Blue Chipper Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 6)

Blue Chipper will have the chance to avenge his loss at the hands of Doctor Carson as the two of them face off again in the feature race at Busan on Sunday afternoon. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00 and 10 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. The Seoul meeting will be held behind closed doors while there will be limited in person attendance at Busan. Unfortunately, the Daegu City Government has ordered the off-track betting location in that city to be closed as the Coivd alert level in that region has been raised to join Seoul, Gyeonggi and Jeju at “level 2”. Off-track centres in Busan Gwangju, Changwon and Cheonan remain open for limited in-person attendance which must be pre-booked. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

This is a race with little exposed form, so we’ll go out on a limb with (4) RUN TO GOAL. She ran well enough over the 1200M last time after stumbling out of the barriers and then copping a bump off the horse on her outside. After meeting interference in the straight she still ran well. She’s well drawn again and with more luck should be in the finish. The favourite will be (9) M J QUEEN on the grounds that she has won a race. That was on debut and while she hasn’t looked like following up in three starts since, she was prominent last time being passed just before the finish. The drop back to 1000M may suit. (10) ECTON JILJU showed improvement at start number two and is another who may appreciate the opportunity to race at five furlongs. (2) SAENAE HWANGJE and (8) TAEYANGTAGO are others whose form is not perhaps as bad as it first looks.

Selections(4) Run To Goal (9) M J Queen (10) Ecton Jilju (8) Tayangtago
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) GEOLJAK WOMAN can be considered here having been placed over 1200M and getting a good barrier. Draw a line through her last start when she was inconvenienced at the start before working home very nicely. A clean getaway today puts her right in the finish. Likely betting favourite is (6) BEST CHEONSANG. She’s been consistent across her four starts so far and with the best first furlong average time of any of these, should relish the chance to compete over five furlongs for the first time. (10) JILJU BORN has raced at this distance already and did rather well at it, finishing 4th on debut back in January. Las time out he raced green and wide before eventually finding his feet on the fence and that experience may have done him some good. He has a chance. (9) JEONGMUN JIJON was 4th last start behind a runaway winner. That was an improvement on his previous two efforts, and he won’t need to be too much better to go close here. (3) GLOBAL STORM the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Geoljak Woman (6) Best Cheonsang (10) Jilju Born (9) Jeongmun Jijon
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 12

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

(3) CHEONGDAM TANK comes in with solid form and at het last start was a narrow 2nd over today’s distance on a wet track. She settled in a handy spot and made up good ground that day and from a better barrier here looks the one to beat. (4) SILVER DRAGON has hit form recently and was doing his best work late on last time out over 1200M. That suggests he is ready for another crack at the slightly further trip today and he should go close. Like Cheongdam Tank, (10) LAST BOSS also enters having run 2nd at this distance on his latest start. He came from an outside barrier to settle close to the pace that day, running on strongly and a repeat puts him in the finish again. (8) YEONGUNG DAEMA showed improvement last time despite being away awkwardly and then running wide. A more mature run here makes him a solid each-way hope. (11) WONDERFUL TYCOON did nothing too wrong when 4th on debut last start and is another who can make progress here.

Selections(3) Cheongdam Tank (4) Silver Dragon (10) Last Boss (8) Yeongung Daema
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 12

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

Fillies only here. (1) PUREUN JANGMI is going to be favourite here. She’s a Kim Young-kwan trainee who having won her trial ran 3rd when favourite on debut. Improvement will be expected on that, and it would be no surprise were she to make her breakthrough here. We’re going to take her on though. (12) SEUNGNI MAGICQUEEN went one better on her debut, finishing in 2nd place to a good winner and recording the fastest time any of these have managed so far at the distance. The draw is not ideal, but it wasn’t the first time around either and with a bit of improvement she has every chance. Both (2) BYEOLI TTEUNE and (11) SAEMANGUIVISION both showed improvement at their respective latest starts each registering a career best 2nd place. They look the next best contenders for the money with Saemanguivision the slightly preferred of the pair. There are two debut-makers and (14) ALIVE QUEEN looked competent enough in two trials and can go well first up despite the wide draw.

Selections(12) Seungni Magicqueen (1) Pureun Jangmi (11) Saemanguivision (14) Alive Queen
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

(2) CHEONMA TODAY is a winner of three from seven and was a super all the way victor over this distance last start. Ostensible she is up in class here but in normal times would have been a number of races back. Add in the nice barrier and she can win again. Favourite will probably be (4) CATCH CHARM. She won her first two and then last start when up in class led while pulling hard before battling on for 5th. That was her first outing in more than four months so she may well have got the bad manners out of her system, and she can improve here. If she does, she has a winning chance. (6) OLD SPECIAL comes up in class after an all the way score at this distance last time. He may not get things his way quite so easily this time what with there being plenty of other early speed too, but he should still be competitive. (3) RUBICON got her maiden win at start six last time, and she too steps up in grade today. She seems to run well whenever she draws a good barrier and doesn’t need to cross, so she can also be in the finish. (9) SHOWMAKER another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Cheonma Today (4) Catch Charm (6) Old Special (3) Rubicon
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) WILD INDIE is set to be hot favourite here. He came from well back to run 2nd on debut over 1300M before stepping up to a mile and repeating the trick, running 2nd to a good winner. He’s a half-brother to Beolmaui Kkum and Kkakjaengi, Korean Stakes winners both, and he surely breaks through today. (5) B J’S TERMS was one of those rare horses in Korea who began their career at a mile and all of his three starts so far have come at the distance. He is another who seems to like to come from well back and he did exactly that to beat a few of these when 3rd last time out. He can continue his progress today. (2) DIA FORCE ran 4th behind B J’s Terms on his first try at a mile four weeks ago and can aim to match or better that today while (6) KING BROTHER, 5th in the same race, and (9) MINYEO GEOMGAEK are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Wild Indie (5) B J’s Terms (2) Dia Force (6) King Brother
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(5) OXFORD KING picks himself really based on two consecutive wins in good times, beating several of these in the process in the most recent one. He made all both times and while he does carry more weight today, is drawn nicely to repeat. (8) DIA KEY ran 3rd to Oxford King on May 1st and meets him on 2.5kg better terms today which can bring him closer. He likes to settle midfield and run on and similar will be expected today. (6) RAON DIA has been 3rd in both starts at this class. Whether drawn inside or out wide, she sits handy and finishes strong and she should be firmly in contention for at least a place today. (3) DALRINEUN BITKKAL comes up in class and back in distance following a good win over 1400M a month ago. Both of his wins have come when he has led or been in a handy position and he can comfortably sit behind what should be a good pace here and try to take advantage in the closing stages. (9) MONEY CHAMP the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Oxford King (8) Dia Key (6) Raon Dia (3) Dalrineun Bitkkal
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(9) BEASTLY scored back-to-back class 6 wins in December and April both times leading almost the whole way around. He stepped up to this class three-weeks ago and though sent off favourite couldn’t quite get to where he needed to be from a wide draw ultimately finishing 4th. The step up in trip should be fine and he can return to winning ways today. (10) FLAT BABE has raced three times and has three runner-up finishes to her name. She too is up in class but has already registered the fastest time among any of these who have previously tackled the distance and another 2nd place should be the minimum aim. Continuing the theme of those up in class is (1) CHOEGANG LIGER. He has run consistently solid times and can be competitive at this level. (5) INDIAN PARTY and (8) WONDERFUL KING are others in placing contention.

