The KRA Cup Mile, the 1st leg of the 2019 Korea Triple Crown takes place at Busan today. It’s race 5 on a 6-race card which runs from 12:40 to 18:00.  SEE HERE FOR FULL CUP MILE PREVIEW. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Race-By-race for Seoul is below with Selections for the rest of the Busan card at the bottom:

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

(3) MENI SPEED has shown progress over his three starts so far and was 3^rd last time out at this distance three weeks ago. She can settle behind the early lead here and can finish strongly. (1) GEOTAP is a little more experienced and has a decent record over this distance. She too was 3^rd last start, despite a troubled start, and should be close here. (5) GWANGPOK JUHAENG was 7^th in the same race but had previously registered a 2^nd place at the same distance and can be competitive today as can (6) MAIN EVENT and (8) GREEN PARK.

Selections	(3) Meni Speed (1) Geotap (5) Gwangpok Juhaeng (6) Main Event
Next Best	8, 7
Fast Start	4, 5

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

(3) VICTORY KING has steadily improved over three outings so far and was a more than useful 2^nd at this distance last start despite getting his run checked in the closing stages. He should take some beating here. (7) CHAMP K has a 3^rd place to his name at this distance and can be a threat while (2) NONSTOP WINNING will need to improve but can be respected after 3^rd place in an admittedly slow time at this distance last start. The solitary debut-maker (5) COIN BLADE has looked competent enough in trials and can be a factor first-up here.

Selections	(3) Victory King (7) Champ K (5) Coin Blade (2) Nonstop Winning
Next Best	8
Fast Start	3, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) SINBU enters following a 3^rd and a 4^th from her latest two starts, both at the distance. She should be on pace here and could well have too much. (4) STAR SOCKS and (9) ANYANG LEOPARD both put in improved performances, finishing 4^th in their respective latest starts and both have placing claims while (7) ROYAL SHALOM got sent back to trial after a disappointing effort last time and came through the subsequent heat looking much better. The main threat to the favourite, however, looks to be one of the first-timers, namely (8) MIGHTY LUCK. She ran 2^nd in a trial in a decent time and this looks an excellent race to start off in.

Selections	(3) Sinbu (8) Mighty Luck (4) Star Socks (7) Royal Shalom
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	3, 7, 8

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

(6) GEUM ROYAL is up in class after registering his maiden win at the second time of asking a month ago. He made all that day and while he will need to improve, he should be competitive. Likely favourite though is (4) SA SA. An impressive maiden winner last November, he’s found his feet at this level and was 3^rd in a stronger race than this last month. He’ll be on pace and could be hard to beat. The very experienced (10) PARTY POWER was 2^nd at class and distance three weeks ago and should be in the placing hunt again as should (2) MY HAWK and (8) ROYAL BRONZE.

Selections	(4) Sa Sa (6) Geum Royal (10) Party Power (2) My Hawk
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 8

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

This is a very nice-looking race but (2) DOKDO YA is the slight pick. He was 2^nd in a fast contest on an admittedly wet track at the distance last start and returns after a couple of months off with strong claims to go one better. It won’t be easy. (7) SINGGEUREOUN (more…)

The 2019 Korean Triple Crown gets underway at Busan on Sunday when sixteen three-year-olds go to post for the KRA Cup Mile. Since the race gained its status as the opening leg of the Classic series in 2008, favourites have won five of the eleven running but this year, identifying who the favourite will be could be as taxing as finding the winner in what looks like a hugely competitive contest.

Champion juvenile, the unbeaten King Socks, doesn’t race. In fact, he hasn’t stepped on to the racetrack since winning the Breeders’ Cup last December. He has two stablemates going though in the shape of Precede and Glitter and both will be among the top line of favourites. Busan’s Classic trial winner Yeonggwangui Secret is absent too, having pulled up lame after that race. However, Seoul’s trial winner Dae Wan Ma is present along with a host of very promising up and comers.

There is foreign interest too. Bart Rice saddles Good Dancer while Franco Da Silva rides leading contender Doctor Thunder. Francois Herholdt gets the leg-up on Gabo Day while Antonio Da Silva, who rode Dae Wan Ma to victory in the Sports Seoul, retains the mount. Also coming down from Seoul is Alan Munro, who on Friday added Busan to the list of tracks he’s ridden a winner at. He’ll ride Gaon Force, who was 3^rd in the Sports Seoul.

Here’s the horse-by-horse guide:

1. HANEULEUL DALRIDA – Won well in a good time over 1700M last start in February. It was at class 5 though so this is a considerable step up and he carries more weight. Has run best from the front and will try and lead.

