Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 26)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Burui Gori Sports Chosun

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

Maiden to kick things off. (6) FAMILY PARK has two 3rd place finishes to his name, including last time out at this distance. He was sent off as favourite that day but couldn’t quite get to the front. He should be on pace today and can win. The main danger is (2) PUNCH POWER. He’s only raced twice so far, improving in the latest of them when he briefly led before finishing 4th. (1) KAIZEN SILVER has a 2nd place in his records and should go close here while (4) RAON DANCER and (5) DONGJJOK GLORY are others with the potential to improve.

Selections (2) Punch Power (6) Family Park (4) Raon Dancer (1) Kaizen Silver
Next Best 5, 11
Fast Start 4, 6, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with precisely half the field racing for the very first time. (8) COMPLETE CAPTAIN is set to be a strong favourite having run 3rd on debut on September 7th. He quickened pleasingly that day and should have too much for his rivals here. (7) CHEONJI KKOT BARAM was 5th that day and should get closer this time while (11) SINDAERO and (12) WONDERFUL HEART also have scope to improve – the latter is the only one in the field to have raced twice already and ran well for 2nd last time. As for the first-timers, the most impressive in trials was (3) MIRACLE ICHEON.

Selections (8) Complete Captain (3) Miracle Icheon (7) Cheonji Kkot Baram (12) Wonderful Heart
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 11

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

Maiden for fillies. (1) TA MINA beat a couple of these on her way to a somewhat unexpected 2nd place at this distance last start. She came from well off the pace that day and ran on very well and should be in the mix again here. (9) VIRTUS finished 4th in that race in what was her second start back following six months off. She’s had a stop start career but looks to have ability and can go close today. (4) HWANGGEUM STAR ran 6th in the same race but has since come back and put in a strong run for 2nd at this distance on September 22nd. Like Ta Mina, she finished strongly from off the pace and could well start as favourite here. (2) HAPPY MONTH showed considerable improvement when 2nd last start while (6) WONDERFUL PLEASURE also has scope for improvement.

Selections (9) Virtus (4) Hwanggeum Star (1) Ta Mina (2) Happy Month
Next Best 6, 11
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 12

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

(8) WHITE COMET made all to secure his maiden win in fast time over this distance on September 21st. He is up in class today, but that manner of that victory was impressive enough for him to warrant favourite status here. (2) JEONGMUN SUMMIT had a hard time on his first try at this level but comes back in after two months off, back in trip and looking set to pose a sterner challenge today. (9) BAEKJEUI KKUM similarly had a hard time on what was just her second start, but she too should be a different prospect here. (3) SAMAE JILJU and (11) CAMP BADA look best of the rest.

Selections (8) White Comet (9) Baekjeui Kkum (2) Jeongmun Summit (11) Camp Bada
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 8, 9, 11

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

(2) CHEONJI AEGA stepped up to this distance last start and ran a good 3rd, beating a couple of these in the process. She ran on well and can be considered favourite here. (4) HOSUA too tried two-turns for the first time on his latest start and got on well with it recording a career best to date of 3rd and looks to be the main danger. (9) DAEGIRI too ran pleasingly for 2nd last start and is likely to look to lead from the start here. (6) WIND SKY was beaten by Cheonji Aega last time out but can get closer today while (8) GREEN PARK looks best of the rest.

Selections (2) Cheonji Aega (4) Hosua (9) Daegiri (6) Wind Sky
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 2, 6, 9

Race 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Maiden for imported juveniles with just three of them having raced before. One of those is (2) D K PURMIR and having run a good 2nd on debut back in August, looks set to be favourite here. (7) CHUKBOKUI YAKSOK debuted in the same race, running 3rd. He’s since run at this distance, finishing 5th and can be a contender today. The other with experience is (4) VICTORY MAP and he will be expected to improve on his debut 7th. Among the newcomers there were a few who hinted at ability in trials. (5) GLOBAL LUCKY looks the best of them having made all in her heat taking the line in front by a comfortable margin in a fast time. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll be right in this. (9) CONSTI SOLO also posted a fast time and can go well first up.

Selections (5) Global Lucky (2) D K Purmir (7) Chukbokui Yaksok (9) Consti Solo
Next Best 4, 12
Fast Start 1, 2, 10

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

(4) MENI HERO has a 3rd and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far. That’s enough to se him up in class today but despite that – and the fact he has been the beaten favourite in each of his latest two appearances – he should be favourite here and this time should make no mistake. Should Meni Hero come up short then (6) BISAYEON and (7) MENI SPEED both come in off the back of solid performances last start and could take advantage while (9) DASHING CANOE came home 5th on her first try at this class a month ago and should be in at least placing contention. Like Meni Hero (5) WONDERFUL PANGPANG finds herself up in class despite still being winless. She should be capable of challenging for a place here.

Selections (4) Meni Hero (6) Bisayeon (5) Wonderful Pangpang (7) Meni Speed
Next Best 9, 3
Fast Start 4, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A winner on debut in July, (3) TK DAY has been 3rd in both her subsequent outings, both times in good company and most recently at this distance. She’ll be one of a number on pace here and could well lead all the way in this race which is restricted to fillies and mares. (2) WHITE QUEEN won her first two races to be rapidly promoted to this class. She hasn’t raced since running 7th behind TK Day in a valuable juvenile race in August and looks set to be one of the main dangers here. (4) THANK YOU MOTHER has finished in the top three on seven of her ten starts to date and should be close here while (1) INDIAN ECO and (8) MIGHTY LUCK are also contenders.

