Racing Previews

Spectators Shut-Out of Busan Again, Daejeon OCB Permanently Closed – Walker Hill To Follow

Busan Racecourse will not be allowed to admit customers from this weekend as the city has raised its social distancing level to 2 from this Friday. Under level 2, sports venues are allowed to admit 10% of their seated capacity, however, just as in Seoul which has been at this level since the start of the year, the racecourse and the two off-course betting centres in the city, must close their doors completely. No coronavirus outbreaks had been linked to the track or OCBs since they reopened at 20% of seated capacity in February. Customers may attend the Jeju pony races on Friday but the Seoul and Busan meetings on Saturday and Sunday at both tracks will be behind closed doors.

The blow is compounded by the fact Daejeon Off-Track-Betting Centre closed for the final time last Sunday after twenty-one years of operation. The long planned closure had first been announced in 2017 after political pressure. With all branches in the Greater Seoul area currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, it leaves only Jeju Racecourse along with the branches in Daegu, Cheonan and Gwangju open for betting.

Local media reported that in addition to the closure Daejeon authorities had requested that the KRA, which owns the twelve-storey building in the city’s Seo-gu district, donate it to the City in order to make amends for the supposed damage that the presence of an off-track betting centre had caused its people over the years. According to media reports, local politicians and residents associations say that the educational and residential environment in the district had deteriorated because of legal betting taking place.

The KRA declined the request, citing the financial crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the building will now be put up for sale through the state-run Korea Asset Management Corporation. Prior to 2020, the site generated an estimated KRW 20 Billion in local taxes for the city of Daejeon annually.

One solution to this problem, which is repeating itself up and down the country wherever there is an off-track centre, would be the legalization of online betting. Representative Yoon Jae-gap, a Democratic Party National Assembly member initiated a bill last year to legalize the sale of betting tickets online. In publishing figures last week showing that the KRA made a KRW 438.1 Billion loss in 2020, Rep. Yoon said that he believed the “countdown to the collapse of the industry has begun” with emergency funds set to be exhausted by the middle of the year.

The Daily Hankook Newspaper reported an official at the Ministry of Agriculture, under whose jurisdiction the KRA and racing falls, as saying that the Ministry recognized that in the long term the legalization of online betting may be necessary but that it would be difficult in the absence of a national social consensus and that any legislation shouldn’t be rushed. The online sale of lottery tickets has been legal since 2018.

In semi-related news the saga of foreign punting groups apparently winning too much in the local Korean pools has come up again. The Chosun Ilbo reports that on March 30th, the Board of Audit and Inspection found that in 2019, the win rate of foreign customers was significantly higher than that of Korean nationals. The Board noted that 89% of betting tickets purchased by foreigners were issued in the final five minutes of betting compared to 74% of purchases by Korean customers.

This was, the report says, made possible by being able to get bets on in large volumes as late as possible (the maximum per ticket bet is 100,000 – US$88 – and it is difficult for Korean punters to get on more than that per race). Accordingly, foreign punters’ dividend rate on 2019 was 121% of their investment compared with 72% for Koreans.

The “foreigner only” off-track-betting location at Walker Hill in Seoul, where the majority of the betting analysed by the Board of Audit and Inspection took place, has been closed since the start of the pandemic and will not reopen with the lease expiring within the next month and notice having been given.

Seoul Sunday: Eoma Eoma vs East Jet – Race-By-Race Preview (March 28)

It’s another Super Sunday at Seoul yet no crowds will be allowed in to witness Eoma Eoma and East Jet facing each other in what should be an epic sprint tussle over the 1200M in the feature event. It remains galling that even the small and enclosed indoor Jangchung Arena in downtown Seoul was able to host spectators this weekend for a volleyball play-off series while the vast expanse of Seoul Racecourse isn’t allowed to admit anyone. It is what it is, however, and betting outlets south of (and including) Cheonan will be open at 20% of indoor seated capacity. It’s a cracking day’s racing in prospect with 15 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here is the race-by-race preview:

Eoma Eoma (left) and East Jet clash again (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens in the opener with six of the fourteen going around for the very first time. Third time could well be the charm for (14) HOLIDAY CHARM. He has run on well but has arrived on the scene too late in both starts so far finishing in 2nd and in 3rd. He gets an extra furlong to play with today and while the draw is less than ideal, he can make the breakthrough. In the most recent of his races, Holiday Charm was 3rd with (9) BURUI GASOK in 2nd. That was Burui Gasok’s debut and very accomplished he looked too, leading for most of the way before getting run down late on by a good winner. He has serious claims and probably starts favourite. (8) DESK TAP ran 4th on his own debut in the same race and can aim to build on that today. As for the first time starters, there were a couple of eye-catchers in trials. (11) COMPLETE HONOR won his trial in good style while (12) MAGIC RECORD registered a fast time running on strong. Both can go well first up.

