Racing Previews

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

The final weekend of evening racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 14:30 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Illumina

Final night of the light show at Busan

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

Filly maidens to begin with. (3) MS. UP has looked good across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place last time at this distance. She’s well drawn to get on pace here and can make the breakthrough. (1) MISS ADELE will likely join her on the early speed and she steps up in trip for the first time following back to back 3rd place finishes from her first two outings and looks to be the main danger along with (2) ME NOVIA, who has improved over her five outings so far. (4) ACE JACKPOT and (5) BORYEONG JILJU, the latter much improved last time out, are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (3) Ms. Up (2) Me Novia (1) Miss Adele (4) Ace Jackpot
Next Best 5, 11
Fast Start 1, 3

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Twelve juvenile first-time starters here. (8) BANJIUI JEONSEOL was by some margin the quickest of them in trials and the Hansen colt is set to begin as a warm favourite here. If he brings that trial from to the track, he’ll be hard to beat. Another Hansen colt, the subtly named (10) MR. HANSEN also caught the eye in trials and should go well first up while other solid performers in the morning include (2) OASIS GIRL and (5) I’M YOUR FASHION, both of whom recorded competitive times, while yet another Hansen colt, (9) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT also did nothing wrong in his heat. As ever with this kind of race, watch the market for more clues.

Selections (8) Banjiui Jeonseol (2) Oasis Girl (10) Mr. Hansen (5) I’m Your Fashion
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 10

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) PAGEUKCHEON steps up in class following a convincing maiden win over this distance on July 26th. He looks to be getting better and with more improvement still in the tank, he can immediately follow-up here. (7) NEOLBEUN GOEUL beat Pageukcheon when they raced each other in early June. He hasn’t found life easy in two starts so far at this class but should be happier today put back down to the minimum distance. (10) TIME TOGETHER beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance two weeks ago and should beat plenty again. (3) USEUNG JIKIMI is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes but should be competitive. (11) OCEAN GREY looks best of the rest.

Selections (6) Pageukcheon (7) Neolbeun Geoul (10) Time Together (3) Useung Jikimi
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(5) HORTENSE stepped up to this distance for her third start earlier this month and she seemed to take to it well, beating four of these on her way to a 2nd place finish. She came from off the pace that day and can do the same here, going one better. Of the ones she beat that day, none really caught the eye although (10) ANGEL KING STAR will be expected to improve on what was only his third career start. More credible threats are (9) SUN MOUNTAIN, who tackles a mile for the first time after finding form over 1300M and (8) THUNDER BAY, who has been inconsistent across six efforts to date and also goes over 1600M for the first time. The more experienced (2) BICHUI HOWI is another who (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 25)

History of a kind will be made at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday when racing over the distance of a mile returns to the capital for the first time in more than thirty years. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. 

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While Busan Racecourse, which was opened in 2005, is home to the KRA Cup Mile, the opening leg of the Triple Crown, until now, the configuration of Seoul Racecourse hasn’t allowed for races over the Guineas distance of 1609M. Not since the old Ttukseom Racecourse closed in 1989 – and even there the “mile” races were in fact 1650M – has the distance been available in the city.

That’s all changed with the construction of a dedicated starting chute between the first and second corners which allows for a run-up of just over 100M, and the first pair of races using the new distance will be run on Sunday afternoon. In addition to the mile races there are valuable Juvenile events at both Seoul and Busan.

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) GOLD HERO has run 3rd in both starts so far, both at this distance. Her times haven’t been especially fast, but she looks to have improvement in her and won’t need to be much better to win this. (1) POWER PRIDE looks to be figuring things out with 4th places in both his latest two. He has tended to give himself a bit too much to do but has run on well and can find the money again today. (9) DAE YONGWANG too has run well at this distance before and can be competitive here. (3) ROYAL CHUKJE can improve off an inauspicious debut.

Selections (2) Gold Hero (1) Power Pride (9) Dae Yongwang (3) Royal Chukje
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) TANGO TIME was a good winner on debut, making all over this distance. He’s up in class today but is nicely drawn to get on pace once more and has every chance of repeating. (10) BLUE DAEJAYEON is up in class as well, in his case following a pair of runner-up finishes. He will need to get a bit faster at this level but there’s nothing especially intimidating about this field so he should be competitive. (3) GEOM HONG is similarly up in class despite being winless and returns to action for the first time since January. While she’ll most likely need this, she looked sharp enough in a quick trial two weeks ago. (4) BEST EFFECT is one of those imports who began at class 4 but has found himself down in class. He is competitive at this level and can find the money.

Selections (2) Tango Time (10) Blue Daejayeon (3) Geom Hong (4) Best Effect
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 7

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

Having secured her maiden win at this distance in June, (4) CRAZY Q ran 4th on her first try at this level last start. She carries a nice light weight under an apprentice jockey, and she could well be the one to beat today. (5) CHEONGSU BIG EAR finds herself up in class having run 2nd in both her starts to date. She’s up in trip for the first time as well and it may suit. (8) SOLGAEBARAM is up in class having won over 1200M on July 14th. That was somewhat unexpected so she will need to improve but she warrants respect. (10) RAON BRIAN and (11) GEUMSUNI STAR are others to consider.

Selections (4) Crazy Q (5) Cheongsu Big Ear (8) Solgaebaram (10) Raon Brian
Next Best 11, 2
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 12

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

(8) BLACK SPIRIT is a seventeen-race maiden but comes in off an encouraging 3rd place at class and distance on July 20th. Alan Munro knows her well and it’s not impossible that today could be their day. (2) TANTAN WINNER was a touch disappointing on his latest start at the end of last month but is better than that and should improve here. Similarly (4) QUEEN OF CAMP dropped back to 1300M last start and should be better for coming back up to two-turns today. (5) GEUMA SUPREME and (12) PARK BLADE are others who could feature prominently in a wide-open race.