2. YEONGSEONGFIGHTING – Beaten by promising filly Nakita on debut and has won both starts since at 1300M and 1600M. Made all last time at this distance, has a top jockey on and while not among the favourites, not totally without a chance.
3. GABO DAY – Won three in a row at 1300M but only managed 7^th when well supported in Gyeongnam Sinmun having been difficult to load. Distance a question at this stage but trialled well last week.
4. GAON FORCE – Class 5 winner at 1700M in February though we can probably draw a line through his superfast 4^th over the same distance in March on a soaking wet track. Close at hand 3^rd in the Sports Seoul and jockey a plus. Front-runner. Not impossible.
5. JOY OF LUCK – Unexposed in terms of distance and weight. 2^nd over 1200M at class 4 last time. Front runner so will be looking for a fast start. Won’t be among favourites although Jockey has won this race twice.
6. LION SUN – 3^rd in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup in October and beat the promising Seobu Cat last start at 1000M. Distance a real question at this stage though. Likely to be on pace.
7. PRECEDE – A very good class 4 winner at this distance on March 1^st, his second score at a mile. Big race jockey on and has proven versatile in winning both from the front and from behind though likely to let others go forward here. Big chance and possible favourite.
8. GLITTER – Avoided both Breeders’ Cup and Gyeongnam Shinmun but is one of the furthest along with a class 4 win at a mile and 3^rd place over 1800M at class 3. From the top stable and has to be taken seriously. Stablemate of Precede. Will settle just off the pace
9. GOOD DANCER – Strong run for 3^rd in the Gyeongnam Sinmun where he showed some resilience to fight back after being headed. Well back behind Doctor Thunder at this distance in February but looks to have progressed since. Interesting outsider.
10. GLOBAL CHUKJE – A winner of four from five and 3^rd in the other, he’s the only class 3 winner in the field having struck at that level over 1700M on March 2^nd. Big chance to take this race for Seoul. Settles midfield.
11. YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT – Well back in the Breeders’ Cup and 5^th in the Gyeongnam Shinmun but style may suit this extended trip. Nevertheless, plenty to find if he is to overturn the form.
12. MYEONGPUM CHUKJE – Finished 4^th in the Sports Seoul, three-lengths behind the winner but previously won very well over 1700M at class 4. Distance today should suit and although he may need even further, he is a contender.
13. DAE WAN MA – Runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup, she had a hard time at 1700M in January but won a hard-fought Sports Seoul last month at 1400M. Distance and draw are questions marks, but she has a real chance.
14. DOCTOR THUNDER – Since finishing 3^rd on debut, he’s won four in a row including last start at a mile. Drawn wide but doesn’t need to lead. In form jockey and if he gets a nice spot after the break, could well be the one to beat.
15. YEONGSEONG ACE – Class 4 winner over 1300M last start but will have to find plenty here. Came from well off the pace that day so likely to go back here and try and mop up the pieces late on.
16. WONDERFUL FLY – Just beaten a head in the Sports Seoul Cup in what was his first race since last July and his first defeat. Unexposed and a wildcard. Widest draw not ideal but he ran on well last time and could be a player.

VERDICT: It’s a great looking race with a full field and any number of winners. The Kim Young Kwan pair of (7) PRECEDE and (8) GLITTER look formidable but there are enough doubts about both to make it possible to elsewhere. We’ll go with (14) DOCTOR THUNDER to come through with a late run to score under Franco Da Silva though. Expect very solid runs too from the Seoul challengers (10) GLOBAL CHUKJE, (12) MYEONGPUM CHUKJE and (4) GAON FORCE. Sports Seoul winner (13) DAE WAN MA surely comes into play as well.

Selections: (14) Doctor Thunder (7) Precede (10) GLobal Chukje (12) Myeongpum Chukje
Next Best: 4, 8, 13, 16, 9
Fast Start: 1, 4, 5, 6
Closers: 11, 14, 15

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 11 races from 10L45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(1) MONEY SHARP has had a number of near-misses over nine starts so far and given today’s opposition, he should be making his breakthrough at last. (4) SEUNGRI LIKE had a poor day at the office behind Money Sharp last start but can be given another chance having run into trouble at the start, losing plenty of ground. The time before, he ran 2^nd at this distance and with a better start today, should be on speed and can be a danger. (2) CARROT SEEKER showed some improvement last time and can be in the hunt while (5) INGRAN QUEEN and (9) SERA YEOJE are others who may improve in this company.

Selections	(1) Money Sharp (4) Seungri Like (2) Carrot Seeker (9) Sera Yeoje
Next Best	5, 3
Fast Start	4, 5

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

Three-year-old maidens and while the field is small, it’s competitive. (5) MISTER HERO hasn’t raced since a 4^th place last October but trialled competently in decent company in mid-March and should go well first-up here. (4) KKAEUCHIM has shown steady improvement over his four outings and can continue his progress today while (8) STUNNING AGAIN offered some hint of ability for the first time when 6^th of 11 on his latest start a month ago. However, it’s debut-makers we’ll turn to for our picks. (9) HANSEN BLADE made all to win a trial two weeks ago and a similar performance today will make him hard to beat. (7) DAEGUN POWER too impressed in a heat just last week and should be competitive here.

Selections	(9) Hansen Blade (7) Daegun Power (4) Kkaeuchim (5) Mister Hero
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Another weak maiden. (4) CUPID CHOICE looks to be figuring things out having been an improved 3^rd last start. She’ll be on pace here and could lead all the way. (2) WINNER SAY may have finished better than 5^th on debut had she not had to be checked when improving into a narrow run coming off the turn. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging start and she can get closer here. (1) GEOM HYANG too did nothing wrong on her first appearance in February and can have also come on for it. (9) YULONG FLYING looks the type who may come good sooner or later while of the first-time starters, (5) SILVER DRAGON has the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections	(4) Cupid Choice (2) Winner Say (1) Geom Hyang (5) Silver Dragon
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	1, 4, 8

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies. (6) SAENAE VICTORY enters off a career-best finish of 2^nd last time over this distance. She was beaten five-lengths by a decent winner, but it continued a run of encouraging performances and she could be the one to make the breakthrough here. (12) SONGAM BARBIE is the only other one in the field who has a top-three finish to her name, and she looks to be the main danger although (3) ROAD WOMAN, who races for the first time this year, looked sharp in a trial last month and can be expected to go well. (1) YAHO WHITE CAT and (8) GWACHEON GONGJU are others who can improve.

Selections	(6) Saenae Victory (12) Songam Barbie (8) Gwacheon Gongju (3) Road Woman
Next Best	1, 5, 7
Fast Start	1, 3

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

Three-year-old maidens. (3) SUHO comes in having finished 2^nd over this distance on March 23^rd. That was just his third career start and came after a 4^th place the time before. He’s the one to beat here. (8) TAP LINE was just a head behind in 3^rd place that day although he displayed poor manners in the home straight. He was 2^nd on debut a month earlier and will be the main danger again. (7) P.K. GUNJU can have a line drawn through his latest one as he took a heavy bump at the start and can be given another chance here. (4) KING OF RULES and (6) STRONG VULTURE are others who can enter the placing frame.

