven starts including three consecutive 3rd places at class and distance leading into this. She will be close to the pace again and is a danger. (10) LONDON ACTIVE ran on well for 5th at class and distance on her latest start and while she comes up in the weights today, can be competitive. Better drawn in (6) LEAD VOCAL, who ran 6th in the same race as London Active last time out and can get closer today. (9) JEDI FORCE was on pace on debut on January 9th before weakening and should have come on for the experience.

Selections(13) Wol Yeong I (11) Best Cheonsang (10) London Active (6) Lead Vocal
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 11, 12

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

Competitive race here. We’ll take a chance on (5) TRIPLE KINGDOM who enters in consistent form and at his latest start in December ran a strong class and distance 4th. He generally goes back and runs on and should be going close again here. (7) CHUNSAN was 5th behind Triple Kingdom in that December race but came back out on January 9th to win at class and distance, going right back and then running on strongly. He comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but will probably start as favourite He is first up for twelve weeks and didn’t set the world alight in a trial two weeks ago but (6) MIGHTY CHIP won at class and distance when we last saw him on November 20th. He too is up in weight from that, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) NAMSANUI BYEOL comes up in class but significantly down in weight from a good win over 1700M in December and should measure up here. (13) DUSON JANGGUN another with placing chances.

Selections(5) Triple Kingdom (7) Chunsan (6) Mighty Chip (8) Namsanui Byeol
Next Best13, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Tricky race to conclude with. (5) BLACK MUSK is the quality horse in the race and 1400M is his go, having won four of his five starts at the distance. Around those he has thrown in a couple of howlers including last start at 1200M but if he gets a good position from a good draw, he can win. Probably favourite is (14) PREEMAX. He beat three of these when 3rd at 1200M on January 16th, including Black Musk. The latter has beaten him twice at this distance, but Preemax meets him with a weight advantage here even if the draw is less than ideal. (10) DORAON NALRI is another who may be happy to get back to 1400M as he has put in some super runs at it and can at least place today. (7) MIGHTY NEW and (2) BYEOLNARA SINSA are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Black Musk (14) Preemax (10) Doraon Nalri (7) Mighty New
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Racing returns from its short Lunar New Year hiatus this weekend with the action getting underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Busan Is Back

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick us off with seven of the fourteen racing for the first time and only two of those with experience having tackled this distance before. (10) YEONGSEONG QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but came out at start number two and ran a good 2nd back at the end of October. She’s been off fifteen weeks since then, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and the extra furlong can help. (1) SPECIAL WIND put in a strong trial when prominent throughout. He gets the same inside draw which can help him get to the lead early and potentially go all the way. (6) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG has raced greenly across two starts so far but once he got into a rhythm, last time, she ran through the line well and may appreciate the step up in trip (11) GOLD TAP trialed up well, leading for much of the way around and finishing an unhurried 2nd. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but can go well first-up. (8) HANEUL JILJU among several others not to be dismissed.

Selections(10) Yeongseong Queen (1) Special Wind (11) Gold Tap (6) Eunseong Yeongung
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here and it’s a competitive race. We’ll side with (5) ONE RUSH, who has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, coming closest at her latest on January 14th when beating three of these on her way to a class and distance 2nd in a good time. She sat handy and ran on that day, is well drawn to do the same here and she can go one better. (8) HAMAN BONGHWASAN ran a very close 2nd place on debut over 1400M on January 23rd when from the inside gate, she was on pace throughout, ultimately only going down a neck. She comes back in trip today and while the draw isn’t quite as advantageous, should be on pace again and looks a big danger. (14) SUSO POWER draws even worse, but an apprentice claim brings her down 3kg from her 5th place behind One Rush last start and this consistent type can get closer here. Disregard the latest start of (11) ANNIKA GIRL and she is right in this. On the contrary, take very much into account the big improvement last time of (4) USEUNG MELODY and she too can go close.