Selections(9) Beastly (10) Flat Babe (1) Choegang Liger (8) Wonderful King
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

Fillies and mares only here and (1) LOVELY K will be a warm favourite. Two starts back she registered a good win in a fast time over the 1200M before running 4th over 1400M when she got within a length of the winner despite being inconvenienced in the home straight. She can settle handy here and is the one to beat. (9) CHALLENGE SOCKS is a last start winner at this distance at class 5 level. She doesn’t tend to show a lot of early speed, but she ran on well under a confident ride for a win that was easier than the margin suggests. Down in weights, she should be right in this. Disregard the last start of (2) MJ POINT is perhaps worth some thought. In her races she has settled midfield and run on well and both the draw and step up in trip may benefit today. It’s been more than a year since she last ran, and she’ll definitely need this but (3) TIZ ROSE has plenty of ability and trialed up adequately. She could make for an interesting outsider. (11) LIONETTE is still relatively unexposed and was a solid 4th at start number two a month ago and is another with placing hopes.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul (8 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:50). The Seoul meeting will take place behind closed doors while there will be limited in-person attendance at Busan. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only to begin with. There is just one previous winner in the race and (9) LEAD VOCAL is strongly favoured to repeat. Her win came when making all over 1400M in March in good style. On her return a month ago at 1300M, she knuckled on jumping and lost ground before racing wide and then meeting traffic in the home straight but still ran on pleasingly for 5th. With a better start today, she wins. (7) CINDERELLA has shown her best form at today’s trip. She likes to settle handy and run on and while she doesn’t have the fastest of times to her name, she can be competitive here. (6) REMEMBER WHEN has been consistent across her six starts so far. She led last time from the widest gate and with a better draw today, can go close. (2) FINAL ACE was much improved when leading over this distance last time and gets the same significant apprentice claim today. (4) GOLD SPIKE comes down in trip and looks the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Lead Vocal (7) Cinderella (6) Remember When (2) Final Ace
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fascinating opener at Busan where some promising debutants face some encouraging experience. We’ll side with experience for our top pick and it is winning experience as well. (4) ACE SOLOMON was a good front-running winner at start number two in March over 1200M before weakening a little on his reappearance at the same trip in April. The drop to the minimum distance looks set to be in his favour and he can potentially lead all the way here. The main danger is one of the first-timers. That’s (1) INDY CHOICE, who comes in after having run an impressive 2nd in a trial in early May. He registered the same time as the winner of the heat, Miss Indie, who won on her own race debut last weekend. Nicely drawn on the inside, he can go well first-up. It’s also trial form that leads us to consider (2) PYEONGHWA SIDAE. No trees were pulled up on debut last August but he returned to requalify in mid-May, blitzing a trial and if he brings that form to the races, he should go close. (6) BAEK PUNG and (9) TAEPUNGI are others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Ace Solomon (1) Indy Choice (2) Pyeonghwa Sidae (9) Taepungi
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

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

(10) SMART OFFICER was a good winner on debut on debut on April 17th when she was slowly away but gradually made ground before pulling away in the closing stages. She had the widest gate that time so draws slightly better and even carries 1kg less so while this is a better race, she has plenty in her favour again. (5) JANGSAN GUARD and (7) BEST FORCE came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other at this distance on May 2nd. Jangsan Guard led until the closing stages while Best Force came from well back. Both look like they have eventual wins in them with Jangsan Guard the most likely to score here. (1) WONDERFUL DEVIL is out of a half-sister to American star Game On Dude and did improve on her second start last time out. She has settled back in the field both times but from the inside may be ridden a bit further forward a bit earlier today. (14) TELOS was a decent 3rd last time from the same gate he draws today and could be an interesting each-way option.

Selections(10) Smart Officer (5) Jangsan Guard (1) Wonderful Devil (7) Best Force
Next Best14, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Having run 2nd on debut (5) UNJU SESANG was sent off as favourite for her second start on May 1st. However, despite leading for a time she ended up in 4th place, almost six-lengths off the winner. She should have come on for the experience and the company today looks a little bit more amenable so it would be no surprise to see her on pace again and this time staying on all the way. (3) KING BID will be disputing the early lead too. He comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over 1300M on May 8th and the slight step up in trip can be to his benefit today. Finishing in 5th place that day was (13) SEOBU QUEEN. She has shown decent consistency across her five starts so far and her running style means the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue. She can go close here and possibly even overturn the form on King Bid. (2) FIGHT DREAM and (9) BOUNTY HUNTER are others with placing claims.

Selections(5) Unju Sesang (13) Seobu Queen (3) King Bid (9) Bounty Hunter
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

(1) MORNING HILL is two for two having won both starts so far in fine fashion making all at 1000M and 1200M. He is up in both class and in distance today but has solid claims to maintain his 100% record having drawn very nicely on the inside. The main danger is just one gate wider. (2) FIGHTING NOW remains a maiden after nine attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes including his latest when he came from back in the field to run on strong and beat four of today’s rivals only missing out on the win by a nose. He does come up slightly in the weights but is sure to be in the finish again. (12) UNOECHANGCHEON has a super consistent record of never having been out of the top four from seven races to date. He was somewhat surprisingly beaten into 2nd place by (3) POTENTIAL ENERGY when they met in April and he can at least overturn that form today. (10) POWER DOLPUNG looks the best of a very competitive rest.

Selections(1) Morning Hill (2) Fighting Now (12) Unoechangcheon (10) Power Dolpung
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Fillies and mares only. Jockey Djordje Perovic is just one winner short of reaching 300 successes in Korea and he has just the one opportunity to cross that milestone today. It comes in (1) GOLD LUCK for Peter Wolsley, whose stable seems to have hit form. Gold Luck is up in class after a maiden win at this distance last time out when she raced prominently before proving too strong in the closing stages. From a better draw today she can be on pace again and can win again. (6) MASTER QUEEN led all the way two starts back for a maiden win of her on before running 3rd on her first try at this class beating a few of these in the process. She has a great start on her and will surely lead again with solid claims to go all the way. (8) COLOR WIND was similarly a coast to coast winner two starts back. She ran a solid 6th on her first try at this level last time and can build on it today. (2) QUEEN VRONSKY can have a line drawn through her latest and given another chance while it’s a similar story for (5) GOOD SOCKS who has talent and may be fitter for her last two runs.

Selections(1) Gold Luck (6) Master Queen (8) Color Wind (2) Queen Vronsky
Next Best5, 13
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(8) WILDLY ROMANTIC looks very hard to beat here. He won his first two, both at this class and distance and while he has come up short as favourite in his latest two, today’s small field looks considerably softer and it’s hard to see anything but a return to the winner’s circle, probably leading all the way. He is the only previous winner in the race but (9) FINAL CANGINO has run 2nd and returns to action for the first time since last July. He looked well in winning an April trial and can aim for a place first up. Also with placing hopes ins (3) JANGSAN START, who can settle handy and has a good finish on him. (6) EAGLE EAGLE has recorded the fastest time for the distance of any of these and is another one with money hopes.