Selections (3) TK Day (2) White Queen (8) Mighty Luck (4) Thank You Mother
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 7, 8

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

Good match up here. It took (2) CHEON GOE SEONG eleven attempts to secure his maiden win but he did it in fine style at this distance a month ago. His reward is to be bumped up in class today but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again. The big danger is (11) MANSEOK JIGI. He’s thrived since being tried around two turns with two wins and a runner-up finish from his latest three outings. Whereas Cheon Goe Seong will likely be on pace from the start, Manseok Jigi can come from behind and it should be a good battle late on. Aside from those two, (1) JEONGSANG ETTEUM and (4) RULE BREAKER enter with recent form reading well while (8) JACOB is another who can go well in this company.

Selections (2) Cheon Goe Seong (11) Manseok Jigi (1) Jeongsang Etteum (4) Rule Breaker
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 2, 8

Race 10: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) MUSTANG RUN was a class and distance winner on September 28th, racing prominently throughout and running on well. He does carry an additional 4kg today but could well be equal to the task. (5) RULES ICHEON came from off the pace to win at this class over 1200M last month and should get on well with the additional distance today while (4) FLASH JET ran a decent 4th in a similar race to this last start and can match or better that today. Both (1) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI and (7) GWANAK HAMSEONG are better than their respective latest outings suggest, and they can get closer today.

Selections (9) Mustang Run (4) Flash Jet (5) Rules Icheon (7) Gwanak Hamseong
Next Best 1, 8
Fast Start 8, 9

Race 11: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(4) URI has three races in a row and was a very handy winner over 1800M last start at this class. He steps up in trip slightly once more and carries more weight than in any of his previous races, but he should be capable of winning again. (8) GEUMA WHOLESOME won back to back races in June and July and comes in off a decent 4th over 1800M last month. He’ll be dangerous here. (1) HWANSANG STAR has finished no worse than 3rd in three attempts at this level and should be close today. (9) SEOUL TANK and (10) CALL WIN, the latter up in class after a good win over 1300M, are others in the hunt.

Selections (4) Uri (8) Geuma Wholesome (1) Hwansang Star (9) Seoul Tank
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 4, 8

Race 12: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(10) GUREUM WANGJA beat a couple of these on his way to a good 3rd place over 1400M on September 22nd. He drops back in trip today and could well come out on top. (8) GOLDEN GATE and (7) PENETRO came home 1st and 3rd when they raced each other at class and distance on September 28th. Penetro led for much of that race, just weakening slightly in the closing stages and with Golden Gate carrying plenty more weight today, that form could be overturned. (3) CRAZY WIKI and (5) SEONGPA are others with placing claims.

Selections (10) Gureum Wangja (7) Penetro (8) Golden Gate (3) Crazy Wiki
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 1, 2, 5

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

Headlining this weekend’s racing will be the 2nd legs of the Juvenile Series Championships to be held at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday. It’s Busan that gets racing underway though with 11 races on Friday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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We got a new TV at Busan – this is a poor photoshop version of it….

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

Juvenile maidens to begin with. (3) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH ran an improved 3rd on what was his second start just two weeks ago and recorded a time significantly faster than his opponents here. He’ll be on pace from the start and is favoured to make the breakthrough.  A few of the others also look to be heading in the right direction following promising runs second-up. (10) ADELE SPIKE also ran a good third when dropped back to this trip after weakening over 1200M on debut, while (1) QUEEN OF THE QUEEN defied three-figure odds to come a useful 4th back at the end of last month. (12) FAMILY DANCER too showed significant progress last start and can build on it today. There are five first-timers and of them, (7) SPICE CANDY looks the pick over (4) EAGLE STAR.

Selections (3) Jeonseolui Punch (10) Adele Spike (7) Spice Candy (12) Family Dancer
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 3, 7

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

Juvenile maidens again but this time they’re all fillies. Following a couple of promising trials, (1) CHOEGANG TOUCH was relatively well-backed on debut on September 27th and duly beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place. She won’t need to improve much off that run to win again today. (8) NANSAN YEOJE was a disappointing 9th in the same race. She previously ran 2nd behind the very promising Dongteuja Day and should get much closer today. (6) MILE QUEEN ran an unexpected 4th on her debut in sloppy conditions while (4) BEAUTIFUL KOREA and (5) MAX POWER both put in reasonable performances on their respective last starts and could get close here.

Selections (1) Choegang Touch (8) Nansan Yeoje (6) Mile Queen (4) Beautiful Korea
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 6, 8

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

Filly maidens here. One of the two debut-makers catches the eye. (7) HAPPY YOJEONG is a “full” sister to Cheongu, who won five of fifteen starts and raced at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, as well as Segi Gangja, who continues to run well at Busan. She was only average in her trial, but a top jockey has been engaged and she couldn’t get a weaker race to start her career in. (3) SECRET LEGACY registered a best of 4th in five starts between October last year and March this. She’s been off since but looked a much better prospect when requalifying and winning a trial two weeks ago and goes straight into contention here. (4) THUNDER VEGAS wasn’t too far off 2nd in a tight race last time and shapes to be in the mix here. (6) PEREFCT ANGEL and (8) MAGIC STEALTH look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Secret Legacy (4) Thunder Vegas (7) Happy Yojeong (6) Perfect Angel
Next Best 8, 2
Fast Start 3, 4, 7, 8

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

(3) CHEONNYEONUI GIL and (4) FLYING KINGS came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other on what was for the former, a debut, back on September 20th. Both look nicely in here and can go well again. The one they’ll need to beat though is (2) ADELE CLASSIC, a solid 4th on debut over 1000M last month. The additional trip today should be in his favour and he can get closer here. It’s a similar story for (11) TOUCH STAR MAN from top trainer Kim Young-kwan’s stable. He debuted two weeks ago and should be better for the run. She’s out of Oaks winner Useung Touch. There are three debut-makers, all of whom did well in trials. Thomas Gillespie’s (9) JEONSEOLUI FIGHT perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections (2) Adele Classic (11) Touch Star Man (9) Jeonseolui Fight (3) Cheonnyeonui Gil
Next Best 4, 8
Fast Start 1, 2, 5, 11

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

(9) SHINING EYE has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place last start on her first try at this distance. She can overcome the wide draw here and can win. (5) SEOBU GENTLEMAN showed significant improvement to run 2nd at this distance earlier this month and should be in the hunt here although (2) PARTY LION has also demonstrated ability with some solid finishes so far and should be involved too. (1) ARA MYUNGMA was a slightly disappointing 6th lats start but can be given another chance here. (6) BARAMUI YEOSIN should be on pace from the start with the only question being how long she can hold on for.