Selections	(3) Suho (8) Tap Line (7) P.K. Gunju (6) Strong Vulture
Next Best	4, 5
Fast Start	2, 6, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) ENDURANCE was certainly eye-catching when scoring by ten-lengths over this distance to earn his maiden win on March 2^nd. He was stepped up to 1700M for his first try at this class two weeks ago but after leading for much of the way around, he weakened late on and ultimately finished in 5^th. Back down in trip today, he’ll be the one to beat. It was a similar story too for (3) SPEED HEUKRYONG, who after registering his maiden win in February similarly found it challenging around two turns last month and should be closer today. (2) SHADOW MONEY should break a run of four consecutive 5^th place finishes – hopefully by finishing better than 5^th here – while (7) BANGTANMA and (more…)

The 2019 Korean Triple Crown starts this weekend with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday. We’ll have a full preview of the big race on Saturday but before that, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off with seven of the twelve having raced before. Among those, (9) SMART MOD is comfortably the top pick having run 2^nd on debut on March 1^st. He was the beaten favourite that day after also impressing in useful company in trials but today he should make no mistake. (12) GOOD TREND didn’t do too much wrong on his first start four weeks ago and can improve on the 6^th place he registered while the only one of these to have already raced more than once, (5) CHODONG RUSH offered some evidence of progress when dropped back to this trip in January and returns after three months out for a fresh start here. Of the first-timers, (2) KAHEKILI is a half sister to prolific winner Cinderella Man and trialled well. (4) ME NOVIA also went well in trials.

Selections	(9) Smart Mod (2) Kahekili (12) Good Trend (4) Me Novia
Next Best	5, 8
Fast Start	2, 6

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

He’s been inconsistent across seven outings so far but (2) GOLDEN SHARP is the slight pick to prevail here. True, his best work to date has been at 1000M but a previous try at this distance yielded a 5^th place finish and after a solid 3^rd at the minimum last start, he looks well placed to get to the front from a good draw and go all the way. (10) DAEHO JILJU races from the first time since finishing 3^rd behind Golden Sharp’s 2^nd in January. It’s his first crack at the distance today and he should be close. (6) DAEHEUNG SIDAE enters off a solid enough last start 4^th at this distance and can match or better today while (7) ALBERT KING and (11) RINGING FLYING, both back in trip today, should also be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(2) Golden Sharp (10) Daeho Jilju (6) Daeheung Sidae (11) Ringing Flying
Next Best	7, 12
Fast Start	2, 11

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

(5) MATCH WINNER ran 3^rd on debut in a useful maiden at this distance on March 8^th, running on well. There could be more to come and with a bit of progress today, he looks the one to beat. (3) MAJOR POWER had two 3^rd place finishes and a 4^th among four outings so far. She’s not the fastest of starters but can take up a handy position here from a decent draw and should be competitive. Since returning from six months out, (9) GIMABUDAEJANG has progressively improved over three starts and steps up to this distance for the first time. He’ll be on pace and can be taken seriously. (6) SMART WINNER beat three of these on his way to an improved 3^rd when stepped up to this trip on March 15^th and looks set for more development. (1) ECTON SMILE was 4^th in that same race and is another with at least placing chances today.

Selections	(5) Match Winner (9) Gimabudaejang (3) Major Power (6) Smart Winner
Next Best	1, 10
Fast Start	4, 9, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Maiden fillies here and the banker favourite of the day goes. (1) BANJIUI YOJEONG ran 2^nd on debut on March 8^th, running prominently throughout having previously impressed in trials. She’ll be on pace from the start and a similar performance should prove far too much for her rivals here. The main danger could be one from the same owner. (10) BANJIUI JILJU debuts here having performed strongly in trials and has every chance of going nicely first-up. Also debuting with decent claims is (6) LUCKY TOGETHER, who showed plenty of promise when trialling a month ago. Of the others who have raced before, (4) MILLION BEAT and (9) TWO TWO WAY look the best.

Selections	(1) Banjiui Yojeong (10) Banjiui Jilju (9) Two Two Way (6) Lucky Together
Next Best	4, 7
Fast Start	1, 7, 9

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

(4) YONGYEON is one of three of these up in class following a maiden victory last start, in his case a front-running four-length score at this distance. He’ll be on pace again and is the slight pick to repeat. (12) FINAL RULES made all for a two-length win four weeks ago (beating Banjiui Yojeongsa, who we saw in race 4). That was just her second start and she looks to have improvement in her. Similarly, (1) SINHEUNG JANGSU led from gate to wire to win by five-lengths on March 1^st and while she probably has the most of the three to find, shouldn’t be far away here. Of those with prior experience of this class, (7) YAKSOKDAERO and (8) SUCHEOJAKJU are the best looking.

Selections	(4) Yongyeon (12) Final Rules (1) Sinheung Jangsu (8) Sucheojakju
Next Best	7, 6
Fast Start	1, 4, 10, 12

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

(8) SAMBA RHYTHM got her maiden win by six-lengths just before the New Year and then ran a solid 2^nd on her first try at this class in January, both at this distance. Things (more…)

So it wasn’t to be for Dolkong overnight in Dubai. Nevertheless, he did himself and Korea proud over the past three months. Racing continues and Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

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

(6) CHEON GOE SEONG has a best of 2^nd from three starts so far. On his latest outing on March 3^rd, he raced a touch ungenerously when performing below expectations in 6^th and if he sorts his manners out, he has a good chance of winning today. (4) KING OF EAGLE proved to be even more of a pain in his latest effort, hanging outwards in the home straight to the extent he got ordered back to trial. He still finished 2^nd though and flew through the subsequent trial and if he behaves himself, he too has a strong chance. (2) EX BLADE should be better back at the minimum trip today while (1) SEMYEONG STORM was a little big sluggish at the start on debut four weeks ago and can improve here. Of the four debut-makers, Luigi Riccardi’s (7) HOLIDAY MORNING looks the pick having won a trial in fine fashion two weeks ago, although (8) CLASSIC DANCER also showed some promise in her heat.

