Racing Previews

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 19)

Racing is for reduced prize money and behind closed doors this weekend. Busan’s Saturday card is, however, available on international simulcast with 12 races from 10:10 to 15:45 local Korea time. Here are the previews:

Behind closed doors again

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Juvenile maidens to kick things off. (1) WILD BLUE has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts so far both at this distance and in the process recorded the fastest time of any of them. He has been one-paced on both occasions but is nicely drawn on the inside to get forward and should go close. So too should (14) HAEUNDAE BADA. She ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M and the step up in trip can suit. The draw is far from ideal though. The one to beat may well be (9) SPEED MATCH. He was sent off favourite (when there was an actual betting pool) on debut on November 20th having won a trial. He finished in 5th place but should have come on for that run and the trainer/jockey combination will tempt plenty. (12) SIMON TOP GUN improved on her second outing last month and can continue her progress today while (7) GALAXY ROAD is one of a few in the hunt for some minor money.

Selections(9) Speed Match (1) Wild Blue (14) Haeundae Bada (12) Simon Top Gun
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 14

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

More maidens. (10) HILL MORE has run well for 2nd and 4th in two starts so far, he’s just been a little bit late arriving on the scene both times. Ioannis Poullis may elect to ride him a bit close today and he has strong claims. (7) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM was certainly ridden much closer to the pace on her second outing and was rewarded with 2nd place. She’s drawn reasonably well again and is a danger. Expect progress from (2) JEJUOLLE GIL. She was great in her trial but underwhelming on debut and the addition of You Hyun-myung aboard catches the eye. (4) STAR EYE was never a factor last time out but has already recorded a couple of decent placings and with a better start should play a part. (1) MISS ROCKET too seems to be figuring things out and has placing claims.

Selections(10) Hill More (7) Tteugoeun Mannam (2) Jejuolle Gil (4) Star Eye
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another maiden but it’s a good one. (2) RAON THE STAR has run 2nd in both her outings so far, posting respectable times as well. In normal times she would be up to class 5 by now but gets another crack at the lowest level and she should make the most of it. (3) DOCTOR FAITH trialed up behind Raon The Star but debuted with a creditable 3rd on November 13th at this trip and can match or better that today from a slightly better draw. Both (5) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC and (6) KKOTMURI ran 4th on their respective debuts and have scope to improve here. (9) DOMINATION went back to trial after a lackluster debut in August. He won that heat with a fine front-running performance and is another one in at least the placing frame. The wildcard is (4) ADELE SUCCESS. She did nothing on debut in July but the full-sister to Success Story looked more promising when trialing two weeks ago and should get on a bit better with today’s slightly extended trip.

Selections(2) Raon The Star (3) Doctor Faith (6) Kkotmuri (4) Adele Success
Next Best9, 5, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) WONDER RUNNER has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far and has led in both of them. She’s drawn well to get on speed from the gate and could well make it third time lucky today. Also looking to get to the front early will be (12) GREAT DANCE. He drops back in trip following a good 2nd place over 1400M on November 20th, beating a couple of these in the process. The draw isn’t great here but with a good start he should be going close. (7) CHOEGANG LIGER ran 4th behind Great Dance in that 1400M race last month. He has never finished any better than 3rd but is another who may appreciate the drop back in trip today. Another also-ran in that race was (11) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER, who came home 5th. At the start of November, he came from off the pace to run a strong 2nd at this distance and should be in contention again today.

Selections(4) Wonder Runner (12) Great Dance (11) Yeonggwanguirunner (7) Choegang Liger
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 9, 12

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(13) NAMDO QUEEN was a good winner on debut on November 20th, scoring comfortably over 1000M. There was full prize money on offer that day so she is up in class here and also in distance but the way she ran through the line suggests plenty in reserve and she can win again. (8) YEONGGWANGUI START’s solitary victory came at this distance and he enters here off a last start runner-up finish having led for most of the way around. If he can get to the front again then he has very solid claims. (5) GRAND YEOWANG has seemingly lost her way a little in her latest two appearances but is capable of better and has the fastest time of any of them at the distance. (7) WISE GIRL and (6) WONDERFUL KING are both up in class having run 1st and 2nd over this distance on November 15th and both should be completive at this level

Selections(13) Namdo Queen (8) Yeonggwangui Start (5) Grand Yeowang (7) Wise Girl
Next Best10, 6, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 13

Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

Not the strongest of class 4 races and with that in mind it might be worth having a look at the first-time starters. Of those, Midshipman filly (10) WORLD SOCKS looks the pick. She ran a comfortable and unhurried trial just a couple of weeks ago and against this limited opposition has good claims. (4) HWARANGUICHMPION had an unsuccessful spin over 1800M last month. He had run well at that particular trip in the past but today does look am more suitable assignment and he should go close. (7) AMAZING WINNER has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and while recent form has been nothing special, can go well in this company. (14) QUEEN ARDOR produced a much improved showing to beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place last start and could match that here.

Selections(10) World Socks (4) Hwaranguichampion (7) Amazing Winner (14) Queen Ardor
Next Best2, 12, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 10

Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

(10) BARBARIAN is a winner of three from six so far and while he is yet to race at such a short distance he is more than capable of running on the speed and can score first up today. Last time Barbarian ran was back in August and he finished 2nd to (9) YEONGGWANGUI SIDAE over over a mile. The latter horse has been a bit ordinary in two starts since but does have ability and while Barbarian can overturn the August form, Yeonggwangui Sidae shouldn’t be far away. (13) BANJIUI JEONSEOL has never finished worse than 3rd in eight attempts and while the draw isn’t ideal, he can maintain that record today. (7) BABEL HIT beat three of these on his way to a good 2nd place behind Curlin Time over 1400M on November 20th. He should be a danger again although (6) SYDNEY MANGCHI, who ran 4th that day, should be on pace from the start and has a good chance of overtuning the form. Sydney Mangchi’s stablemate (4) GOOD FOR YOU is another in the hunt.

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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 12)

The last three wagering places that were accepting customers for betting have had to close so with no wagering available in Korea and low Stakes prize-money, we are back to all three tracks running in Korea simultaneously behind-closed-doors just one day a week. That day this week is Saturday and the 12-race Busan card is available for overseas simulcasting so that’s the one we will focus on for our previews, however, there is one sensational race in prospect at Seoul so we’ll add a preview for that at the bottom too:

The racecourses will be deserted and running simultaneously on Saturday only

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A juvenile maiden to kick things off at Busan with five of the fourteen racing for the first time. (5) HAPPY WOMAN started slowly but ran on for 4th on debut over 1000M on November 20th., registering a fast final furlong. She should have come on for that run and with an extra furlong to play with here, should have every chance. (2) B.J. KING debuted over this trip at the end of October running a somewhat one-paced 6th. Improvement seems on the cards here and he can go close. (10) BAEDARI ICON beat a couple of these on his way to 6th place on debut last month. He benefits again from a very light weight and also can appreciate the additional distance. Among the first-timers, the jockey/trainer combination for (9) GOSUUI POWER will tempt plenty. The colt offered few clues when 2nd in a November trial but looked competent enough. His dam won nine of fifteen races here. (1) WONDERFUL BOBCAT too acquitted himself well in his heat.