Selections(5) One Rush (8) Haman Bonghwasan (14) Suso Power (11) Annika Girl
Next Best4, 13
Fast Start1, 7, 12, 13

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

On the surface quite an ordinary set of gallopers take their chance here and it’s a tricky puzzle to solve. (10) GREAT ONE was anything but in his first five outings but improved significantly at his latest start when coming from off the pace to run a close 2nd over this distance with a few of today’s rivals back down the track. He is not without a chance here. (4) GOSUUI POWER shapes as the likely favourite and he too comes in off a strong performance, in his case over 1400M on January 7th when leading for much of the way around. If we can forgive a previous poor effort at this distance, he enters the calculations. (8) KING GRACE comes in off a fair performance over 1400M when after a poor start, he made up good ground late on. (2) JIN MARK and (7) DIA FORCE, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance already, are others who can go well on their day.

Selections(10) Great One (4) Gosuui Power (8) King Grace (2) Jin Mark
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

(11) KENDRICK was an emphatic winner on debut over 1000M on January 9th when he settled in midfield and then ran on very strongly. He comes up in class and distance today but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (8) H. DAY ran two very fast times over 1000M at class 6 level and while he got too far back on his first try at this class and distance in December, he ran on strongly for a close 5th and given more of a chance today he has solid claims. (4) TAEPUNGI comes up in class following a good win over this distance on January 9th when she sat handy before running on to win narrowly. She draws nicely here and under a light weight again should go close. (1) TOP ACE weakened from the lead at his latest start but has run well at the distance and can be given placing chances here. (5) HANEUL MISO comes up in class and in distance after two runner-up finishes at 1000M but in this modest company can measure up.

Selections(11) Kendrick (8) H. Day (4) Taepungi (1) Top Ace
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 13

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) ALIVE QUEEN returned from seven months out to make all over this distance and on January 14th having previously shown in a trial that she was ready. She comes up in class today but if she runs anything like she did last time, she should have too much for this field. Logical second pick is (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU. She comes back in trip having run a good 2nd over 1400M on January 7th when she had a couple of these behind her and while she is yet to win in fourteen starts, she knows how to find the money in this kind of company. (2) SPICE INDIE can get a bit far back in her races but from a nice draw and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard, will feature on plenty of tickets and can go close here. (4) GEUMA STARLET comes up in class following a decent 2nd place over 1200M a month ago and along with (3) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN, looks a place chance today.

Selections(8) Alive Queen (10) Cheongma Hwanghu (2) Spice Indie (4) Geuma Starlet
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race but (6) JESSIEUI KKUM looks a worthy favourite. He was a strong class and distance winner on January 21st in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have run and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, she looks to have the potential for more and can win again. (10) BOLAVEN pulled off a good win over 1200M a month ago when sitting handy and running on strong. He carries a full 4kg extra today but looks to be improving and ready for another crack at the extended trip today. (14) MARK ONE has finished ahead of Bolaven twice at this distance and was a class and distance winner on his latest start on January 16th when sitting midfield and running on. He draws awkwardly here but an apprentice takes the weight down and he can run a good race again. (3) HWARANG BEST races for the first time since finishing well back in the Breeders’ Cup race for juveniles in November. He has won at this distance before and looked well when winning a trial on Christmas Day. (8) BABEL DREAMER another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Jessieui Kkum (10) Bolaven (14) Mark One (3) Hwarang Best
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start7, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Good race for the level. We’ll give one more chance to (3) MONGTTANG. After ruining his own chances in the Breeders’ Cup he was admittedly flat at his first try over a mile on January 7th, failing to muster speed at the top of the straight. He draws better today and if he can get an easy trip to the front, may well be a different prospect. Probable favourite is (1) DOCTOR FAITH. He won back-to-back races in October and November, the latter at class and distance and while he could only manage 5th at his latest start on Christmas Eve, he too draws better today and will be a big threat. He has finished in the top three on ten out of twelve starts so far and at the very least, should maintain that record today. (13) CHOEGANG LIGER has won two of his latest three and beat Mongttang when scoring at class and distance on January 7th. He came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be a danger again. The consistent (10) QUEEN HARLEY along with (2) ADELE PUPIL are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Mongttang (1) Doctor Faith (13) Choegang Liger (10) Queen Harley
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 12

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

(4) KING OF THE MATCH was a beaten odds-on favourite at class and distance on January 14th when wide all the way round, but running on well. That was his second consecutive defeat at worse than even money but we’re going for third-time lucky here. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC has run consistently fast times and at his latest start on January 14th, beat several of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. He comes up in weight today, but an apprentice takes the edge off and he can be a danger. (2) ACE DAY led at this latest start when running 3rd behind King Of The Match. From a nice draw expect him to lead again and to be in the this a long way. (5) ROCKY SKY was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 3rd at his latest carrying a similar weight to today. He will be up challenging for the lead early and he can go close. (10) YEONGGWANGUI TIME among others who can enter the calculations in a competitive finale.