Selections	(6) Cheon Goe Seong (4) King Of Eagle (2) Ex Blade (7) Holiday Morning
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 10

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

A maiden for fillies only. (7) CAMP BADA beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 3^rd place on March 2^nd. She looks set to get on the early pace here and has strong claims to win. She’s not the only one though. (1) BEST SINHWA has run 4^th and 3^rd in two starts so far. She tackles 1300M for the first time today and the way she has run on both times suggests it may suit. (9) KAHINAH was only beaten a nose at this distance on her latest start six weeks ago. This looks tougher but she can be respected. (6) REIGN ran 6^th behind Camp Bada last time and can get closer today while (10) DURI, another who improved to 2^nd last time, is also in the hunt.

Selections	(7) Camp Bada (1) Best Sinhwa (9) Kahinah (10) Duri
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	7, 9, 10, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) LOOKING GOOD was a comfortable winner on debut last November and then ran 3^rd on his first try at this level over 1300M in January. He’s not raced since then but is nicely drawn to get on pace early here and he could win. (2) BLUE FIRE is yet to win after eight attempts but has been close a number of times. He ran 2^nd on his most recent try at this distance and can be a danger here. (4) MAPAEBONG was a close at hand 4^th at class and distance last start and should be in the hunt for at least a place here. (5) POP STREET and (9) HANSEN BAROWS others who could go close.

Selections	(7) Looking Good (2) Blue Fire (4) Mapaebong (9) Hansen Barows
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	2, 5, 7, 9

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

(1) HEUK JEONSA is up in class having secured his maiden win on his third career start – and first at this distance – on February 23^rd. He was drawn in the same gate that day and can repeat the tactic of sitting just behind the pace and finishing strongly. It took (4) CUPID GANGJA seventeen goes to make his own breakthrough but it came at this class last month when he ground out a gutsy victory by a nose. He can go well again. (3) CHOM NIA showed signs of coming back into form with a solid 4^th at the distance in a tougher race than this last start and can at least match that today while (2) MAENGSAN HERO and (7) RAON PRO SENSE are better than their respective latest efforts suggest and should be close.

Selections	(1) Heuk Jeonsa (3) Chom Nia (4) Cupid Gangja (7) Raon Pro Sense
Next Best	2
Fast Start	3, 5

Busan Race 1 Selections: 11, 1, 9, 10

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

(6) TOP BRAIN was a much-improved 2nd back in January when tried at five furlongs for the first time. He looked like he still had plenty to learn prior to that but now having had a couple of months off since, he’ll be the one to aim at here. (2) HEUNGBOK DREAM enters after two useful performances in similar races to this and is one of the main dangers along with (11) BEST CHAPEL, who similarly hasn’t missed out by much in either of her latest two. (1) MIREU STORM has seemingly lost his way a little bit but has plenty of talent and with a good start, can be another chance today. (7) JEJUI BARAM another who can go close.

Selections	(6) Top Brain (2) Heungbok Dream (11) Best Chapel (1) Mireu Storm
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 7

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

(4) JANGSAN BOBBY ran pleasingly enough for 3^rd on debut at this distance on March 1^st, beating three of these in the process and he’s favourite to step up and score today. Filly (5) BEAUTIFUL MARINE has finished no worse than 3^rd in four starts so far. She’s overcome wide draws to run 2^nd in both her latest two. Beaten by good winners each time, she’ll be a big danger here. (8) TAP SOCKS was a useful 5th on debut at the beginning of this month and can build on it here, while of the two first-time starters, (3) KOREA PRINCE performed promisingly in trials and should go nicely first-up.

Selections	(4) Jangsan Bobby (5) Beautiful Marine (8) Tap Socks (3) Korea Prince
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	1, 2, 8

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

(1) INCHEON SPEED has hinted at ability across five starts so far and overcame some serious bumping at the start last time to run a decent 5^th at this distance. He is a touch inconsistent but could get things right today. (5) SUN START was 6^th in that race just half a length back and can go closer today too but a bigger threat is likely to come from (7) CRAZY WIKI who enters with a win and a 2^nd place from his latest two. Those runs were both at 1000M, but he should be able to get on the lead early and looks ready for another crack at this distance. (9) NASCAUI BYEOL and the up in class (11) WINNER BROWN are others in the frame.

Selections	(1) Incheon Speed (7) Crazy Wiki (11) Winner Brown (5) Sun Start
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	6, 7, 11

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

Really good-looking race this and despite still being a maiden (1) ROSA could be the who takes the honours. She stepped up to class and distance on March 3rd and ran a good 2nd, having led most of the way around and beating a couple of these in the process. Hopefully she will have learned a little bit from that, and she can win here. (4) CHEONGDAM BLADE is up in class having secured his maiden win over this distance on February 7th but it’s two others up in class, the relatively unexposed pair of (5) TRUE VALOR and (6) KINGSTON HARBOR, who shed their maiden tags at 1300M and 1000M respectively, who may prove more progressive and can get close today. (2) MUJEOK VETERAN and (7) ROCKHARD FORCE are other up and comers who can have a line drawn through their latest efforts and given another chance here.

Selections	(1) Rosa (5) True Valor (6) Kingston Harbor (7) Rock Hard Force
Next Best	2, 10, 4
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) CLEAR GEOM got her maiden win at this distance on January before running 2nd on her first try at this class last month behind a horse who could be bound for the KRA Cup Mile next week. She looks to have plenty of potential and is very much the one to beat here. (1) ROYAL JOY did nothing on her first three outings but registered her maiden win when tried at this distance for the first time on February 23rd. Accordingly, she is up in class today but should be a factor. (8) QUEEN OF CAMP remains a maiden but steps up in class too as well as in distance having run close too many mains at class 6. She ran on well over 1300M last time and can be competitive at this level. (2) GAZUA and (7) BETTINA are others in the hunt.