Selections (9) Shining Eye (2) Party Lion (1) Ara Myungma (5) Seobu Gentleman
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 5, 6, 8, 9

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

(1) CHEONNYEONUIHUIMA was just beaten a head over 1300M last start, running on well. Although previous attempts at a mile haven’t gone especially well, she looks ready for another crack and has an excellent chance here. (4) TOP FIRE showed promise in her first two outings and while she had a poor day at the office last time, can be given another chance today on what will be her first try at this distance. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (6) JANGGUNEUI JILJU did beat a couple of these on her way to an unlikely 3rd place last time and could pull off a repeat. (3) SUN MOUNTAIN, behind her that day, looks more likely to overturn that form though.

Selections (1) Cheonnyeonuiheuima (4) Top Fire (3) Sun Mountain (6) Jangguneui Jilju
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 5, 5, 7

Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(6) MAN OF THE MATCH has won three of nine so far and comfortably defeated a couple of these on his way to a three-length score at class and distance on September 27th. He does carry an additional 3kg today but still looks very much the one to beat. (8) MGIC FLYING and (5) DOCTOR WEEK came home in 3rd and 4th in that race with just over a length separating them. They have plenty of find on Man Of The Match but should be competing for the places at least. (2) GANGHAN NAMJA, racing for the sixtieth time today (more…)

Blue Chipper En-Route to LA & Planned Breeders’ Cup Start

Blue Chipper flew out of Incheon Airport late on Monday evening en-route to Santa Anita and a planned start in the delightfully named Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Santa Anita on November 2. If all goes to plan, he will be the first Korea-trained runner to participate in a Breeders’ Cup race.

Blue Chipper Owners Cup

Blue Chipper (Pic: KRA)

Having traveled up from Busan last week, Blue Chipper spent four days in pre-export quarantine in the International Isolation Stables at Seoul Racecourse (the same ones that the international horses are stabled in during the Korea Cup & Sprint) before departing from nearby Incheon Airport at 11:50pm on Monday evening, scheduled to arrive at LAX on Monday evening US time.

Blue Chipper [Tiznow – Dixie City (Dixie Union)] was bred in Kentucky by Diamond A Racing Corp. He was selected and purchased at Keeneland by Busan-based trainer Bart Rice on behalf of owner Choi Byeong-bu. Now he’s a four-year-old gelding who has won seven of his eight lifetime starts. He was a four-length winner on debut as a juvenile at Busan in September 2017, trained by Rice.

He then suffered what is to date his only defeat when last in the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Cup, Busan’s top race for imported two-year-olds. Blue Chipper ran once more that year, returning to winning ways with a three-length score on New Year’s Ever over 1200M.

Blue Chipper did not race again for more than a year with a number of setbacks meaning he spent almost his entire three-year-old year spelled, with only occasional trips to the racetrack to trial. He finally returned to action in April of 2019, now in trainer Kim Young-kwan’s stable, and picked up where he left off, scoring by thirteen-lengths over 1200M.

That win was followed up by two more with a combined winning margin of eighteen lengths before Blue Chipper tackled a Korean Graded race for the first time, the Busan Owners’ Cup (KOR G3) at the end of July. It was his first try at a mile but that didn’t trouble him as he romped away from a high class field to win by ten-lengths in track-record time.

International weekend was up next at Seoul and Blue Chipper was sent to the 1 Billion Won Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) back down at 1200M. Despite being drawn in gate 13, he was sent off as favourite and duly made it to the pace early. He would eventually shake off local rival Gaon Champ and run on to win by a length and a half becoming the first locally-trained horse to win the Korea Sprint.

Seemingly out of challenges in Korea for the time being, and with connections aware that he was registered for the Breeders’ Cup as a weanling, Blue Chipper will now be taken overseas and will move back up to a mile for his biggest challenge. If he adapts to the Santa Anita dirt, he’s not to be taken lightly.

Having had positive experiences with international jockeys on Korean horses at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, the decision was made to engage a Santa Anita-based rider and Flavien Prat, who won the race on Battle Of Midway in 2017, has accepted the ride.

How good is Blue Chipper? We don’t yet know and that’s basically why he is going. What we do know is that Bart found a good one that day at Keeneland and a number of seasoned observers of Korean racing have told this blog that he is the best horse they have seen run in Korea. While they are very different types of horse, that includes the Dubai star, Dolkong.

He will be up against it at Santa Anita. The dirt is very different to the sand he has experienced in Korea – although his sire, Tiznow, and damsire Dixie Union, did finish 1st and 2nd at Santa Anita in the Affirmed Handicap back in 2000. Then there is the obvious medication issue – there are no plans for Blue Chipper to run on lasix. That’s all without taking into account his opponents, among whom is expected to be Omaha Beach and Mr. Money. All through his brief career so far, Blue Chipper has stepped up.

Silver Wolf Sweeps the Queens’ Tour Again

Silver Wolf has once more swept all three legs of the Queens’ Tour Series to be crowned Korea’s Champion Filly or Mare of 2019.

The seven-year-old Australian import won the Ttukseom Cup, KNN Cup and Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup in 2017 butbwas ineligible for last year’s series as it was at that time only open to fillies and mares aged five and under.