Selections(14) Holiday Charm (9) Burui Gasok (12) Magic Record (11) Complete Honor
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 14

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

Three-year-old fillies only here. (12) K N MENIQUEEN is going to be hot favourite here. While she finished well back in her first two, her times were adequate and it wasn’t much of a surprise when she won at start number three on February 5th with three of these back down the track behind her. The draw shouldn’t be an issue and she should be winning again. There are couple of others with potential. (1) SHOWMAKER ran 3rd on debut behind K N Meniqueen. That was encouraging enough to suggest there is more to come and she should be close to the pace from the inside draw here. (10) BEST CHEONSANG ran an improved 3rd at start number two in February. She has led both her races so far and will be expected to be on the early pace again. (9) GLOBAL CHEONSA was 4th in that race, continuing to show gradual improvement and looks a potential place line here along with (the solitary debut-maker (14) CHOEGANG BLACK. She ran on strong in a fast trial and could be interesting first-up.

Selections(12) K N Meniqueen (10) Best Cheonsang (1) Showmaker (14) Choegang Black
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 13

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(5) CHEONMA TODAY showed good speed when leading all the way for back to back wins over 1200M in November and December. She weakened into 4th when tried at 1400M on February but splitting the difference at 1300M today and with the benefit of a very nice draw, she could return to the winner’s circle. The only other previous winner in the field is (8) CUPID BULLET. He was a speedy winner over 1000M on his second outing at the start of February and while up in trip here, looks set to be the main danger. (11) TAP QUALITY has been knocking on the door in his three starts so far and is one of only three in the race who has prior experience of this trip. He will be there or thereabouts again. (6) BODYGUARD and (12) HOEDURYEONG were both a touch disappointing on their respective latest outings but have hinted at ability and can aim for some money here.

Selections(5) Cheonma Today (8) Cupid Bullet (11) Tap Quality (6) Bodyguard
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start5, 8, 11, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(9) ACE PRINCE remains winless but has finished in the top five in all four of his starts so far. He enters having run 4th on his first try at this distance last time and looks nicely in here to make the breakthrough. Expect him to be on pace from the start and go all the way. (5) CHAMPION GAMUN will be challenging for the early lead. He has shown progress over his own four outings prior to today and steps up to 1400M for the first time with claims to go close. (6) POWER MUSIC beat a few of these on her way to 5th place over 1700M on February 5th. That was her first start since August but she already has a runner-up finish to her name at this distance and should be a danger here. (1) ETERNAL MEMORY was further back in that same race but expect better dropped back to one turn. Even further back was (3) GEUMA SWIFT. The time before though he ran on well from the back over 1200M and can be given another chance today.

Selections(9) Ace Prince (5) Champion Gamun (6) Power Music (1) Eternal Memory
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9
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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 27)

Saturday’s racing is at Busan with 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00. Busan Racecourse will be open to punters at 20% of indoor seated capacity. Attendance must be pre-booked through the “My Card app”. Here are the previews:

Busan – some years ago now

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

Maidens to kick things off with just five of the fourteen having raced before. Of those, (2) COLOR WIND is the pick with a 2nd and 3rd in her record already, both at this distance. She was underwhelming last start but this is softer and Perovic aboard can only be to her benefit. OO the others with prior experience, neither (4) RAPIDO QUEEN or (14) DRAGON ROYAL showed much – the latter in just one start in the middle of last year – but both have recently trialed well and significantly better will be expected today. The stiffest challenges to the selection, however, may come from the first-timers. (8) POKPUNG JILJU looks the likely favourite having shown progress across two trials, recording a very nice time in the latter. (3) THE WIN also looked competent in his heat and has every chance of going close first-up.

Selections(2) Color Wind (8) Pokpung Jilju (3) The Win (14) Dragon Royal
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) MR. INDIE was a good winner on debut over 1000M on February 5th. He steps up a couple of furlongs here but is very nicely drawn and looks to be the one to beat once more. (3) WONDERFUL FAGER ran on strong for 3rd over 1200M on his debut a month ago. The additional furlong can suit and he should be close today. Similarly, (12) CENTUM THOR finished off well for 2nd at 1200M on February 5th, beating three of these in the process and is set to figure once more. Only two of the field have raced at this distance before but both come in with recent form reading well. (10) CHOEGANG LIGER is yet to score in ten attempts but has been in the top four on each of his latest five outings. He is another who comes from off the pace and can’t be ruled out. Likewise, (14) ZERAGE comes in off a decent 2nd place at the distance last start and while the time was nothing special, he overcame a wide draw to get a good position, something he will need to do again here. (7) HILL MORE, behind Choegang Liger over a mile last time out, is another in the hunt.