Selections (8) Black Spirit (2) Tantan Winner (4) Queen Of Camp (5) Geuma Supreme
Next Best 12, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 8, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) RAYMOND is a two-time winner at this distance including one at this class. He got slightly obstructed in the home straight last time when a slightly disappointing 5th but is the pick to return to the winner’s circle today. (2) RAON KHAN is rapidly up in class having won his latest two. He made all last time and while he will need to be quicker at this level, he can be competitive. (1) STORMY has plenty of class and distance experience and can aim for the places here while (7) JEONGSANG MANSE and (9) MONSTER QUEEN look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Raymond (2) Raon Khan (9) Monster Queen (1) Stormy
Next Best 7, 3
Fast Start 2, 3

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive handicap here. (6) DONGBANG NARAE has impressed recently, following up her maiden win over a mile early last month with 2nd place on her first try at this class on July 26th, beating a couple of these in the process.  She can come from just off the pace and can win again. Her main danger may be her stablemate (4) TIZBE. She secured her maiden victory in fine style last month and looks to be on an upward trajectory with the increased distance today only likely to suit. (7) GWONTOJUNGLAE hasn’t quite lived up to early promise but races for the first times since May and could be interesting here. (10) ONNURI GANGJA is rarely far away and can challenge for the places along with (12) GIPPEUM DAY.

Selections (6) Dongbang Narae (4) Tizbe (7) Gwontojunglae (12) Gippeum Day
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 1, 4, 5

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

(10) EMORY SOCKS has been hovering around the minor money for some time now and while she carries a bit more weight today than in previous outings, that’s because Moon Se Young climbs aboard in place of an apprentice and that may be what she needs to see her back into the winner’s circle. She’ll be kept close to the pace and can win. (5) BLUE FIRE is becoming a 2nd place specialist, having finished as runner-up in his latest three (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 24)

There are 11 races in Seoul on Saturday from 14:00 to 21:00. Quite a few of the year’s top three-year-olds will be in action including Minister’s Cup runner-up Myeongpum Chukje and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Clear Geom. It’s the penultimate Saturday of night racing for this summer. Here are the previews:

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Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(5) CAPTAIN BEST has shown improvement across three starts so far, coming home in 4th place over 1200M last start. He drops back to the minimum trip today and looks to have strong claims to make the breakthrough here. (3) DASHING CANOE and (7) CLEAR STORY finished 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on July 21st. For Dashing Canoe, it was a big uptick in form whereas for Clear Story it was just her second career start. Both can go close today, but Clear Story is the more likely to improve. (6) HANSEN BLADE and (8) SPECTOR QUEEN are others with placing claims.

Selections (5) Captain Best (7) Clear Story (3) Dashing Canoe (6) Hansen Blade
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 4, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) RED SUN is the one to beat here. Simon Foster’s gelding only managed 3rd when favourite on a wet track a month ago but showed enough to suggest a win isn’t too far away and it should arrive here. (1) FASTEST has been anything but across eight efforts to date but ran a solid 3rd last time under Alan Munro and the pair can place again today. (8) CARROT SEEKER hasn’t shown much in terms of speed but has a handful of minor money finishes to his name and he can get another one here. (5) CHEONSE MANSE, lame last start, and (6) FIRST THUNDER best of the rest.

Selections (3) Red Sun (1) Fastest (8) Carrot Seeker (6) First Thunder
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) PEACE OF RULES has shown improvement across three starts to date, culminating with 2nd place last time. She’s well drawn to get on pace from the start and she’ll be very hard to beat here. (2) FEDERAL QUEEN looks the main danger. She jumped awkwardly and lost ground last time out but still rallied for an improved 4th and she can build on that today. (5) TRUE RUBY and (6) KOOKA CAT have both hinted at some ability and both should be looking for the respective best starts to date here. (8) BAEKDU GEOPO another one in the frame.

Selections (4) Peace Of Rules (2) Federal Queen (6) Kooka Cat (5) True Ruby
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 8

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

Juvenile maidens here with all but two of them having raced before. (6) STRETTO looks the one to beat having run 2nd on a sloppy track over 1200M last time. The additional half furlong today may be just what he needs to get in front. Both (7) LUCKY BEOPJEON’s two starts so far have been at 1000M but he’s run through the line well both times and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) FEDERAL KING too showed improvement on his second start on July 20th and will be interesting to see over further today. (3) DAEHYEONG HOJAE and (5) MEOTJIN GEUMSEONG both did nothing wrong on debut and can improve here.

Selections (6) Stretto (7) Lucky Beopjeon (1) Federal King (3) Daeheyong Hojae
Next Best 5, 9
Fast Start 1, 6, 7, 9

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) JEONGJOUI KKUM got his maiden win at the fourth attempt in fine fashion on July 14th. He’s up in class here but looks to have little to fear and from the inside gate should be close form the start and potentially lead all the way. He’ll be a warm favourite. (6) AUSPICE beat a couple of these on his way to 4th place on his first try at this level over 1200M last month. He weakened a touch late on and should be better back at the minimum today. Also dropping back in distance is (8) NEUL PUREUN CAT, in his case after a solid 2nd place over 1200M and he too should be a danger. (3) QUEEN FORCE ONE and (7) KAHINAH are others in the frame.

Selections (1) Jeongjoui Kkum (6) Auspice (3) Queen Force One (7) Kahinah
Next Best 8, 2
Fast Start 1, 3, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Tricky race this comprising unraced imports, maidens locally bred runner with two wins for twenty-six starts. We’re going to go out on a limb and pick a first-time starter. (2) HWANGGEUM LUCKY, a colt by Constitution looked extremely competent when winning a trial at the end of last month. Moon Se Young is booked to ride, and he has every chance of seeing off modest opposition. (1) MUNHAK BOSS ran well for 5th on debut and can build on that today while (12) DOLGYEOK APEURO drops back significantly in trip (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 23)

We’re now just over two weeks out from the third running of the Korea Cup & Korea Sprint and we’ll begin the build-up to those two international races this coming Monday (there is a lot to talk about). In the meantime, this weekend’s racing kicks off with a 9-race Friday card at Busan from 14:30 to 21:00. Jockey You Hyun Myung starts the weekend with 999 career winners:

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It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

Race 1: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) USEUNGUI PARANGSE is one of a number up in class here and while she is winless, she’s been 2nd in both her two starts so far, both times behind decent horses and last time in a fast time behind an excellent winner. She’ll be leading early here and can go all the way. (2) NEW QUEEN is another maiden, in her case after fifteen attempts but recent form reads very nicely and she has solid claims to go very close here while it’s a similar story with (1) MORNING BRAVO, who has been knocking at the door for some time and should be a factor. (7) MAEPSI COLOR was a class and distance winner last time and should be respected here while (8) BEAUTIFUL MARINE and (9) STOLEN BEAUTY are others in the hunt in what is a competitive opener.

