Racing moves up to Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) STRONG VULTURE returned from almost eight months off to run a useful 4^th at this distance on April 6^th. He should have improved for that run and can go closer here, likely looking to lead from the start. (7) KAHINAH was disqualified from her latest effort at the end of March for causing another horse to unseat its rider. She only ran on moderately anyway but previously had been looking ready to win. Since then the stable has come into form and with Moon Se Young up today, can be a big factor. (8) CHEONNYEON HAPPY is another who seems to be inching closer to a maiden victory. She ran a close 3^rd last time at this distance, beating a couple of these along the way. (1) ACE SHINE and (10) DREAM MONEY are others who can go close.

Selections	(2) Strong Vulture (7) Kahinah (8) Cheonnyeon Happy (1) Ace Shine
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	2, 7

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

(11) GEUMA MAJESTY enters having finished as beaten favourite in both his latest two outings. He hasn’t run badly on either occasion and while he’ll have to overcome a wide draw again, the opposition today is not intimidating and he’s worth another chance on top. (3) CAMP BADA came home 4^th but less than a length in arrears of the winner at this distance on March 31^st. From gate 3 she’s nicely drawn to get to the lead and can go even closer today. (4) ROAD WOMAN returned from almost four months off to run a good 2^nd first-up on April 6^th over 1000M. She’s run well at this distance in the past and is in the frame here. (1) YAHO M J CAT and (2) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK are others worth considering.

Selections	(11) Geuma Majesty (3) Camp Bada (4) Road Woman (1) Yaho M J Cat
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	3, 11, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens here and it’s one of the three debut-makers who might just be the one to beat. (4) MYEONGWANG certainly caught the eye when making all to win a trail in a fast time at the end of March and if he brings that kind of performance to the track, he’ll take some beating. Plenty of those with experience have shown promise too though. (3) CUPID YEOWANG ran a good 2^nd in an all-filly affair a month ago. She’s still learning but looks on the right track and can continue her progress today. (7) HANSEN BLADE was similarly green on debut last month but still did enough for 4^th and with improved manners should be closer here. (2) UTGE HAEJULGE and (9) JEONGSANG DREAM also come in following promising runs last time and can come under consideration.

Selections	(4) Myeongwang (3) Cupid Yeowang (7) Hansen Blade (2) Utge Haejulge
Next Best	9, 10
Fast Start	2, 4, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive handicap here with a number of the main contenders up in class. (6) RED BLADE may still be a maiden and may be up in class, but he still has every chance of scoring here. He come in following back to back runner-up finishes behind good winners and dropped back to 1200M, can make his breakthrough. (7) BULUI QUEEN is similarly up in class after two runner-up finishes and while she looks to have a little more to find, she should be competitive. (11) HAWK HAENGJINGOK was a winner on debut over 1000M three weeks ago and the increase in both class and trip are things he should be able to handle. Among those who have tackled this level before, (1) NEUL PUREUN CAT, who returned from his latest effort slightly lame, and (4) DANGDAE JILJU, who needs a line drawn through her latest effort, look best.

Selections	(6) Red Blade (11) Hawk Haengjingok (7) Bului Queen (1) Neul Pureun Cat
Next Best	4, 9
Fast Start	1, 2, 7, 11

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) TOHAMSAN POWER has been consistently close in three starts at this level and comes in following a close at hand 5^th in a good race over 1300M last month. He’ll be on pace from the start and can return to the winner’s circle. (1) ILGAKSU actually beat Tohamsan Power back in January and he too is consistent. He stumbled at the start in his latest effort last month, putting him at an immediate disadvantage, so with a cleaner break, (more…)

May’s racing kicks off on Friday at Busan where there are 9 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A filly-maiden to begin with (2) KAHEKILI ran a very solid 2^nd on debut a month ago and Peter Wolsley’s filly looks very much the one to beat on reappearance today. She led for much of that race and should do so again and is this time unlikely to be caught. (7) VEGA THUNDER is the danger, having beaten four of these on her own debut the same day. She started at odds of 90/1 that day but will be given much more respect this time. (10) MILLION BEAT was 3^rd in that same race and can build on it here while (9) QUEEN OF ADELE and (11) YEONGGWANGUI KISS are others who have shown improvement recently and could go close.