Selections(1) Mr. Indie (7) Hill More (10) Choegang Liger (3) Wonderful Fager
Next Best14, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here and we always need to take note of any previous winners in such a race. There is just the one in the shape of (9) LOOKING CAT, who prevailed over 1400M last start. That was her first go at 1400M and her first being ridden handy and she ran on well to score. She looks right in this. (8) TWO TWO CELEB beat three of these on her way to 3rd place at 1400M on February 5th. She’s only missed the top five on one occasion from six starts so far and should be a serious player here. (4) KEY PLAYER stepped up to this trip last start and registered her best result to date with a 2nd place. It wasn’t a fast time but she should be competitive in this company. (2) TEAM SKY and (7) NUN KKOT YEWANG are others who are in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Looking Cat (8) Two Two Celeb (7) Nun Kkot Yewang (4) Key Player
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 12

Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

It’s far from certain that there will be a Triple Crown series this year but if there is, (1) ALPHA AGAIN has the opportunity to put himself firmly in the frame as a leading contender. He has won his latest three, pretty much making all on each occasion and steps up in to the Mile for the first time today. From the inside Jeong Dong-cheol isn’t likely to waste much time getting on pace and he can win again. (8) MACH TITAN is aiming to make it three wins in a row and four in total and he looks the main danger. He ran 4th in the track’s top juvenile race last November and while he tackles further than six-furlongs for the first time, he will be a big threat and will be challenging Alpha Again for the lead right from the start – if the draws were reversed, he might be favoured. (11) KING DOMBO took a couple of races to get back in to the swing of things following nine months out but has looked good in his latest two. He has recorded a solid time at this distance before and should be in the placing frame. (5) JEONSEOULUI BULKKOT and (14) HONOR QUEEN are both better than their respective latest outings suggest.

Selections(1) Alpha Again (8) Mach Titan (11) King Dombo (5) Jeonseolui Bulkkot
Next Best14, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 14
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Jeju Friday Selections (March 26)

It seems inevitable that the current Covid-19 restrictions in South Korea will be extended again on Friday which will leave racing’s predicament unchanged with betting outlets in the south of the country permitted to open while those in the Greater Seoul area must remain shut (despite such indoor event as the Volleyball play-offs being allowed to admit 10% of arena capacity from this week). Racing will be at Jeju on Friday, Busan on Saturday and Seoul on Sunday.

Cases continue to hover at around 400-450 per day and there is a tacit acceptance that this isn’t likely to reduce any time soon. Coupled with the glacial pace of the vaccine rollout and the non-existent pace of the legalization of online betting, and racing remains stuck up the proverbial with no means of propulsion. It is a situation set to be exacerbated further when the Daejeon betting branch closes permanently at the end of the month as organised crime takes over the monopoly on gambling in that city Daejeon becomes a gambling-free city.

From April, both Seoul and Busan will race on both Saturdays and Sundays – good news for overseas bettors as races will no longer routinely clash with Singapore and Hong Kong, but for this weekend it’s as you were with Jeju kicking things off for this weekend with an 11-race Friday afternoon card from 13:30 to 18:00. Betting outlets south of and including Cheonan are open at 20% of indoor seating capacity. Attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app one day in advance. Here are the Jeju selections.

Jeju Friday Selections

Race 1: 5, 4, 3, 1

Race 2: 7, 9, 10, 2

Race 3: 4, 10, 9, 7

Race 4: 4, 6, 1, 3

Race 5: 5, 9, 6, 7

Race 6: 7, 1, 5, 3

Race 7: 10, 2, 6, 9

Race 8: 2, 8, 11, 9

Race 9: 4, 6, 5, 10

Race 10: 8, 4, 5, 6

Race 11: 8, 10, 1, 5

Moonhak Chief v Tiz Plan – Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 21)

There is a heavyweight collision at Seoul on Sunday as Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan, two of the top three horses at the track, square off for the second time this year. The pair will clash in the feature and finale race 15 over 2000M. Sadly nobody will be there to see it but punters located in the south of the country will at least be able to attend betting branches. Seoul and Gyeonggi Province remain shuttered. There are 15 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00:

Moonhak Chief faces Tiz Plan on Sunday. Sadly there won’t be packed galleries to see it

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

Fillies only in the opener. (12) GANGSEO PRINCESS beat several of these on her way to an easy victory on debut over the 1000M on January 29th. She steps up in trip and has a less favourable gate today but the manner of that win suggests that the result will be the same and she will be the hot favourite here. (1) NONGBON BADA and (2) MAGIC TIDE both ran 3rd on their respective debuts in January. In the case of Nongbon Bada it was behind Gangseo Princess so that brings her straight into contention again while Magic Tide ran on strong in a good time and should go well with the extra furlong today. Already experienced at this distance is (7) MACH JIJON. She ran an on pace 2nd in a good time over the trip on January 29th, her best finish to date and can build on it here.

Selections(12) Gangseo Princess (2) Magic Tide (1) Nongbon Bada (7) Mach Jijon
Next Best14, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8, 12

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

(6) EAST IMPACT was a sixteen-length winner on debut posting one of the fastest times ever recorded at the distance at class 6. It was impressive and while it would only be natural for there to be a slight dip in performance second time around, if he runs anything near like that again, then frankly the rest could start now and he’d still win. The only other previous winner in the race is (1) DREAM PELLA and he’s the one to take advantage should something happen to the favourite. He made all for his win over the distance in December and while his 5th on reappearance in January was nothing to write home about, he should get on pace from the inside. (3) SWEET JUICE BAR was 4th – about half a furlong – behind East Impact on debut and has placing claims here while first-time starter (7) BLUE HAMMER caught the eye in trials and can go well first-up today.