Selections(5) Happy Woman (2) B. J. King (9) Gosuui Power (10) Baedari Icon
Next Best1, 3, 6
Fast Start4, 6. 9, 14

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

More maidens and again there are five debut-makers. (13) RANK THE POWER breezed through a trial in mid-November (having missed the qualification time in October) in the kind of time that would see him win plenty of actual five furlong races. The wide draw may not be ideal but if he brings that form here, then he should win. (12) WORLD CHANGE and (14) YEONSEUNG BRAVO are two other first-timers who also suffer from somewhat dodgy draws but performed adequately in trials and can go well first up. As for the ones with prior racing experience, (10) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED has a 3rd and a 4th place finish among three outings so far. He hasn’t been exactly fast but won’t need to be in order to challenge for a place again. It’s a similar story with (5) TEAM SKY who today benefits from a good apprentice jockey taking some weight off. The fastest time of any of these at the distance so far was recorded by (6) GOLD LUCK when 5th on debut and he too can aim for the places here.

Selections(13) Rank The Power (10) Yeonggwangui Speed (5) Team Sky (12) World Change
Next Best14, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8, 13

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

It may be class 6 but there are two previous winners among the field in the shape of (3) FIRST WIND and (12) GOLD MAGIC and it would be no big surprise were either of them to strike again. That said, there are a few who are yet to score who should be firmly in the frame. They include (2) NEW LUX, who has been getting steadily closer over four outing so far. That culminated in a useful 2nd last start behind Good Socks and the filly has every chance of going one better today. (9) OMEGA GIRL beat a couple of these on her way to a career best 3rd place at this distance on November 8th and has every chance of building on that here while (10) JANGSAN PRIDE too improved significantly at his latest outing, running 2nd over 1300M.

Selections(2) New Lux (3) First Wind (12) Gold Magic (9) Omega Girl
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start3, 7, 14

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) CATCH THE VICTORY comes in having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far. He was well beaten by a good winner last start but in coming 2nd recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance and he is the slight pick to go one better here. (7) KING BID steps back up in trip today after a good 3rd over 1000M in November. Seo Seung-un takes over in the saddle and he is sure to have plenty of backers. (9) LUCKY MAGIC looks to finally be figuring things out having run a career best 3rd last time out. Her times haven’t been exactly quick but they she won’t need to be too fast to be in the mix today. There are two first-time starters and (2) SKY MORE looks a prospect. By Hansen and out of a Korean Oaks and SBS Cup winning mare, she ran 4th in her trial in a useful enough time and should go well first-up.

Selections(4) Catch The Victory (7) King Bid (2) Sky More (9) Lucky Magic
Next Best1, 6, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A good little race this with plenty in the hunt. (6) TAKE INDY KING was an emphatic winner on debut on November 6th, running on strongly to score by four-lengths. Her is up in both class and in distance today but neither should be an issue and he can win again. So too can (9) TOP OF KOREA. He too is up in class following a win in late August. It came at this distance and if he can get on or close to the speed, he has a good chance of following up. (5) MR. FUSION has the best time of any of these at the distance and from a good draw is likely to be on speed from the start. He too races for the first time since August when he was beaten by (11) POWER GATE. Power Gate has raced twice since then and hasn’t been too far away. A host of others have placing chances with the wildcard being (1) QUEEN UP, who began her career in an ultra-consistent manner but hasn’t raced since January. She trialed up seemingly within herself a couple of weeks ago and could be a factor.

Selections(6) Take Indy King (9) Top Of Korea (5) Mr. Fusion (11) Power Gate
Next Best1, 2, 14
Fast Start5, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A somewhat motley mixture of imports and locals ranging from juveniles to seven-year-olds line up here. The first California Chrome to race in Korea makes his debut. (5) BLUE CHAMP trialed nicely and in such a race has to go into contention. So too does another first-timer, (1) CLEAR. He ran 3rd in his trial in a decent enough time on a dry track and the Wolsley/Perovic combination will tempt plenty. As for the rest, (10) ECHO SUN looks the most convincing Although his best recent work has been over 1400M, he enters in good form and while the 57kg won’t help him, he looks to have solid claims. (13) DALGI was a very good winner over 1300M in August and while her performance over this distance at the end of October was slightly concerning, she is worth another chance in this company today. (8) HAPPY GATE has lost his way a touch in his latest two starts but may benefit from the drop back in trip and should be on pace from the start.

Selections(10) Echo Sun (1) Clear (13) Dalgi (5) Blue Champ
Next Best8, 9, 12
Fast Start8, 13

Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A very competitive race. (14) YEONGGWANGUI TIME was a class and distance winner on October 31st with a front-running performance and came home in a time faster than any of the others have achieved at the distance. He gets no penalty for that win and has every chance of repeating. What he does get though is a bad draw and it won’t be easy for him to get the run of the race this time. (11) TITLE CODE and (10) NICE ONE came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other at class and distance on November 6th. Both look in the hunt here and with a weight advantage this time, Nice One could well overturn that form. (7) LUCKY NUMBER ONE is a front-runner who drops back into trip and should be in the frame from a central draw. (2) HAPPY WITCH finds herself up in class after a win and two runner-up finishes in three outings to date. She is nicely drawn to get on the early speed and can be competitive. 

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 6)

The locally-bred fillies and mares get their chance to shine at Seoul on Sunday when Oaks winner Uaryung headlines a super-competitive field in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. There is a 9-race behind-closed-doors card at Seoul from 14:00 to 18:00 which is preceded by a 6-race behind-closed-doors card at Busan from 10:45 to 13:30. Here are the previews:

Oaks winner Uaryung headlines Sunday’s Gyeonggi Governor’s at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Great little maiden to start with and six of the full field of fourteen come in having placed on their respective latest starts. We going to tentatively go with (1) BEASTLY, who ran 2nd, well-beaten by a good winner but showing plenty of ability himself, over this this distance on October 31st. Ioannis Poullis can take advantage of the inside draw to put him on the speed and he can lead all the way. (8) BANJIUI GIJEOK comes in off two very encouraging showings as well. She’s a half-sister to some talented, if occasionally fragile, runners and surely has wins in her. (2) STAR EYE hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but nevertheless has a 3rd and 2nd to show for two outings and will be dangerous while (13) THE FIRST FACTOR has demonstrated solid progression across three starts and can continue that today. There are three debut-makers and among them, (6) ALIVE STAR looks the best, having trialed up well three weeks ago.

Selections(1) Beastly (8) Banjiui Gijeok (2) Star Eye (13) The First Factor
Next Best6, 5, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(13) SAGARMATHA was an eye-catching winner on debut over this distance on October 31st leading almost the whole way around for an easy score. There is no penalty for it so she gets another crack at class 6 and as we have noted over the past few weeks, the form from those races has tended to hold up well so we will put her on top here, despite the wide draw. Having won a trial in the summer (9) GODDESS MOON looked the part on debut in October, running a useful 2nd at this distance and she should go close again today. (6) YEONGGWANGUI POWER also put in a solid showing first-up over 1000M and the addition of Djordje Perovic can only be a benefit this time. (1) SEOBU QUEEN and (3) SUNLIGHT BOY are others who have hinted at ability and could come into the equation.

