There was a brief glimmer of light at the beginning of the week when the government gave to go ahead to the professional baseball and football leagues to begin admitting spectators to stadiums from as early as this Friday. The hope was that this could be quickly extended to the racecourses where strict bio-security and distancing measures are ready to be enforced. That hope was quickly extinguished with the rise of new “cluster infections” in the middle of the week with baseball and football having immediately had their approval put on hold.

Accordingly, this weekend’s racing will once more be run without spectators and without betting, the latter of which is unsustainable for very much longer. The races, while unavailable to loyal Korean punters, are, however, available to overseas bettors through the usual simulcast partners. There are 15 races at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00.

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field of eight first-time starters get Friday’s card underway, tackling the minimum distance of five furlongs. The fastest in trials was (8) KKOTGWA BARAM, who despite weakening late on, still managed to hold her own in a heat that included Baengmunbaekdap. The widest gate may not be ideal, but she most likely doesn’t need to lead, and she has fair claims here. (2) YEONGGWANGUICHUKJE also looked competent when trialing at the end of May, running on strong late to post a respectable time and to warrant consideration first-up. (5) MY STAR trailed up along with some decent horses and didn’t look out of place when recording a by no means poor time while (6) GALLANT WARRIOR and (7) DOCTOR TAKE also hinted at some promise and can give a good account of themselves.

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

The three-year-old maidens go over the short course in the second event on the card. (9) FANTASTIC BOY lines up for his debut performance coming off an eye-catching trial. The Old Fashioned colt was piloted by Lee Sung-jae when working through the line strong. He was given minimal urging by rider Lee and looked to have plenty left in the tank. (11) HALA NURI looks the main danger, trialing well in May. The filly was allowed to free roll by Cho Si-dae who rides her in the event. She did have one start back in January where she finished midfield. (7) SMART BIJIN improved at her second trial and looks a place chance. She is by Daishoten winner Smart Falcon and it may take a couple of runs to see what she really has to offer. (6) MUJEOK YONGBYEONG has had a couple of starts back at the turn of the new year. He improved at his second start to settle behind the leaders and finish off fairly.

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens line up here with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. Of the five who have prior racing experience, (9) STING is the only one to have troubled the judges, running 2^nd on what was his third career start in February on a muddy track over 1000M. He ran on pleasingly enough and the additional trip today has the potential to suit. Jockey Park Jae-I became a father for the first time on Wednesday and he has a fine chance on debut-maker (10) GEUMGANG JEONGGI. A solid performer across three trials, the first all the way back in January and the most recent just a couple of weeks ago, he looks very much ready to run. The jockey is likely to send him to the front from the gate and he could be the one they need to beat. (4) CHOEGANG HUNTER and (6) QUEEN FLYING both offered next to nothing in two and one prior starts respectively. However, in May trials, both looked to have befitted from the time off and should be much better prospects this time around. Among the other debutants, (11) MR. FUSION looks the pick.

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The fillies line up over the six furlongs in the fourth where there appears to be only a handful of chances. (9) FASHION KEY looks a speedy type who can perform well fresh. She has lined up in stronger events than this and accounted for herself well. The trial was good, and she will have one of Busan’s best in Seo Seung-un on her back. (10) NORTHERN DREAM trialed up well back in April. She did place two starts back over the five furlongs and then backed it up with a fair performance in February before the hiatus. The concern is where she ends up from barrier ten. (3) BARAMEUI WOOLLIM lines up for her first start as a four-year-old. She won a trial back in February when qualifying in good time then finished midfield in a trial against the older horses. (4) HONOR QUEEN will have her second start after finishing midfield on debut over the 1000m. She never looked a winning chance but held her own, with some improvement she can run into the minor money.

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

Maidens again here but plenty of form to go around. (1) PINEUI KKUM has finished no worse than 6^th in six appearances so far with a best of 2^nd. That came at 1000M, but he has finished 3^rd at this distance as well. He has disappointed as favourite on a number of occasions, but he looked well in a May trial and this really should be his day. (8) ALPHA STAR ran 2^nd on June 19^th, well beaten by the very promising debut-maker My Queen. He should have come on for that run and gets a quick turnaround here. He’ll be on pace early and can go close. Looking to overcome being drawn in the car park to get to the front early will be (12) MILLION MAKER. He led for much of the way over 1200M on his second career start back in February only to get overhauled late on. He too looked well in a trial just last Saturday and presuming he didn’t leave his race in that heat, he has a big chance here. (10) ACE JACKPOT hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has hit the board a couple of times at this level and has placing claims.