Selections(6) East Impact (1) Dream Pella (7) Blue Hammer (3) Sweet Juice Bar
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 6

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

The betting market will be a little bit more competitive in this one with no clear standout. A couple of them look potentially ready to win though. Likely favourite is (2) THUNDER CHAMP. He ran on well for 2nd – a distant 2nd but well clear of 3rd place – to East Impact on what was for him start number three on January 29th. He steps up marginally in trip here but won’t need to improve much to have very good claims. (8) EAST JILJU ran an improved 3rd on what was his second start at the end of January, beating a couple of these in the process. He ran on strongly and the extra half furlong today keeps him right in the mix with an apprentice also keeping the weight low. (14) BIG RED could only manage 6th at the distance last start but it was by no means a bad run in what was a good race. He should be there or thereabouts. (3) BOGO TTO BOGO and (7) GEOSEN JILPUNG are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Thunder Champ (8) East Jilju (14) Big Red (3) Bogo Tto Bogo
Next Best7, 13
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 14

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here. (14) FASHIONED PASSION has drawn the car park but could well overcome it. The filly has improved across three starts so far and has the fastest final furlong average time of all of these. She moves up by half a furlong today and it could well suit with Moon Se Young climbing aboard for the first time. (1) SERVE ACE beat three of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on January 29th recording by some margin the fastest time of those who have tackled the 1300M before. Munro can be patient from the inside here and she can run on strong. (3) MISS YANGHO was 4th behind Serve Ace last time out. She is one of only two previous winners in the field and will warrant respect again here. (2) GANGHWA CHEONYEO has shown signs of figuring things out across her latest couple of runs and can go close while (11) GREEN POKJU has been inconsistent but should be on pace here and can be involved at the business end.

Selections(14) Fashioned Passion (1) Serve Ace (3) Miss Yangho (11) Green Pokju
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start6, 10, 11, 13

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

With two wins to her name already (9) USORYUNG gets a third crack at class 6 and is the one to beat again. True, she hasn’t race – or even trialed – since last November, but she has proven capable of leading and of coming from off the pace and with Munro riding, her credentials are burnished even more. She’ll be favourite but a vulnerable one. (5) COLJOY comes in off a smart 3rd ahead of a number of these on January 29th over 1400M. In the process he recorded the fastest time among those here who have tackled the distance and he should provide a stern challenge. (6) NUBIGO and (1) SAENAE CHOICE came home 4th and 5th respectively in the same race and both have claims to match or better that here while (2) COWBOY TANGO could only manage 7th that day but along with Usoryung is the only one of these to have experienced victory before and can’t be discarded.

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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 20)

Saturday’s racing is at Busan with 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00. The Busan Racecourse as well as all betting locations sought of (and including) Cheonan will be open at 20% capacity (pre-booking required using the My Card app). Locations in the Greater Seoul and Gyeonggi areas remain closed. Here are the Busan previews:

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

A filly maiden to kick things off and quite a tricky one at that. Peter Wolsley sends out a couple of decent looking ones and (13) GOLD LUCK is the preferred pick. She has improved across three starts so far culminating in a runner-up finish last time out in a similar race over this trip. The draw isn’t ideal but Perovic climbs aboard and she can win. The other Wolsley entrant is (4) ARTIE’S GAL After winning a trial she was a solid 3rd on debut last November before having a tough time on reappearance in January. We’ll give her another chance today. In that race in January, Artie’s Gal was beaten by (11) STARLIGHT. The latter filly was debuting and ran a very good 4th over the 1000M. She was on pace and should overcome gate 11 to get on the speed again here. (10) USEUNG GANGJA debuted in 5th place in the same race and has claims for improvement too while (12) HANHYEOLMA is a bit more experienced and while beaten by Gold Luck last start, has proven competitive in this kind of company.

Selections(13) Gold Luck (4) Artie’s Gal (11) Starlight (12) Hanhyeolma
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

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

More maidens here and two of them come in having put in strong runner-up finishes on their respective debuts. (7) COOL GUY is our pick, the Bart Rice trainee having been a front-running 2nd over 1000M on January 29th. That followed on from a similarly fast trial and he can make the breakthrough today. (11) DOCTOR FAPPIANO came from the middle of the pack to run on strong for 2nd also over the minimum distance on her own January debut. The additional furlong should suit and she is a real danger. (13) FIRST CHANCE beat a few of these on his way to 3rd place on debut two months ago and he too has the ability to build on that here. (2) WONDERFUL JAZZ and (5) GIANT CAL are others who also put in encouraging debuts and can be involved in the finish.

Selections(7) Cool Guy (11) Doctor Fappiano (13) First Chance (2) Wonderful Jazz
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 11, 13

Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) BEAUTIFUL KING was an impressive winner at start number three making all to score by four lengths over 1200M. He is up in trip here and is likely to be a strong favourite to win again. We’re going to take a chance and take him on though. (5) RAON THE BOSS beat three of these on his way to a much improved 3rd at this distance on January 29th. True the time wasn’t exactly fast but he looks to have potential for more and the experience may stand him in good stead here. (7) SUNLIGHT BOY and (6) GANGJAUICHEONGCHUN came home 4th and 5th respectively behind Raon The Boss in that race and both should be in the placing frame again here. (3) B.J. KING was a winner two starts back over 1200M and while he was well back behind Raon The Boss last start, can be given another chance here.