Selections(4) King Of The Match (6) Geuma Psychic (2) Ace Day (5) Rocky Sky
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Segye Ilbo Cup Day Race-By-Race Preview (January 30)

The 2022 Stakes race season gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the twentieth running of the Segye Ilbo Cup. A field of fourteen that includes several Group winners will contest the Listed event over the sprint distance of 1200M, which returns to the calendar after having to be pandemically postponed in 2021.

The Segye Ilbo Cup will be run for the first time since 2020 when Simjangui Godong won. Do Kki Blade, who was 3rd that day, returns (Pic: KRA)

Raon First – the only filly or mare in the race – is the probable favourite, coming off her comfortable win over her distaff contemporaries in t Jeju Governor’s Cup at 1400M in December, but she has beaten the males at class 1 level too and with a weight allowance and a great draw she may prove hard to catch.

2020 Owners’ Association Trophy winner East Jet also lines up and will be a big danger while Busan’s challenge is led by Classic winner Touch Star Man and the speedy Doctor Carson. The Segye Ilbo Cup is race 9 on the 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with no fewer than ten of the twelve racing for the very first time. One of those first-timers goes on top in the shape of (5) HAMPYEONG NABI, who caught the eye in a heat, leading almost the entire way around before crossing the line in 2nd in a fast time. She draws nicely here and appears set for a bold showing first up. The two with experience both raced adequately enough on debut to suggest they should be in the frame here. (7) MENI SPEAR came home 4th on debut on Christmas Day at this distance having previously won a trial while (8) DOLBAE debuted a day later and ran 5th in a fair time. With natural improvement both can go closer this time around. Returning to the newcomers, (11) MENI ACE and (4) SONGAM NURI trialed up together and could be the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Hampyeong Nabi (7) Meni Spear (8) Dolbae (11) Meni Ace
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Small field as it’s restricted to sales graduates. Moon Se-young climbing aboard (6) FLYING ATHENA will prick some ears. He’s run adequately for 6th in both starts so far, last time running on over 1200M. Expect him to be up front early here and he could well break through. The primary danger is set to be (3) NAUI NARA. She’s improved across three outings so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1400M on December 25th when she was prominent throughout. Expect her to be challenging for the early lead and to be in this a long way. Draw a line through the latest effort from (5) BIG ENERGY when he failed to settle from a wide draw. He had run consistently prior to that though and is worth another chance here. (1) MILLION QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but finished midfield and may improve from the inside gate. (9) GEOLJAK MAN has a 3rd place to his name and that’s enough to bring him into the calculations today.

Selections(6) Flying Athena (3) Maui Nara (5) Big Energy (1) Million Queen
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) GRAND STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on December 19th when handy throughout. That was his best finish to date in nine attempts and from a good draw on the inside, he can sit handy again and this time break through. (3) DIVINE POWER has raced adequately in three attempts at this distance, posting fair times. He generally settles midfield or worse and then runs on and should get past plenty here. (4) GEUMSEONG MAN comes up in trip following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to 1400M on December 25th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and the additional distance may suit even more. (11) APPLE MINT and (8) M J STORM among others to enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Grand Star (3) Divine Power (4) Geumseong Man (11) Apple Mint
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Busan’s opener is a maiden for three-year-olds with four of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. We’ll tentatively side with experience as (7) JEONGDEUN-RO ran a solid 3rd on debut at this distance on January 10th, sitting handy all the way and completing the course in a fair time, albeit well back behind a good winner. She should have come on for that. Likely favourite is one of the first timers. (5) STAR ACE sat handy in his trial, finishing 2nd in a decent time. The Kim Young-kwan/You Hyun-myung combination is bound to make punters take note and from a good draw, there is no reason why he can’t win first-up. (12) INDIE MAGIC won a trial and while the draw does him no favours, in this company he can have claims first up. (1) GASOK DAY was 5th on debut in what was a monumentally slow race at the distance. He is surely capable of quicker and can improve from the inside gate. (9) SUNSHINE STAR maybe best of the rest.