That restriction was lifted this year and the Series proved to be a cakewalk for Silver Wolf. The last leg did though prove the toughest as she first had to battle to find a clear run at the top of the stretch and was then pushed all the way by fast finishing pair Gold Blue and Seouri Byeol. The margin on the line was less than two lengths.

Silver Wolf (Oratorio) was winning for the fifth time in a row in an unbeaten 2019 campaign. She has seventeen career wins from thirty-three lifetime starts and on Sunday broke the 3 Billion Won Prize Money mark. She now lies in 3rd on the all-time money earners list behind only Triple Nine and Power Blade, the latter of whom she holds a win over.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup – Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

Silver Wolf will bid to sweep all three legs of the Queens’ Tour for the second time as the nation’s top fillies and mares come together for the final time this season in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10 and 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00). 

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Silver Wolf has already won the first two legs of the Queens’ Tour

Silver Wolf won the Ttukseom Cup, KNN Cup and Gyeongnam Govenor’s in 2017. Under the old rules, only fillies and mares aged 305 were eligible for the Queens’ Tour but that was changed this year and the now seven-year-old Aussie-bred Silver Wolf (Oratorio) was able to rejoin. In her absence last year, Sky Bay took full advantage and she also returns to Busan in what is set to be an uphill battle to retain her Crown.

Below are race-by-race comments for Seoul, followed at the bottom by selections for Busan as well as a comment on the big race:

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

Banker of the day is in the first as (2) WORLD BEYOND will be heavy favourite to score. One of only two in the field to have raced before, she was 3rd on debut in a good time on September 21st. She should be leading from the start and a run that is in any way similar to last time will be enough here. The other one with prior experience is (8) MAY BLUE, who was an improved 4th on her second outing last month and she should at least match that here. Among the first-time starters, (6) FIGHTING NOW and (7) BRAVO GWACHEON look the most likely to make to make an immediate impact.

Selections (2) World Beyond (6) Fighting Now (7) Bravo Gwacheon (8) May Blue
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 7, 8

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

More juvenile maidens with just three of the nine having raced previously. Of those, both (2) YEOLRIN MUN and (7) MONEY CHAMP have shown enough to suggest that wins at this level will be possible and both will have plenty of backers here. The favourite though is likely to be one of the first-timers. (6) GEUMA KITTEN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd in a fast trial last month and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) WONDERFUL GLITTER was a trial winner last month and while the time wasn’t fast, she looked very competent, leading all the way. (4) YAHO GOLDEN CAT is another trial winner who can go well first-up.

Selections (6) Geuma Kitten (2) Yeolrin Mun (5) Wonderful Glitter (7) Money Champ
Next Best 4, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 7

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

Decent little maiden here. (7) YEONHUI ILCHUL ran a very good 3rd over 1300M on debut last month. She was a full ten-lengths behind a good winner, but the time was creditable and while it’s interesting to see her drop back in trip when she took to the distance so well, she probably deserves favourite status here. (6) MASEONG TUHON has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far, showing a good turn of foot along the way and should at least maintain that record here. (1) MAD DIVA improved on her second outing on September 22nd and while it was a weaker race than this, showed she has some ability. (2) BAEDARI SUMMIT and (5) HAMYANG SANGRIM are others to consider.

Selections (7) Yeonhui Ilchul (6) Maseong Tuhon (1) Mad Diva (5) Hamyang Sangrim
Next Best 2
Fast Start 2, 5, 6

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

(4) FEDERAL KING makes for a warm favourite here. He ran 2nd in a similar strength race to this over 1000M four weeks ago and having previously demonstrated he can run at this distance too, should really be making all. (1) PENUMBRA backs up quickly following a career-best 2nd two weeks ago and should be figuring again while (6) CLEAR STORY has two good runs to her name at this distance and should be challenging Federal King for the early lead. (3) MANE HANA has been knocking on the door of the places for some time now and could improve here while (7) CHEONSE MANSE is another who could compete for the minor money.

Selections (4) Federal King (1) Penumbra (6) Clear Story (3) Mane Hana
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 2, 4, 6

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

(7) JEONGJOUI KKUM has moved rapidly up in class having won two of his latest three including a four-length score last start. The manner of that victory suggests more to come, and he can win this. A couple of others step up in class following last start victories too and of them, (4) VALLEY QUEEN looks best equipped to immediately challenge at this level. As for those with experience in this class, (3) PRIVATE MAN has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since being promoted. He somewhat surprisingly drops back to the minimum trip here, but he looks competitive. (6) WINNER CROWN and (1) HANEULEUL DALRIDA are others who can go close.

Selections (7) Jeongjoui Kkum (3) Private Man (6) Winner Crown (4) Valley Queen
Next Best 1, 5
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 6

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

(4) UTGE HAEJULGE was a beaten favourite at class and distance on September 7th. He’s drawn well to get a fast start here though and looks worth another chance on top. (6) HOMECOMING was a good class and distance winner last start and while he carries a couple of additional kilograms today, has strong claims to follow up while (7) FLYING JOY drops back in trip for the first time in a while and can come into contention. (10) ACE WIN remains a maiden but is up in class following back to back runner-up finishes, both times behind the favourite and she should be able to hold her own here. (9) HEUNG KKAEBI returns to racing for the first time since April and is the wildcard having trialled well last month.

Selections (4) Utge Haejulge (6) Homecoming (7) Flying Joy (10) Ace Win
Next Best 9, 8
Fast Start 3, 4, 6

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

(4) PANORAMA VIEW was a winner on debut over 1200M on September 21st. He came from off the pace to run on well and the slight step up in trip should only be to his benefit and he is favoured to win again. The main danger is still a maiden. (3) BRIGADIER GENERAL has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far and the Aussie import looks sure to get a maiden win sooner or later. It could be here. (1) ALL THAT KOREA enters with recent form reading well and should be close once more while (5) DOLGYEOK APEURO and (8) BROWN ROSE others in the placing hunt.