Selections (5) Useungui Parangse (2) New Queen (9) Stolen Beauty (1) Morning Bravo
Next Best 7, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens here comprising of juveniles and a couple of southern hemisphere three-year-olds. That pair have raced before although neither with any distinction so it’s the first-timers who we’ll focus on. (1) CLINCHER looks the most likely winner. He went through two trials in good fashion and if he brings that form to the races could well be hard to beat. (2) HUNCH and (4) TWO TWO LEADS also put in useful trial efforts and can go well first up while the Kim Young Kwan trained pair of (3) GEUM A CLASSY and (9) SOCKS GO are bound to attract attention with the former looking the more likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections (1) Clincher (2) Hunch (4) Two Two Leads (3) Geum A Classy
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 7, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) GRAND JILJU and (5) PERDIDO ROCKET came home 5ht and 6th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on July 26th. Today’s company looks more amenable for both of them and back at the minimum distance here, Perdido Rocket is favoured to overturn the form. Grand Jilju still looks to be the biggest danger but there is likely to be a challenge from (3) BEAUTIFUL KOREA, who is inconsistent but capable on her day and ran a good 4th at this trip last start. (6) CHODONG DAEJANG too has been up and down but can find the money in this company while (10) HWANGGEUMBITMASAENG come in off a decent 2nd place last start and can challenge for the places again.

Selections (5) Perdido Rocket (4) Grand Jilju (10) Hwanggeumbitmasaeng (3) Beautiful Korea
Next Best 6, 2
Fast Start 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) PARTY LION returned from three months off to run a good 3rd over 1300M on July 19th. It was a big improvement on his opening two efforts and he can continue to make progress here. (10) WILD GUY was a touch disappointing last start when 7th but his form prior to that was strong and he can be a threat today. (11) KING DOMBO did nothing wrong when 4th on debut last month and looks to have solid potential to improve here. (2) WONDEFUL SUPAH has also shown development across his latest two starts and should be looking for a place finish here. (8) ALPHA KING best of the rest.

Selections (4) Party Lion (11) King Dombo (10) Wild Guy (2) Wonderful Supah
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 4, 10

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

(1) WONDERFUL COUNTRY won on debut on June and has finished runner-up in both efforts to date at this class. He came up slightly short when odds-on favourite last start but should make no mistake today. It took (12) THE FACT fifteen goes to get his maiden win but he proved it was no fluke by following up with a 2nd place on his return three weeks ago. The wide draw won’t be a problem and he can go close again. (5) HAPPY GATE was 3rd behind Wonderful Country on his latest start. He has lots to make up on the favourite but should beat plenty himself. (2) LOVE LETTER enters with recent form reading well and has placing claims while (8) ONE CHANCE similarly has a decent chance of matching her latest two outings, both of which have finished in 3rd place.

Selections (1) Wonderful Country (12) The Fact (5) Happy Gate (2) Love Letter
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 5

Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) GIJEOGUI JEOKTOMA came back up to this distance to run a good 2nd on July 26th. Coming from off the pace with a strong finish. He can do similar today and this time can go one better. (4) DOCTOR WEEK is up in class after a good win on a sloppy track over 1300M a month ago. He’s run at this distance before and should be competitive today. (8) EL DRAGON is up in class too, in his case having won at this distance three weeks ago. He (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Silver Wolf In The KNN Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

Korea’s top mare returns to action on Sunday as Silver Wolf faces fifteen pretenders in the KNN Cup, the 2nd leg of the 2019 Queens’ Tour at Busan Racecourse. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. 

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The Great Aussie Mare Silver Wolf is back on Sunday

Silver Wolf was an easy winner of the first leg of the Tour, the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in June. She’ll be strong favourite to win the 2nd leg too although there will potentially be competition from the Ttukseom Cup runner-up Damyang Hwanho, as well as last year’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup winner Sky Bay and especially up and coming filly Thunder Mark.

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Maidens to kick things off and (1) GOLD FIELD was a beaten favourite last time ending up in 4th place. She’s worth another chance here and with a slightly better start today could potentially lead all the way. Along with Gold Field, (5) KHAN ACE and (11) GOLDEN JAY are the only other two runners in the race to have a top-three finish to their name and the two of them should pose the biggest dangers to the favourite here. (6) KOREA DAEJANGBU has been knocking on the door of the places for a while now and may improve today while (8) DAEGUN OK is another who has the potential to improve.

Selections (1) Gold Field (5) Khan Ace (11) Golden Jay (6) Korea Daejangbu
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 1, 4

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) WHITE COMET showed improvement when running 3rd on what was just his second career start on July 14th. If he can continue his upward trajectory today, then he has an excellent chance of winning here. (6) JEJUI YOJEONG ran 4th in that race – the second consecutive time she has finished in that position and she can aim for a repeat here but bigger dangers to the favourite are likely to be (3) RAON HANNIBAL and (12) KAIZEN SILVER, who both come in having placed in their respective outings and who should both be in the mix once again. (7) JEONGMUN SARANG, who also has a 3rd place in his record, looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) White Comet (12) Kaizen Silver (3) Raon Hannibal (6) Jejui Yojeong
Next Best 7, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies here with precisely half the field having raced before. (5) P.K. HILL was the best of those, running a good 2nd over this trip on June 26th. It seems this race has been targeted for her return and from a good draw, she can lead all the way. Of the others who have race before, (1) BISANGDEUNG and (8) DASI DUSON, the latter the only one in the field to have raced twice prior to today, look most likely to improve. There are a couple of promising looking ones among the first-timers. (2) LION YEOJE and (7) RAON FIRST both ran 2nd in their trials, both in fast times and have every chance of going well first-up today.