Selections	(4) Clear Geom (1) Royal Joy (8) Queen Of Camp (7) Bettina
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	1, 8

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

A winner of three from seven and already successful at class and distance, (3) BLACK TEN comes in having run a decent 2nd over 1800M a month ago. He led until the closing stages that day and back down to what looks at this time his preferred trip, he’s the one to beat. (7) CHEONNYEONUI ACHIM returned from almost five months off to run 5th over 1300M three weeks ago. He should have come on for that and steps up to a mile for the first time with claims to go close. (2) TRIPLE SILVER has only won one of eighteen outings but is up in class today after three consecutive runner-up finishes. He’s up in trip as well but should be competitive. (8) WIN GO MAN and (9) GANGHAN JILJU are others capable of finding the money in this company.

Selections	(3) Black Ten (7) Cheonnyeonui Achim (2) Triple Silver (8) Win Go Man
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	3, 6

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) RULE BREAKER ran 3^rd on his first true at this class on February 24^th. He’s won at the distance before and while he was the beaten favourite last time, is worthy of another chance today. In that same race, (12) GIDONG DAEJANG was well back in the field but he returned to record an unexpected win just two weeks later at this class and distance. He carries an additional 3.5kg today but warrants respect. (9) JEWANGUI BYEOL got his maiden win over a year ago and has been knocking at the door since. He was 4^th on his first try around two-turns at the beginning of this month and should have come on for it although he did display some poor racing manners. (1) STRONG CAPTAIN and (11) HANYANG GONGJU, the latter a strong class and distance 4^th last time out, are others to take into consideration.

Selections	(7) Rule Breaker (9) Jewangui Byeol (11) Hanyang Gongju (12) Gidong Daejang
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	3, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(11) EVELYN returned from a few months out to run a solid 2nd place over a mile on March 1st. She steps up to 1800M for the first time with plenty of indications that it may suit and having come on or that run, she’s the one to beat. (10) CHIEF LEADER’s previous attempt at this trip in February didn’t go especially well but having run well when dropped back to a mile last time, he looks ready for another crack and should be dangerous. (1) OCEAN LINE and (2) PRIME RACE are both proven money winners at class and distance and have solid placing chances, while (7) CHOEGANG BULLET steps up to two-turns for the first time and is another who can aim for at least a place.

Selections	(11) Evelyn (2) Prime Race (1) Ocean Line (7) Choegang Bullet
Next Best	10, 9
Fast Start	5

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(4) CHOINMA just keeps his remarkable record of avoiding the winner’s circle intact. And yet we keep returning to him and sending him off at a short price. Surely today is the day. He comes in having beaten plenty of these in recent starts and was 4^th last time out t at this class over 1800M. This time he wins for the first time since his juvenile season. Should he come up short again (and frankly, we must accept it’s possible), (6) BULMYEORUI JEWANG and (8) WONDERFUL CHAMPION look best placed to take advantage. Neither went well last time but can return to form today. (11) LUCKY ROOKIE is up in class having won three of his last five starts. His best work has been at shorter distances, but he should be in the placing hunt. (7) JEJUI HANEUL drops back in distance following two chastening experienced at 2000M and should be better. On the other hand, (1) BLUE WOLF, up in trip to two-turns for the first time, may also come into play.

Selections	(4) Choinma (11) Lucky Rookie (6) Bulmyeorui Jewang (8) Wonderful Champion
Next Best	1, 7
Fast Start	1, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

Plenty of form to go on here, with most of these having raced each other recently. (6) DYNAMIC STAR came out the best when four of them race at class and distance on February 24th, running 2nd to the very good King Of Glory. He looks beautifully in here once again and could go one better. The pick though is (2) CAPTAIN FORCE. He only managed 6th that day after a poor start but he is the class horse of the race and should go much better this time. (12) GOOD CASTING beat four of these on his way to victory over 1800M on March 1st. He drops back to one-turn for the first time in well over a year but should be competitive. Finishing 3rd in that race was (3) SILLAUI JEONSEOL and he’s another who should be in the mix. Also dropping back in trip is Classic winner (8) WORLD SUN and he shouldn’t be completely ruled out, while the up in class (7) CORE BLADE is the wildcard.

Selections	(2) Captain Force (12) Good Casting (6) Dynamic Star (7) Core Blade
Next Best	8, 11, 3
Fast Start	2, 3, 7

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

(5) GANGTOMA has won his latest two including his most recent at class and distance on February 24^th when he had four of these behind him. A winner of eight from thirteen in total, he seems to still be getting better and he can continue to burnish his credentials with another win here under what is still a nice light weight. The reason for the light weight is because of the presence of highly-rated (12) WINNER GOLD. He enters having just come up short behind the excellent Road Winner over 2300M last month and while he is a top-class contender, giving away 5kg today hands the advantage to the similarly talented Gangtoma. Last year’s Queens’ Tour winner (11) CHEONGSU YEOGEOL takes her first crack at class 1 handicap company. She only races sparingly with a tilt at retaining that title set to be the main goal this year but she looks nicely in and she can be a threat. (4) NASCA PRINCE and (6) ULTRA ROCKET are others in the hunt in a really nice-looking race.

Selections	(5) Gangtoma (12) Winner Gold (11) Cheongsu Yeogeol (6) Ultra Rocket
Next Best	4, 10
Fast Start	1, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 11: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Very competitive race to conclude with. Four of these raced each other at class and distance on February 24^th with (11) ARGO MELODY coming home the best of them in in 2^nd place. That was his second consecutive runner-up finish and he’ll be a danger today. (3) PRIMO was 3^rd in that race while (2) WILD DRAGON came home in 5^th place and both those will be threats again but the biggest danger – and top pick – is (5) GUREUM WANGJA, A winner of four from seven so far, he ran a close 2^nd at this distance on his latest outing in January. Coming in fresh, he can sit off the pace and be too strong late on here. (4) SOL PARANG the best of the rest.