Selections(8) Wildly Romantic (9) Final Cangino (3) Jangsan Start (6) Eagle Eagle
Next Best2
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9
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Round-Up: Morfhis Latest Star Defeated / Min Jang Gi Hits 500 / Yeongcheon Racecourse Progress / June Attendance Update / Dortmund on Insta

Morfhis became the latest big name horse in Korea to be beaten while giving away a considerable amount of weight under handicap conditions. Simjangui Godong was the beneficiary at Seoul last Sunday as Morfhis joined the likes of Blue Chipper, Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan in going down to defeat while conceding 8kg to his rivals.

Simjangui Godong (KRA)

With the current Covid restrictions on attendance plus the absence of online wagering, Korean racing’s income has been devastated over the past sixteen months. and with prize funds having dried up, there are currently no Listed, Stakes or Graded races. Therefore the only option to keep racing going for the top horses is to run handicaps and with the top rated horses putting the others out of the handicap scale, some huge weight imbalances have become inevitable.

Blue Chipper was beaten by a spritely Doctor Carson on May 2nd while later in the month at Seoul Tiz Plan ran 2nd to Brigadier General before the 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief trailed home in 4th place behind Heuk Jeonsa. Over 1400M last Sunday, Mofhis gave it a good shot but at such a weight disadvantage was no match for Simjangui Godong, the 2020 Segye Ilbo Cup winner. Blue Chipper and Doctor Carson will meet again this coming Sunday with both declared for Busan’s class 1 event over 1400M. An apprentice jockey claiming 3kg has been booked for Blue Chipper this time.

Min Jang Gi (KRA)

In other news on the track, trainer Min Jang Gi reached the milestone of 500 career winners last Sunday. The trainer saddled Winning Dancer to victory in race 4 at Busan. Min, who took Success Story to the Dubai World Cup Carnival in 2016, is currently trainer of Blue Chipper.

Yeongcheon Racecourse Makes Breakthrough

More than eleven years after it was first announced and six years after it was initially due to open, work is finally set to get underway on Yeongcheon Racecourse, the nation’s third thoroughbred track. With the granting of a building permit this week, construction will now be allowed to begin.

Computer image of the planned Yeongcheon Racecourse

The much delayed project received a huge boost earlier this year when an extension to the Daegu subway line number 1 was announced in the 4th National Railway Network Construction Plan. This would include a stop within walking distance of the racecourse site, bringing mass transit to what is currently a hard to reach location. The latest scheduled opening date for Yeongcheon Racecourse, which will feature Korea’s first turf track, is now September 2024.

Busan Reopens To Customers But Jeju Closes Again

Punters were welcomed back to the Busan Racecourse as well as the city’s two off-track-betting locations last week as social distancing restrictions in the city were lowered to level “1.5”. However, Jeju Island, which saw over 1 Million flight passengers arrive during April with many more expected over the summer months, has accordingly raised its own level to “2”, the same level as Seoul and the surrounding regions, meaning that while racing can continue on Jeju, customers cannot attend.

That means that for the first weekend in June, seven locations are open, all with restricted attendance. They are Busan Racecourse (1,419 attendees permitted), Busan Dong-gu OCB (383), Busan Yeonje OCB (480), Gwangju OCB (919), Daegu OCB (505), Changwon (196) and Cheonan (634). All attendance must be pre-booked on the MyCard app.

Dortmund Joins Insta

Great Hill Farm, which stands new American arrivals Dortmund and Flashback, as well as locally bred stallion Magic Dancer, has joined instagram and has started posting regular pictures and English language updates about their star new import. Their instgram id is “greathillfarmnow”.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 30)

It’s the turn of Morfhis to give away 8kg and try to win a handicap on Sunday. One of the stars of last summer lines up over 1400M in the concluding class 1 feature at Seoul. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Morfhis won the SBS Sports Sprint last summer

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

A very competitive opener but we’ll side with (2) STAR RUSH to finally make the breakthrough at what will be his eleventh attempt. True, he has so far finished no better than 3rd but he comes in off solid recent performances from wide draws where he is run on well. He is not exactly possessed of early speed so the inside gate today may allow him to settle closer to the leaders. (3) GREAT HANSEN is the only runner here to have a win to her name. That came last start where she showed a big improvement, leading all the way. It was a much more mature performance compared to her previous ones where she had been hard to control. Expect her to lead most of the way and force the rest to try and come past. (8) RULES CLASS is starting to show some consistency and has run times that put him into the picture here. Last start he was 3rd from a wide draw and can match or better that today. (7) MAD BLADE and (12) LEGEND BOURSE others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Star Rush (3) Great Hansen (8) Rules Class (7) Mad Blade
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 12

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

(7) STELLA ROAD came home 3rd on her only start so far. It was at this distance on April 25th and she settled just behind the leaders before working home well. She should have come on for the experience and we’ll be expecting a bold showing today. (12) SECRET BOSS was a much-improved 2nd last start showing that he is figuring things out. It took him a while to find daylight that day but once he did, he finished off nicely enough and while he may need a little luck from the wide barrier, the 2kg drop with the apprentice on board brings him right into this. (6) WONDERFUL MAMBO led into the closing stages last start before being headed and finishing 4th or the second time in a row. She’ll head to the lead again and can be involved at the business end. (10) HURRICANE SOCKS and (13) THUNDER HORSE are others with hopes of the money.

Selections(7) Stella Road (12) Secret Boss (6) Wonderful Mambo (13) Thunder Horse
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

(10) GOLD K is set to be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. His last start was a good effort when he settled behind the leaders before finding a gap as the field straightened and running on well for a close 4th. He drops back slightly in trip today and is the one to beat. He sticks out a mile off because the rest have very patchy form. (12) ADVANCE managed a 3rd place two starts back and that in itself will bring her into the calculations. (1) GEOSEN DOLPUNG is drawn nicely to lead and may well find that not many come past at the business end of the race. (3) LUXURY KING doesn’t have much to recommend about him on the face of it but his last start found him well back and wide on a wet track before running home well and with a better barrier today, he could improve at good odds. (5) GRAND MASTER another to keep an eye on.

Selections(10) Gold K (12) Advance (3) Luxury King (1) Geosen Dolpung
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 9, 12, 13

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies kick us off at Busan and it’s the solitary first-time starter that catches our eye. The Isidore Farm bred (11) MISS INDIE is a half-sister to Mr. Afleet, a winner of seven from twelve so far. She certainly looked the part in her trial, winning the heat in a decent time and it would be no surprise were she to score first up. There are two previous winners to contend with. (2) APRIL QUEEN and (4) DONGBANUI SIJAK. Both scored on debut and while neither have managed to follow up since, both can be dangerous here from good barriers. (5) SAEMULGYEOLUI PADO ran on well for 4th last start, a big improvement from her debut and is another in the placing frame while (8) QUEEN HARLEY has hinted at ability and gets a top jockey aboard today. 