Selections (5) P.K. Hill (7) Raon First (2) Lion Yeoje (8) Dasi Duson
Next Best 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Competitive maiden but (11) GOLD LEVEL has the experience and just about the ability to finally get her maiden win at what will be the ninth attempt. She’s run 2nd at 1200M and comes in following a useful 4th over this trip last time. (10) TOUR DIA is the main danger as he really seems to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two. He will try to get to the front from the start and if he manages it, may be difficult to get past. (3) TIZ ROSE has hinted at ability over three outings so far while (6) WIND SKY and (9) CRAZY QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

Selections (11) Gold Level (10) Tour Dia (3) Tiz Rose (9) Crazy Queen
Next Best 6, 5
Fast Start 3, 5, 10

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

(10) MIGHTY LUCK will be strongly favoured to score here. After getting his maiden win over this distance in June, he ran 2nd on his first try at this class four weeks ago and while he’s drawn in the car park, he should be able to overcome that and win here, likely leading all the way. (1) SPADE MASHIE was a nice maiden winner last start and while up in class today should be competitive while (7) DREAM MONEY ran 4th on his first try at this level on his latest go and should be in the placing mix here too. (5) SPEED HEUKRYONG and (6) RAON MIRACLE are others in the hunt.

Selections (10) Mighty Luck (1) Spade Mashie (7) Dream Money (5) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 1, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) SANGSEUNG POWER has been close on a number of occasions since returning to action in March following a lengthy absence. On his last start he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at the distance and today he should get it right. (1) USEUNG STORY beat Sangseung Power on his way to a 20/1 win two starts back. He ran 10th when trying to repeat the feat three weeks ago but can be given another chance today. (7) TWO TWO CAPTAIN is up in class having registered a maiden win over a mile just two weeks ago and can be competitive while (2) TURBO SPEED and (12) ZET KING are others with claims.

Selections (8) Sangseung Power (1) Useung Story (7) Two Two Captain (12) Zet King
Next Best 2, 6
Fast Start 1, 7, 10

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

Small field but competitive. (4) BANGTANMA ran 8th in the Korean Oaks and then 6th in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She then finished 3rd on her return to regular company over 1300M last start. She looks to still have improvement in her and can win here. (3) GOD OF SOCKS looks the main danger. He comes in having run 2nd at class and distance a month ago and should be close. (2) BAEKDUI TAEYANG has run 4th in each of his three latest outings and can at least maintain that consistency here. (5) SINGGEUREOUN TIME and (6) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI are others with placing chances.

Selections (4) Bangtanma (3) God Of Socks (5) Singgeureoun Time (2) Baekdui Taeyang
Next Best 6
Fast Start 3, 4

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

(7) SAMSEONG DOKKI is up in class after a good win in a fast time (though very wet and fast track) at this distance on July 19th. That was just his second career start and he came from well off the pace to win. This is a considerably stiffer ask but he looks to have plenty of potential for further development. (8) NUMBER ONE STAR was beaten favourite (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17

There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 14:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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It’s an afternoon and evening card at Seoul on Saturday

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(11) CHEONHA YEOJE was a beaten favourite last start but gets another chance here. Despite the wide draw she’ll be expected to be on pace from the start and she can lead all the way. (5) SMART GUNHWANG has run 3rd in both his two stats so far, both of them at this distance and looks set to be the main danger. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (1) HAWK ARIRANG has shown glimpses of ability and may go close while (7) TOUGH GREAT and (9) CHOEGANG SINGI are others with potential to improve.

Selections (11) Cheonha Yeoje (5) Smart Gunhwang (7) Tough Great (1) Hawk Arirang
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 5, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with only two of the eight having raced before. And those two will be at the head of the betting market and expected to dispute the honours. (3) MENI HERO beat (1) MENI CHAMP when they debuted together on July 14th over this distance. Meni Hero was a good 3rd clear of Meni Champ’s 5th and they should finish in the same order here, only filling out the top two spots this time. Among the debut-makers, (5) SEN KING and (6) LUCKY SANGUN were the quickest in trials and can go well first-up. (2) HEUNGHAENG JILJU also performed creditably in his heat and looks next best.

Selections (3) Meni Hero (1) Meni Champ (5) Sen King (6) Lucky Sangun
Next Best 2
Fast Start 1, 3

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second lot of juvenile maidens once more features just two who have prior racing experience. This time, however, while (1) P.K. DOLPUNG and (6) WONDERFUL HEART will certainly be expected to improve on their respective first starts, it’s the debut-makers who will be favoured. (8) BAEKJEUI KKUM won his trial and with Alan Munro getting the ride, he looks to have an excellent chance of making a winning start. (2) LUCKY MYEONGHO may be the main danger. He didn’t win his trial, but ran 2nd to a seasoned class 1 horse (Cheonjiga) and while that may have made the time quicker than usual, he didn’t look out of place. Also quick in trials, albeit on a wet track, was (3) SAMJEONG TAPAS and he too is likely to be well-supported here.

Selections (8) Baekjeui Kkum (2) Lucky Myeongho (3) Samjeong Tapas (1) P.K. Dolpung
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 2, 5

Race 4: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Eleven imported juveniles get the chance to race for a big prize here with only two having raced before. Of those two, (4) KENTUCKY MANGCHI perhaps has the better chance of improving from an underwhelming debut. The winner though is likely to come from the first-timers and (5) D K PURMIR looks set to be favourite having recorded the fastest trial time. He led for much of that het and is nicely drawn to get on pace here. (6) BLACK PUNCH won his trial and the Palace Malice gelding will also be looking to get to the front early and should go well first-up here. (2) SLEEP WELL is another trial winner who may be considered while (3) CHUKBOKUI YAKSOK looks best of the rest. As ever with this type of race, watch the local market for additional clues.