Selections(5) Raon The Boss (4) Beautiful King (7) Sunlight Boy (3) B. J. King
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

This filly and mare affair is far too strong for class 5. After running 2nd on debut, (5) GODDESS MOON has won three in a row scarcely being behind another horse. She finally has to come up in class today but that shouldn’t be an issue and she can win again. Also up in class is (2) NEW LUX. She’s won two of three so far, running on strong from off the pace each time, beating Gold Luck, who we saw in race 1, in her latest. The step up in trip is set to suit and she is a big danger. Those two look set to fight out the quinella but there is a good deal of other talent here. (14) GREY ANGEL won her first two starts in fine form and while she only managed 6th in a decent race on reappearance in January can be competitive here on her first try at the distance. (11) RAON THE STAR remains a maiden but has never been worse than 5th in four outings to date. She got within less than three-lengths of Goddess Moon when 2nd last start and can go close again.

Selections(5) Goddess Moon (2) New Lux (14) Grey Angel (11) Raon The Star
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 12

Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

(4) YEONGUNG LOUIS was a fine winner on debut at this trip before running a good 2nd when stepped up to a mile on reappearance. The Violence colt is well drawn to get on the early speed and looks very hard to beat here. (12) GLOBAL TOP was a last start class and distance winner, beating three of these in the process. She likes to be close to the pace so will need to work to overcome the wide draw but she should go close again here. (6) ROYAL TICKET had a poor day at the office behind Global Top last start but is also a class and distance winner and has the fastest time of any of these to his name. Don’t rule out. (5) SMART MOD began his career with a bang but while he hasn’t quite managed to maintain his early momentum, he looks to be on the right track again following a strong class and distance 3rd in February.

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Jeju Friday Selections (March 19)

Conditions remain unchanged in Korea which means that despite sports such as football and basketball (the latter indoor) being permitted to have 10% capacity attendance in the Greater Seoul area and bars and restaurants being packed with maskless customers, racing remains unable to open its doors to long suffering punters in the most populous part of the country. However, the Busan and Jeju Racecourses along with OTBs in Busan (both of them), Changwon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan will be open at 20% of indoor seated capacity. There is racing at Jeju on Friday, Busan on Saturday and Seoul on Sunday. Jeju gets things underway with an 11-race Friday pony card running from 13:30 to 18:00. Here are selections for that meeting:

Race 1: (6) MYEONGSEONGGISANG is a winner already and neat three of these last start when recording the fastest time in the field at today’s distance. (10) GANGHANNEUNGRYEOK should pose a stiff challenge having run a good 2nd on debut a month ago and has plenty of scope to improve. Selections: 6, 10, 5, 4

Race 2: (2) DALUIJUNSA has run consistently fast times and is one of two who look ready to win here. He is marginally favoured to see off (7) CHOIGODAEJANG who has been getting closer across three starts so far/ Selections: 2, 7, 9, 1

Race 3: (8) MYEONGGAUIHIM will be a strong favourite here with a win and two runner-up finishes from efforts to date. He beat three of these last time and has the fastest times in the field. (7) KWANGAUICHAMP was 4th behind Myeonggauihim last start and also has win. He’ll be on pace and goes close. Selections: 8, 7, 9, 4

Race 4: (7) GANGNAMUIBIT and (9) KWANGAUIMANRI both seek maiden wins but have finished in front of one another in their latest two starts. They look set to contest the finish again here, this time for top honours. Watch the market for clues to (8) EKUSEU though. He trialed well : Selections: 7, 8, 6, 8

Race 5: A class and distance winner two starts back and then a good 2nd over 1000M last time out, the consistent (1) OLLEYOJOENG is the one to beat here. (2) DANGDAENURI was a last start winner class and distance winner and will be on pace from the start with claims to go close again. Selections: 1, 2, 6, 3

Race 6: (4) JEONGSEOKDAERO has won three in a row. He steps up in trip and carries significantly more weight but should be too good again. (6) DAESANGGUN, a smart gate to wire winner over 800M last time looks to have the best chance of stopping him. Selections: 4, 6, 1, 10

Race 7: (6) HANBAEHWANGCHO has beaten plenty of these across her latest two outings and is capable of fast times. The weights are against her here but she has strong claims again. (10) BONSEONGJARANG comes in after good efforts in arguably stronger company and can be a danger. Selections: 6, 10, 8, 11

Race 8: A winner of six from eight so far (9) SONGGONGGIWON doesn’t get the benefit of quite as light a weight as he has of late but is still strongly favoured to score again.(2) GEOSEOGAN and (8) NOKWONJEIL have the best chance of pulling off an upset. Selections: 9, 8, 2, 4

Race 9: (2) TYSON ran 4th last start but beat several of these in process and the veteran should return to winning ways here. (3) HOSEUNGGOEUL has been beaten by Tyson in each of his latest two but looks the most credible danger. Selections: 2, 3, 8, 11

Race 10: The very experienced (10) BAEGYAHAENG has won his latest four. He comes down in the weights and his quality may see him through again. (1) BAEKROKJANGWON has shown he has the beating of most of these in recent starts and will be there or thereabouts again. Selections: 10, 1, 3, 4