Selections (4) Panorama View (3) Brigadier General (5) Dolgyeok Apeuro (8) Brown Rose
Next Best 1, 7
Fast Start 4, 6, 8

Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) JANGSAN FLY prevailed at class and distance by two and a half lengths on September 7th, leading from gate to wire. He carries an additional 3kg today, but with seemingly no other early speed in the race, it would be a surprise if he didn’t get a soft lead and come out on top again. (7) JEONGSANG BAEKHO ran a good 2nd on debut four weeks ago. He’s up in trip today but that could well suit and he looks to be the main danger. The experienced (3) BAEKSAN GUNJU showed some signs of returning to form with a useful 4th place in a good race at class and distance at the end of August and comes in here after eight weeks off with placing claims. (4) TWIN JET and (9) WHIZ REINA are others worthy of consideration.

Selections (2) Jangsan Fly (7) Jeongsang Baekho (3) Baeksan Gunju (4) Twin Jet
Next Best 9, 5
Fast Start 2

Race 9: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) DETERMINATION ran out a four-length winner on what was his second career start on September 21st. he is accordingly up in class and in distance today, but the manner of that win suggested there is more to come. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue as he won’t be looking to lead, and he can win this. (4) GEUMSUNI STAR enters off back to back 3rd place finishes, the latter at this distance and he should go close again while (7) CRAZY QUEEN has two runner-up finishes in her latest two but steps up to this trip for the first time. (6) BAEKDUI TAEYANG and (10) SPEED HEUKRYEONG look best of the rest.

Selections (11) Determination (4) Geumsuni Star (7) Crazy Queen (10) Speed Heukryong
Next Best 6, 8
Fast Start 1, 4, 10

Race 10: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(5) COLORFUL JOY has won three of his latest four and steps up in class and up to this trip for the first time. His running style suggests that it can suit, however, and we’ll put him on top to score again. (9) EAST KINGDOM and (12) BEST VICTORY are both up in class having won at this distance in their respective latest outings. The former looks better equipped to compete at this level right away. (11) SOJUNGHAN MANNAM enters with recent form reading well and looks a solid placing chance while (2) GEUMA KINGDOM and (4) ELAN are others who can aim for the money.

Selections (5) Colorful Joy (9) East Kingdom (11) Sojunghan Mannam (2) Geuma Kingdom
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 9, 11

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

It took (1) LIL’ PATRON six goes to get his maiden breakthrough but he seemed to enjoy it as he followed up immediately with another. That latter one was at this class and distance and he beat three of these in the process. He carries an extra 3kg today, but he can overcome it to complete his hat-trick. (5) BARAMEUL GEURIDA won back to back races in June and July to be promoted to this level. He put in a useful 3rd place last start in a similar strength race to this over 1400M, leading for much of it, and he looks a threat here. (7) CATS MIRACLE has proven himself competitive at this level and should be good for a place while (2) BIG GARLAND and (8) CUPID GUY, the latter up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections (1) Lil’ Patron (5) Barameul Geurida (7) Cats Miracle (2) Big Garland
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 5, 9, 11, 12

Busan Selections

Race 1: 10, 5, 3, 12

Race 2: 3, 1, 7, 5

Race 3: 3, 1, 4, 7

Race 4: 1, 2, 6, 7

Race 5: 7, 2, 8, 10

Race 6: Class Open – Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M) KOR G3 –

There are no grounds for opposing (11) SILVER WOLF as she is simply significantly better than anything else in the fillt and mare division. She made a clean sweep of all three legs of the Queens’ Tour last year and while 2000M may not be her optimum distance, she surely has enough to win. The most credible opponent is (5) SKY BAY. She won this race last year (Silver Wolf wasn’t there) and has looked to be coming back to her best having run 2nd to the favourite in the KNN Cup in August. She looked very sharp when winning a trial at Seoul last Friday. (7) COVERGIRL JUSTICE is a stablemate of Silver Wolf and looks to be improving rapidly. This may be a bit soon for her to compete for the win but she certainly has placing claims. (3) YEONGCHEON DERBY and (12) DAMYANG HWANHO are others who can aim for the money.

Selections: 11, 5, 7, 3

Next Best: 12, 10, 6

Fast Start: 2, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 19)

There is a big 12-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

20190526_165113.jpg

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

Two heats of juvenile maidens to kick things off. The first has eight runners with just three having raced before. Two of those, (7) RAON LIGHT MAN and (5) HALLA BLOSSOM came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at this distance on September 21st. It was a second start for both, and both showed improvement. There were two lengths between them and accordingly, Raon Light Man will be favourite to strike here. Of the first-timers (4) CHEONGSAN GASE and (6) STRONG RED were the most impressive in trials, both registering good times and should go well first-up. (2) BIG RIVER possibly the most promising of the rest.

Selections (7) Raon Light Man (5) Halla Blossom (6) Strong Red (4) Cheongsan Gase
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 2, 5, 7

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

The second group of juvenile maidens again has just three with previous experience. Of those, (2) MONEY LINE, with the returning Johan Victoire aboard, probably has the best chance with his two starts so far having been in better company than this. (5) THROUGH THE SKY and (6) DIECO are the others who have raced before and while neither did too much, they both should be beating some of the newcomers. As for those newcomers, (1) CLEAN UP HAPPY is a likely favourite. The Paynter colt looked accomplished in trials and if he brings that form to the races, can make a winning start. The trainer and jockey combination for (8) J.S. CAPTAIN catches the eye, even if the trial run didn’t.