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

A compact field of maiden gallopers line up in the sixth where there is a lack of early speed. (2) CHEONNYEONUI GIL lines up for her sixth start after an average trial in May. The Tiz Wonderful filly has finished in the top five on four of her five starts including a last start third behind Gold Candy. She was beaten a big margin that day but Gold Candy does look to have ability winning at her next start by ten lengths in a stronger grade. (3) TIZ LINE appreciated the step up to the mile for the first time last start, finishing second behind Borne Matta. He trialed in April and only beat a couple home, with a slow time. We will include him on the strength of his last run. (7) BAEDARI CAPER is a twenty-nine start maiden but is capable of running into the minor money. He is drawn to sit midfield and have every chance of collecting a cheque. (6) TOP OF THE GIRL has mixed her form since starting her career in August last year but based on her trial in May where she clocked a good time, she is worth including.

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

(6) MASTER KING was a good winner over 1300M all the way back in November last year. Although he didn’t get a chance to make his class 5 debut before racing was halted in February, he certainly looked the part when leading for most of a trial at the start of June. Look for him to get on pace early and potentially lead all the way today. (9) MAN OF THE WORLD’s final run before the shutdown saw him come home 4^th when sent off as favourite over 1000M on February 14^th. He is yet to win but has a 2^nd place to his name at 1300M and was similarly fast in a trial two weeks ago. He will be challenging for the early lead and has every chance of making the breakthrough here. Another maiden is (10) BANJIUI MAGIC. He returned to action two weeks ago running a solid class and distance 4^th and should have come on for that run. Another (more…)

The monsoon has arrived in Korea this week and while most of the weekend is forecast to be dry, a significant amount of rain has already fallen across the peninsula so look out for wet track conditions. Racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 15 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Racing continues to be behind closed doors. Here are the previews:

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

A pretty hot maiden to kick things off with plenty of these having shown promise in trials. (1) SMART VALUE went through two heats, most recently in March, when he led all the way to come home first in a fast time on a dry track. Drawn in the inside gate he can work forward under Jo In-kwen and can go very close. The only other trial “winner” is (11) GREAT GOOD. Thomas Gillespie’s filly came from just behind the early speed in a May heat to cross the line 1^st, pulling away and needs to be taken seriously today. (9) MAEUM DAERO improved across two heats and he trainer and jockey combination will ensure she gets plenty of support. (6) ROYALIST and (7) ACHIM BIT are others who showed ability in their trials and have every chance of performing well first up.

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

The second on the card will see the Korean-bred two-year-olds line up over the 1600m, all of which are on debut. There was a lot to like about the trial of (1) DOCTOR FASHION last month. The Old Fashioned colt bounced out in good style and led the field well into the straight. The older gallopers eventually gobbled up the chestnut but he was never fully asked for by his rider, he finished a couple of lengths behind handy three-year-old Save The World. Expect You Hyun-Myung to work forward from the inside draw and prove hard to catch. Archarcharch filly (9) NAMED showed a nice turn of foot in her trial. Francois Herholdt, who was aboard for the trial and will ride on Friday let her find her feet before improving just before the turn. She hit the line well and finished just behind the on top elect Doctor Fashion. (2) HEAT YEGAM clocked a fair time in his trial in wet conditions. The Take Charge Indy colt was given a couple of backhanders to keep him running through the line strong, which he did and a forward showing would not surprise. (5) HUIMANGUI SORY is next best after a fair trial performance where he lost touch early before running on well in the straight.

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

Twelve maidens go around here with precisely half the field lining up in a race for the very first time. Of the experienced ones, only (12) TOP LUCKY has managed to hit the board so far, doing so on her second start back in January when she ran 3^rd over 1000M. Her subsequent trial was competent enough and stepping up in trip today, she may be considered. (1) TAMNA HWANGHU showed very little in two starts at the start of the year but looked significantly more competent when trialing three weeks ago and the addition of Jo In-kwen aboard can only be a plus. (9) PILSEUNG IJI meanwhile has experience of racing at this distance and also looks set to improve. As for the first-timers, (8) WIND PARK won a trial at the end of May and accordingly brings herself straight into contention against modest opposition here, while (6) CRONOS offered few clues in his heat but the stable means he is sure to have supporters.