Selections(11) Miss Indie (2) April Queen (4) Dongbanui Sijak (8) Queen Harley
Next Best5, 13
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden and it could be a tale of two Choegangs. (11) CHOEGANG BLACK has been competitive in both starts so far. She has slightly fly-jumped the start both times putting her at a slight disadvantage but if she can fix that she has a real chance as she has worked home strongly both times. (10) CHOEGANG QUEEN put in a solid performance for 2nd place on debut over 1200M racing handily throughout. The step up in trip should be fine and she looks the main danger. (9) SARANG DAMOA is worth consideration on recent efforts. She’s run on well in both of her latest two appearances and if she can find a handy position can be a threat. (5) CONDOR YEOWANG had to contend with a wide gate on her return from eight months out but still ran well enough for a creditable midfield finish. She should be fitter for that and can improve here. (2) HWANGGEUM DALBIT the best of the rest.

Selections(11) Choegang Black (10) Choegang Queen (9) Sarang Damoa (5) Condor Yeowang
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

Very tricky one. (1) YEONSEUNG MISO has the fastest time of any of these at this distance which she managed last start when recording a career best 3rd. It comes with a warning that it was on a very wet track and really came out of nowhere but for the first time that day she was ridden close to the front early and she has a great barrier to do that again. (6) RUN FIGHTER was 3rd on debut over 1200M on April 25th and the way he improved late on that day may make him the betting favourite here. The distance should suit, and he can go close. (8) TRIPLE STORM tends to get a long way back in his races, but he does run on and should pass plenty late on. He looks a solid place line along with (9) POKPUNG JILJU who weakened a little late on over a mile last time out. (3) GOLD FOUNTAIN improved at start number two last time out and the stable he’s from means he is sure to have plenty of backers.

Selections(1) Yeonseung Miso (6) Run Fighter (8) Triple Storm (3) Gold Fountain
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

A good race with plenty of potential winners. (4) ROYAL ROAD will probably be favourite He was an excellent class and distance winner last start coming from off the pace. He can lead all the way too and while he is up in weight today which may slow him a little, he has every chance of scoring. (5) DONGJIN CHOEGANG has won both his starts so far which puts him up in class. Class 6 winners don’t always measure up in their very first try at class 5 but he is down in weight and has a nice barrier, so he has every chance of being successful. We’ll take a chance with (12) COLJOY too. He put in a fine effort at his first start at this class when away a little slowly and then settling well back before flying home late for 4th. He is a winner at this distance and a repeat of those efforts plus a touch of luck gives him a potential winning chance here. (6) MAGIC RECORD has a win and a 2nd, both at 1200M in good times on wet tracks. Up in class today she can be competitive. (3) A.P. PATEK mist also be kept safe as he is a consistent type capable of running on.

Selections(4) Royal Road (12) Coljoy (5) Dongjin Choegang (3) A. P. Patek
Next Best6, 13
Fast Start1, 6, 12, 13
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Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 29)

Punters will be returning in limited numbers to Busan Racecourse this weekend with the city having lowered its social distancing guidelines. The track will be permitted to accommodate 1,017 racegoers indoors with a further 402 outdoor seats available (weather permitting). The two Busan off-track-betting centres at Dong-gu and Yeonje have been approved for 383 and 480 punters respectively. While the Greater Seoul area locations remain closed, this means that across Korea, with Daegu, Changwon, Cheonan and Gwangju also open, 5,204 punters wil be able to have a legal bet on the horses. All seats must be purchased in advance through the My Card app. There are 8 races at Seoul (11:00 to18:00) and 6 at Busan (11:30 to 16:50) on Saturday. Here are the previews:

Some punters can return to Busan Racecourse this weekend

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

Maiden fillies get us underway. After seemingly drifting aimlessly, (1) WOL YEONG I looks to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd in her latest two. She runs best on the early speed and today’s draw should help in this respect. She ran a good time at her latest start and a similar run will put her right in the finish here. (6) MODERN BEST ran 5th behind Wol Yeong I least start but had previously beaten her when 2nd at this distance in march. She likes to settle handy and run on and so long as she makes sure she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, can go close. (2) HAPPY DAY raced twice last summer registering a 3rd place on debut. She’s not been seen since August but looked very well when 2nd in a trial in a fast time two weeks ago. If she brings that form to the races, she has a winning chance. (4) SEMYEONG NARAE and (8) SHINE MUSIC have the fastest two times at this distance in the field and both have placing experience.

Selections(1) Wol Yeong I (2) Happy Day (8) Shine Music (4) Semyeong Narae
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

(8) B J MISS showed at the front for most of her debut on April 25th, ultimately finishing 2nd. While that day’s good looking winner only managed 4th on his return, B J Miss should have come on for that run and coming out of the same gate, can get the lead again. She looks hard to beat. (6) LE CONCORD ran 5th in his only start to date last October when he was slowly away but ran on strong. He trialed nicely earlier this month and in this company looks set to go well first up. (5) MY DESTINY has hinted at ability across two starts so far and with a good start should be in the frame while (11) WORLD REMEMBER has plenty of experience and looks a place line in this company. The biggest danger though is likely to be on the of the four first-time starters. (9) GOOD TANK is the first foal to make it to the track out of Clean Up Speed, who won four of her eleven starts. She made all when winning a trial in a good time at the end of April and looks very nicely in here. 

Selections(8) B J Miss (9) Good Tank (6) Le Concord (5) My Destiny
Next Best11, 14
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 13

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Nice maiden this with plenty coming in looking like they have a win in them. Favourite and top pick is (6) BLUE HAMMER. He came from well back to run 3rd in debut at 1200M before then putting in a more forward showing for 2nd at the same trip on April 25th. The slight step up in distance today can help and he looks to have further development in him. (3) STEAL THE FASHION was 2nd on debut in January before running a decent time over 1400M on a wet track at 1400M. She got too far back last time out over 1200M but the gate and the distance today should suit and she can go close. (4) SAENAE WIN had an uptick in form at his latest outing, running on from well off the pace to grab 2nd at this distance. If Choi Bum-hyun can settle her in a spot that gives her a chance, she will be in the finish. (5) GEOSEN JILPUNG is a model of inconsistency, who was 5th behind Blue Hammer last time out but does have a 2nd place in her form and she can place here. (8) DAEWANGU another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Blue Hammer (3) Steal The Fashion (4) Saenae Win (5) Geosen Jilpung
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(9) TOP ADELE overcame the widest draw to get to the lead and beat four of these on his way to a maiden win over this distance on April 25th. He comes very slightly down in the weights and also draws a little better so it is hard to recommend going against the form here. If we do want to take him on then (6) SEUNGNI GLORY is the prime candidate. He was a much-improved 3rd over 1400M on his second start on April 3rd. He got well back that and ran on strong and it could be the additional furlong today works in his favour. (3) DALRYEORA VOLPONI ran 2nd to Top Adele last time. He is another who is usually well back in his races but looks to be figuring out how to run on in the latter stages and he’s a place line again. (8) LUCAS SUN and (10) HONEY STAR are others in the hunt.