Selections(13) Sagarmatha (6) Yeonggwangui Power (9) Goddess Moon (1) Seobu Queen
Next Best3, 4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) TOP LUCKY was narrowly beaten into 3rd place last start at this distance in a fast time on a dry track. He has beaten a couple of his rivals here recently and with Franco Da Silva in the saddle today, can make a return to the winner’s circle. (3) ULTRA PHOENIX was a last start winner at class and distance and as she suffers no penalty for it, has to warrant respect in similar company today. She’s well drawn to be prominent from the start. (4) PINEUI KKUM won at this class over 1200M at the end of October. He also has a 2nd place to his name at this distance and is firmly in the hunt for at least a place. (12) STRONG MIND is better than his last start 7th suggests and has outside placing chances while (14) DARK TEMPLAR is inconsistent but has found the money in similar company in the past.

Selections(8) Top Lucky (4) Pineui Kkum (3) Ultra Pheonix (14) Dark Templar
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

Competitive looking race but the Bart Rice/Djordje Perovic combination is too tempting to ignore. (5) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU ran 2nd on debut over 1200M in October having previously won a trial and while he is up in distance today, the Super Saver gelding looks to have excellent claims. He’s not alone. The experienced (1) SEONGSAN POWER doesn’t exactly win out of turn but rarely fails to pick up a cheque and should be close again today. (7) POKPUNG EONDEOK remains a maiden after six attempts but has the fastest time at the distance courtesy of a very good runner-up finish last start three weeks ago. (11) ROCKY SKY and (3) HANBIT YEONGGWANG came home 2nd and 6th respectively when they raced each other over 1200M a month ago and both should be in the minor money frame today.

Selections(5) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (1) Seongsan Power (7) Pokpung Eondeok (11) Rocky Sky
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

We’re going with Perovic again. (2) GOLDEN WINNER has prevailed on four of nine occasions with plenty of these back down the track behind him. He won at class and distance two starts back with dropped back from a mile is the one to beat. The super-experienced (10) GANGHAN JILJU took thirty-four starts to make his breakthrough but immediately followed it up with another win and then two 3rd place finishes at this class. A very good apprentice keeps the weight light here and he looks set to be involved in yet another finish. (1) MAN OF THE MATCH and (3) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT came home 5th and 6th when they raced each other at 1800M last month. They have both been beaten by Golden Winner recently but look to have placing chances here. So too (4) TANGENT.

Selections(2) Golden Winner (10) Ganghan Jilju (1) Man Of The Match (3) Yeonggwangui Fight
Next Best4, 12, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

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

(1) SSONSAL is turning into a top-class sprinter and having dispatched a number of the better ones who go here over 1400M on October 16th and getting no penalty for it, there is little to suggest he can’t do the same again over 1200M today. (11) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON got the closest to Ssonsal that day in 2nd. He’s a multiple Group winner at this distance and while he had an apprentice taking weight off that day, he is no stranger to going close under big imposts and he can play a role late on here. (4) RAPIDO MAN won back to back races at class 3 in the summer to get promoted to this level. He looked well when winning a trial two weeks ago from an excellent draw can prove he belongs at this level. (8) A PURE GOOD MAN and (9) MORNING DAERO are others who could place.

Selections(1) Ssonsal (11) Doraonpogyeongseon (4) Rapido Man (8) A Pure Good Man
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9, 12

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) ACHIM GISANG made all to win on debut on October 23rd over this distance having previously looked impressive in a trial. Due to getting no penalty that day, she gets another crack at class 6 today and it is very hard to imagine anything beating her. If she does manage to go wrong somewhere, then (6) TOUGH MAN is the logical contender to take advantage. He ran a useful enough 2nd on debut over 1000M a month ago and looks to have some potential of his own. It’s slim pickings amongst the others though. (1) ALPHA DOK has a couple of creditable runs to his name and while he hasn’t raced since July, looked well in a trial just last week. (14) ROYAL YEONGGWANG was 5th behind Achim Gisang last start and that too is enough to put him in with a shout of minor money today.

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Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 5)

The virus situation continues to worsen in Korea with country experiencing community transmission almost nationwide for the first time since the pandemic began. Although the numbers remain very small by global standards, regular readers will be aware that racing has been shut down for much less already this year and could well be again. It looks set to continue to cling on by a thread for at least this weekend, however, as Jeju Island, Daegu and Daejeon remain under “level 1.5” instead of “level 2” distancing measures. That means wagering facilities in those places can open at 20% capacity so at least some punters can play. Reservations must be made on the MyCard app the day before race day.

There have been some changes. If – and it is a big if the current schedule holds, on Jeju will race on Fridays while Seoul and Busan race on Saturdays and Sundays, one after the other. Races are contested behind closed doors and for reduced Stake money and horses are not penalised in the handicap for victories. On Saturday, Seoul will go first with 9 races from 10:45 to 15:00 followed by Busan with 6 races from 15:50 to 18:00. The races will be on overseas simulcast. Here are the previews:

Touch Star Man, KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner, will be in action at Busan on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A maiden to begin with and all but one of the fourteen are juveniles with five racing for the very first time. We will side with experience though and (2) ALL HEART is the pick. He debuted promisingly enough in July before following up with a runner-up finish the next month. He is up to 1200M for the first time and from a good draw can lead early and should have too much. None of the other tried ones make for much appeal so we’ll turn to the first-timers to round out our tickets. (10) ZELOS was the fastest of those in trials and looks set to be second-favourite while (3) JAY EAGLE and (8) VIVA LADY also looked well in their heats and can go well first up. One that was less impressive in her trial but may be better suited by today’s 1200M is (14) NONSTOP CAT. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem.

Selections(2) All Heart (14) Nonstop Cat (10) Zelos (8) Viva Lady
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Having won a trial, (11) DONG E BEONJJEOK ran a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on October 23rd. He was on the early speed in both of those appearances so while he will need to overcome a wide draw, he looks nicely in to win here. (6) GOLD SPIKE ran 2nd to Dong E Beonjjeok in the trial before finishing 4th on debut and she looks set to build on that here. (2) FASHIONED PASSION came from off the pace to run a strong 4th on her first start in October and she also looks to have the scope for further improvement today. The most experienced horses in the race are (4) GREEN POKJU and (13) THUNDER HORSE who have made three starts apiece. Both have places already and can contest the minor money again today.

Selections(11) Dong E Beonjjeok (6) Gold Spike (2) Fashioned Passion (13) Thunder Horse
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(3) GEUMA FLAWLESS has mixed his form across five starts so far but put in a promising run for 5th on his latest outing on October 23rd. From a good draw, Antonio Da Silva can sit behind the early pace and finish strongly. (7) JILPUNG BAEKGWANG has been a touch one-paced in both starts so far. She finally gets a draw that isn’t in the car park today tough so should be handier early and can improve. (9) RAON SPECIAL has the fastest time of any of these at the distance so far and looks likely to play a significant role. She is another who will be looking to finish off strongly. (1) COMLETE SHINE and (11) GOLDEN BADGE are others who should be in the hunt in this modest affair.