Selections	(2) Kahekili (7) Vega Thunder (11) Yeonggwangui Kiss (9) Queen Of Adele
Next Best	10, 3
Fast Start	2, 8, 10

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

A maiden for three-year-olds with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) YEONGGWANGUICHEON debuted all the way back last June and looked very promising running in a 2^nd and a 3^rd from 2 starts. He then had some setbacks but returns here having looked very good in an April trial and if he can bring that form to the races, will have a serious chance first-up. (8) GRAND YEONGUNG ran an improved 3^rd at this distance on his own return from three months off and can continue to improve here while (3) HUSE JEWANG and (11) AUTO SONIC are others with scope to get better. The one they’ll need to beat though is one of the first-timers. (6) HANSEN DREAM looked very capable in trials, is drawn well to get on pace from the gate and could well make a successful start.

Selections	(7) Yeonggwanguicheon (6) Hansen Dream (8) Grand Yeongung (3) Huse Jewang
Next Best	11, 10
Fast Start	6, 7

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

(8) EVER CHAMPION ran 4^th on debut at this distance on March 22^nd. He was beaten ten-lengths by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he can be winning sooner rather than later and looks the one to beat here. (7) TITLE CODE returned from four months off to run a solid 4^th  at the end of March and looks set to go better here, while (11) SPICE ROCK and (6) MAX POWER came home 3^rd and 4^th respectively when they raced each other at this distance three weeks ago and both can aim to at least match that today. (2) SUNDAY GLORY raced five times last year without success but returns here after five months off looking in good shape following an April trial win.

Selections	(8) Ever Champion (7) Title Code (2) Sunday Glory (11) Spice Rock
Next Best	6, 5
Fast Start	9

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

Not the strongest of maidens here and that makes (9) DOCTOR MIMI a warm favourite to make the breakthrough. She’s run well at this trip in the past and steps back up following a good 3^rd over 1300M last start. She’s not a front-runner but shouldn’t be too far away and can win. (11) ALBERT KING was beaten by Doctor Mimi when they raced each other over this trip at the beginning of March, but he too comes in having run well when dropped back in trip last time out. He’ll come from off the pace and finish strongly. (12) RINGING FLYING was 4^th behind Albert King on his latest start and can go close again while (1) EL DRAGON and (10) POWERFUL PIT are others in the frame.

Selections	(9) Doctor Mimi (11) Albert King (12) Ringing Flying (10) Powerful Pit
Next Best	1, 6
Fast Start	12

Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) RAPIDO MAN is a winner of two from four so far and is up in class following his latest score which was a comfortable victory over 1300M on April 14^th. He’s up in distance to a mile for the first time too but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t suit, and he can lead from the start. (6) BRAVE KINGDOM too takes on a mile for the first time. He registered his maiden win at this class over 1300M last month and can be a threat here. (5) CURLIN FANTASY is yet to win in thirteen attempts but has done his best work at this distance, just missing out by a nose in February, and should go close again. (4) GRAY STORM and (more…)

The second leg of the Sprint Series takes place at Busan on Sunday and it’s set to be a big one as New Legend, five-for-five in Korea, takes on Doraonpgyeongseon and a host of top sprinters in the Busan Ilbo Cup (KOR G3) over 1200M. It’s the first leg of the 2019 Sprint Series which concludes with the Korea Sprint International race in September. There are 6 races at Busan on Sunday from 12:40 to 17:10 as well as a full program at Seoul with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Race-by-race is below along with horse-by-horse for the big race:

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

Three-year-old maidens to kick things off and nice and competitive it is too. The pick is (9) ROYAL GHOST, 3^rd in both her starts so far and only narrowly defeated in a tight three-way finish last time out. (2) GEUMSUNI STAR has a 3^rd and a pair of 4ths from his latest three and while all three times he’s been quite far back, his times at this distance have been decent and he has potential for more. (10) MANSEOK JIGI ran a couple of times at the end of last year and hinted at ability. He looked very solid when trialling up two weeks ago and can be considered first-up. As can the solitary debut-maker (11) CHUNGDAM HORANGI. He impressed in his heat and should do well here.

Selections	(9) Royal Ghost (11) Chungdam Horangi (2) Geumsuni Star (10) Manseok Jigi
Next Best	4, 7
Fast Start	4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(9) CHEONNYEONUI BI ran on well for an improved 3^rd place over 1300M four weeks ago and steps up in trip to two-turns for the first time with solid claims to get her maiden win. She’ll go back at the start and the extra trip should suit. (1) LUCKY FACTORY, (11) INDIAN BOSS and (5) BINNANEUN RUBY filled out 3^rd to 5^th when they raced each other at this distance on March 23^rd and all three will have placing designs here. (12) CHOEGANG PARTY looked good when trialling last week and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip.