Selections(7) Jeongdeun-Ro (5) Star Ace (12) Indie Magic (1) Gasok Day
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

She’s yet to break through in thirteen starts to date but (6) GOLDEN BADGE has a strong of near-misses and has also run a fast time at this distance. She comes in having come from well back to run 2nd over 1400M on Boxing Day and has solid claims here. So too (7) SARYEONI FIRST, who won over 1200M at class 6 level last November before finishing 3rd at this class and distance on December 12th. He will probably settle midfield and run on and shouldn’t be far away. (11) ADELE NARAE took to this distance well when stepped up to it on January 9th and running 2nd, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can build on that today. (9) BRAVO SOCKS and (3) RUFFIAN PARK are others who can have designs on the places.

Selections(6) Golden Badge (7) Saryeoni First (11) Adele Narae (9) Bravo Socks
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

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

(10) KING SATURDAY will be one of the hotter favourites of the weekend. He has finished 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and while he comes up in trip again here, he should be exiting class 6 with a win. (6) DROMOS ran fairly for 4th at her latest outing over 1200M and also has a 2nd at that distance to her name. She generally works home well, and the extended trip may be in her favour today. (12) NAMYANG CHEOLLI improved significantly when tried at this distance at start number three on December 24th when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in front of a couple of today’s rivals. The draw does her no favours here but with a touch of luck early, she can be in the finish. (1) QUEEN’S DAERO and (4) RUN AND GUN others to take into consideration.

Selections(10) King Saturday (6) Dromos (12) Namyang Cheolli (1) Queen’s Daero
Next Best4, 13
Fast Start6, 8, 11, 12
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 29)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00 (the Jeju pony meeting is also simulcast to Seoul, hence such bug gaps between races). All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Raon Pink returns to action on Saturday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here. (7) GLOBAL BOBAE will be the favourite having run 2nd on debut on Christmas Day, overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on in a good time. He should have come on for the experience and a similar run makes him hard to beat here. After winning a trial, (5) HATMURI ran 3rd on debut at this distance before running 6th at 1200M at start tow. He has had a couple of months off since then, Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he should go close. It’s similar with (2) P N S GOLD who has a 2nd and 4th from two starts so far. She draws well here and could be on pace from the start. (4) BE FLOWER and (6) YOUNG BLOOD are others to consider for improvement.

Selections(7) Global Bobae (5) Hatmuri (2) P N S Gold (4) Be Flower
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(3) MUSTANG POWER ran a good 2nd on debut over this distance on December 25th. Coming from well off the pace. He was well-beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he has some potential and from a much better gate this time, looks the one to beat. (14) G STAR has improved across three starts so far, including a runner-up finish at his latest on December 5th. He tends to get right back and then run on so the draw isn’t too much of a concern and the additional trip today may help. (13) GLOBAL PRIME too improved at his latest appearance on November 28th. He sat handy that day so may need a touch of luck early but is another who should like the increase in trip. (8) MABAWI and (10) AL SIMON others in the frame.

Selections(3) Mustang Power (14) G Star (13) Global Prime (8) Mabawi
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 12, 13

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

Fillies only here and a tricky one here especially as most of the leading contenders have drawn wide. With that in mind, we might as well go with the widest of all, (14) TOP POSITION drew widest of all on debut too over 1000M and stayed at the back before running on strong for 6th in a fast race. The additional trip here can give her more time to find a top position and she can win. So too (12) SOARA DAEBO. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, recorded when 2nd on December 18th. She will settle midfield and should be in the finish again. (10) SMART BLUE beat a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at the distance on Christmas Day. It wasn’t a very fast time, but she seems to be heading in the right direction. (3) SWEET CAMP and (11) GEOSEN GISANG others in the placing frame.