Selections(3) Geuma Flawless (9) Raon Special (7) Jilpung Baekgwang (11) Golden Badge
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 13

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Pretty useful class 6 race with three winners getting another crack in the level due to the current Covid-relief rules around racing. We’ll come to those in a moment though because we are putting a maiden on top in the shape of (14) K N MAGIC. The Kantharos filly was a good 2nd on debut beaten only by a good winner and while she has drawn the car park here, she has an extra furlong to play with and that could be key. (1) MOST SPEED was an all the way winner at this distance on October 16th and from the inside gate will be well placed to go forward and get close again. (4) ALCHAN NURI similarly significantly improved to win at this trip in October and can go well once more. (9) SPOTLIGHT was a somewhat anonymous 4th on debut after a dreadful start and can improve today. (7) MACH JIJON, a likely pacesetter, and (8) SOARA BABA, another last start winner, are others in the hunt.

Selections(14) K N Magic (1) Most Speed (9) Spotlight (4) Alchan Nuri
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A competitive race but the consistent (7) UNOECHANGCHEON may have enough about her to win. She has finished no worse than 4th across four starts so far and her win at 1200M was emphatic. She has already posted two competitive times at this distance and could have too much today. (11) WINNER TEMPLAR has also been consistent even though she remains winless. She has acquitted herself well over this trip and can go close. (1) TOP SEED has already won over 1400M. He’s been a little slow to jump in his latest couple but has run on well and can be involved again. (3) POTENTIAL ENERGY is up in class following a good win over 1300M back in August and should be on pace from the start today.

Selections(7) Uneochangcheon (11) Winner Templar (1) Top Seed (3) Potential Energy
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

(12) THE DREAM comes in here looking to complete a hat-trick of wins and it would be a surprise if he didn’t get it. He gets no penalty for his very good victory at class and distance on October 23rd when he had four of these back down the track behind him and he can repeat today. (9) NUNBUSIN HANSEN and (8) SUPER ECTON came home 3rd and 5th in that race respectively and both can aim to match or improve that today but a stiffer challenge may come from (11) MANSEOK JIGI. The Paynter colt recorded the fastest time of any of these for the distance when winning on November 1st and if he can get to the early pace, can go close once more.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 29)

The Juveniles get their chance to shine on Sunday with the Jeju Governor’s Cup split into two divisions at Seoul & Busan. With 150 Million Won up for grabs in each heat, the races – which act as the two second-legs of the Juveniles Series – are not as valuable as in normal years, but still give the youngsters a chance at a big prize. Both Busan (4 races from 13:00 to 14:20) & Seoul (8 races from 14:50 to 18:00) will race behind closed doors on Sunday although simulcast betting on the races will be available at the Jeju Racecourse plus at four provincial OTBs which are not subject to level 2 social distancing restrictions. Here are the previews:

Who will succeed Roller Blade as Champion Juvenile? The second legs of the 2020 Juvenile Series are on Sunday

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There look to be two standouts in Busan’s opener. (2) DONGBANUI SIJAK gets another crack at class 6 having prevailed on debut on October 23rd over this distance. From gate 2, Jo In-kwon can settle him close to the early speed and he can run on strongly. (10) MILLION MAKER is still yet to break through but after an inauspicious debut, he has put in two strong showings and has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He’s not raced since July but trialed nicely earlier this month and should go well under Djordje Perovic. Bart Rice and You Hyun-myung teamed up to win with a debut-maker on Friday and they have another one here in the shape of (6) ACE SOLOMON. He looked well when winning an October trial and looks nicely in here first-up. (3) SPRING FIRE and (5) KWAEHAN HWANGGEUM look best of the rest.

Selections(10) Million Maker (2) Dongbanui Sijak (6) Ace Solomon (5) Kwaehan Hwanggeum
Next Best3, 13
Fast Start1, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (1) SPEED KINGDOM here. He had little trouble carting around 57kg when leading gate to wire over class and distance on October 31st. Having drawn the inside again today, Ioannis Poullis will aim to do similar and there’s no reason why he can’t go all the way once more. (10) YEONGGWANGUI EAGLE came home in 3rd place in that race and should be a contender again although a couple of others may offer stiffer challenges. (4) ROCK PEGASUS is up in class after a very solid win at this distance earlier this month. He can set up camp behind the early speed and run on strong late. (2) GABO TODAY was a touch disappointing when relatively well fancied over 1300M two weeks ago. Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic persevere with him and he’s worth another chance here.

Selections(1) Speed Kingdom (4) Rock Pegasus (2) Gabo Today (10) Yeonggwangui Eagle
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2,

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

It took (3) POWER TRAIN a couple of goes to figure things out but he’s now won all four of his starts in 2020, zipping through the lower grades as a result. Can he make it five in a row? He can but there a couple of caveats. All his victories so far have come at a mile or further and this is his first try at class 3 level. Nevertheless, his class can see him through. If he does come up short, then (1) STAR OREUM is the most likely to take advantage. An excellent class and distance winner on October 31st, beating a couple of these in the process, apprentice Mo-Jun-ho today takes a full 4kg off his back and he has solid claims. So too does (2) POWER WONDERFUL, who drops back in trip having won at this class over a mile earlier this month as well as the ever consistent (7) SPICE CANDY, who in contrast, steps up to seven-furlongs for the first time and can’t be ruled out.

Selections(3) Power Train (1) Star Oreum (7) Spice Candy (2) Power Wonderful
Next Best12, 13
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12

Busan Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Allowance “Jeju Governor’s Cup” – Busan / KRW 150 Million

Busan’s second leg of the juvenile series. (2) WINNER’S MAN picks himself really, having been hugely impressive in winning all three of his outings to date without breaking sweat. He’s not yet actually run at this distance but having won at both 1000M and 1300M there is little to suggest it will be a problem for him. (8) HEAT YEGAM is the most credible danger. He too is unbeaten and led all the way for an easy win over this distance in 1.13.3 on October 23rd, a time that was faster than both the class 3 and class 4 events over the same distance that day and looks to have the potential for more. The logical trifecta is filled out by (3) MACH TITAN, who led gate to wire for an impressive looking win over the distance at the end of last month, albeit at class 6 level. (4) GOOD SOCKS and (1) TOP MATE to dispute the minor money.

Selections(2) Winner’s Man (8) Heat Yegam (3) Mach Titan (4) Good Socks
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 8

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

The capital’s Sunday program begins with a competitive maiden with five of the fourteen racing for the first time. Of the ones with prior experience, there are a couple of standouts. (4) DAECHEON EOLJJANG came from well back to run 2nd on debut on October 16th. He had a wide draw that day but punters will need to weigh up whether having the benefit of Kim Yong-geun’s experience in the saddle will counter the 4kg extra he needs to carry. (9) JOYFUL K has run twice already with a 2nd and a 3rd place to her name, both at this distance. She has the quickest time of any of these who have tried 1200M – not a great achievement – and should be very competitive here. (8) BIG FORCE ONE improved to 5th on her second outing beating a couple of these in the process. She should be on pace from the stat and can go close. Of the first-timers, the stand out is (3) COMPLETE STAR. She ran 3rd in a very fast trial in October and has every chance of going well on debut here.