Selections	(9) Cheonnyeonui Bi (1) Lucky Factory (11) Indian Boss (12) Choegang Party
Next Best	5, 8
Fast Start	1, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Four of these raced each other at class and distance on March 23^rd and they filled out the top four places. (8) CHANGE MAKER was the one who came out on top that day, finishing well to score by half a length and he must accordingly be respected here. (5) HWANSANG STAR was 2^nd, registering his third consecutive runner-up finish and he too should be in the hunt again. Favourite that day though was (1) MIGHTY M. It was his first try at the distance and he should have come on for having run well in 3^rd. He is given another chance as top pick here. (2) PALA STAY was 4^th in that race and can aim to match or better that here while among the ones who didn’t go that day, (7) DAEGUNUI GIL looks best

Selections	(1) Mighty M (5) Hwansang Star (8) Change Maker (2) Pala Stay
Next Best	7, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 5

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

Having scored his maiden win over 1000M in February, (3) BUCKETFUL GOLD ran a good 2^nd on his first try at class and distance on March 24^th. He should have come on for that and can go one better today. It won’t be easy though. (8) DIXIE AGAIN was an eye-catching winner on debut last month, scoring by six-lengths over this distance. He’s up in class today but looks very competitive. (2) EX BLADE also steps up after a gutsy win, again at this trip on March 31^st and should be in the hunt as well. (9) VICAR BRACING was a mildly disappointing 4^th when favourite two weeks ago but gets another chance here with Moon Se Young keeping faith, while (11) MAPAEBONG comes in with his most recent form reading well and can go close too.

Selections	(3) Bucketful Gold (8) Dixie Again (9) Vicar Bracing (2) Ex Blade
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 1 Selections: 1, 9, 2, 10

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

(8) HORSE QUEEN led for much of the way around at class and distance on March 24^th only to be denied by a nose on the line. The Testa Matta filly will be on pace again today and this time can get home in front. Joining her on the early pace is principal danger (5) SLING STONE. He too narrowly missed out last time but has won well at this distance before and should go close. (1) CHEON GOE SEONG remains a maiden but is up in class after a close 2^nd place last start and should be competitive. (6) YEOKDAE CHOEGO, 4^th behind Horse Queen last start, and (10) STRIDE UP, are others who should be in the frame.

Selections	(8) Horse Queen (5) Sling Stone (1) Cheon Goe Seong (6) Yeokdae Choego
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) SUCCESS PARTY won on debut at this distance the tail-end of last year but was disqualified when passing the line 1^st on his second start in January. He ran 4^th in Busan’s Classic trial in March and dropped back slightly in trip today, he’s going to be a strong favourite. (6) ROSA remains winless in six attempts but has plenty of near misses and should be aiming for at least a fourth runner-up finish today while (7) JUNGKKOT is an up and comer who should have progressed from a 4^th place on her first try at this distance a month ago. (8) FOREVER NINE and (10) HAPPY KOREA are the others with serious placing claims.

Selections	(5) Success Party (6) Rosa (8) Forever Nine (10) Happy Korea
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	5, 6

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

Really competitive race with lots coming off last start maiden wins. (5) YEONGHWAS FLYING was perhaps the most impressive of them, although both (7) DIA STORM and (9) WINNER CROWN also have solid cases in that regard. All three should be firmly in the frame today. Winner Crown will aim to lead from the gate as will (1) ROYAL BRONZE, who already has experience at this level and ran a good 3^rd second-up on April 7^th. On the subject of experience, (6) PARTY POWER races for the fiftieth time today and while a win looks unlikely, the mare is more than capable of finding the money in this company.

Selections	(7) Dia Storm (5) Yeonghwas Flying (9) Winner Crown (1) Royal Bronze
Next Best	6, 3
Fast Start	1, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) TOHAM ACE has finished no worse than 4^th in six outings so far and is up in class having been on target over this distance last month. He made all that day and can do the same again here. (2) SANGSEUNG DAEHAN was a winner at this class and distance on March 24^th. It was his maiden win on his twelfth start, and he is carrying an additional 3kg today, but he warrants respect. As does (11) EAST WIND, who was 2^nd in that race, continuing a run of placing finishes. (6) VEGA KHAN and (9) MYEONGSIN POWER are others who can be expected to be close.