Selections(14) Top Position (12) Soara Daebo (10) Smart Blue (3) Sweet Camp
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start4, 10, 11, 12

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

(10) JANGSAN POISON has worked home well in both starts so far and at his latest was 5th over 1200M coming from the back of the field. He looks like he needs a bit of distance, and he gets it here. So does (12) ASPENROS went right back on debut over 1300M on December 26th but finished off very nicely to beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place. He too should appreciate a bit more distance to play with today and could well start as favourite. Solitary debut-maker (3) FLY STAR finished off a trial very well in December and from a good draw has every chance of a bold showing first-up. (14) CHEONJI JIDAE was the big loser from the draw but has been consistent across his four starts so far and shouldn’t be far away. (2) HELLO GEUMSEONG mixes her form, but this is the kind of race in which she can challenge for minor money.

Selections(10) Jangsan Poison (12) Aspenros (3) Fly Star (14) Cheonji Jidae
Next Best2, 13
Fast Start9, 11, 13, 14
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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 23)

There’s racing at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with 11 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 on the South Coast from 12:05 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid19 is required. Here are the previews:

Heunghaeng Jilju (KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. (9) ROAD ACE put in a couple of very solid runs at this distance, including a 2nd place in a fast time back in October. He has since raced poorly at 1300M and 1200M but coming back to the minimum trip today could well see him improve. The likely favourite is (5) CONCORDE SPURT, who ran 3rd on debut at this distance on Christmas Day when slowly away and then running on well. The time wasn’t fast but with a better start today and with some natural improvement, can win this. (6) CUPID SAFE only managed to finish in 7th place on debut in October but it was in a decent time – albeit during a period when the track was racing very fast. She’s had sixteen weeks off since then but every chance of going well from a central gate. (3) WONDERFUL SHADOW and (11) MAGIC GLORY looks the best of the first-timers.

Selections(9) Road Ace (5) Concorde Spurt (6) Cupid Safe (3) Wonderful Shadow
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 12

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

A full field of three-year-old maiden fillies. (8) K N OLD QUEEN is the one to beat. After a promising trial, she ran 2nd on debut in a fair time at 1000M on December 26th, having raced prominently throughout. The Park Dae-heung/Moon Se-young combination will attract plenty and she surely jumps the favourite. (7) RISING HAWK also comes up in trip after a placing on debut when 3rd over 1000M on December 11th. She sat in midfield and finished off well and should have come on for that. (12) BURUI KKOT has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She has improved across three starts so far and was a very good 2nd at this distance on December 26th. She doesn’t draw so well today but should be in the finish again. (4) GREAT JENNY on the other hand, gets a much better draw than she did on debut at this distance on December 18th when she had to settle at the back but ran on strong. She can improve today. (11) WONPYEONG QUEEN, who finished in 4th place ahead of Great Jenny in that race, is another in the hunt.

Selections(8) K N Old Queen (7) Rising Hawk (12) Burui Kkot (4) Great Jenny
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) BYEORAK will be hot favourite here. He has improved across his four starts to date culminating in 2nd place when stepped up to this trip at his most recent start on December 26th, when he settled handy and ran on. Expect similar tactics today and he won’t need much improvement to win this. (11) DUSON DRIVE is the clear second choice. He comes up in trip after three goes at 1000M, the latest of which resulted in a runner-up finish. He ran consistent times and there is not reason the additional trip should be a problem. We’ll really have to take the others on trust. (12) SINJURYU was 3rd at this distance at his latest start and while the time wasn’t quick and he draws wide, that’s enough to get him into the numbers here. (10) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG had a poor day at the office last time out but has run fast times at shorter and may improve. (3) ONE PUTT generally blows the start but is capable of finishing well.

Selections(4) Byeorak (11) Duson Drive (12) Sinjuryu (10) Cheongsan Yeongung
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 10, 11, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the south-coast opener with eight of them racing for the first time. It will be one of the four with experience who starts as the hot favourite though. (1) GUARDIAN ANGEL was 4th on debut back on November 26th in a good time when settling in midfield and then running on. With any kind of improvement at all, she will be very hard to beat. (10) BRAVO HAMYANG went through two trials and showed improvement in the second of those on Christmas Day, coming home in 2nd place in a fair time. He looks the best of the newcomers. (12) B. K. NEW MOON won her trial on December 18th with a front-running performance. The Take Charge Indy filly draws wide but can also go well in this company first up. Returning to those with experience, (5) ETERNAL ACE and (11) DEER KING both ran fairly on debuts for mid-field finishes, and both can be considered for improvement with top jockeys booked.