Selections(9) Joyful K (4) Daecheon Eoljjang (3) Complete Star (8) Big Force One
Next Best13, 7
Fast Start8, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another maiden although this time it is very much the first-time starters who will be favoured. (7) CATCH CHARM looks the best of them having made all to win an October trial. It was the kind of time that would win plenty of class 6 races over the distance and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll win today. (9) SPEAR GUN also caught the eye in trials. The Tourist colt wasn’t quite as quick as Catch Charm but won’t need to have come very much in order to go close on debut today. Among those with experience already, (4) STEADY CHAMPION recorded the fastest time of these on debut at the distance and accordingly has placing claims. (8) EOSEOWA and (12) FANTASY QUEEN are others who can improve.

Selections(7) Catch Charm (9) Spear Gun (4) Steady Champion (12) Fantasy Queen
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A field of thirteen inexperienced imports take on one local here. The local is a good one, albeit one we haven’t seen for a very long time. (2) MYEONGWANG won two of three starts in 2019 and while he hasn’t raced for a full fifteen months, he looked well in a trial last week and should be right in the mix first-up today. We’re not going to put him on top though. Instead we are going to buy into the minor hype surrounding (5) WILDLY ROMANTIC. The Bayern colt blitzed a trial in October and his debut has been eagerly awaited. He will be expected to win this assignment. (7) ROYAL TAERI also looked good in his latest trial. The Bodemeister colt ran well alongside several established racehorses and should go well first-up today. (1) DOKKAEBE and (12) DANGCHAN SERYEOK are others whose debuts will be watched carefully.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 28)

Racing is continuing even though punters are now only allowed in at the Jeju Racecourse and a tiny handful of provincial OTBs with Busan having joined the Greater Seoul area in “level 2” distancing. There are 7 Saturday races at Seoul from 15:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Back behind closed doors at Seoul

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A full field of fourteen juvenile maidens kick things off. (8) STAR BLADE is the pick having followed up a 4th place on debut in the summer with a 2nd place over 1200M a month ago with a couple of his rivals here behind him. He’s come from off the pace both times, hitting the line well and of Antonio Da Silva can keep him handy, then he has strong claims to make the breakthrough today. (7) COLJOY was beaten by Star Blade on debut but showed improvement on his step up to 1200M. He was drawn wide last time but has a better gate today and should go close. (2) WONDERFUL MAMBO races for the first time in July when she was a solid 2nd at this distance. She looked well when trialing last week and has placing claims again. (4) BIG RED and (6) VYING BLADE are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Star Blade (7) Coljoy (2) Wonderful Mambo (6) Vying Blade
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 12, 13

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

More juveniles here and we do have a couple of previous winners going around who because they got their maiden wins during the last rounds of Covid-relief racing, get another crack at class 6. The form from those races has held up well so we are going to put them on top again with (7) GRAND CASTLE favoured. A front-running winner on debut, he should be on pace again and can lead all the way. The other previous winner is (3) USORYUNG. She scored at the second time of asking in October and while she was a bit slower than Grand Castle, that experience should stand her in good stead here. (6) FEDERAL EYE has progressed across two starts so far and the engagement of Moon Se Young in the saddle today will make many take note. There are no fewer than six debit-makers and among them (5) WONDERFUL K looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(7) Grand Castle (3) Usoryung (6) Federal Eye (5) Wonderful K
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start3, 5, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A tricky one. (4) ELITE POWER may only have finished in 6th of 14 on debut on October 16th but the rime she registered that day is by some margin the fastest any of these who have tackled the distance before have achieved. She won’t need to improve very much to win here. Neither will (7) JOEUN GWANGYE. He came from off the pace to run 2nd over 1300M in August and while he hasn’t raced since, he looked well when winning a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he should be close by. (14) THE QUEEN JUSTICE ran on well for 3rd on debut over 1000M. Today’s distance should be fine although being drawn half way into Gangnam may be more of an issue. There are just three first-time starters and among them, (1) MODERN BEST looks the best.

Selections(4) Elite Power (7) Joeun Gwangye (14) The Queen Justice (1) Modern Best
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start4, 7, 14

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A good race for the level with plenty coming in with chances. (12) GEORGE QUEEN is the pick though having won two of her four starts to date including an impressive class and distance score in October. She gets no penalty for that and the wide draw should be no issue given the way she came home flying last time. (7) PIEONADA and (3) SHADOW QUEEN both had slightly disappointing days at the office when they raced each other at class and distance on October 16th. Both are better than that though and improvement can be expected here. Alan Munro’s presence aboard Shadow Queen is of particular note. (8) OKAY TAP is yet to win in five attempts but has run 2nd three times. He hasn’t appeared in a race since June of 2019 but has trialed up occasionally throughout his absence, most recently in August when he looked well. If right, he goes close.

Selections(12) George Queen (3) Shadow Queen (7) Pieonada (8) Okay Tap
Next Best13, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14

Race 5: Class 2 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 36 Million

(2) VICAR BRACING is certainly a name from the past. He won four straight races through the summer and autumn of 2019 but hasn’t been seen since due to a succession of injuries. He’s back fit now but last trialed in July and while his quality should be enough to see him close, he probably needs both a bit more distance and to get a run into his legs so while we will have him in the numbers, he’s not on top. (4) CUPID GUY is on top. While he does carry 4.5kg more than when he won at class and distance in August, he followed that up with a strong 3rd behind Raon Tap Man and Dae Wan Ma just three weeks ago. He has a nice burst of speed and can return to the winner’s circle today. (3) WINNER BROWN put together a similar winning streak to that of Vicar Bracing last year. He showed signs last month of coming back into form when 4th over class and distance and he could get it right today. (10) CLEAN UP BOARD has the fastest tie of any of these at the distance and can go well dropping back in trip after a few chastening experiences around two turns. (12) BLUE CHITON’s best work has been at further but he too has placing chances.

Selections(4) Cupid Guy (3) Winner Brown (12) Blue Chiton (2) Vicar Bracing
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3

Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

Plenty of very promising imports take their chances here. (3) ECHO VICTOR is likely a worthy favourite having beaten plenty of these on his way to winning his latest two outings, both of them over 1200M. The Gemologist gelding should have little trouble with the step up to 1400M today and has every chance of making it three in a row. (13) BALVENIE came home in 3rd place behind Echo Victor and ahead of plenty of these on October 16th. That followed an impressive win over the short course on debut back in August and he’ll go close once more. The distance certainly suits (9) ROYAL ELVIS. He has been pipped into 2nd place in both his latest two appearances but the elegant looking galloper surely has a win in him at some point and it could be today. (10) SAENAE IRENE is yet to win in five starts but has never finished any worse than 4th and can go close again today.