Selections	(1) Toham Ace (2) Sangseung Daehan (11) East Wind (9) Myeongsin Power
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) GONG SAN comes in off the back of two consecutive runner-up finishes, both at class and distance. She’s not a fast starter so she may need a little bit of luck in running, but she’s the class filly of the race and can win this time. (5) ACE SOLONGO beat a couple of these on her way to 2^nd place at class and distance on March 30^th and looks to be the main danger today although the up in class (8) MUNG CHI, (more…)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Jockey Lee Hyeon-jong returns from national service. Here are the previews.

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

Not the strongest of maidens to kick things off with and that could give (1) CARROT SEEKER the chance to finally make his breakthrough. He’s run well enough for 4^th in his latest two outings, both at this distance, and has as good a chance as any here. (2) DALLINEUN UNGJI comes in following a 2^nd place finish in his most recent start and steps back up in distance today looking the main danger. He’s likely to be on the lead early alongside (10) I’M HAPPY and (6) CHEONHA YEOJE who came home 3^rd and 5^th respectively when they raced each other over 1000M on March 10^th and should be in the hunt as well. (8) IL MARE looks best of the rest.

Selections	(1) Carrot Seeker (2) Dallineun Ungji (10) I’m Happy (6) Cheonha Yeoje
Next Best	8, 4
Fast Start	2, 6, 9, 10

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

Maiden fillies only here. (2) SEOUL CITY improved on what was her second career start over this distance on March 24^th, running 3^rd and she won’t need to get much better in order to win what is a weak affair. The same is true for (7) HWANGGEUM DOYAJI, who ran 5^th on debut in a different race on the same day, having started poorly, and (12) CHODONG BOBAE, who returns for the first time since last autumn when she registered back to back 4^th place finishes. She was slow in a trial last month but couldn’t ask for a softer race to return in. It’s also a nice race to debut in and Simon Foster’s (10) KOOKA CAT won a trial at the end of March and could go well first-up today.

Selections	(7) Hwanggeum Doyaji (10) Kooka Cat (2) Seoul City (12) Chodong Bobae
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 10

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

More maiden fillies but this heat looks a little stronger. (1) RUNNUNG BOX ran 2^nd on debut over 1300M behind a colt who went on to win again last week. From the inside gate he should be on pace from the start and is favoured to go one better today. (4) SEONGPAJANG too finished runner-up on debut a month ago and while she has a little more to find, she’ll be on pace as well and could go close. (12) GEOM HYANG improved significantly on her second start three weeks ago, running a close 3^rd and can build on that momentum today while (2) GOLDEN JAY and first-time starter (6) COLORS WING are others who can be considered.

Selections	(1) Runnung Box (12) Geom Hyang (4) Seongpajang (6) Colors Wing
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 7

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

More fillies all this time it’s not a maiden. (2) UDAERYUNG was a winner on debut in January and has since run 5^th and 3^rd in two starts at this level, the latest of which was over this distance on March 23^rd. She’ll aim to lead here and is the one to beat. (10) INDY LADY has also proven herself effective at this level with a 2^nd and a 3^rd place from her two most recent. She’s run best when making all so if she can overcome the wide draw, has solid claims to go close. (3) GENERAL ROSE is up in class having registered her maiden win with a five-length score at this distance last month She’ll need more improvement in this company but has potential. (4) MASYA and (7) SILVER LION, the latter and improved 2^nd behind a very good winner last time, look best of the rest.

Selections	(2) Udaeryung (10) Indy Lady (3) General Rose (7) Silver Lion
Next Best	4, 5
Fast Start	2, 7, 8, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) ACTIMON ran 2^nd in a decent race at class and distance on March 24^th, coming form off the pace to finish strongly. There will likely be similar tactics today and he can go one better. (7) EONEU MEOTJIN NAL ran 4^th in that race, a couple of lengths in arrears. Jockey Moon Se Young gets on Actimon this time but there’s a more than adequate replacement in Alan Munro and he can get closer today. (2) GEUMA ANNUITY comes in having run 2^nd in both his latest two outings. He’ll be on the early speed here but may (more…)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(2) USEUNG STORY has been close in each of his latest three, running on well for 3^rd last time out in a slightly stronger race than this. He can set up camp behind the early speed here and come through strongly late on. (4) GRAND JILJU will be on pace from the start. He was an improved 2^nd at this distance last time out a month ago and should be dangerous today. (3) FUNKY steps up in trip following some near-misses at 1000M while (8) GIDAEHAE and (9) HAPPY GATE are others who have shown some competency and can be in the hunt for money here.