Selections(9) Top Adele (6) Seungni Glory (3) Dalryeora Volponi (10) Honey Star
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(10) RED PINE has been ultra-consistent across her six starts to date, finishing between 2nd and 6th in all of them. On her only previous try at this distance she recorded the fastest time that any of these have managed and a win doesn’t look far away. Her running style suggests the draw won’t be a problem and today can be her day. (5) BEST STORM came from well off the pace to run a strong 3rd last time out. He has mixed his form a little but looks the main danger here. (3) CHEONJON and (8) JEONGMUN PRINCE came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on April 24th with the former racing in midfield and the latter well back before both finishing off well. Both have placing claims again today. (11) BLACK INDY disappointed when well backed in that same race. He is worth another chance today at place odds.

Selections(10) Red Pine (5) Best Storm (11) Black Indy (3) Cheonjon
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Two fillies come in here seeking a hat-trick of victories and accordingly, they will be at the top of the market. (9) HAENAM HAMMER has overcome wide draws in her latest two to score impressively at 1200M and 1400M, coming from a handy position the first time and then making all the second. She is up in class here but slightly down in weight and she looks the one to beat. (7) MIDNIGHT QUEEN’s victories have both come at this class and both of them were over today’s distance. She’s nicely drawn to get on pace again and with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back, she looks a real chance too. Plenty of decent others. (1) ALPHA STAR lost his way a bit around the turn of the year but returns for the first time since January having looked very well in a trial last week and he goes straight into the frame. (5) SKY WIN and (6) SUNLIGHT BOY are others in the hunt.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 23)

Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief will try to avoid the fate that has befallen Blue Chipper, Cheongdam Dokki and Tiz Plan over the past few weeks and win Seoul’s Sunday feature despite giving away significant weight to all of his rivals. There are behind closed doors meetings at both Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 17:00). Here are the previews:

Moonhak Chief and Moon Se Young will need to overcome both the weight and the draw on Sunday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(8) BURUI GASOK has put in two very good runs to date, has shown he can handle different track conditions and has the benefit of an apprentice claim. Last start he worked to lead from a wide draw only getting caught late on and he could be the one to beat here. Likely favourite will be one of the first-time starters. (10) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM looked good when winning a trial in a nice time, on pace all the way from the same barrier he draws today. He could easily be in the finish here. So too could (3) YEONGWANUI HAENGJIN. He looks a chance based on his last start 2nd when he was bumped early before settling handy and running on. (1) SMILE LADY is another first-timer who showed plenty of speed in her trial and draws nicely first up while (11) GREEN FEELSTAR hasn’t been very quick but hasn’t done much wrong in two midfield finishes to date.

Selections(8) Burui Gasok (10) Gwangyang Eutteum (3) Yeongwanui Haengjin (1) Smile Lady
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 10

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

(6) ACE PRINCE has been consistent across his five starts to date. He ran well for 3rd over 1400M last time, leading in the straight and only collared close to the line and the drop back to 1200M to suit. We’ll go with him to defeat likely favourite (12) DONGHAENG. The filly showed good ability in her first start on April 25th when she was very keen early before making up a lot of ground late on. The extra furlong should be ideal and while she may need a bit of luck from the wide draw, she’ll be right in the finish. (13) CUPID KOREA has been placed in his latest two outings, both at 1400M. he has pace and even though back to 1200M a repeat of those runs puts him in the picture. (3) SONGAM CAT was a crazy priced winner two starts back at this distance in a good time. She couldn’t follow up but her latest run was better than the 9th place suggests after being slowly away and she warrants consideration. (10) MISS YANGHO the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Ace Prince (12) Donghaeng (13) Cupid Korea (3) Songam Cat
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 13

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

(1) P.K. ROAD is perhaps deserving of a change in luck having been in the money at least at all of her starts. Last time she settled behind the runaway leader, ultimately bringing the field across only to be passed herself late on. She’s also run well at this distance and could make the breakthrough today. Also working his way towards a win is (3) NONSTOP GISANG. He was ridden hard from gate nine last time before settling in midfield and running on strong and a repeat of that performance from a better barrier makes him a top chance. (4) ALJJA also looks to be on an upward trajectory and can continue his progress here while (12) IMUGI has also been improving across his three outings and the slight step up in trip today may suit. (11) BLACK KING drops back in trip after a useful spin around 1700M and is another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) P.K. Road (3) Nonstop Gisang (4) Aljja (12) Imugi
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start4, 8, 12, 14

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

Maidens here. (5) ECHO RUSH has the fastest time of any of these and has been consistent across his five starts so far with two runner-up finishes to his name. An apprentice jockey helps take some weight off here and while he isn’t necessarily a front-runner, he is well drawn and can win. (10) MENI GLORY began his career with back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1000M and 1400M before putting in a lackluster effort over 1300M last time when he began poorly. Perovic remains aboard though and if he gets away well and gets on pace then he has every chance. (14) PARTY INDY is the other leading hope. She has shown some decent speed and while the draw is not ideal, she shouldn’t be too far away at the business end. It’s slim pickings beyond those with (3) TRIPLE JILJU and (7) CROWN KING STAR perhaps most likely to go close.

Selections(5) Echo Rush (10) Meni Glory (14) Party Indy (3) Triple Jilju
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 14

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

Fillies only here. (3) DELPHINI has been improving with every run and the way in which she resolutely runs on, especially after a poor start last time out, suggests the step up in trip is what she has been waiting for. She has finally drawn a good barrier as well and today could be her day. The only question is whether she can catch the favourite (8) QUEENS TOUR. She’s shown consistency over her own three appearances and was a fair 3rd over this trip last start when she settled midfield and ran on well. (7) NOKRICHONG is the only previous winner in the field having scored over 1200M in a fair time two starts back. She was then behind Delphini last start and will need to lift from that but there is ability there. (9) NONGBON BADA could sneak a place. She was well back but ran on well over 1000M last time and going back up in trip should help.

Selections(3) Delphini (8) Queens Tour (7) Nokrichong (9) Nongbon Bada
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. The only previous winner is (10) WHITE GALLOPER, who scored over this distance on April 24th with a few of these down the track behind her. She came from well back that day, as has been her style so far, and the same apprentice jockey keeps her weight down. A repeat isn’t impossible. The primary danger is (13) SECOND WIND. She came from a similarly wide just two weeks ago to run a strong 3rd. It was a decent time and we’re going to narrowly favour her to come out on top here. (4) SWEET BAND and (2) STEADY WINNER came home 3rd and 4th respectively behind White Galloper in that April race and both are capable of placing here. Similarly, (14) DREAM DANCER beat a few of these last start when registering her third 3rd place finish from six starts to date and if she can overcome the widest gate, then she too can find some money.

Selections(13) Second Wind (10) White Galloper (2) Steady Winner (4) Sweet Band
Next Best14, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 13, 14

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

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Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview / Park Tae Jong Sidelined For Summer (May 22)

Korea’s all time leading jockey Park Tae-jong is set to miss the summer racing season as a result of injuries sustained in a heavy fall at Seoul Racecourse last Sunday. This Saturday sees racing at Seoul (8 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:50).

Park landed heavily when dislodged from Lead Money on a wet track in the early stages of Seoul’s 1200M feature last Sunday. While the veteran rider, one of the toughest there is, initially only complained of pain in his wrist, later scans showed a broken ankle and ruptured knee ligaments. The first horse across the line in that race, East Jet, was disqualified and jockey Alan Munro suspended for 6 meetings.