Selections(9) Royal Elvis (3) Echo Victor (13) Balvenie (10) Saenae Irene
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7, 9

Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

Wildly competitive race to close with so if you’re still live in the pick 4, then the very best of luck. We’ll side with Luigi Riccardi and Johan Victoire who team up with (2) ECHO BILL. The Daredevil colt can mix his form but beat plenty of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance in a fast time on October 23rd. He came from well back that day but expect Victorie to put him a little but closer this time and he can win. (9) DORAON POPEYE was 5th in that same race. He has beaten Echo Bill in the past and is a winner at this distance as well. He likes to come from well off the pace and will surely play a big part in the finish. A touch more disappointing in that race was (11) IRON SOCKS. He’s beaten a number of these in the past though and can’t be ruled out completely here. (5) MOONHAK EMPIRE and (8) SHARK JJANG are among a number of others who have claims on at least a place.

Selections(2) Echo Bill (11) Iron Socks (9) Doraon Popeye (8) Shark Jjang
Next Best5, 1, 14
Fast Start4, 10, 11

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 27)

After three weeks of something approaching normality, COVID-19 has once more cast its malign shadow over racing. With the Greater Seoul area having been placed under “tier 2” restrictions, punters will once more be unable to attend the races or off-track betting centres. And with no online betting in Korea it means that we are back to running for reduced stakes and with an amended schedule.

As of Friday, it was still hoped that a limited number of punters would be permitted to attend the Busan and Jeju Racecourses as well as the nine OTBs located outside the Greater Seoul area. It appears likely, however, that Busan will join Seoul in tier 2 imminently. As it stands racing will go ahead as follows:

Friday: Jeju (5 races from 13:00 to 15:00) & Busan (6 races from 15:30 to 18:00)

Saturday: Jeju (5 races from 13:00 to 14:50) & Seoul (7 races from 15:15 to 18:00)

Sunday: Busan (4 races from 13:00 to 14:40) & Seoul (8 races from 14:50 to 18:00).

Sunday will see juvenile series races being run at both Seoul and Busan. Both races keep their full Stakes prize-money. While it remains unclear if local punters will have any opportunity to bet on the races, overseas simulcast is scheduled at the usual destinations including, for the first time since August, in Europe. Here are the Friday previews for Busan:

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A big field of fourteen in the opener but it’s hard to look past (12) ACE DAY. He ran out an emphatic all the way winner on October 31st. That was the last weekend of Covid-relief racing so there was no penalty for the win and back in similar conditions today, he should win once more. He will need to overcome the wide draw but that shouldn’t be a problem. (4) HILL MORE is likely to be one of the main challengers, He ran a solid 2nd on debut a month ago and while it was a considerably slower time than that of Ace Day, it showed promise and he can build on it today. (14) KEY PLAYER is the most experienced runner in the race and while that’s not necessarily a good thing at this level, she has been getting closer across her six outings to date and can be considered a placing chance here. There are three debut-makers and among them, (6) ARTIE’S GAL looks most likely to make an immediate impact. She led from gate to wire in her trial and looks nicely in here.

Selections(12) Ace Day (6) Artie’s Gal (4) Hill More (14) Key Player
Next Best2, 13
Fast Start2, 6, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

This looks a much trickier maiden to solve but while there is a bit of proven form, we’re going to side with a first-time starter. That’s (4) JEONGMUN POWER, who certainly caught the eye when making all for an easy trial win at the end of October. The Bart Rice/You Hyun Myung combination is a good one and he’s likely to attract plenty of attention in the market. (13) JEJUOLLE JIL was similarly good in her qualification heat and can go well first up too although she will have to negotiate a wide draw. As for those with experience, (9) DARI TTEU, (2) PARTY INDY and (7) HONEY STAR came home 4th, 5th and 6th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on October 23rd with all of them making their debuts. All three should be in the frame for improvement here with party Indy perhaps the most favoured to go close.

Selections(4) Jeongmun Power (2) Party Indy (9) Dari Tteu (13) Jejuolle Jil
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 13

Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A gate to wire winner on debut in August, (12) CLEAN HIT returned to beat several of his rivals here on his way to a strong runner-up finish at class and distance on October 31st having once again led almost the entire way. The draw is not overly kind to him today, but he should be able to overcome that and looks to be very much the one to beat. (7) ACHIM BIT was 5th in that same race and has the potential to get closer here. Her one win came at this trip and while she isn’t especially fast, she generally runs on well and should beat plenty. The main danger though looks to be (1) KKUMEUL NEOMEO. She drops back in trip following two impressive showings at 1400M during the summer season and looks well in today to go close. From the inside gate, expect Seo Seung-un to have her on the early speed. (8) FIRST STAR mixes her form but shouldn’t be too far away in this company.

Selections(12) Clean Hit (1) Kkumeul Neomeo (8) First Star (7) Achim Bit
Next Best5, 14
Fast Start1, 5, 12
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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 22)

There are full cards at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:00) on Sunday. Both meetings are open to the public but advance reservations must be made using the “MyCard” app. Here are previews for both tracks:

Morfhis just got up in the SBS Sports Sprint in July and returns to action at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Two-year-olds to kick off proceedings with just two runners previously lining up in the race. (11) GUEOKMAAL looks to one to beat based on trial performances. The Officer filly clocked a very quick time in comparison to her opponents here. She showed plenty of speed in her trial, we think she will work forward at all costs and find the fence. (8) GEOSEN DOLPUNG is another that was impressive when winning his trial. The Take Charge Indy colt worked forward with Lee Hyeok asking him to keep his mind on the job at the furlong pole. (7) CHANGI CHARM looks capable of figuring on debut. The filly looks to be best drawn of the pacemakers, she should be able to work across from a central draw early and sit prominent in the run. (9) LAGERTHA looks next best in a race with plenty of unknown factors.

Selections(11) Gueokmaal (8) Geosen Dolpung (7) Changi Charm (9) Lagertha
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start7, 8, 11

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

It’s hard to see (1) DDAENGBEOL being beaten here. The Rock Hard Ten colt ran 3rd in what was an admittedly slowly run race on debut back in June but returned to win a trial in a fast time at the end of October. From the inside Antonio Da Silva is unlikely to waste too much time getting to the front and he should win. That’s primarily because the rest aren’t up to much. (8) SEONBONG GOLD ran a semi-creditable time on debut at the distance last month – faster than any of the others have managed – and that’s probably enough to make her second-favourite. (4) GANGHAN YEOJEONSA didn’t show much during the summer season but has at least got a runner-up finish to her name and has placing chances here. Of the two first-timer starters, (10) HAWK QUEEN has the best chance of making an impact first-up.

Selections(1) Ddaengbeol (8) Seonbong Gold (10) Hawk Queen (4) Ganghan Yeojeonsa
Next Best3
Fast Start1, 4

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

Korean-bred maiden galloper to line up over the 1300m in the third. There is no standout in the race but (10) MIR SKY looks to be one of the main chances on her performances back in July. The Federalist filly comes off successive placings when hitting the line strong on both occasions. She’s unlikely to show early speed but will be doing her best work late. (6) SAND POWER is never too far away and has each way claims in the event. The Rock Hard Ten colt’s most recent run was back in August when fourth behind Korean Pearl in a better field than this. (9) K N WONDERFUL reeled off a good final sectional last time out when finishing second behind Mussang Hwanghu. The gelding is likely to settle well back, Antonio Da Silva cannot let him get too far back otherwise minor money may be best case scenario. If (7) BRAVO MAY can improve on his debut performance, he looks another that is capable of collecting a cheque.