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

The Korean-bred maidens line up again over the 1400m in the fourth where they’ve all previously raced. (9) PAI BLADE is the on top selection here on the basis of his recent good trial. The lightly raced four-year-old had his first run mid last year and has not been seen on race day since. He trialed late April and did everything right, finishing third and clocking a good time under hands and heels from Franco Da Silva. (4) JEONSEOLUI FIGHT has had four previous starts where his best performance came at his most recent start finishing fourth over 1200m. He clocked a fast trial for this grade in May and looks one that is ready to fire early. (3) CHOEGANG CLEAR is the most experienced galloper engaged with fourteen starts under his belt. He only beat one home in his trial but he ran into some handy ones in his heat. This is not a strong race and he is capable of picking up a minor cheque. (8) A. ONCE looks a place chance based on her trial. She was under the stick for the last furlong and clocked a fair time.

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

(10) TRIPLE MAGIC ran through the line strongly for 2^nd on what was his second appearance on the racecourse in February. He looked well when trialing in April and the step up in trip today should suit. He looks the one to beat. (11) BLUE SIGNAL ran competently enough in two January outings and while she didn’t show much in the way of speed, she ran on gamely enough to suggest that she can tough out 1400M as well. She’ll most likely be steadily away and pass a few late on. (7) BEAUTIFUL GALLOP managed a 3^rd place behind Great Boss on her final start before the shutdown. She too hasn’t been quick but looked lively in a trial and is another who may appreciate the extra distance. (8) MARK STAR defied lengthy odds to run 2^nd over 1200M back in January and is another who ran a touch quicker than expected in a trial. He can come from off the pace and cause problems late on. There is one solitary debut-maker. (4) PORRIMA was no better than average in her heats but average may well be good enough to hit the board in this limited company.

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

The maiden gallopers go over the mile in the sixth where their 1000m trial efforts aren’t all that helpful in gauging their condition. (3) BLUE EMBER lines up for her sixth start after showing some improvement at the start of the year. The chestnut trialed well after settling near last before going through her gears in the home straight, working through the line well. Franco Da Silva has a good draw to work with, she should be able to settle (more…)

After an almost four-month hiatus racing returns to Korea on Friday with a 15-race card at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00. Sadly with online betting still outlawed and with the authorities still not allowing people to attend professional sports in person, there is no legal way for loyal local racing fans to watch and wager on the races. The races are, however, simulcast overseas as usual. Here are the previews:

Busan is back

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

Twelve previously unraced three-year-olds get things underway and while we usually advise keeping a close eye on the local market for clues, with no local betting, none will be forthcoming. All have been through at least one trial though so we do have a few things to go on. (12) POWER GATE registered good times in both her trials although the filly was assisted on both occasions by wet tracks. It’s a top trainer/jockey combination and if they can overcome the wide draw, she surely figures. Speaking of jockey/trainer combinations, (11) SECOND WIND showed improvement across her pair of trials, also on similarly wet tracks and can go well first up today. From the inside gate, (1) ALPHA HEART should be on the early pace and can stick around at the business end. (3) CHEON SU HAENG and (7) CHEONMA HASEO also acquitted themselves well in heats while the pair of (2) INDY QUEEN and (9) SWEET BAND, both by President’s Cup and Grand Prix winner Indie Band are intriguing debutantes although their respective latest trials would suggest caution is needed first-up.

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million 

Nine two-year-olds will have their first start in the second event on the card. Trial times and perceived pressure have been reviewed in their qualifying trials and (9) WORLD CHEONSA looks one to follow on debut. The Hansen filly clocked a good time for a debutant when doing it under her own steam until ridden out by Kim Cheol-ho in the last half furlong. She qualified in 62.1 seconds on a dry track which should see her more than competitive in this event. (7) MAGIC DAERO managed to muster quickly in his trial after jumping away in average fashion. The Gyeongbudaero colt was somewhat green working up the Busan straight in his trial but he looks one that can improve with time. (3) TOP MATE clocked a good time for his trial but was ridden out hard by his rider. He should be able to position close-up from a handy drawn. (6) HAPPY WITCH was swamped late in her trial after tiring in the last furlong. If the is improvement with her she can run into the top four.