Selections (1) Clean Up Happy (2) Money Line (6) Dieco (8) J.S. Captain
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 3, 5

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

(6) WONDER PLACE comes in having run 4th and 5th in his latest two in similar company to this. From gate 6 he looks likely to be on the early speed this time and can make his breakthrough here. (4) DAEGUN OK beat two of these on his way to 3rd place last start at this distance. That was her best finish to date, and she can build on it here. (7) BIANCA ran an improved 5th in that same race and she too has cope for improvement while (5) POWER PRIDE and (8) MACH THUNDER are others in the placing hunt.

Selections (6) Wonder Place (4) Daegun Ok (5) Power Pride (7) Bianca
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 2, 6, 8

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

(2) DIAVOLA comes in off back to back 3rd place finishes and up against limited opposition today has every chance of going two-better. She’ll be on pace from the start and can go all the way. (4) KOOKA CAT is the biggest danger. She’s been runner-up already at this distance and will also be looking for a good start which, if she gets, puts her right in it. (7) BEST GOLD is the only other one to have a 2nd place to her name and while she had a poor day at the office last start, can be given another chance here. (1) CAMPING MANIA should improve on her second start following a seven-month layoff while (6) JEONGSEONG HOLIDAY has had a stop/start career so far but doesn’t look completely devoid of ability.

Selections (2) Diavola (4) Kooka Cat (6) Jeongseong Holiday (1) Camping Mania
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 4, 9

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

(4) CHODONG ROSE ran out a good winner on debut at this distance all the way back on July 20th. She’s been off since then and she is up in class today, but there seems to be no reason why she can’t win again. The potential problem though is the presence of (1) RAON HANNIBAL. Having secured her maiden win at this distance in August, she then ran 3rd on her first try at this class on September 21st. From gate 1, she can sit just off the (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

RH7_2448

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

Juvenile maidens to kick things off and only one of the twelve has raced before. That’s (1) DAEMANGUI GIL, who has actually appeared twice, improving significantly in the second of them, which was a valuable juvenile race (Gold Circle Trophy) over 1200M. Back down in trip here and his experience may come through. (2) TOP OF CHALLENGER caught the eye in a fast trial back in August and is perhaps the pick of the first-time starters although (5) FANTASTIC WINNER looked good coming from off the pace to win a second trial at the end of September ahead of some established horses and can be taken seriously too. (7) TOP BEST and (11) BURNING STAR also ran in some competitive times and look likely to go well first up, the latter partnered by former Busan champion jockey Kim Young Geun, who is in town for Sunday’s Governor’s Cup. As ever, keep an eye on the market.

Selections (1) Daemangui Gil (2) Top Of Challenger (5) Fantastic Winner (7) Top Best
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 4

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

(7) WORLD TODAY is a “full” brother of World Day, a winner of nine of twelve starts so far. He looked competent enough when trialling two weeks ago and this isn’t the most intimidating. The biggest danger may be (8) BEYOND. He returned from six months off on September 20th only for his saddle to slip and his jockey to fall off. He had been relatively well-fancied in that race due to an impressive trial and he surely will again here. (1) BORYEONG JILJU drops back in trip after a solid 4th over 1300M last start and should be in contention to build on that today. (5) RAINBOW PARK and (12) MYEONGGA DAERO are others in the hunt.

Selections (7) World Today (8) Beyond (1) Boryeong Jilju (5) Rainbow Park
Next Best 12, 2
Fast Start 2, 5, 7, 8

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

(11) HANSEN FLASHY found himself a little overmatched facing the current top juveniles in a valuable race at the end of August but he finds himself in much shallower waters today and should be winning. (7) SUPER GREAT is the only one of these to have a 2nd place to his name and that in itself marks him as a major contender up against this lot. (1) NEPTUNE is a thirty-four race maiden but ran a solid 3rd ahead of a couple of these two weeks ago and should beat a few again. (6) DREAM CHASER hasn’t beaten many across three starts so far but his times have been creditable, and he has been facing much better opposition than this. (8) I AM CHAMPION too can beat a few.

Selections (11) Hansen Flashy (7) Super Great (6) Dream Chaser (1) Neptune
Next Best 8, 10
Fast Start 6, 9, 11

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

(9) BLUE POWER comes in having run a decent 4th in the Gold Circle Trophy at the end of last month, and while he was some way behind the winner, it was a reasonable performance. He already has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and could be the ne to beat here. (4) PINEUI KKUM raced very greenly when 6th on debut last month to the extent that he was sent back to trial. He duly won that trial in a fast time and goes straight into contention here. (2) ANGEL KING STAR and (3) MAJOR GUY came home 3rd and 4th with just a head between them when they raced over this distance on September 27th and both have placing claims. (11) SANBANG ANY DAY was 3rd over 1000M last start and steps back up in trip for the first time since his debut.

Selections (9) Blue Power (4) Pineui Kkum (2) Angel King Star (3) Major Guy
Next Best 11, 1
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 11

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

(1) ALPHA RUNNER enters with recent form reading well and while it’s ten starts since his last win, he looks nicely in here. 2nd last time out over 1200M, he was 4th at this class and distance at the end of August and can come from off the pace with a late run. (10) B.K. GAMBOL upset the highly thought-of Mr. Afleet, making all and just holding on in a fast time on a wet track at class and distance on September 29th and while he carries an additional 3kg here and will need to make his way to the front from a wide draw, he warrants respect. (5) WHITE POINT beat a couple of these in his way to an unexpected 2nd a month ago, his first try at this distance. He can go well again although (2) MUJEOK VETERAN, who was behind him that day, could overturn the form. (9) IGGYDA had a poor day at the office over a mile last time but is better than that and can improve today.