Race 11: (1) BAEKROKCHEONJI beat plenty of these on her way to winning at class and distance in December. She comes in fresh and can score again. (9) BICHUIYEONGGWANG comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes and can go close again. Selections: 1, 9, 2, 3

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 14)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 15 races from 10:45 to 18:00. The Jeju and Busan Racecourses will be open to customers at 20% of indoor seating capacity as will the Off Track Betting centres in Busan (both of them), Daegu, Changwon, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will remain closed. Here are the previews for Seoul including the long awaited return of Mark Story in race 13:

Seoul Racecourse remains depressingly empty

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

Wildly competitive opener. (5) GEUMSEONG SEGYE will probably start favourite based on his second-up performance on January 22nd when he beat three of these on his way to 2nd place over 1000M. It was a big improvement from his first run and he went on speed too, which is what he is likely to do here as well, from a good draw. (14) JILJU BORN was 4th in that race on what was his racecourse debut. He ran through the line pleasingly enough and the step up in trip may suit regardless of the wide gate. (8) DREAM KNOCK too did nothing too wrong on debut running 5th over 1000M beating a couple of today’s rivals. She too ran on well and could improve for the additional trip. Those three look to be the main contenders but don’t rule out progress from the likes of (7) ILHYANG DALMA or (11) GLOBAL STORM either.

Selections(8) Dream Knock (5) Geumseong Segye (14) Jilju Born (11) Global Storm
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

(4) CHEONBISEONG broke through at start number two on January 22nd, leading pretty much from gate to wire over 1000M. He didn’t go especially well at this trip on debut but looks ready for another crack at it and has strong claims on a repeat win here. (8) NAMSAN SIDAE, out of an Oaks winner, was an encouraging 3rd on her debut in January. She ran on well over 1200M and looks well equipped for today’s task. So too does (1) TIZ BLACK. He raced twice in the first half of 2020, registering a 2nd and a 4th. He’s not been seen since last May but led all the way to win a quick trial on a wet track just last week. He looks nicely in first-up today. (11) MEOTJIN GUY showed progress on his second outing in January and can build on it today. There are three first-time starters and among them (10) GRACE LEE looks best equipped to make an immediate impact.

Selections(8) Namsan Sidae (4) Cheonbiseong (1) Tiz Black (10) Grace Lee
Next Best11, 14
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

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

Filly maiden here with none of the fourteen having even a top-four finish to their name. (9) SEMYEONG HAETSAL beat a couple of these on debut when running 5th in a very similar race. Accordingly, she has the fastest time of any at the distance and could well start as favourite. (2) HIVE ran 6th on her debut back in January over 1000M. She will be expected to have come on for that run and to be in contention here. (5) JAY EAGLE came home behind Semyeong Haetsal on what was her second start but did improve from her debut and may continue to make progress today. Of the others with experience, (4) SILVER HAMPTON looks the most likely to improve. There are three debut-makers and given the weakness of the race it is worth taking a look at them. Specifically, (13) VESPER, who ran 3rd in her trial in a reasonable time, running through the line strong.

Selections(2) Hive (9) Semyeong Haetsal (13) Vesper (4) Silver Hampton
Next Best14, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 14

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fourteen maidens here. (10) BEOLMAL DAEJANG looks the standout having raced twice for a 4th and a 3rd but also having put in a fast time last start at this distance. He can sit just off the pace and prove too strong late on. He’s not the only one to have shown promise though. (14) SKY FUTURE has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two starts so far. He’s come from off the pace on both occasions so the wide draw shouldn’t trouble him too much and he can be a danger today. So too can (9) DREAM LUCKY. He steps up slightly in distance following a much-improved 2nd over 1200M on his latest outing and looks to have more development in him here. Plenty of others in at least the placing frame as well with perhaps (1) SPEED GUY and (5) WONDERFUL K the most likely.

Selections(10) Beolmal Daejang (14) Sky Future (1) Speed Guy (9) Dream Lucky
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 13
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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 13)

Saturday’s racing is at Busan with 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00. The Jeju and Busan Racecourses will be open to customers at 20% of indoor seating capacity as will the Off Track Betting centres in Busan (both of them), Daegu, Changwon, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will remain closed. Here are the previews for Busan:

Dynamic Busan…

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

Competitive maiden to begin with. (11) HAENAM HAMMER finished a reasonable 5th of fourteen on her only start to date last October. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialing up two weeks ago and returns as one of a number of strong hopes here. The draw isn’t ideal as she will want to lead but she has a top jockey aboard and a real chance. (2) ACE GUY was less noteworthy on debut, failing to run on over 1000M all the way back last July. He looked a completely different prospect when finishing 2nd on a fast February trial and should be much better today. Coming out of the same trial as Haenam Hammer is (9) REAL CHARM, who makes his racing debut here. The Cowboy Cal colt ran on well in the heat and should go well first up. (5) DOCTOR FAITH has hinted at ability over two starts so far including a 3rd place on debut and should go close here while (7) BUSAN ACE is inconsistent but has proven capable of running a time and may figure.