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies only here with just three of the twelve having prior racing experience. Of those, only (12) MISS ROCKET offered any ability, running 5^th of 12 over this distance in February. She backed that up by going well in a May trial and warrants consideration here. (2) STEEL HEART did nothing on debut but did show signs of improvement when trialing again a month ago. We have some sharp looking debutantes though. (5) FINAL PARTY looked every inch a racehorse when cruising to a trial victory over some experienced animals on May 8^th. Top jockey You Hyun-Myung is aboard and if she brings that form to the races, she has winning chances. (7) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON was slightly slower but still impressive when making all to win a heat of her own back in March. She’ll be on pace from the start and can be a threat. Joining her on speed will be (4) ANGEL WIND who was similarly composed when running 2^nd in her heat in April. Another big chance is (10) QUEEN VRONSKY who has mixed it well with experienced runners in two trials to date, running on very nicely for 3^rd in a fast time in her latest heat in April. She’ll come from just behind the speed and debuting at 1200M may well suit. (9) SUSO TANK also is not to be overlooked.

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

The three-year-old maiden gallopers line up in the fourth event where six of the twelve runners are on debut. There is plenty of interest around (1) MY QUEEN who trialed in impressive fashion back in March. The Tamna Ace filly had speed to burn early on in the heat before hitting the line with minimum urging. The filly is perfectly drawn to bounce out of the gates, sit on speed and take some running down. (3) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED had the one start back in December before the hiatus where he finished midfield behind Golden Winner who has subsequently proven to be a handy type. The colt was given a trial last month where he was one-paced through the line. He has run over the 1300m in fair style and is considered an each-way chance. (5) ALPHA STAR was disappointing on debut back in January when failing to beat a runner home. He trialed during the hiatus with his performance much better. He jumped well in the trial and sustained a good cruising speed He was not shaken up down the straight and clocked a fair time for this grade. (12) ECHO GOOD looks one to not discount entirely on her trial performances. We will know more about her after this event but keep her safe in your wider selections.

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

(10) GEUMA KAIROS has been well-backed in both his starts to date and while he struggled on debut in December, he was an improved 4^th running on well on his February reappearance. He looked well in an April trial and the step up to 1400M may suit here. (3) JEMA TUJI has improved across three outings and ran a good 2^nd on a wet track over 1300M in January. She wasn’t asked for much in his recent trial and she can go well first up today. So too can another filly, Thomas Gillespie’s (4) YEOWANGUI MISO. A solid 3^rd at lengthy odds on debut, she ran well in a trial just two weeks ago and You Hyun Myung, who rode her in the heat, gets back aboard today. (6) HALEAKALA justified strong support when 2^nd over a mile in January. She performed well enough in an April trial on a sloppy track and can be in the placing frame again. (5) JANGSAN MANGCHI is “full” brother to Derby Winner Ecton Blade and improvement is possible while (8) JEONSEOLUI BOSS is another firmly in the hunt in a competitive race.

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

An even assembly of gallopers line up in the fifth where a case can be made for the majority of the field. The race looks difficult enough without the added complexity of the recent racing hiatus. (7) PERFECT JEWANG is the on top selection as he ticks two boxes, the first being he blew his rivals away in Class 6 company back in February winning by a substantial nine length margin. The second being he trialed in impressive time in April when clocking 60.9 seconds on a dry track and beat the second placed horse by five lengths. The time was one of the better figures for that particular set of trials. (11) GOOD THUNDER looks a winning hope in the open field. The Thunder Moccasin colt has proved himself beyond the 1000m multiple times, placing over 1200m last start and breaking maiden status over the 1300m two starts back. He handed in an average trial in April which was no gauge of his condition. He has been on speed at his past three race starts and it is likely that Lee Hyo-sik will look to cross shortly after the gates open. (3) HAEUNDAE THUNDER broke maiden status back in February at his third race start. The son of Strike Again has drawn ideally to allow Francisco Da Silva engage the same tactics as per when he won. The step up to the 1200m first up is the query. (5) BANJIUI MAGIC still looks for his first win but comes out of a strong three-year-old race where he was defeated by Barbarian, who looks to have some ability. With the lightweight on his back, the chestnut should be considered an each-way hope.

Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A really good looking race involving plenty of up and comers. (3) GREAT BOSS won on debut over 1200M in February and while it wasn’t an especially fast time on what admittedly was a slow-running track that day, he showed he’s got plenty of speed about him when recording a sub one-minute trial on May 30^th. So long as he didn’t leave his race on the track that morning, he has strong claims today. So too does (7) NEW PROSPECT, a colt who appears well-named presently. He won at the second time of (more…)

There are 11 races at Busan on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A field of twelve Korean-breds line up in the first all searching for their first win. (9) JINJU SARANG looks hardest to beat coming off a last start second to Master Bella. The Federalist filly hit the line with gusto after settling midfield in the early stages. She looks well weighted in the event. (5) HAEUNDAE THUNDER had his second start last time out when finishing third behind Max Power. The form line doesn’t read all that strong but this race is lacking depth as well. The Strike Again gelding is likely to settle in the first few in running. (1) CHOEGANG CLEAR has had four runs this preparation now and his recent times suggest he can run into the money. Expect him to sit closer in the run with a better draw. (7) FUSION PARK lines up for his tenth start and his fourth run this preparation. The Ecton Park four-year-old should be at peak fitness. Expect Park Jae-I to work forward early on.