Selections (1) Alpha Runner (10) B.K. Gambol (5) White Point (2) Mujeok Veteran
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 9, 10

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

(4) FINAL DREAM ran 3rd on her first try at this class over 1200M on September 20th. She (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

Racing on Sunday is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05) . Previews for Seoul follow with Busan selections underneath:

Spring Back Korea Sprint

Spring Back, seen here at the Korea Sprint, takes on the unfamiliar distance of 1800M todau (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA) 

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

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with just three of the twelve having raced before and it’s two of those who are likely to be at the top of the market. (4) RAON TAP MAN ran a very good 2nd on debut on September 8th. His stable is in good form and he’ll be well-fancied here. So will (5) HAECHAN, who despite coming 4th in his debut, was closer to the winner than Raon Tap Man and ran a faster time. Both will be on pace from the start and both are strong contenders. Among the debut-makers, (2) CHODONG ROCKET was the most impressive in trials, running a competent 2nd in a heat back in late August. (9) MEOTJIN SEUNGBU and (10) WILD WOODS also caught the eye when qualifying.

Selections (5) Haechan (4) Raon Tap Man (2) Chodong Rocket (9) Meotjin Seungbu
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 10

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

Maiden fillies. (9) STORM FORCE has been knocking on the door throughout her five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1000M in august. She’s had nine weeks off since then and looks nicely in to make the breakthrough here. She’ll be hot favourite. (11) GI RO ran on nicely over 1000M last night and can have some confidence coming back up to 1300M today while (8) BAEK HAK may also improve for the slight increase in trip. (1) SINUI CHUKBOK and (7) FAMILY HOPE are others with scope to improve in what, the favourite aside, is not a strong race.

Selections (9) Storm Force (11) Gi Ro (8) Baek Hak (1) Sinui Chukbok
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 6, 8, 9

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

More maidens. (1) HIT THE PACE returned from seven months off to run 4th in what was admittedly a weak race on September 1st. He’ll have needed that though and should come on for it today and he has winning chances here. (2) J.S. POWER has hinted at ability over three outings so far, all of them at 1000M. He’s run through the line pleasingly enough each time and could appreciate the additional trip here. (8) TOUR DIA and (10) KHAN ACE are the only two in the field to have 2nd place finishes to their names and both can aim to place here. (5) COLORS DE LAGO best of the rest.

Selections (1) Hit The Pace (2) J.S. Power (8) Tour Dia (10) Khan Ace
Next Best 5, 12
Fast Start 2, 9, 10, 11

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

(3) LOVE RACE got her maiden win in March and was then off for four months. Since returning, she’s run three times with a 3rd and a pair of 4ths. She’s nicely drawn to get to the lead here and she could well win. (2) MAPAEBONG comes in off back to back 3rd place finishes, both of them at class and distance and in arguably slightly tougher company than this so he should be firmly in contention. (8) ROYAL SMARTY has three 3rd places since being promoted to this level and 3rd should be a minimum requirement here. (6) HANEUL ACE and (7) TAEPUNG EYES look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Love Race (8) Royal Smarty (2) Mapaebong (6) Haneul Ace
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 3, 5

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens here with just three of them having raced before. All three are likely to be towards the upper end of the betting market with (4) J.S. GUNJU the likely favourite having run 4th on debut three weeks ago, coming from well off the pace after a shaky start. Expect him to be ridden much closer much earlier today. (2) OKRYONG was well back in the same race but there was nothing wrong with his time and he can improve today. (6) MOVIECUS is the only one to have raced twice and he’s done well, registering a 2nd and a 3rd and looks good for at least another in the money finish today. It therefore won’t be easy for the newcomers although Daredevil colt (1) ECHO BILL and Street Boss filly (7) THANK YOU BOSS both looked competent enough in trials.

Selections (4) J.S. Gunju (6) Moviecus (1) Echo Bill (7) Thank You Boss
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 4, 6, 7

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

(5) MUDO returned from five months off at the end of August to resume normal service of running 2nd, something he’s now done in three of five starts. He was only beaten less (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 12)

Saturday racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Antonio

Antonio Da Silva won the KRA Cup Classic on Dolkong last week and looks to have a decent book of rides at Seoul on Saturday

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

Weak juvenile maiden, but something has got to win. That should be (6) P.K. HILL, who with a 2nd and two 5ths to her name so far has better form than anything else here and she has run faster times too. She should be on pace early and will take some beating. (10) BODY STAR ran 5th of 11 on debut back in June and while he struggled on his return in August, it was over 1300M and he weakened late on. Back at the minimum distance today, he can be close. (1) ROCK LINE didn’t go great on debut but should have come on for it, similarly (5) CHEON CHONG.

Selections (6) P.K. Hill (10) Body Star (1) Rock Line (5) Cheon Chong
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 1, 6, 9, 10

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

Juveniles here with four of them racing for the first time. Of those, (5) NEW MOON WARRIOR won his trial in a fast time and while he was assisted by a muddy track, if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance of going very well first-up today. The other contenders all have experience. (4) POWER TOWER ran 4th on debut on September 1st and should have come on for it while (2) DAHAENGIDA was a little slow to get going on his first start at the end of August but ran on well for 6th and can improve today. (7) BLUE K and (10) BLUE KING are others to take into account.