Selections(11) Haenam Hammer (9) Real Charm (2) Ace Guy (5) Doctor Faith
Next Best7, 3, 10
Fast Start7, 8, 14

Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There are two previous winners in this field and both have credible claims to score again. (14) ACE DAY struck on debut with a comprehensive all the way win over 1200M. He followed up with a 2nd place at the same distance before running 4th over a mile. The draw may be an issue but the trip should suit and he has a chance. (2) BABY LINE broke through at start number four over 1200M in December. He stepped up to this trip on January 22nd and ran a useful enough 5th. He is drawn well and can lead here. Four of today’s runners went in that January 22nd race. The best finisher that day was (9) MIDNIGHT QUEEN, who came 3rd, overturning the form on Baby Line who had beaten her the start before. She is yet to win in four attempts but has never been worse than 4th and today could be her day. That also applies to (6) ECHO RUSH. After running 7th on debut, he’s followed up with back to back runner-up finishes beating three of these in the process and is set to be a big factor here.

Selections(9) Midnight Queen (6) Echo Rush (14) Ace Day (2) Baby Line
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10, 14

Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) JEMA FORTUNE stepped up to 1400M on January 22nd and came from well back to record his best finish to date, running a fast-finishing 2nd and beating three of his rivals here. He steps up to the mile for the first time and looks to have fair claims to make his breakthrough. (11) GEUMA GOOD POINT ran 4th in the same race. He’s been consistent across seven starts to date and while he will probably find one or two too quick again today. (2) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER is another who has been consistent. He didn’t overly impress on a previous try at this distance but has mixed it in better company than this and should be there or thereabouts today. (3) TOP ADELE showed improvement when 4th on his second career start. He is likely to be on pace from the start and can stay on at the business end of the race. (13) DAMYANG JEWANG is another with a fast start and while the draw isn’t the best, also looks to have good claims here.

Selections(7) Jema Fortune (2) Yeonggwanguirunner (11) Geuma Good Point (13) Damyang Jewang
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 8, 11, 13

Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

(6) GALAXY ROAD took a couple of goes to figure things out but then won his next two in fie order, the latter at this distance. He is up in class finally today but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem and he looks the one to beat. (3) STAR EYE also steps up in class following a maiden win at start number five over 1400M three weeks ago. The distance may suit and the Violence filly can be competitive again. (12) GOLDEN KAISER completes the trio of last start winners and steps up after a front-running score over 1400M. He will look to be on pace again here. The main danger to all of them is (11) PINEUI KKUM. After nine blanks he broke through at the tenth time of asking and evidently enjoyed it as he followed up immediately with another win. He then beat four of these on his way to 2nd place at this class and distance on January 22nd and has solid claims here. As for the rest, (4) SEUNGNI TOUT remains a maiden but has three-runner-up finishes from six attempts to date including at this class and has at least placing claims again.

Selections(6) Galaxy Road (11) Pineui Kkum (3) Star Eye (4) Seungni Tout
Next Best12, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12
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Jeju Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 12)

This weekend’s racing in Korea will follow the same pattern as the past few weeks with Jeju running on Friday, Busan n Saturday and Seoul on Sunday. The Jeju and Busan Racecourses will be open to customers at 20% of indoor seating capacity as will the Off Track Betting centres in Busan (both of them), Daegu, Changwon, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will remain closed. Here are the previews for Jeju’s Friday card which involves 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00:

Race 1: Class 6 (800M) Allowance / KRW 9 Million

1CHOEGOSAYANG – First time starter. Trialed well enough but a watching brief is advised first up.
2KKUMUIGEURIN – Beaten by three of these when 7th at this trip on January 29th. That equaled his best finish to date. Has run good times though and can get closer today.
3ABEURAM – Beta three of these when 5th behind Gwanghaejeonseol on January 29th. That was a big improvement and he can aim to match it today.
4HANBYEOLLARA –Disappointing last of ten behind four of these on January 29th having led early. Well drawn again but likely to weaken late on.
5YEOKDAEJEIL – First-time starter. Ran well in his trial for a fast time and looks right in this first-up. A chance.
6GWANGHAEJEONSEOL – The best of those who went on the January 29th race, finishing in 4th place. That was a big uptick in form for him and his best result to date. Under the same conditions today, he can go close once more.
7CHEONGNYONGSINHWA – The likely favourite. He has by far the quickest time of any of these at the distance and is the only one to have a runner-up finish to his name. He’ll come from just off the pace and can win here.
8CHEONGUNDAE – First-time starter. Trialed up behind Choegosayang and we’ll just watch today.
9NAEONEUTTEUM – 6th in the January 29th race behind Gwanghaejeonseol. That was first-up six months on from his debut. Likely to be on pace and has each-way chances.
10WHANGGUEMYEOLCHA – Last of ten on debut back in October. Not seen since and will likely need this.
Selections(7) Cheongnyongsinhwa (6) Gwanghaejeonseol (5) Yeokdaejeil (9) Naeoneutteum
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (800M) Allowance / KRW 9 Million