Park Tae Jong will be sidelined for 3 to 4 months

Here are the Saturday previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(6) K N TEUKGEUP returned from five months out to run a significantly improved 3rd over 1200M on April 18th. He drops back in trip today but is a natural front-runner and from a good draw, looks to be the one to be beat. He will be vying for favourite status with (5) DASI DUSON. She was 4th behind K N Teukgeup last month in what for her too was her first start since last November. She’s also a front runner and the drop back in trip may be similarly beneficial. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest with (2) ARCH YEOGEOL and (7) CHEONDUNGSEJA among the others with experience who can be competitive in this company, having as they do, the two fastest times at this distance. There are also three first-time starters with (8) MODERN TIMES looking best placed to make an immediate impact following two promising trials.

Selections(6) K N Teukgeup (5) Dasi Duson (8) Modern Times (2) Arch Yeogeol
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(3) KING ALLIE was a smart winner on debut, practically making all to win by as many lengths as he pleased in a fast time over 1000M. He’s up in distance today but looks nicely in to make it two from two. The main dangers are likely to come from the first-timer starters. (7) MUSIC BOX looks the best of them. The Indie Band filly won her trial in good fashion in a competitive time and will be expected to go close first-up here. (5) CATCH THE SKY was similarly impressive when winning the latest of two trials. He made all in that heat and is well drawn to get off to a good start again. Among the others who have experience, (8) STARLIGHT ran well for 4th at this trip on debut before not getting very involved at 1200M on his reappearance. He can be given another chance today as can (1) SPRING FIRE, who has been inconsistent but has hinted at ability.

Selections(3) King Allie (7) Music Box (5) Catch The Sky (8) Starlight
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (10) GOLDEN CHANCE comes in off back to back 2nd place finishes having led in both until the closing stages. She draws wider today so may have to use up a bit of energy to her to the front but there is little to fear in this field and she really should go one better today. (6) SEMYEONG HAETSAL is the only previous winner in the field so does warrant some respect, particularly as she drops back to the distance at which she scored that victory. (3) GREEN JJANG has been knocking at the door for some time and ran a decent enough 4th behind Golden Chance last start. There is little to suggest she can overturn that form but she should beat plenty. (1) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG and (11) DOUBLE TAKE are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(10) Golden Chance (6) Semyeong Haetsal (3) Green Jjang (1) Wonderful Geumsung
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 12

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

(7) ANNIKA GIRL ran a solid 4th on debut over 1000M on April 24th. She started slowly but once she got into her stride ran on pleasingly and should have come on for the experience. The step up in trip may well be to her benefit and she can expect to start as favourite. (10) ANY LINE steps back in trip following a couple of spins around a mile including a useful 3rd place last time out, his best finish in six attempts to date. He can settle off the pace here and run on into some money. (11) MYEONGGA DAERO and (3) DARUI BADA have both run acceptable times at this distance and in this company both should be competitive while (8) DANCING DRAGON offered some improvement at start number two and can build on that here.

Selections(7) Annika Girl (10) Any Line (11) Myeongga Daero (3) Darui Bada
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

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

Maidens here but three come in following last start runner-up finishes and a couple of them look ready to go one better here. Top choice and expected favourite is (7) ILHYANG DALMA. She almost led gate to wire last start on April 18th ultimately having to settle for 2nd place. She draws slightly better this time and has a real chance. So too does (12) AFLEET MARINE. She showed a big uptick in form last time when 2nd over 1300M and can run on strong again here. (2) CHAMPION GAMUN led into the straight when tried at 1400M at the end of March before weakening. He’s back in trip here and should be a better prospect and will almost certainly be challenging Ilhyang Dalma for the early lead. (8) KOREA GIJEOK and (13) BIBONG MARU are among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(7) Ilhyang Dalma (12) Afleet Marine (2) Champion Gamun (13) Bibong Maru
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 14

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Small field here. (3) RAON THE POWER won his first two before coming up short in two efforts at this class, racing wide both times. He draws better today with a good chance of making it to the front early and he looks one of the banker favourites of the day to return to the winner’s circle. (1) MAN OF THE WORLD remains a maiden after fourteen starts but come in having shown good recent form. He led for much of the way around before running 3rd over this distance three weeks ago and while he will probably have to settle for a place again, he should be beating most of these. (2) FIRST MOCCASIN races for the first time in more than a year but looked sharp in a trial two weeks and can go well first-up. (4) THUNDER VEGAS and (8) B.K. POWER are others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(3) Raon The Power (1) Man Of The World (2) First Moccasin (4) Thunder Vegas
Next Best8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 16)

Sunday sees 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00. Top sprinter East Jet headlines Seoul’s concluding feature race. The meetings will be run behind closed doors but the betting locations in Jeju, Daegu, Gwangju, Changwon and Cheonan will be open to pre-booked punters. Here are the previews:

The screen doesn’t even get turned on these days…

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

Maidens to kick things off. (12) TAP QUALITY has been consistent and this class and perhaps deserves a slight change of luck. He comes into this race off the back of a good 3rd over 1300M where he was wide early and worked hard to be on the pace. The draw is a little irritating again but he should have too much for this set of rivals. (1) ADVANCE made a bit of a breakthrough last start with a significantly improved 2nd place over 1000M. A repeat of that run where she led early before sitting off the pace and battling on well will put her in the mix here. (11) VICEROY ran an improved race last start. This field is no stronger and it would be no surprise were he to place. (10) BANGTAN YEOGEOL can have her last start disregarded on a wet track and also having received a few bumps early on. She knows how to make up ground late on. Solitary debut-maker (7) K N PARK trialed adequately and gets a nice soft introduction to racing here with chances of making some minor money.

Selections(12) Tap Quality (1) Advance (11) Viceroy (10) Bangtan Yeogeol
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 12

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

(10) DREAM PELLA is the only one whose form includes a win, and a repeat must be considered here. He ran okay last start when settled in a handy position and has recorded some good times along the way. He’ll be aiming to lead early again and is the one to beat. (4) THE FIGHTING can perhaps have a line drawn through his latest when he was wide all the way. Instead, we’ll go on the useful 4th at this distance. He gets a better draw today and can be competitive. So too can (8) WONDERFUL MAMBO. She has to be considered on the strength of her 4th last start when on pace and ran on well. The apprentice claims surely brings her firmly into this. There are two debut makers and of them (12) LUCKY THUNDER looks best place for an immediate impact. Having been all over the place when originally trialing in mid-April, he had another go at the end of the month and was much more assured finishing 2nd in his heat in a fast time. If he brings that form to the races, he can go close. (6) NAUI SINHWA the best of the rest.