Selections	(5) Gureum Wangja (11) Argo Melody (2) Wild Dragon (4) Sol Parang
Next Best	3, 8
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 9

This evening, a Korea-owned and trained horse will line up in the starting gate for the $12 Million Dubai World Cup. This is not a sentence that was ever expected to appear on this blog. Yet that is exactly what Dolkong will do.

We’ll not preview the race here – others are far more qualified to do that – but naturally, it’s a hard ask. Always set to be a big outsider, following the barrier draw, which saw him receive the outside gate, Dolkong will likely start as the longest shot on the board. But that’s not important.

It’s not bad for a horse that less than four months ago finished 4th in the Grand Prix Stakes. Yet Dolkong, who matched Cheongdam Dokki when the pair were two and three, had his career stalled by injury, something that now, with less punishing miles over the Seoul sand on the clock than others of his age, may be paying dividends in Dubai, where he has thrived, coasting home in the Curlin Handicap before running 3rd in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3. That latter performance saw his rating tick up to 110 and this year, it was just about enough to warrant an invitation to the biggest race of all.

Dolkong in Dubai – Part 1:

Dolkong in Dubai – Part 2:

It has been a exceptional training performance by Simon Foster, who along with fellow expat handlers Peter Wolsley and Bart Rice, gamely and enthusiastically took on the challenge of flying the Korean flag overseas when all of their local counterparts this time opted to stay at home. Dolkong has been the example of the right horse, owned by the right owner and trained by the right trainer at exactly the right time.

If he’d have walked into a different barn when returning from injury last May, it’s possible that he’d be carrying top weight in Sunday’s class 1 handicap at Seoul. Instead he’s on one of the richest and most watched stages in world racing. Simon Foster has been an exceptional ambassador and along with others including groom and rider Lizzy Stubbington and for Dolkong’s last three runs, veteran jockey Oliver Doleuze, has forged a formidable team.

Now they must go again on what is a momentous night for Korean racing (and for a small farm in Virginia). Seoul Racecourse will be open overnight on Saturday and into the small hours of Sunday and a group of racing fans are expected to gather to watch the live coverage (the race starts at 1.40am Seoul time) while a sizeable Korean contingent is out at Meydan.

After the Curlin, we convinced ourselves that it was job done and anything else was a bonus. After the Al Maktoum Challenge R3, we did the same. Now, lowest rated, widest drawn and with a closing style that doesn’t really suit most dirt races at Meydan, Dolkong is up against it again. He’ll give his best.

 

Saturday at Seoul sees 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. There’s a new overseas jockey in town too with Manuel Porcu making his Korean debut. Here are the previews:

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

(5) FEDERAL CAT has a 2^nd and 3^rd from two starts so far, the latter of which was at this distance on March 3^rd. He only needs a top-three finish to be up in class next time and he could exit the bottom tier of racing with a win today. (2) JEONGMUN SAI finished 3^rd behind Federal Cat on what was both their debuts back in February and returns here for the first time since and should be close although a bigger danger may prove to be (3) GEUMSUNI STAR. It took him a couple of efforts to figure things out, but he comes in here with a 3^rd and a 4^th from his latest two and should go close here. (7) IL MARE stumbled at the start last time and may go better for the step up in trip today, but the most intriguing entrant is the sole debut-maker. (9) PLATINUM EURO. He’s won two trials and is the pick well first-up here.

Selections	(9) Platinum Euro (5) Federal Cat (2) Jeongmun Sai (3) Geumsuni Star
Next Best	7, 4
Fast Start	4, 9

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. (6) SAMAE JILJU has finished no worse than 4^th in three outings so far. All have been at 1000M and she’s run on reasonably well each time suggesting she may appreciate the extended trip today. (9) BULUI QUEEN has made steady progress and got her best finish so far in 2^nd when stepped up to this distance last time and can continue to progress here. Both of those should be on the early speed as should the other principal chance, (2) SENTOSA. She has demonstrated ability at 1000M with a best finish of 2^nd and is another who tries this distance for the first time. (1) CHEONNYEONUI BI and (8) GREEN CINDY are others who may improve.

Selections	(9) Bilui Queen (2) Sentosa (6) Samae Jilju (1) Cheonnyeonui Bi
Next Best	8, 3
Fast Start	2, 6, 9

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

Weak maiden here with only (9) JEONGMUN SARANG having experienced a top three finish to date and that’s probably enough to make him favourite here. He should be able to get to the lead early and potentially go all the way. (3) COMPLETE SHOCK and (11) GIVEN RUNNER have both performed well in trials, if not in actual races and could improve but we’ll look to the pair of (4) GOLD FIELD and (5) WANSEUNG MUPAE, neither of whom did too much wrong when running 7^th and 6^th respectively at this distance earlier this month and who look to have potential to improve. Wanseung Mupae bumped at the start last time and with a cleaner break, can get closer.

Selections	(9) Jeongmun Sarang (5) Wanseung Mupae (11) Given Runner (4) Gold Field
Next Best	3, 2
Fast Start	4, 9, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) GEUMA MAJESTY improved significantly at the third time of asking on March 3^rd, running 2^nd at this distance. It was the first time he’d managed to get off to a decent start and if he repeats that today, he can win. (6) BIG CLASSIC ran 3^rd on debut back in January and returns here for the first time. He can set up camp just behind the early speed and can be a danger later on. (5) WINNER CROWN has been competent in his three starts so far, the best of them being 2^nd place in an admittedly slow race at this trip in February. He’ll need to have a bit of improvement in him here but can get close as can (7) FLOWER ROAD, who similarly has done nothing too wrong in two efforts to date. (10) RAON JOY looks bets of the rest.