1MYEONGGAUIHIM – A winner on debut last August, he has followed up with back to back runner-up finishes beating four of his rivals here last start on January 22nd. He holds the fastest time in the field at the distance and with only 1kg extra to carry today, is the hot favourite to win.
2GYEONGCHEONG – 6th last start behind three of these including Myeonggauihim. Yet to win in twelve but has three top-three finishes and the second fastest time. Placing chances.
3MISOJEOLLYAK – 5th behind Myeonggauihim last start continuing a consistent run of form that has seen him miss the top five only once. Should be close again. Place chance.
4ILSONGJEONGGI – An all the way winner over the distance last November, she was slightly disappointing when 7th on reappearance in January. Top jockey returns to the mount and she’s well drawn to lead. Place chance.
5BAMAKJEONGGI – Yet to finish any better than 3rd in fourteen attempts but he has achieved that on four occasions including his last start. Times have been consistently not good enough to suggest competitive here though.
6NAKCHEONMULGYEOL – A winner at the distance last July but he hasn’t looked like following up in three outings since. Obviously some ability but times not convincing.
7HWANGGEUMMUNMYEONG – A winner over the distance in a fast time last July. She’s struggled in five attempts since though with a best of 5th. 5th would be a realistic target today.
8KWANGAUICHAMP – Won at start number two last July and then returned after six months off to run a good 4th behind Myeonggauihim in January. Likely to be on pace and strong place claims.
9HALLASANGBONG – Yet to win but decent minor money record. 9th behind Myeonggauihim last start and lots of form to overturn here.
10DEOMJANGPAWO – Interrupted career so far with three starts spread over thirteen months. Managed to win at start two last July but struggled on return in January. Watching brief today.
Selections(1) Myeonggauihim (4) Ilsongjeonggi (8) Kwangauichamp (3) Misojeollyak
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 12 Million

1DALBICHYOJEONG – Decent enough 5th of ten at class and distance last start. One of only four who have raced at 1000M previously. Will need to be quicker here though.
2SURYUHWAGAE – Beat two of these on her way to 4th place at class and distance which is enough to bring her into each-way contention today. Yet to win in twenty-to starts but has nine top-three finishes.
3CHOESANGWI – A winner on debut, he’s been knocking on the door since without threatening a repeat. Generally finishes between 4th and 7th and that seems the most likely outcome today.
4HARRYKING – A long time since his solitary victory but he does know how to pick up a minor check. Could sneak into 4th or 5th here.
5CHEONGMACHAEMPEU – Still a maiden but has finished top five on nine of twelve occasions. Good 3rd over 800M running on strong and looks an each-way contender here.
6SAMHWANGOJE – A winner on debut, he’s followed up with two runner-up finishes and 4th since. A front-runner, he steps up to 1000M for the first time and has solid claims. A real chance.
7JEONGSEOKDAERO – The likely favourite coming in off the back of three consecutive wins. In non-Covid times he would be up in class but instead just has 4.5kg extra to carry today. The weight and tackling the distance for the first time are perhaps the only questions but he can make it four in a row.
8HIMCHANJILJU – Began his career well before losing his way slightly. Decent 5th last start suggests he may be back on track but he won’t be among the favourites here.
9JAGEUNHYANGGI – Very competitive over 800M at class 6 picking up a win and a handful of place finishes. Struggled on first go at 900M and class 5 last start though. Even further and tougher competition today.
10HANBAEKMUJEOK – Has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and was a winner over 900M just two starts back. Well back behind Suryuhwagae last start though and others favoured here.
Selections(6) Samhwangoje (7) Jeongseokdaero (5) Cheongmachaempeu (2) Suryuhwagae
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 12 Million

1LYCAN – Last made the placings last August and recent form cold. Should get close to the early speed this time but others favoured.
2MINYEONGSINHWA – A class 6 winner over 800M last August but has been soundly beaten in three starts at this class since. All three times behind one of today’s rivals.
3OLLEYOJEONG – Clear favourite and possibly odds-on. Only finished outside the top three once and comes in after a very close 2nd at class and distance on January 22nd. Carries an extra 2kg today but should be on pace from the start and lead all the way around
4EUTTEUMKKUM – 2nd to Olleyojeong in December and beat him prior to that. While ordinary at this distance on reappearance in January, did beat a couple of these. Place line today.
5BAEKDUSESANG – Up in class and distance following a win over 800M in January. Form had been up and down prior to that but she ran on well that day and some minor money here is not impossible.
6BAEKJEOMYEOWANG – Has some good performances at this distance but most were some time ago. Managed a 4th over 800M two starts back but struggled last time out.
7DONGBANGJEONSEOL – Won at this class over 900M last August and comes in with recent form reading well. 3rd behind Olleyojeong last start and a likely the main danger here.
8GEUMBITMORAE – Returned from an eighteen-month hiatus to run a strong 4th of ten at 900M in January and has fast times at today’s distance in his record. Place chance.
9BAEKDUGOEUL – Class 6 winner at 800M in November but well back behind Olleyojeong and Eutteumkkum on first try at this class. Minor money chance here.
10BIBAAKSENTEU – Fastest time of any of these at the distance but recent form has been indifferent and others are favoured today.
Selections(3) Olleyojeong (4) Eutteumkkum (7) Dongbangjeonseol (9) Baekdugoeul
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8
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