Selections (5) D K Purmir (6) Black Punch (2) Sleep Well (4) Kentucky Mangchi
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Start 2, 5

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens although this time it’s not restricted to juveniles. (3) KKOKKOMA LADY comes in off the back of consecutive 4th place finishes, both at this distance. Both those races were slow, and she may not have enough improvement in her to win this, but she can place. (1) SUNSHINE TEUKGEUP ran 5th behind Kkokkoma Lady last start. That was her first try at the distance and she looks to have scope for more development. She’s the slight pick. (6) SUPER VICTOR ran a creditable 5th place on her first try at the distance last month and can build on it today while (2) DAEGIRI and (5) RECOVERY TAP are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections (1) Sunshine Teukgeup (6) Super Victor (2) Daegiri (3) Kkokkoma Lady
Next Best 5
Fast Start 1, 2

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

(7) P.K. JEONSA steps up in class having got his maiden win at the eighth attempt over 1200M a month ago. This is a step up in quality, but he should be competitive and can win again. (5) WONDERFUL MARIA is better than her two latest outings suggest, and she should be improving here, having previously won at this distance. (4) MIRACLE HOPE (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

Graded Stakes action returns to Korea this Sunday with the running of the KNN Cup (KOR G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour, at Busan where Silver Wolf will be the star attraction and hot favourite. Before that, however, the weekend’s racing gets underway with a nine-race Friday program  on the South Coast from 14:55 to 21:00:

Busan Racecourse winning line

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(6) PARADISE KING has run 3rd in both starts so far, the latest at this distance. His times haven’t been anything special, but he looks to have potential for improvement and is the one to beat here. (11) HIDDEN BOY is clear second choice. He disappointed slightly last time when well supported but has a couple of decent showings to his name over this distance and while he’ll need to overcome the wide draw to get forward, should be a factor. (5) TAMNA LIST was a little under par last start but has had over two months off since then and returns here with claims to go closer. (4) MYEONGGA DAERO and (9) USEUNG JIKIMI, the latter a big improver last time, are others with placing claims.

Selections (6) Paradise King (11) Hidden Boy (5) Tamna List (4) Myeongga Daero
Next Best 9, 1
Fast Start 6, 9, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with only five of the twelve having raced before. There were high hopes of (3) YEONGCHEON JILJU when he debuted at the end of June. He’s a half-brother to a Korean Derby winner and a handful of other talented race winners and had trialled up well. While he only managed to finish 6th that day, weakening late on, he should have come on for the run and be given another chance here. Conversely, little was expected of (2) FINAL DREAM on his first go in July but he defied odds in excess of 120/1 to come home 2nd and he needs to be taken seriously today. (1) DAEJI JARANG was solid enough first-up too and can improve here. Of the debut-makers, (11) CENTUM BEONGAE was fastest in trials and can go well here while (9) HANSEN MULGYEOL is another that catches the eye.

Selections (3) Yeongcheon Jilju (11) Centum Beongae (2) Final Dream (1) Daeji Jarang
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 2, 3, 11

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) NAEGA SAEGANGJA came close to making all over 1200M when up against some useful types over 1200M on July 12th. He drops back to the minimum distance today and from a good draw, can get on pace early again and stay on this time. Main danger is (12) GOOD TREND, whose latest form does indeed indicate a good trend. He ran a good 2nd over the distance last time on a sloppy track and another runner-up finish should be a minimum requirement here. (1) MACH RANGER ran well last time for a slightly unexpected 2nd and can place again here. He’ll have competition for that from the likes of (8) JIGURYEOK PALPAL, who was 3rd behind Good Trend last time out, and (9) TIME TOGETHER, up in class following a maiden win at the distance on July 26th and who should be competitive at this level.

Selections (4) Naega Saegangja (12) Good Trend (9) Time Together (8) Jiguryeok Palpal
Next Best 1, 6
Fast Start 4, 6, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Small field of weak maidens and a very tricky puzzle. We’ll go with (5) CASTEL CORE, who stepped up to this distance for the first time last start and ran a decent 4th in a creditable time on a sloppy track. He could be the one who has the most potential for improvement in him. (1) GASOK BULKKOT was much improved at this distance last time and looks to be the main danger. He’ll go back at the start but will plod on and should pass plenty. (6) LISTEN TO ME is another who has put in a decent time at the distance – albeit on a wet and fast track – and can place here. (7) TWO TWO HAMMER and unknown quantity (8) SIMON DREAM are others who could compete for minor money.

Selections (5) Castel Core (1) Gasok Bulkkot (6) Listen To Me (8) Simon Dream
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 5, 7

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

Very even looking race here with a number looking to have similar chances. (12) SEONGSAN POWER was a winner over a mile in a very fast time (even bearing in mind the conditions) on July 19th. She carries an additional 3kg today but drops back in trip and despite the wide draw, should be firmly in the hunt for another win. Speaking of fast times, (2) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN achieved that when 4th at this distance the same day. That came on the back of a 2nd place in more ordinary conditions in June and he should be a factor today. (1) ANY GOOD DAY has finished no worse than 4th in five starts so far and still looks to be on a upward trajectory. (5) DARK TEMPLAR and (9) ETERNAL TRON both come in after 2nd place finishes on their respective latest starts and both have claims on another place today.

Selections (12) Seongsan Power (1) Any Good Day (2) Gamdongui Sungan (9) Eternal Tron
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 12

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(12) HANSEN DREAM looked an outstanding prospect when winning his first two outings in dismissive fashion. He found himself rapidly up in class and also in distance to 1400M (more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 11)

Sunday sees a bumper 15-race daytime card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_2659

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) AN MOK HANG was beaten when favourite on her latest start four weeks ago. That was against considerably better opposition than she faces today though and her previous runs suggest she has every chance here. (8) CHEONEUN JJANG comes in after a useful 3rd place last time out and looks to be one of the main dangers although (1) SEUNGNI JEONSEOL has also proven capable of running competitive times – she was found to have been slightly lame after her latest run and has had seven weeks off. If (10) SEOUL MAGIC can get a good start from the wide draw, he has placing claims too. There are two debut makers and of them, (4) JEONGMUN LASER put in a handy performance in his trial.