Selections(1) Guardian Angel (10) Bravo Hamyang (12) B. K. New Moon (5) Eternal Ace
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) JEONGMUN JJANG returns to action following almost eleven months on the sidelines. Previously he had run well at his distance, and he looked well when almost leading the entire way around in a Christmas Eve trial. He will obviously need this, but he draws well to get on pace and in an open race, has as good a chance as any. (8) V QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. She’s only been ordinary in her latest two starts but looks nicely in here to sit behind the speed and then run on. (11) MUNHAK FOREST likes to be on pace so may need some luck given his barrier, but he has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance and can be in the finish again. (1) PEPE RUN and (7) GWACHEON SINSEGYE are among others who can challenge for at least minor money.

Selections(4) Jeongmun Jjang (8) V Queen (11) Munhak Forest (1) Pepe Run
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 11

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

(10) WILD ADELE has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over 1300M at her latest when she led until the furlong pole. She comes up slightly in trip and draws wider, but an apprentice takes some weight off and she can go even closer this time. (4) NAMDO ILDEUNG is thoroughly unspectacular but is generally consistent. She drops back in trip following some recent efforts over a mile including a solid 3rd place last time. She will sit handy here and run on and will probably start as the betting favourite. (3) RAON THE MILLION was 6th behind Namdo Ildeung at their respective latest starts and from a good draw can find a nice position again and finish off well. (2) SILVER LADY has the fastest time among those here who have tried this distance before and while it wasn’t fast, it’s probably enough to bring her into the calculations here. (12) GREEN PAPAGO another in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Wild Adele (4) Namdo Ildeung (3) Raon The Million (2) Silver Lady
Next Best12, 13
Fast Start8, 9, 10, 12

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

A big field off fillies and mares and (2) SEONGSIL MONEY gets the nod. She is yet to win in nine attempts but but has eight top-five finishes and comes in following a good 2nd place at this class over 1300M on November 27th. She’s run a decent time at this distance as well and from a nice draw, Moon Se-young can pick his spot and she can win. (6) REMARKABLE ran well back behind Seongsil Money in that November race but has run once since then when 4th over 1300M beating a couple of today’s rivals and she can be in the hunt here. (11) SMART HIGH was a winner at class 6 level two starts back over 1200M before running adequately for 4th on her first try at this class, again over the 1200M, on December 18th. She’ll be on or close to the pace here and a chance. (14) JEONGSANG Z and (5) BLACK ROOKIE among others to consider for places.

Selections(2) Seongsil Money (6) Remarkable (11) Smart High (14) Jeongsang Z
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start10, 11, 12, 13

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

Wildly competitive race. We’ll go with (14) LIGHT STORY to defy gate fourteen and return to the winner’s circle. He was the all the away winner on debut over 1000M before struggling on return at 1400M. In his latest two, he has seemed to be working back to form though with a close-up 2nd to a stablemate he really should have beaten at his latest on Christmas Eve. Seo Seung-un returns today and he could win. (1) ADELE CHUKBAE made all to get his maiden win at start number five on December 17th over this distance. He draws the inside once more and should measure up in this company. (6) CROWN KING STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this class over 1200M on Boxing Day, leading for much of the way around. He comes up significantly in the weights but You Hyun-myung climbs aboard and he should be a contender. (10) CAPTAIN YANKEE and (11) UNJU HERO are others in the frame.

Selections(14) Light Story (1) Adele Chukbae (6) Crown King Star (10) Captain Yankee
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10
(more…)

Saturday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview January 22

Saturday’s action moves to Seoul where there are 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. The hot favourite has raced before though and that’s (11) CLAIR POINT. The filly won a trial before running 2nd on debut on December 18th in a fast time when prominent throughout. The draw may not be ideal here, but she should overcome that to get to the front and will take some beating. (5) CUPID WAY looks the best of the newcomers. While her official trial in November saw her just scrape though inside the qualifying time, she was put in a second voluntary one on Christmas Eve (which may not appear in all race cards, so be aware) and looked much more composed, running 3rd in a decent time. With some natural improvement on that, she can go well first-up here. (2) NAOL ACE finished in midfield on debut. Moon Se-young remains aboard and from a good gate, he looks set for improvement.  So too (6) TTEOOREUDA, who gets a better draw than she did when 8th on debut. Returning to the first timers, (12) SUPERDIA looks to be another who could make an impact.