Selections	(9) Geuma Majesty (5) Winner Crown (6) Big Classic (7) Flower Road
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	5, 9, 10, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) RED BLADE only missed out by half a length when a much-improved 2^nd in a decent race at this distance on March 3^rd. His stable is in good form at the moment, he should on pace early and he can win. (4) CHEONNYEON HAPPY ran a pleasing enough 4^th over this distance on March 2^nd and should be even more of a factor here while (1) TANTAN WINNER has been showing progress across his four outings so far and can build on the 3^rd place he achieved on his first try at this distance last month. (8) CLEAN UP TRIO was 4^th behind Red Blade last start and while he was a full twelve-lengths back in a strung-out finish, can get a little closer today. (12) KINGLY was a somewhat surprising 2^nd on his return from a few months off over 1000M in a race that was admittedly run at glacial pace three weeks ago. Nevertheless, he provides jockey Manual Porcu with a decent opportunity on his first day riding at Seoul.

Selections	(7) Red Blade (1) Tantan Winner (4) Cheonnyeon Happy (8) Clean Up Trio
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	7, 8, 11

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

(5) SUN OF THUNDER got promoted to this class with back to back runner-up finishes and continued that streak when 2^nd over this distance on his first try at this level on March 2^nd. True, he has been a beaten odds-on favourite on both his latest starts, but it should be third-time lucky today.  (3) FLYING JOY was just half a length back behind Sun Of Thunder in that same race. He remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but shouldn’t be far away once more. (6) STAR LIST was a class and distance winner as recently as (more…)

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

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

(11) RAINBOW PARK ran a decent 4^th on debut on March 1st. That day’s 3^rd place-getter went on to win last week and he’ll be in the frame here. There are three debt-makers and to of them look to have strong claims. (6) CHOEGANG WINNER performed credibly in a trial a month ago and has a top trainer/jockey combination but the best looking is (9) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO, 2^nd in a fast trial three weeks ago and if he reproduces that form here, he’ll probably win. (1) BARAMGWA GUREUM and (8) KKEUTPAN STORM are best of the rest.

Selections	(9) Cheonnyeonuiyakso (6) Choegang Winner (11) Rainbow Park (8) Kkeutpan Storm
Next Best	1, 7
Fast Start	1, 6, 8, 9

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

(2) GUKMIN STAR is the most experienced in this field and also looks to be the furthest along in terms of development. He was 4^th at this distance last time out but was less than a length behind the winner in a tight finish and he can come out on top today. (12) TITLE CODE ran twice last autumn and showed some promise. He’s back after almost four months off having trialled up well at the beginning of March and he’ll be in the frame. (6) BEYOND rana creditable 5^th n debut in February and can build on it here. There are two debut-makers, and both look like they have promise. (9) RAON TOWN trialled up behind Title Code while (8) MUJEOK NICE looked similarly competent in her heat and has little to fear first-up.

Selections	(2) Gukmin Star (12) Title Code (8) Mujeok Nice (9) Raon Town
Next Best	6, 5
Fast Start	5, 6, 12

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

(3) ROSE BULLET came from well off the pace to run a much-improved 3^rd over 1000M three weeks ago. Once out of the kickback, he raced very nicely so with a better start today, he could well be the one to beat. (1) MORNING WANGJA has a 3^rd and a 4^th in two outings since returning from ten months out and can keep his momentum going here. He should join Rose Bullet on the early pace.  (7) HAPPY GATE has shown some aptitude across six starts so far, including a 3^rd place at this distance and and shouldn’t be too far away. Solitary debut-maker, (5) RISING CHIEF has shown some speed across two trials and has every chance of going well first-up while the wildcard is (9) PERFECT ACE, who returns after eight months out. He offered few clues in a February trial but had talent last year and could be interesting.

Selections	(3) Rose Bullet (7) Happy Gate (5) Rising Chief (1) Morning Wangja
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 8

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

(9) ROYAL TICKET has shown steady improvement over three outings to date, culminating in 2^nd place when stepped up to this trip five weeks ago. He’ll probably go to the lead early here and has every chance of going one better. (12) GIDAEHAE was three-lengths back in 3^rd place in that race and she can be a danger again, but the principal threat is likely to be (4) POWERFUL PUT. He too comes in off the back of 2^nd place at the distance three weeks ago, his best finish in twelve outings to date, and he looks finally ready to win. (11) WANBONG, previously beaten by Royal Ticket and Gidaehae, was an improved 3^rd in that race and can build on that here while (7) CHOEGANG SEONBONG ran poorly last time out but can be given another chance here.

Selections	(4) Powerful Pit (9) Royal Ticket (12) Gidaehae (7) Choegang Seonbong
Next Best	11, 1
Fast Start	6, 9

Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) BRIAN PARK is up in class following a four-length win at this distance on March 3^rd. The manner of that score suggests there could be more to come, and he looks worth taking a chance on again today. The ultra-experienced (8) VEGA KHAN ran a very close 3^rd at 1800M a month ago, having led in the straight and he is to be taken seriously here as is Brian Park’s stablemate (2) DALGU, who beat three of these on his way to 4th place at class and distance just two weeks ago and similarly warrants respect. Two of those he beat that day, (4) CURLIN FANTASY and (10) I’M YOUR HOPE can be given additional chances to improve here.

Selections	(5) Brian Park (2) Dalgu (8) Vega Khan (4) Curlin Fantasy
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	4, 5, 6

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

This is a very competitive race with any number of possible winners. The most intriguing entry is (7) BLACK SHIELD, who races for the first time in nine months. He bowed out with a win at this distance last June and was very fast when winning a trial two weeks ago. This is eminently winnable first-up. (11) NORMAL CLASSIC is up in class having won (more…)

At 11am on Saturday morning, after Moon Se Young had nonchalantly guided favourite Black Party to a comfortable victory in the opening race of the weekend at Seoul Racecourse to rack up his 1499^th career winner, it looked as though Moon’s quest to reach the milestone 1500^th would be a breeze. By 6pm on Sunday, it had turned into something of a saga before finally, Another Smart One obliged in the concluding race of the weekend and Moon became only the second Korean jockey to ever reach the landmark figure.