Selections (5) New Moon Warrior (4) Power Tower (2) Dahaengida (7) Blue K
Next Best 10, 6
Fast Start 3, 4, 5, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens and (2) BEST TAP ran a good 3rd on debut on September 8th, coming from well off the pace over 1000M. The step up in trip today should give him more to work with and he’s the one to beat here. (11) WILD KINGDOM was a disappointing 9th behind Best Tap in that race but previously ran 3rd over 1200M and should also go better back up in trip today. (8) DYNAMIC PUNCH was a little one-paced when 6th on debut but should come on today while (7) MACH NEDAN and first-time starter (12) LUXURY CAPTAIN are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (2) Best Tap (8) Dynamic Punch (11) Wild Kingdom (12) Luxury Captain
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 6, 8, 11

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

Weak maiden here and the step up in trip could well be what (11) GOLD FIELD needs in order to make the breakthrough. She has some reasonable showings to her name at 1000M and in this company ought to be able to make it to the lead early. (1) KINGLY has also hinted at ability across ten starts so far and should go close here while (12) HYEONGMA PUBU has similarly managed to continually get beaten despite at times looking to have potential. Those three are likely to be the favourites with (2) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK and (10) BEF K others with potential to improve.

Selections (11) Gold Field (1) Kingly (12) Hyeongma Pubu (2) Neoseong Byokryok
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 4, 8, 11

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

(11) ANY SEON beat four of these on her way to a close 2nd place finish on a wet track at this distance on September 8th. It was her first try at 1700M and she seemed to thrive at it and she’ll be the one to beat today. (3) MACH SEUNGCHEON improved when tried at this distance for the first time last start and can build on that today. (5) SUPER VICTOR struggled in her latest two, both at 1300M, but has gone well at this trip in the past and should be in the placing frame here. (9) DAE YONGWANG steps up to two-turns for the first time and looks to be best of the rest.

Selections (11) Any Seon (3) Mach Seungcheon (5) Super Victor (9) Dae Yongwang
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M0 Allowance / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for imported juveniles with six of the ten racing for the very first time. And one of those first-timers is set to be hot favourite. (4) CUPID MISSION made all in is trial, (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 11)

The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday at Busan with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan World Sun

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

Juvenile maiden with all but one racing for the very first time. That one, (7) JEONSEOULUI PUNCH didn’t make much impact on debut last month so it’s the first-timers who will be preferred. A few of them look quite handy. (1) TOUCH STAR MAN is the second foal out of Korean Oaks winner Useung Touch. The first, Power Touch, is a winner of three from eight so far and Touch Star Man trialled up nicely in September. (6) MAN OF THE WORLD trialled up slightly better and looks set to be favourite. He’s a half-brother to Brig, a winner of nine races and who is still going round as a nine-year-old now. (2) YEONGSEONG VICTORY and (3) GRAND YEOWANG are others who looked good when trialling up and who can go well first-up.

Selections (1) Touch Star Man (6) Man Of The World (3) Grand Yeowang (2) Yeongseong Victory
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 1, 2, 3, 6

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

More juvenile maidens, this time with four of them having raced before. All four have shown a bit of ability. (2) CENTUM BEONGAE was an improved 4th on his second start at the beginning of last month. He’s drawn nicely to be on pace here and should improve again. (6) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT and (7) FUTURE KING both did nothing wrong on their respective debuts and have firm foundations to build on here while (8) YEONGWON DYNAMO was well back on his second racecourse appearance in August but had previously run 3rd on debut and comes in here after ten weeks off with scope to go better. The one they will all need to beat, however, is a first-time starter. (3) MIRACLE DREAMING looked very sharp in two trials and if he brings that form to the races, could be hard to beat.

Selections (3) Miracle Dreaming (2) Centum Beongae (6) Jeonseolui Bulkkot (7) Future King
Next Best 8, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 7

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

(2) POWER WONDERFUL ran 3rd when sent off at long-odds on what was his second start on September 20th. He beat a couple of these in the process and if he runs similarly today, will take some beating. (8) YEONGSEONG BRAVO was 6th in that race, just under two-lengths in arrears, and could prove to be the biggest danger here, likely coming from off the pace. (6) TWO TWO WAY has shown ability in the past and can benefit from the eight weeks she’s had since her latest run. (11) MASEONG KWAEGEOL has shown slight but noticeable improvement over three outings so far and can continue it here.

Selections (2) Power Wonderful (8) Yeongseong Bravo (6) Two Two Way (11) Maseong Kwaegeol
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 6, 9

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

(3) TWO TWO FAIRY beat two of these on her way to a good 2nd place over this distance in a similar all-filly race to this three weeks ago. She led for parts of that race and today can be leading when it counts. (5) CHEONNYEONUIHEUIMA ran 4th in that race and while she was a full nine-lengths behind Two Two Fairy. She may not overturn that form here but can get closer. (1) ARA MYUNGMA has a 2nd place to her name and comes in following 5th in a stronger race than this. That was back in July and the three months off may be to her benefit. (8) BARAMUI YEOSIN steps up in trip for the first time and could improve while of the two first-time starters, Thomas Gillespie’s (2) FASHION KEY looks the more likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections (3) Two Two Fairy (5) Cheonnyeonuiheuima (2) Fashion Key (1) Ara Myungma
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) WILD GERANIUM returned from five months out to run 4th at this distance on September 20th, beating a couple of these along the way. It took her a while to get going that day, but she should have come on for the run and can win here. (6) AFLEET YOUNG has run through the line well in both his two outings so far. Both times he’s been a long way back though so the additional furlong and a half today may well suit. (7) SAEROUN SEUNGJA raced twice without distinction around the turn of the year but looked much better when brought back last month. He too tries the distance for the first time and can benefit for it. (5) KING DOMBO and (8) TWO TWO DAY are others who should be aiming for improvement.

Selections (3) Wild Geranium (6) Afleet Young (7) Saeroun Seungja (5) King Dombo
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 6: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

After all those maidens suddenly a class 2 jumps out at us. (12) CAPTAIN GUY is up in class following a nine-length score over this distance on September 20th. He was 15/1 that day and it was a big uptick in form but he it was a really good performance in a fast time and a repeat can’t be ruled out. (6) YEONGGWANGUI CHAMP comes in having won at class and distance on June 30th, with two of these behind him. He’s been off since and he (more…)