Selections(11) Clair Point (5) Cupid Way (2) Naol Ace (6) Tteooreuda
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky one. Apprentice Kim Tae-hui partnered four winners last weekend and we’ll take a chance on her maintaining the hot streak here with (3) MIRACLE DAUGHTER. Luigi Riccardi’s filly was a solid 4th on debut at this distance on December 12th, racing handy throughout and can improve here under next to no weight. The probably favourite is (11) CUPID VOW. He’s been sent off at short odds in both his starts so far, coming home 6th and 3rd, the latter at 1200M. He comes back down in trip today and while he may need a touch of luck from out wide, he looks very much in this. (2) CASH BACK has the fastest time in the field for the distance, recorded when 3rd two starts back. He draws well, should be on pace, and can be in this a long way. (12) YESULIYA will also attempt to get to the lead early. He ran consistent times in three attempts at this distance, registering a best finish of 3rd and led over 1200M at his latest outing before ultimately finishing in 5th. (7) TOUCH NINE, who also has a decent time in his record, the best of the rest.

Selections(3) Miracle Duaghter (11) Cupid Vow (2) Cash Back (12) Yesuliya
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 12

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

A big field of fillies take their chance here. She draws badly but (12) BARO QUEEN can be given a chance here. She has steadily improved across four starts to date and ran well for a close at hand 3rd place on her first try at this distance on Christmas Day. She may need a bit of luck early on but if she can find a good position, she can win. (7) ELITE RULES probably deserves to start the favourite based on her last start 2nd place at class and distance. She led for much of that race and while there is a fair amount of early speed here, she can sit handy and run on strong again. (13) MAY BLADE hasn’t run badly for misfield finishes in three starts so far and overcame a wide draw for 6th in a fair time at this distance at her latest start. She can finish off well again. (14) DONGSEO YEOGEOL draws even worse but if she can follow the pair on her inside across to find a good position, she can go close too. (1) SUNNY BLADE the best of the rest.

Selections(12) Baro Queen (7) Elite Rules (13) May Blade (14) Dongseo Yeogeol
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 12, 13, 14

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

After three consecutive runner-up finishes, it’s time (6) YONGHOJIMA went one better. He beat three of these on his latest outing on December 19th, leading for most of the way around and in this company should settle handy and prove too strong late on. (10) RULES CLASS looks to be the logical second pick. He comes in having run 4th behind Yonghojima on December 19th when he settled midfield and then ran on. He has eight top-five finishes from eleven starts so far and should maintain his consistent run of form here. Draw a line through the latest effort from (1) MIGHTY SUNSHINE, where he weakened badly over 1400M. Coming back in trip today and drawn on the inside, we can see a much better performance. (7) MASEONG CHEONHA comes up in class after two fair 3rd places at class 6 level last autumn. He’s had twelve weeks off but gets a nice draw and a very light weight and don’t be surprised to see him on pace and in this a long way. (2) PERFECT POWER was 5th in that December 19th race behind Yonghojima and should be competitive here again.

Selections(6) Yonghojima (10) Rules Class (1) Mighty Sunshine (7) Maseong Cheonha
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 11

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

Another big field but it’s hard to go past (3) BYEOLUI SUNGAN. A good winner two starts back at this class over 1300M he led for much of the way around at his latest start at this distance on December 19th before being caught and ending up in 4th. That was his worst finish to date and he should be putting things right today. To do that, he will need to overturn the form on (6) ALCHAN NURI, who ran 3rd in that race, following up a narrow 2nd, also at this distance in November. He doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but he can go close again. (12) MAGIC JOY comes back in trip after two successful spins around 1700M, which saw him to a win at class 6 level and runner-up finish at this. The draw isn’t great, but he should be in the finish again. So too (9) K N UNDERKING races for the first time since running 2nd to Byeolui Sungan on November 6th. That was just his third start, and he steps up slightly in trip here with claims for more improvement. (10) DESK TAP among a number of others with placing claims.

Selections(3) Byeolui Sungan (6) Alchan Nuri (12) Magic Joy (9) K N Underking
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 10
(more…)