Selections(10) Mir Sky (6) Sand Power (9) K N Wonderful (7) Bravo May
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start5, 6

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

(11) WILD KINGDOM has shown plenty of speed across his six starts so far. True he has just the solitary win to his name, an all the way emphatic score over 1400M in June, nut there looks to be more to come. Draw a line through his latest 6th place in October. (9) RAPIDO ARES has also caught the eye over her three outings. Her win came at 1200M and she ran on well for 2nd on her first try at this class back in August. She is versatile having performed well when on pace and from when coming from further back and she should go close today. Both (6) CAPTAIN BRAVO and (7) GANA PARK struggled a little on their respective first tries at this class but both have the potential to improve and along with (3) GIVEN RUNNER look the most credible options for the minor money.

Selections(11) Wild Kingdom (9) Rapido Ares (6) Captain Bravo (7) Gana Park
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start3, 4, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Another maiden event for the Korean-breds where a compact field of ten line up over the seven furlongs. (4) WHITE WING is the on top selection as she lines up for her second career start. The Concord Point filly overcame a wide draw on debut before sitting midfield, running through the line strong to finish third. With a better draw today, Park Eul-woon can let her find her feet naturally before settling her just of speed. If she finishes off in similar fashion to last start she can take out the event. (3) SHINY QUEEN brings some good formlines into the race finishing third and fourth respectively to Goldilocks and Never Walk Alone. She seems to have improved with a few more starts under her belt, treat her as a winning chance. (6) MENI STORM looks a place chance if she can improve a couple of lengths. The filly ran through the line well last start when she was tried over this distance for the first time. (7) THUNDER WIND looks next best after finishing fourth behind Alchan Nuri last month.

Selections(4) White Wing (3) Shiny Queen (6) Meni Storm (7) Thunder Wind
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The Class Five gallopers line up in the fifth event over 1600m. (6) BORNE MATTA comes off a good performance last start when second behind Ultra Phoenix. The Testa Matta showed good early speed before finishing off well over 1400m. You Hyun-myung will partner the four-year-old and is likely to settle him in the forward half of the field. (7) B.K. EUAN is an eleven start maiden but has shown some promising performances. The three-year-old finished fourth three weeks ago behind Speed Kingdom when sitting in the leading division. He will get the claim of Mo Jun-ho once again and should take improvement from the last run. (8) MAGIC HORSE has been thereabouts at her past few starts including a last start fourth behind B.K John over 1400m. She has previously placed over the Busan mile and appears an each-way chance. (2) ACE JILJU lines up for his second-up effort after finishing midfield behind the promising Fantastic Man last time out. His strike rate is poor but if he were to collect a minor cheque it would not surprise.

Selections(6) Borne Matta (7) B.K. Euan (8) Magic Horse (2) Ace Jilju
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7

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

(5) ROCKUI JEWANG beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place at class and distance on October 16th. He came from off the pace to record what was his best finish to date and he looks nicely in here again to this time come out on top. (4) JEOLYE is a proven winner and has posted the fastest time of any of these over this distance. She has mixed her form and has been beaten by a couple of these in recent outings but has some quality about her and should be heavily involved. One of those to have finished ahead of Jeolye is (3) ECHO FIRST ON. She is yet to win in thirteen starts and is another who mixes her form, but she has tended to go well when drawn inside and can get forward early. (8) DOLGYEOK APEURO and (10) ROAD BLACK are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(5) Rockui Jewang (4) Jeolye (10) Road Black (3) Echo First On
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 5

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

(1) GEUMA NIPPY obliged at the second time of asking on October 23rd with a front-running win over class and distance. That was during the period of reduced prize money racing so he gets no penalty for it and there is no reason why he can’t repeat today. He’ll be close to the pace from the start and is likely to be the prohibitive favourite. (7) SMART MOD is a locally bred galloper who has won his way up to this level. His first crack at it back in June didn’t go especially well but the extended break may have done him some good. He certainly knows how to win at this distance. That layoff may also have worked out for (10) K.B. BOSS who was losing his way somewhat in the summer. He trialed up very nicely at the beginning of this month and can be given another chance today (although a word of warning – he trialed up well before his last preparation too. Aside from the favourite, it isn’t a daunting race so there could be an opportunity for the solitary debut-maker (5) MR. SSAK THREE to go well first up.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 13)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. The meeting is open to the public but reservations must be made one day in advance via the “MyCard” app. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maidens kick things off with five of the eleven racing for the very first time. Among those with experience, (4) ALPHA AGAIN looks the best. He’s led in all three of his races so far only to be passed on each occasion with a best finish of 3rd. The drop back in trip may be to his benefit and he could make the breakthrough here. It won’t be easy though as there are a few first-timers with potential. (1) COOL GUY was the best in trials, putting in a competent front-running performance and registering a good time. If he gets to the front, he may be hard to beat. (3) YEONGGWANGUI POWER and (11) HAEUNDAE BADA likewise impressed in their heats and should go well first up. Returning to the experienced ones, (9) SIMON LADY has been inconsistent but has proven capable of finding some money in similar company to this.

Selections(1) Cool Guy (3) Yeonggwangui Power (4) Alpha Again (11) Haeundae Bada
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

A small field of nine will face the starter in the second where the Class 6 gallopers will go over the six furlongs. (1) YEONGSEONGTEUKGEUP effectively gets a second chance in this grade after winning a Class 6 event when there were no penalties for winning, as result of covid relief racing organized by the KRA. The Old Fashioned colt clocked a good time for this grade, he lines up with the same weight over the same distance and we predict the result will be the same as well. (6) DAMYANG DOLPUNG lines up for his second start after finishing third on debut back in July. The Purge colt finished off strong on debut and should appreciate the extra furlong. (4) CAPTAIN GIRL is on debut from the Kim Young-kwan stable. The Menifee filly clocked a fair time but there appeared to be more in the tank. (3) SMART YEONGUNG has had a handful of starts and whilst is yet to place, based on previous runs he looks capable of collecting some minor money.

Selections(1) Yeongseongteukgeup (6) Damyang Dolpung (4) Captain Girl (3) Smart Yeongung
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start2, 4

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

Another horse who can take advantage of the temporary relaxation in the class 6 rules is (7) GREY ANGEL. She came from well off the pace to score on debut a month ago, winning very handily indeed. Carrying the same weight again today and at the same distance, it’s hard to see her being beaten. (3) WONDER RUNNER was a useful 3rd on debut on October 16th having briefly led late on. She should be prominent again and should be at least placing once more. (2) TWO TWO CHALLENGER has improved over three starts so far. The apprentice jockey knows the filly very well and she shouldn’t be too far away here. There are two first-time starters, both of them with eye-catching jockey bookings. Of the pair, (4) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON showed the most in trials and should be in the placing hunt.