Selections (9) Jinju Sarang (5) Haeundae Thunder (1) Choegang Clear (7) Fusion Park

Next Best 3, 8

Fast Start 2, 7, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) NORTHERN DREAM has shown steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 3^rd place last time out on January 10^th. She runs on well and looks to have as much chance as any of shedding her maiden tag here. (2) CROWN FUNKY has a less than auspicious start to her career but looked a different animal on her return from a two-month absence in January. She ran 3^rd and while she was beaten a fill eleven-lengths by a good winner, she can build on that here and Seo Seung-un taking the mount today can only be to her benefit. There were few expectations on (11) TRIPLE MAGIC when he debuted last month but he ran well for 4^th in what was arguably a stronger race than this. The wide draw isn’t ideal but he should be competitive again. (3) CHODONG DAEJANG and (8) KKUMEUL NEOMEO are others with the potential to improve.

Selections (6) Northern Dream (2) Crown Funky (11) Triple Magic (8) Kkumeul Neomeo

Next Best 3, 7

Fast Start 2, 7, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The three-year-old fillies line up in the third event where there is a severe lack of form for punters to analyse. (8) HAPPY SONG comes out of a stronger event where she managed to finish fourth behind Barbarian over the 1300m. She lined up against the boys as well last start and was the first filly past the post. This race appears to be hers to lose. (6) GLOBAL TOP comes out of the same race where she was well beaten. That was her first attempt beyond 1000m and we can expect her to take improvement from the experience. She drops back half a furlong and is capable of running into the money as she did two starts back. (11) FOR YOU LOVE lines up for her first start after qualifying last month. Her breeding suggests she will be better suited as she steps out in distance but don’t write her off completely first up. (10) MISS ROCKET is another on debut after clocking a reasonable trial time. She finds a weak assignment on debut and can run into the money.

Selections (8) Happy Song (6) Global Top (11) For You Love (10) Miss Rocket

Next Best 9, 5

Fast Start 4, 6

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

There is a good deal of potential throughout this maiden and it’s a pair of animals making their respective second outings today who look the most promising. Having won a trial, (5) NEW PROSPECT was sent off as favourite on debut on January 31^st. He began a bit slowly but did run into 3^rd, just a couple of lengths behind the winner. It wasn’t a strong race but he looks to have scope for improvement and with a slightly better start today can win. (3) JANGSAN MANGCHI ran 2^nd on his debut behind longshot winner Max Power. The time wasn’t fast but the performance was accomplished enough and he is the main danger here. (9) GRAND CAPTAIN has been has shown an uptick in form in recent starts and can aim for a place here. (2) MILLION MAKER did nothing on debut last October but has since been through three trials, running well in the latest of them and he should be significantly better today. (8) YEONGGWANGUI KISS the best of the rest.

Selections (5) New Prospect (3) Jangsan Mangchi (2) Million Maker (9) Grand Captain

Next Best 8, 10

Fast Start 2, 5, 8

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

It’s extremely hard to put together a speed map for the fifth with few of the runners showing early speed in their previous starts. (10) SPACE POWER looks to be able to cross in the early stages and should prove hard to run down over the seven furlongs. The Clear Attempt colt finished third behind Magic Partner last start but they did run a pedestrian time of 1.17.1 for the 1200m. Whilst is was slow it is probably enough to take this event out. (8) FEDERAL STAR looks the biggest threat coming off a fifth on debut. The Federalist three-year-old sat well back last start and she will need to be closer in the run if she is to be a winning chance, especially given there is minimal speed engaged suggesting the first half of the race will be run slowly. (11) GIANT’S HEART was disappointing last time out when the wide draw was hard to overcome. He has drawn wide once again but with the lack of speed engaged the three-year-old can bounce back. (1) SMILE WINNER has gone off the boil somewhat but has managed to place on two occasions from eight starts. If she can reproduce one of her better runs she should be (more…)