Selections (9) An Mok Hang (8) Cheoneun Jjang (4) Jeongmun Laser (1) Seungni Jeonseol
Next Best 10, 12
Fast Start 1, 9, 10

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) MENI STAND returned from seven months out to run 3rd at thus distance on July 20th. She shifted in at the start that day and lost quite a bit of ground, only really making it up in the final furlong. If she gets a better start and gives herself more of a chance here, then she can win. (5) RAON JOY enters off the back of a pair of 3rd place finishes and can aim to match or even better those today while (1) NONGBUI SUCHEAHWA is another who had a hard time coming out of the gate on what was her debut six weeks ago but then ran on well. She should have come on for that and can improve here. (4) STORM FORCE and (12) FAMILY PARK are others in the frame.

Selections (7) Meni Stand (5) Raon Joy (1) Nongbui Sucheahwa (4) Storm Force
Next Best 12, 11
Fast Start 1, 5, 8, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with only four of the twelve having raced before. One of those is set to be favourite though. (4) STRONG QUEEN was very slow to begin on debut from a wide draw but ran on very nicely to claim 5th. She’s much better drawn today and looks the one to beat. (2) WONDER PLACE debuted in the same race and while she came home 9th, Moon Se Young being aboard today will interest some. As for the other chances, it’s likely to be the first-timer starters. (8) DANGCHAN BARAM looks the best of them, having won her trial in a good time, beating a couple of these along the way. (7) RAON TOUGH MAN was also a trial winner and while his time was a little slower, can be considered first up too. (9) QUIET ADELE, 3rd in a trial behind Dangchan Baram, looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Strong Queen (8) Dangchan Baram (7) Raon Tough Man (2) Wonder Place
Next Best 9, 6
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

After an inauspicious debut in February, (7) KINGS CARRIAGE has put in two consecutive 3rd place finishes. He should be on the early speed today and has an excellent chance of improving further and making the breakthrough. (9) DIAVOLA finished behind King’s Carriage back in June but has since picked up a 3rd place of her own over 1200M four weeks ago. She can be a big danger here. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (4) CHEONNYEONUI GODO has hinted at ability and may compete for a place along with (6) WONDERFUL HEELS and (12) CHOEGANG CAMP, the latter making just her second start having looked useful in recent trials.

Selections (7) Kings Carriage (9) Diavola (12) Cheogang Camp (4) Cheonnyeonui Godo
Next Best 6, 1
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 11

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) GABO PULL QUEEN missed the break by a length or so when favourite over 1200M on July 13th and while without that she may still not have won, it certainly didn’t help her as she ended up running out 4th. She has a 2nd place to her name at class and distance though and she can be expected to go much closer today. Moon Se Young rides her for the second time, with the first having been her solitary victory. (1) CAMP BADA and (5) GEUM ROYAL came home 4th and 5th behind Gabo Pull Queen back in June and both have proven competitive at this level, as has (6) PRIME QUEEN. The three of those look likely to pose the biggest potential threats to the favourite although (3) NONSTOP FLYING is another who can go close.

Selections (2) Gabo Pull Queen (6) Prime Queen (5) Geum Royal (3) Nonstop Flying
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) FLYING BULLET comes in here seeking her third consecutive victory having made all in her latest two, both over this distance and the latter at this class. She does carry 4kg more than last time but has potential for another win here. (5) FEDERAL CAT and (6) BAEKSANG came home 3rd and 4th respectively with just a length between them when they raced each other over class and distance on July 13th and both should be in at least the placing hunt once again. (2) DAEHAN ILPUM was just beaten a neck mat class and distance last start and can be respected here. (1) BULUI QUEEN remains a maiden after six attempts but is rarely too far away and drops back in trip following a creditable 5th over 1700M last time.

Selections (4) Flying Bullet (6) Baeksang (5) Federal Cat (1) Bului Queen
Next Best 2, 8
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 8

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(8) DAEGUNUI GEOM returned from three months off to just get pipped by a nose in a good race at class and distance on June 15th. He had two of these behind him that day and following another eight weeks off, he looks ready to win. (5) LIL’ PATRON was one of those he beat that day and he looks to have potential for further development. He also runs for the first time since. (1) ENDURANCE was an also-ran in the Korean Derby this year and has finished 2nd in both subsequent starts. He’s up in class today but should be on pace and is likely to aim to be on pace. (4) BULGULUI RUNNER was an improved 3rd on what was just his second start in July and he can maintain his progress here. (6) CLEAN UP HERO returned to some kind of form with a 3rd place last time and can aim for the minor money again.

Selections (8) Daegunui Geom (1) Endurance (5) Lil’ Patron (4) Bulgului Runner
Next Best 6, 2
Fast Start 1, 2, 5, 8

Race 8: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After a strong of near-misses, it’s about time (2) HOPE KINGDOM made the breakthrough and actually won a race. In two goes at this trip, he’s been beaten a nose the first time and then by three-quarters of a length the second. He can sit behind the early speed here and finish strongly. (11) ROYAL SMARTY is another who has taken to this distance well having run 2rd in his first try at it on July 14th. He’ll be a danger as will (4) TO THE VICTORY, who attempts two turns for the first time but could well get a soft early lead here and if he sees out the trip, could pull off a surprise. (7) INDIAN BOSS and (9) SUN QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

Selections (2) Hope Kingdom (11) Royal Smarty (4) To The Victory (7) Indian Boss
Next Best 9, 10
Fast Start 4

Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) ALIBABA MARINE was just beaten a nose over 1200M on June 23rd, having run 3rd the time before that. He steps up to two-turns for the first time today and it could be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough. (1) DAE BYEONHWA has plenty of experience at this distance including a very good 2nd place last time. From the inside gate, he’ll be on pace from the start and should be a danger at the business end. (2) MAENGJU has been inconsistent over eight outings so far but has ability at this distance and can be in line for a place. (5) DONGBANG JIJON and (11) SPEED YEONGUNG are others who can be taken (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 10)

After a week off, racing returns to the capital on Saturday with 11-races from 14:25 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_1841

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A maiden to kick things off and a few of them come in off the back of promising performances. (2) SINGSING JANGSU has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts to date over 1000M and 1200M and the slight step up in trip today may be what he needs to make the breakthrough. He ran through the line well last start and can come from off the pace here. (3) MACH THUNDER was a much improved 2nd last time out on July 13th, beating (7) EAGLE EYE into 3rd. Both of those have claims here. (10) CHEONJI AEGA also took to this distance well on her second career start last month – this is a tougher race, but she should be a factor. (11) PUNGMUNEURO has been plodding around at this level for a long time now but can pick some minor money in this company.