Selections(10) Dream Pella (4) The Fighting (8) Wonderful Mambo (12) Lucky Thunder
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 8, 10, 11

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

(9) SINUI ADEUL was a last start winner at class and distance in a time considerably quicker than any of the others here have managed at the distance, albeit on a wet track. He can settle close to the pace again and is likely to be too strong for this field. (4) K BLADE is an improving filly having finished in the money at her latest two starts. She put in a good showing from a wide draw last time out and the better barrier today surely helps her chances. (8) MASEONG CHEONHA took a bump early last time but ran on well enough for a midfield finish. He had previously run well on debut for 3rd and can enter today’s calculations. (12) ILGYEOK PILSAL similarly saw his best result so far come on debut and while he hasn’t managed to yet match or better that 2nd place, he has hinted at ability and looks a potential place line here.

Selections(9) Sinui Adeul (4) K Blade (8) Maseong Cheonha (12) Ilgyeok Pilsal
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

Fillies only here. (7) NAMED showed plenty of potential in two outings last summer running 5th and 2nd both at 1000M. She hasn’t raced since August, but the Bart Rice trainee looked very well when completing a trial in April and couldn’t really hope for a more amenable race to return in and will probably be a hot favourite. That’s because nothing else has much in the way of convincing form. (1) FIRST CHOICE hasn’t run badly in three starts to date and should be improving here while similarly (6) GEUMA STARLET has run on well enough in both her two outings and can be aiming for more today. (12) CHOEGANG ILSE has a 4th place to her name and while she has been caught back a few times, has shown the ability to run on strong. (9) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC also ran 4th on debut and while her two efforts since have been underwhelming, the opposition is significantly softer today.

Selections(7) Named (6) Geuma Starlet (1) First Choice (9) Myeongseong Magic
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 11

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

Fillies only. (4) GOLDEN BADGE gets the chance to overturn some form here as she was 4th time out on April 11th with two of her rivals today ahead of her. Today should be her day though. Her form is solid and the slight drop to 1300M can benefit. She was wide all the way last time and a much better draw today should help. (10) CHEONGDAM TANK ran 2nd in that race and then followed up with a 4th place at today’s distance just two weeks ago. “Full” sister to the 2018 Korean Derby winner Ecton Blade, she surely has a win in her at some point. (13) JILPUNG BAEKGWANG was 3rd in the April 11th race which was her best start to date, and she looks to have placing claims again. Among those who didn’t run in that race, (9) ELITE POWER comes up in trip after a strong 2nd over 1200M a month ago and should be in the frame while (8) AMAZING QUEEN may benefit from the slight drop back in trip.

Selections(4) Golden Badge (10) Cheongdam Tank (9) Elite Power (13) Jilpung Baekgwang
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start8, 9, 11, 14

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(12) SUCCESS MACHO ran out an easy winner on debut over 1200M on April 10th running on pace in the early stages before pulling clear in the home straight. He is up slightly in trip and draws a bit wider, but neither should be an issue and he looks hard to beat here. (5) ACE GUY and (2) DOCTOR FAITH came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they race each other at class and distance on April 18th. Ace Guy has steadily improved across three starts while Doctor Faith has been consistent across four and the pair look the most likely to cause an upset should the favourite not run well. (9) CHEONGHO LEADER ran a solid 5th on debut over 1200M beating a couple of these in the process and can build on that here. (1) A ONE PLUS has been knocking on the door of the places in all but one of her outings so far and is another place line here.

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Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 15)

Closed doors once again this weekend with the only betting locations open those in Jeju, Daegu, Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Saturday see cards at Seoul (8 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:50). Here are the previews:

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

Fillies kick things off. There is one previous winner in the field with (1) LOVE ARCH having scored on debut at this distance in February. She then followed up by running 4th when put up to today’s trip on April 10th beating a couple of these in the process, coming from well back in the field on both occasions. That’s enough to put her in the mix here but the favourite and top pick is (6) BLACK ROOKIE. She’s raced four times for two runner-up finishes, the latest of which was in a fast time at this distance on April 3rd. Expect her to be kept close to the pace throughout and she should have a bit too much for the rest in the closing stages. (9) NEW HOPE hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but comes in off the back of consecutive 3rd places and should be able to go close again. (11) SMART DAEBO and (12) CUPID WONDER are others who have hinted at ability and can aim for places.

Selections(6) Black Rookie (1) Love Arch (11) Smart Daebo (9) New Hope
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start4, 7, 10, 11

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

Competitive looking affair with plenty coming in with decent form. There is just one previous winner in the race and we’ll go with him to repeat. (6) CATCH THE VICTORY led all the way when winning by as many as he pleased at this distance in December. For his return he led again before weakening over 1400M and has since had four months off. He returned to win a trial in fine order last week and from a good gate has strong claims here. Plenty of others look to have wins in them though. (7) BUSAN ACE and (2) DOCTOR GIANTS came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced one another at this distance on April 17th. Busan Ace led while Doctor Giants came from behind and both should be in the mix again. Disregard the latest start of (8) WONDERFUL FAGER. He went back to trial after it and drops back in trip to the distance at which he ran a good 3rd on debut. (11) JANGSAN MANGCHI has ran a decent 4th on his return from ten months out in April and can build on it today.

Selections(6) Catch The Victory (7) Busan Ace (2) Doctor Giants (8) Wondeful Fager
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(2) SKY MANGCHI ran a strong 2nd on debut over 1200M on April 11th, running on strongly. The additional half furlong should only be to his benefit and he looks set to be one of the hottest favourites of the day and will probably lead all the way. (7) SINDAERO looks like he is starting to figure things out and comes in off three consistent including a last start 3rd place when he ran on well after a slow start from a wide gate. (11) BIROE KING is the only runner to have already won a race. He was successful over 1200M three starts back and ran well enough for 4th at this trip last start. His running style suggests that the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience and he has a chance here. (4) FLYING INDY and (5) CHOIN SPARK are others to consider for the places.

Selections(2) Sky Mangchi (7) Sindaero (11) Biroe King (5) Choin Spark
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(3) FASHION BLADE broke through at start number two over 1400M on April 10th, coming from well off the pace to win well. There is every indication that a mile should suit just fine and she is likely to be favourite to win again. It is possible to take her on though. (8) WILD INDIE came from well back to run on strongly for 2nd place over 1300M on debut on April 11th. He should have learned from that experience and is likely to be the main danger here. (10) AFLEET TAPIT ran 5th behind Wild Indie at his latest start and is another who may take to the step up in trip today. (1) JANGSAN PRIDE has mixed his form across his nine outings to date with his best result a 2nd place over 1300M. Perovic remains aboard though and he will have backers. Among those who have tackled a mile before, (12) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER has set the fastest time and could also be a place line today.

Selections(8) Wild Indie (3) Fashion Blade (10) Afleet Tapit (12) Yeonggwanguirunner
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Having won a trial in April, (1) CHOEGANG JANGSAN finished off pleasingly enough after a slightly slow start for 4th place on debut just two weeks ago. He is up in trip here and with just a little improvement off that run should be right in the mix. The likely favourite is (5) EOSEOWA. Over his five previous starts he has never finished any worse than 5th and comes in off a career-best 2nd over 1300M a month ago. From a good draw, expect him to be handy and to run on strong. (2) GO WELL has indeed gone quite well without being spectacular so far. He drops back in trip from 1700M and likes to come from behind with the only question being whether he will leave himself just a little too much to do again. (3) HEUKRYONG GAMU was a much improved 2nd over this trip last start and can be considered for a place again while (11) JILJU DAERO is another in the hunt.