The wait was somewhat reminiscent of that of Park Tae Jong, the nation’s all-time leading jockey, who was on 1,999 winners for three meetings before finally breaking the 2,000- win barrier in May 2016. “Sorry you guys had to wait here after every race!” smiled Moon to the waiting camera crew. Indeed, on Saturday Moon found himself beaten on three hot favourites on what ultimately proved a day of frustration for the six-time Champion Jockey.

“I was a little worried today” admitted Moon afterwards, “I didn’t expect too much from my rides, but I knew this one was going to be favourite and I was concerned about letting down the racing fans”. He needn’t have been. Another Smart One, a five-year-old US import by Smarty Jones looked a winner all the way, stalking the early leaders in the 1200M Class 1 finale before taking things up mid-stretch to win by a full six-lengths on the line.

“I always want to do my best for the owners and trainers who support me and all through my career, I’ve set myself targets and goals and achieving them has been what motivates me”. However, now 38-years-old Moon, who missed the latter half of last year after shattering his collarbone, knows not to take anything for granted anymore. “I have had so many injuries and layoffs over the past few years that I wasn’t sure I would make this one”.

Park Tae Jong, who rode one of the winners that denied Moon on Saturday, was among the first to greet his rival in the winner’s circle after the race. “I’ve been chasing him my entire career” said Moon after bowing deeply to the man who his is fifteen years his senior. “I’ll keep on chasing him”.

* At Busan on Sunday, New Legend, the current hottest prospect in Korean racing, continued to burnish his credentials. Stepping up to 2000M for the first time, the four-year-old Menifee colt, who began his career in the United States, outclassed is class 2 rivals, setting a gentle pace before pulling away with ease in the home straight to win by a full thirteen-lengths. He moves on to five from five at home and will be up to class 1 for his next appearance.

There are full Sunday cards at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). There’s no Group or Listed action but the “Good Luck Dolkong Handicap” race 9 at Seoul looks set to be interesting while New Legend, unbeaten in Korea, makes his fifth start at Busan in race 5. Also there is the ongoing saga of Moon Se Young’s attempt to reach 1500 winners. After scoring in race 1 on Saturday to reach 1499, he was beaten on three odds-on chances. He has eight more chances on Sunday. Here are the previews with Busan selections below:

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

(11) P.K. JEONSA has been getting closer across four starts so far culminating in 2^nd place at this distance last time out a month ago. He won’t need to improve much to win this and he is the one to beat. (5) GOLDEN JAY ran 3^rd on debut last month and while it wasn’t an especially strong race, it gives her a firm foundation to build on here. (6) CHOWON MARU and (4) SEOUL CITY debuted together, finishing 4^th and 7^th respectively at this distance on February 23^rd and they too can make progress here. The most experienced in the race is (9) DAEJI GONGJU and she has managed a 3^rd place which she could repeat here.

Selections	(11) P.K. Jeonsa (5) Golden Jay (6) Chowon Maru (4) Seoul City
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	5, 11

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

Weak maiden here and (10) UTGE HAEJULGE’s improved last start 4^th should be enough to give him favourite status here. He’s not drawn especially well but should have enough about him to get to the lead and he can win. (6) SINUI CHUKBOK comes in having run 5^th at this distance two weeks ago and looks to have more improvement in her while (4) JEOKTO BIMA raced ungenerously last time but still managed to finish 6^th and drops back in trip today.  In such a race we have to give the first-timers a chance and (7) BLUE BAY looks to have the best chance of making an impression first-up.

Selections	(10) Utge Haejulge (6) Sinui Chukbok (4) Jeokto Bima (7) Blue Bay
Next Best	9, 8
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 6

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

(7) HOPE KINGDOM was a close at hand 2^nd at this distance on February 23^rd, beating three of these in the process. That performance came out of nowhere, but a repeat can’t be ruled out. (3) SIMJANGUI GODONG was 3^rd in that race, four-lengths behind Hope Kingdom. That was just his second start having also run 3^rd on debut. He only needs to finish in the top three to go up in class and he can exit the bottom tier of racing with a win here. (8) SPADE MASHIE was 4^th on his first start in that very same race and should come on for it too. Further back still in that race was (2) JEONGSANG STAR, who previously showed some ability in 3^rd place on her first outing and can go better today. Among those who didn’t go in that race, (1) TO THE VICTORY should be on pace early and can be competitive.

Selections	(3) Simjangui Godong (8) Spade Mashie (7) Hope Kingdom (2) Jeongsang Star
Next Best	1, 12
Fast Start	1, 2, 10

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

A close at hand 2^nd at class and distance on February 24^th, (3) TRI THUNDER is the pick to go one better and win this nicely competitive handicap. He should be close to the early speed and could have too much late on. (5) YEOKDAE CHOEGO is up in class having won on his first try at this distance last month and should have more improvement in him here while (8) HORSE QUEEN was a close 4^th on her first go in this class five weeks ago and steps up in trip for the first time today. She’ll join Tri Thunder in competing for the early lead and can go close.  (2) CHOWON GUNJU and the experienced (4) SSONSALGACHI, are others who are capable.

Selections	(3) Tri Thunder (8) Horse Queen (5) Yeokdae Choego (4) Ssonsalgachi
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	2, 8, 10, 12

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

(1) GYORYONG UNU is a frustrating horse, tending to be either very good or very bad. Last time though he was just ok, running 2^nd over 1200M. He’s back at the minimum today, the inside gate should help him, and he surely wins. (3) JILPUNG GANGJA was slightly disappointing on his first try at this class last time but gets another chance here. He won his previous two in fine fashion and potential for more. (10) DAESEONG MALLI and (9) HWANG GEUM SAJA came home 5^th and 6^th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on February 16^th and both can get closer today. (11) WHIZ REINA is (more…)