Selections (2) Singsing Jangsu (7) Eagle Eye (3) Mach Thunder (10) Cheonji Aega
Next Best 11, 8
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 5

Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A last start class and distance winner, (11) SUHO carries an extra 3kg today but still looks nicely enough in to follow-up. He’ll have to overcome the widest draw but that’s exactly what he did last time and he can repeat. (10) CHEONJI POKPUNG is up in class having registered his maiden win by a cool five-lengths at this distance a month ago. Today’s company is stiffer but he should be competitive. (4) WIND RIVER had an erratic trip on his first try at this level last month and can improve today while (9) EX BLADE was found to have been lame after his latest disappointing outing back in May. He’s had eleven weeks off since and should go better here. (3) MISSILE CANDY looks best of the rest.

Selections (11) Suho (10) Cheonji Pokpung (9) Ex Blade (4) Wind River
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 3, 7, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with only five of the twelve having raced before. Of those, (5) COMPLETE KINGDOM was by some margin the most impressive, running 2nd at this distance on July 7th, beating two of these in the process. He should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. (8) MONEY CHAMP was 4th in that race, a full eleven-lengths in arrears but looks to have scope for improvement here. (2) MASEONG TUHON was also 4th on her debut back in June and looks to have some potential too. Among the first time starters, (7) GEUMA FLAWLESS was the most eye-catching in trials and should go well first up. (3) WINNER BLUE also put in a tidy qualification run.

Selections (5) Complete Kingdom (2) Maseong Tuhon (7) Geuma Flawless (8) Money Champ
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) WINNER CROWN led almost from gate to wire, ultimately getting nudged into 2nd in a similarly good race on June 22nd. He’s well drawn to get on pace again and this time can lead all the way. He’ll be joined on pace early by main danger (7) JEONGSANG STAR, who is up in class following a five-length maiden score over this distance four weeks ago and looks to have scope for more development. (1) HWARYONG was slow to begin and then raced very ungenerously on his latest appearance behind Winner Crown in June. He got sent back to trial, ultimately having to go through three of them before being cleared for racing again. He won all three of those trials though and if he behaves himself, should go well here. (5) ROYAL SHALOM and (6) MACH TANSAENG are others in the hunt.

Selections (2) Winner Crown (7) Jeongsang Star (1) Hwaryong (5) Royal Shalom
Next Best 8
Fast Start 2, 7

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) SAGWARANG returns to action for the first time in just under a year. She was developing into a classy filly before her layoff with two wins from four and looked in good touch when trialing this June. This isn’t the easiest race but she can make a winning comeback today. (7) D K NARIN came close to making all over this distance a month ago, ultimately ending in 2nd and a win looks to be in his near future. (8) CUPID GUY already has a victory to his name and while he was a little bit ordinary on his latest start, can come into consideration. (4) GULCHARMNAMUSUP and (5) PHOENIX WOLF are others who can go close.

Selections (2) Sagwarang (7) D K Narin (4) Gulcharmnamusup (8) Cupid Guy
Next Best 5, 6
Fast Start 2, 6, 9, 12

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

(1) NALARA HLL’s maiden win had been coming and she secured it with a six-length victory over this distance on July 7th. She is accordingly up in class today but if she gets to the front early, should have too much. (5) HUIMANG STAR is a twenty-race maiden but has been no worse than 4th in each of her latest five outings and should go close again. (6) TAEPUNG EYES and (7) CHEON GOE SEONG similarly come in with recent form reading well and have placing claims while (2) GLORY VERN looks best of the rest.

Selections (1) Nalara Hill (5) Huimang Star (6) Taepung Eyes (7) Cheon Goe Seong
Next Best 2, 4
Fast Start 1, 7

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

Four of these raced each other over class and distance on July 7th with (5) POP STREET coming out the best of them in 2nd place. He’s nicely drawn to get on pace today and should go close again. The worst of the four that day was pre-race favourite (2) SWEETLY HUMOR. He pulled hard in the middle part of the race before offering little at the business end, finishing well back in 6th, however, his previous form makes him worthy of another chance here. (1) SKY STORM was a little bit cold in spring but returned to form with a good 2nd at class and distance on June 2nd. (6) GAL IP and (10) UDAERYUNG are others in with a chance of at least a place.

Selections (1) Sky Storm (5) Pop Street (2) Sweetly Humor (6) Gal Ip
Next Best 10, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 11

Race 8: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A good winner on debut in May, (4) MYEONGWANG ran 2nd on his first try at this class at the very end of June. He did though suffer quite a heavy bump at the start which cost him momentum and if he gets away cleanly this time, could quite easily lead all the way. (5) VALLEY QUEEN was an impressive maiden winner last start and while up in class today, looks to be the main danger. (10) HAE WANG beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance a month ago. He remains a maiden but looks to have placing chances again here. (1) HIGH BEAT and (6) GEUMBIT YEOLJEONG are others in the hunt.

Selections (4) Myeongwang (5) Valley Queen (10) Hae Wang (1) High Beat
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 3, 4, 5, 6

Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

After running 4th in her first two outings last autumn, (11) CHODONG BOBAE returned to action in April and has subsequently won three in a row. Her latest victory saw her defeat the talented Dokdo Ya at this class over 1300M a month ago. She carries a little bit more weight today but looks like she has plenty more wins in her. (9) MY SISTER NINA has proved versatile if inconsistent over five outings so far but her good performances have been very good. She just missed out by a nose over 1000M last start and can be a real danger here. (4) MUNHAKUI JEONSA has been solid across four starts to date and should be on pace early with a view to hanging on for a place. (6) AMERICAN FORCE ONE and (12) MANHATTAN MUSIC can also be taken into consideration.