Selections(7) Grey Angel (4) Gwangdaeseungcheon (3) Wonder Runner (2) Two Two Challenger
Next Best8
Fast Start2, 3, 4

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

The maiden gallopers go over 1300m in the fourth where there looks to be limited early speed engaged. (4) PEACE BAEK looks ready to win coming off successive placings including one just four weeks back. The filly lacked early speed last time out before reeling off a good sectional. Kim Myoung-sin gets a good opportunity to break a run of outs. (11) DAESAN GAPBU looks an each way chance in the event albeit still a maiden after thirteen starts. The filly finished fourth late October behind Gold Magic when hitting the line in fair style. You Hyun-myung will be legged aboard for the first time. (8) GEUMA GOOD POINT lines up for his fifth start with Lee Hyo-sik staying aboard. The Peace Rules gelding finished fourth last time out when running on well. (9) DIVINE QUEEN was somewhat disappointing last time out when well beaten over the 1200m. She has finished third on two occasions from the six starts and should take improvement out of the recent run.

Selections(4) Peace Baek (11) Daesan Gapbu (8) Geuma Good Point (9) Divine Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start8, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) SUN ALPHA is another one who benefits from being allowed another crack in class 6 despite already having broken his maiden last month. That win had been coming too, following on from a runner-up finish in August and there is no reason why he can’t repeat today. He does like to come from off the pace though so there is always a danger of him being left with a little too much to do. If this happens then (7) ALPHA STAR is perhaps the one to take advantage. He too would normally be up at class 5 by now with two solid runner-up finishes to his name. He should be on pace from the start and can go close. (8) KING OF JOY passed plenty late on last time and should be in the placing frame again here while (4) CHEONMA HASEO and (5) PILSEUNG IJI are others in the hunt.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 8)

Sunday sees full cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:00). Cheongdam Dokki headlines Seoul’s class 1 feature race. The race meeting is open to the public, however, there is an attendance cap of 20% and seats must be reserved in advance through the “My Card” app – there is no admission on the gate. Here are the previews:

Cheongdam Dokki goes at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A field of twelve to line up in the first where all but two runners are on debut. Watching the vision of (12) LONDON ACTIVE suggests the Colonel John filly is ready to perform at her first race start. The two-year-old bounced out of the gates in good style in her trial before running through the line in good fashion. The outside draw is a concern, but she should be able to muster quickly and sit on speed. (4) K N MAGIC is another debutant that trialed up in good style. The Kantharos filly clocked a good time on a rain affected track. She is drawn well and should be able to sit just behind the leading division. (5) RAON GARAM appears to be an each-way chance in a field with plenty of unknown ability. She is by the progressive stallion Musket Man whose progeny have been performing well early on in their careers. (8) CHEROKEE MARINE is one of just two gallopers engaged that has had a previous run. The Thunder Moccasin gelding finished fifth behind the very talented East Jet on debut but was beaten from here to Gangnam. 

Selections(12) London Active (4) K N Magic (5) Raon Garam (8) Cherokee Marine
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start8, 12

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

Maidens go around here with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’re going to stick with experience though and (3) HAPPY SOCKS perhaps has the edge. The Tiz Wonderful filly ran on very nicely for 3rd behind a couple of promising ones on debut over 1000M in August and the additional furlong should suit. It’s a similar story with (8) LUCKY WORLD who ran very similarly for his own 3rd place on debut and can be expected to run on strongly again and go close. (1) MAGICUI HAMSEONG could only manage 6th but nevertheless put in a fast time on a sloppy track on his August debut and is another who may have some promise. (9) GO GO STAR has raced twice with solid 3rd and 4th place finishes to her name, each time with a contrasting running style and she should be there of thereabouts again.

Selections(3) Happy Socks (8) Lucky World (9) Go Go Star (1) Magicui Hamseong
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start6, 9, 10

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

A field of twelve lightly raced maidens will take to the track in the third event. (10) LEGEND WIN is the on top selection albeit he has had six previous attempts to break maiden status. The Old Fashioned colt comes off a last start third when sitting on speed and being passed by a couple quicker in the run home. His opposition today is not overly strong, and he looks like an each-way chance who will get every chance sitting on pace. (12) CHEONJI ULLIM has finished close up at his two starts to date. The three-year-old hasn’t raced since February when he finished fourth behind Ice Punch. He trialed up in a few weeks ago and clocked a good time. The draw is a concern, but he needs to be treated as a winning chance. (5) SPECIAL STORY has notched placings at his past two starts. The filly’s time wasn’t overly fast in these performances, but her competition today looks even. (1) SPEED FLYING comes off successive minor placing during the mid-part of the year. The filly is likely to settle closer to the speed as per last start, from the good draw.

Selections(10) Legend Win (12) Cheonji Ullim (5) Special Story (1) Speed Flying
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) UNCLE BELL made all for a commanding maiden win at start number five back in August with a couple of these a long way back down the track behind him. He’s at the same class today and although he carries a whopping additional 5kg he remains hard to bet against. There are a couple who could beat him though. (4) PINE TOUCH has come close on a number of occasions over his five starts so far and has shown he has a strong finish. The slight step up in trip today may suit. (11) FULL BOOSTER comes in off a last start runner-up finish and if jockey Ueda Masashi can overcome the wide draw to get him close to the pace, he could be in with a shout. (2) SIRIUS A and (8) EAGLE EAGLE are among a number of others who could aim for the places, the latter a strong contender to challenge the favourite for the early lead.

Selections(1) Uncle Bell (11) Full Booster (4) Pine Touch (8) Eagle Eagle
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

The maiden gallopers go over the seven furlongs in the fifth event on the card. (9) POWER MUSIC has shown enough previously to suggest she can figure. The Winchester filly has settled both rearwards and on speed in her past couple of starts, from barrier nine she may have to settle midfield or worse. She has placed at two of her past three starts including a last start second over this distance. (7) ONE PUTT handed in a better performance last start back in August when finishing second over this distance. The three-year-old hit the line with gusto and is likely to settle towards the tail once again, before reeling off a good sectional. (8) ACE HAMSEONG is another who has finished close up at his past few starts. His times have been competitive enough to suggest a forward showing, he should be benefited from a lack of early speed engaged in the event. (4) TRUE looks best of the rest in a race where there is no standout.

Selections(9) Power Music (7) One Putt (8) Ace Hamseong (4) True
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start3, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

The speed map for the second looks to be sluggish suggesting riders that wish to work forward should be able to do so. (7) HAPPY WITCH lines up for her third start after a good start to her career in the mid-part of the year. The Officer filly won on debut in June in good time before finishing second over the six furlongs in July. She looks to be one of a few runners who can work forward and sit in the first few in running. (11) DOCTOR GREY has shown that he is capable of reeling off a good sectional. He finished off strongly last time out running into third behind VIP King last time out in August. He looks one to watch as he steps out over a long journey down the track. (10) PARTY LION has not raced since January but trialed up in good style in August. The filly has finished in the top three on three occasions from eight attempts but is yet to break maiden status. The horse looks best suited if Jo In-kwon can get her to work forward early. (4) QUEEN OF ADELE looks next best and one worth including in your novelty bets.

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