Selections(1) Choegang Jangsan (5) Eoseowa (2) Go Well (11) Jilju Daero
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

(7) MUJEOK BULPAE is up in class and distance having registered his maiden win at start number two on April 17th. That was at 1200M and he ran on strong from a handy position having been drawn wide. He gets a better barrier today and while this is stiffer, he has strong claims again. (14) MILLION MAKER and (5) ADELE PUPIL came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 1200M three weeks ago. Both have a win in their records and while the draw hasn’t been kind to Million Maker, both should be in the placing frame again today. (3) RAON THE STAR has had eight-weeks off since running 4th to Adele Pupil’s 3rd at this distance. She’s yet to win in five attempts but is rarely far away and under a light weight can come into the calculations. There are plenty of other place chances throughout the field with (10) NAMYANG SEUNGNI, who beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance last start, chief among them.

Selections(7) Mujeok Bulpae (14) Million Maker (5) Adele Pupil (3) Raon The Star
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 13, 14

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Small but competitive field here. (8) STEADY CHAMPION made all to win at start number three on his first try at this distance on January 29th. He’s not raced since but comes back looking nicely in here with a repeat victory a possibility. Plenty will take him on though with a filly. (10) BEST TIME registered her solitary victory over 1000M last summer but comes in here after back to back runner-up finishes over this distance. Her running style suggests the wide draw won’t be an issue for her and she could go one better today. We’ll disregard the latest starts of both (7) LAO JIN and (6) NONSTOP WINNING who put in out of character performances. Both should be competitive in this company and are worthy of another chance here. (1) THE BEAST rarely puts in a bad race and while once more others are likely to be quicker, he could sneak into some minor money.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 9)

Sunday sees behind closed doors action at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:10 to 17:00). The only betting outlets open in Korea are at Jeju, Daegu, Gwangju, Changwon and Cheonan (advance reservation through the MyCard app required). Here are the previews:

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

(1) GO GO STAR picks himself here with back-to-back 3rd place finishes over this distance. She led all the way to the 100M last time out and from the inside gate we can expect a bold showing again. (2) WARRIOR THUNDER is worth some thought based on his last start where he showed improvement over 1300M. He was bumped early then worked forward to get to the inside and the lead from a wide draw. The effort – and a few rivals – caught up with him close to the line but back to 1200M and with a better gate today and he is right in this. (5) DESK TAP was a fair 4th on his first start before going wide in the wet on his second appearance at the end of March. He battled on well and could be a place line here. (6) SAENAE CHOICE and (8) RUN RUN RUN are others who can feature in the finish.

Selections(1) Go Go Star (2) Warrior Thunder (5) Desk Tap (6) Saenae Choice
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

(1) DAEJIUI YEOGEOL was 2nd at this class and distance back in February coming from well back and finishing strong. That came before a slightly disappointing reappearance at the end of March. We’ll give her a pass on that though as the track was wet and slippery and she was midfield before fading late. She is back in trip today and is capable of much better. The main danger and possible favourite is a debut-maker. (5) WONDERFUL TYCOON trialed very nicely in a heat where he was bumped early but ran home well for 3rd place in a fast time. If he brings that form to the races, then he will be a real factor. (7) POLKA has shown some ability and she will only need to repeat her last start performance to be in the finish when, after meeting trouble in the run, she ended up 4th. On the face of it, there’s not much to recommend about (3) GWACHEON SINSEGYE, but she did produce a good run three starts back. With likely a drier track as well as a good barrier, she can sneak some money.

Selections(1) Daejiui Yeogeol (5) Wonderful Tycoon (7) Polka (3) Gwacheon Sinsegye
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(1) ETERNAL MEMORY ran a terrific race last start albeit on a very wet track. He had the same gate as today and settled midfield before running wide on the corner and then ran on strongly going down by a nostril. A repeat of that run puts him in the finish again. (8) ONLY WINNER can have a line drawn through her last start when she was on a fast and furious pace and got buffeted about. The start before, she settled handy and ran on strong for 2nd at 1400M and with a similar run she can go close here. (10) CURRERECUS didn’t run badly last time when 6th over 1400M. That came on top of a good 2nd the start before at the same trip and he looks a place line today. (2) MASTER SUNSHINE has been unpredictable in three starts so far but comes in off a good trial and could be the wildcard. (5) HAWKUI YEONGGWANG has the fastest time of any over the distance and can aim to match the 3rd place he has recorded in each of his latest two.

Selections(1) Eternal Memory (8) Only Winner (5) Hawkui Yeonggwang (10) Currerecus
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 8, 6, 3

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

More than a year after his debut, (8) WONDER BLADE returned to break through in emphatic fashion over this distance on April 3rd, taking command turning into the home straight and then running on way too strong for a field that was overall probably better than this. He will be a deserved hot favourite. Indeed, the horse that ran 2nd to him that day, (11) AMAZING FOOT, looks next best again. The Hansen colt contested the lead for the opening half of the race before Wonder Blade pulled away and at level weights again, a reversal seems unlikely. (7) ENOUGH has hinted at ability across three starts so far and can aim for a place here while (3) HONEY TIGER did absolutely in his two prior outings but came back to trial in April after four months off and looked much more assured. (4) HAVE A GOOD TIME perhaps the best of a limited looking rest.

Selections(8) Wonder Blade (11) Amazing Foot (3) Honey Tiger (7) Enough
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 11, 12

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

(10) ROCK FIGHTER was a slightly surprising winner last start on a wet track but the manner of it certainly commands respect. He raced up on the pace that day and worked home strongly and has solid claims for a repeat today. (7) CINDERELLA just needs to get her magic slippers on, and she will be winning soon. She came close last start racing in a handy spot and working home well for 2nd and is set to be in the finish again. (9) SPEED FLYING was poorly away and then too keen last time around so we will disregard that and instead look to her previous couple of starts which were nice and encouraging. She runs on well and with better luck can go close. (6) WONDERFUL CAT is the value play here. In both his latest two, he has made good ground from wide draws and finished off well. He gets a closer barrier today and can sit just behind the leaders. (1) YES I CAN has just the one start to his name and after being slowly away he finished well for a promising 5th which he can build on here.

Selections(10) Rock Fighter (7) Cinderella (9) Speed Flying (6) Wonderful Cat
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start7, 9, 10, 12

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

Maiden fillies only here. (9) FLAT BABE has run 2nd on both starts to date, both times beaten by good winners. On debut she led over this distance before being overtaken a furlong from home whereas last time at 1200M, she came from off the pace. Expect You Hyun-myung to keep her handy here and she’s very much the one to beat. (3) BURNING PARTY has been making progress in her latest two and was a good 2nd last start over today’s distance having led for much of the race. She draws well today and should go close. (10) HORAENGI is figuring things out as well and while she was well beaten by a good winner last start, she recorded a fast time when 2nd at this distance. (12) SECOND WIND and (13) BLUE OAK have both mixed their form so far but both have hinted at ability and with top jockeys on, this could be the day for at least one of them to put in a big run.

Selections(9) Flat Babe (10) Horaengi (3) Burning Party (13) Blue Oak
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

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