Selections (11) Chodong Bobae (9) My Sister Nina (4) Munhakui Jeonsa (12) Manhattan Music
Next Best 6, 7
Fast Start 4, 7, 11

Race 10: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(4) MUNHAK TIGER maybe be developing a liking for finishing 2nd, with three runner-up finishes to a solitary win, but it’s the latter column that should be boosted here. From gate 4, he’ll be making the early pace and could be hard to beat. If he does fall short, (7) SOL PARANG could be one to take advantage. He beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd at class and distance last start and can finish well from off the pace here. (6) WILD FIGHT also enters in solid form with a good 3rd over 1400M last time and should be in at least the placing frame again. (1) MONTEVIDEO and (3) FLYING BOSS are not without claims either.

Selections (4) Munhak Tiger (7) Sol Parang (6) Wild Fight (1) Montevideo
Next Best 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 6

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) MUNHAK ARIARI came up slightly short when favourite for a similar class and distance affair last month, ultimately finishing 4th. It wasn’t a bad run though and having drawn the inside gate today, looks set to be a justifiable favourite once more. (8) EMPIRE KINGDOM should benefit from the drop back in trip today and should be one of the main dangers while (5) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN was a little bit ordinary in good company last start but is a class and distance winner already and must be respected. (7) UP LIGHT, up in class and back in trip, and (9) EAGLES GRIFTER are others to take into account.

Selections (1) Munhak Ariari (8) Empire Kingdom (5) Kwaehan Yebongsan (7) Up Light
Next Best 9, 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 9

 

Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 4)

Busan will take next weekend off and they’ll certainly have earned it as they go out with a bumper 15-race card on Sunday with races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Racecourse

Busan Sunday

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A very ordinary maiden to kick things off. (4) TOHAM IMPACT has in no way impressed across her five starts to date but she has managed a 2nd and a 3rd in that time, which is considerably more than any of her rivals have done. She won’t need to improve very much to win this and that will be reflected in her odds. (2) CHEONGPUNG NANHYANG managed a best of 5th in four starts before a layoff that commenced in March. She looked good though when trialing up in mid-July and is a place contender first-up today. Similarly, (7) B.K. VICTOR returns for the first time since last December and served up a promising trial. (8) RAINBOW PARK and (10) HUIMANG SOYEO are perhaps the best of a weak rest.

Selections (4) Toham Impact (2) Cheongpung Nanhyang (7) B.K. Victor (8) Rainbow Park
Next Best 10, 12
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 10

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Small but competitive field. (4) ROYAL SOLDIER was a very fast winner in the slop at this distance two weeks ago and while he steps up in class today, there seems little reason to oppose him. From a nice draw, he should be on pace early and lead all the way. (7) HUNTER PARK remains a maiden but has no fewer than nine top-five finishes from thirteen prior outings. He probably won’t win this either but can go close again. (2) BAEJJANG drops back in trip today having run 6th last start. He triumphed at class and distance in June and can place here. (1) SECHAGE ran 4th last time and can aim to match or better today.

Selections (4) Royal Soldier (7) Hunter Park (2) Baejjang (1) Sechage
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 4

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(4) SUN MOUNTAIN comes in off back to back 3rd place finishes, both at class and distance. He comes from off the pace and while he needs to be careful not to leave himself too much to do again, today could be his day. (3) HWARANGUICHAMPION offered some promise in two starts earlier this year. He returns following four months off and looked reasonably sharp when trialing up in July and comes straight into consideration here. The one they need to beat though is (7) CHEONNYEONUI ULRIM. He was a much-improved 2nd at this distance last time out a month ago and can build on that today. (5) WONDERFUL CITY and (8) CHARGE POWER are others in the placing frame.

Selections (4) Sun Mountain (7) Cheonnyeonui Ulrim (3) Hwaranguichampion (5) Wonderful City
Next Best 8, 6
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with seven of the nine having raced once each before. The best of those was (8) MARK ONE, who ran 2nd on debut on July 5th. The winner of that race, Top Day, went on to score again last week and it should be Mark One’s turn today. (2) HANSEN FLASHY also ran well for 4th on her debut back at the end of June and she can build on that today while (6) BLUE POWER did nothing wrong either, finishing 6th but only two-lengths behind the winner on his first try. Expect a fast start from him here. (1) WAKANDA and (3) YEONGGWANGUI PARK are others with the potential to get better.

Selections (8) Mark One (2) Hansen Flashy (6) Blue Power (1) Wakanda
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 6, 8, 9

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

(10) MAGIC FLYING ran out a class and distance winner on June 30th, with a front-running performance. He only carries slightly more weight today and could well repeat. Fifty-five race maiden (4) ONNURI GANGJA has somehow managed to register five runner-up finishes from his latest six starts and no worse than 5th in his most recent ten. He could actually win this but either way he looks at the very least as though he’s set to continue his remarkable run of near-misses. Another maiden, but with far fewer miles on the clock, is (3) ROYAL TICKET. All four of his previous tries at this distance have gone well and he should be in the mix here. (7) EL DRAGON has struggled on wet tracks when well-backed in her latest two but could improve today.

Selections (10) Magic Flying (4) Onnuri Gangja (3) Royal Ticket (7) El Dragon
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 2, 7

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

(2) MENI QUEEN ran out a good winner, making all over this distance on debut on July 12th. She is up in class today but looks to have plenty of potential for more and from a nice draw, she can repeat. (8) TOHAM STAR looks a big danger though. Having got his maiden win at this distance at the end of June, he ran 2nd over this trip on a sloppy track two weeks ago and looks nicely in to go very close today. (3) WONDERFUL TALE came up short on her first try at this class a month ago. While her May win came over 1000M, she has a 3rd place to her name at this distance and can be given another chance here. (1) GOLDEN SHARP and (7) TRUE SIGNATURE are others in the hunt.

Selections (8) Toham Star (2) Meni Queen (3) Wonderful Tale (1) Golden Sharp
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 7, 8

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

(2) NEW QUEEN remains a maiden after fourteen attempts but enters here with a 3rd and two runner-up finishes from her latest three outings. She should be close to the early pace today and looks sure to be close once more. She may well again find one or two too quick though. (5) TIZ JOYFUL ran a slightly disappointing 6th when not allowed things (more…)