Selections	(2) Useung Story (4) Grand Jilju (8) Gidaehae (3) Funky
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 12

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

(7) NUMBER ONE STAR ran 2^nd on debut at this distance on March 22^nd. He’s from the track’s top stable, should have come on for the run, and is the one to beat here. (9) MATCH WINNER has a 3^rd and a 2^nd from two outings so far, both at this distance and both times in reasonably company. He’ll be on speed from the gate and can go close again. (12) NAEGA SAEGANGJA has finished no worse than 4^th in four starts to date. He ran 4^th behind Number One Star last time out and while he has a bit to find if he is to win, he can maintain his record today. (8) TWO TWO SIMON and (10) TURBO SPEED are others in the placing hunt.

Selections	(7) Number One Star (9) Match Winner (12) Naega Saegangja (8) Two Two Simon
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	8, 9, 11, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens here with five first-time starters among the field. (4) MAJOR PUNCH has raced just the once, all the way back last September. She ran well too, finishing 3^rd and did enough to be entered for a big juvenile race later in the month. She didn’t make it there but returns today having won a trial in good order at the end of March and could well be the one to beat. (2) TOHAM IMPACT ran well at this distance in February and while she had a hard time at 1300M on her return last month, should be better today. (10) RAINBOW PARK has run 4^th in both outings so far and can aim to match or better that here. Of the first-timers, (7) FAMILY SONG and (8) TOHAM STAR look the best at this stage.

Selections	(4) Major Punch (2) Toham Impact (8) Toham Star (7) Family Song
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(8) RAON TOWN ran 2^nd on debut over 1300M on March 29^th, running on nicely. The extended trip today should suit and he’s the one to beat. (2) DANDI QUEEN was 3^rd in that same race. She was a full five-lengths adrift but came from well back and is another who may well appreciate the opportunity to stretch out in distance. (6) ROYAL TICKET has only narrowly missed out in his latest two, both at the distance and he should be close again while (9) SINHEUNG BULPAE was a much improved 2^nd when stepped up to this distance last start and while this is tougher, can run well once more. (4) HAENGBOK KOREA looks best of the rest.

Selections	(8) Raon Town (2) Dandi Queen (6) Royal Ticket (9) Sinheung Bulpae
Next Best	4, 10
Fast Start	5, 6

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

(5) MUJEOK VETERAN is two starts into a comeback and showed enough when 5^th in stiff company last time out to suggest his form is improving and he’s not far away from (more…)

On the day his rival Dolkong landed back in Korea, Cheongdam Dokki put down a marker by returning to the winner’s circle in emphatic style as he successfully retained the Herald Business Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Dolkong, winner of the Curlin Handicap and 3^rd in the Al Maktoum Challenge R3 at the Dubai World Cup Carnival before being well-beaten in the World Cup itself, has somewhat usurped Cheongdam Dokki, who has both beaten and been beaten by since in several meetings since they started racing each other as juveniles in 2016. The returning hero touched down at Incheon Airport early Sunday morning and was safely ensconced in his quarantine stall by the time the Herald Business came under orders on a sunny Spring afternoon.

Making his second start for trainer Luigi Riccardi and piloted by Antonio Da Silva, the five-year-old Cheongdam Dokki was sent off a prohibitive favourite for the 2000M Listed event. He duly obliged, putting his rivals to the sword in the back straight before cruising home for an easy five-length victory.

After finishing 2nd in the Grand Prix Stakes in December, Cheongdam Dokki had three months off and moved barns in the process. He wasn’t at his best on his return in the Owners’ Association Trophy over 1200M a month ago but looked on fine form here, registering a fast time for the distance under 59kg. The up and comer Moonhak Chief ran 2nd, just pipping Shamrocker.

It was a thirteenth win for Cheongdam Dokki on his twenty-second career start. He had only once run faster at the distance, when winning the KRA Cup Classic in 2017, but that was when carrying just 55kg.  It was faster than any of Triple Nine’s four President’s Cup wins and in big races, only Dongnanui Gangja, in the Owner’s Cup in 2009 (when that race was at 2000M), has actually gone quicker and that mark is still the track record – but the track was wet and fast that day.

Cheongdam Dokki is back in serious business.

 

A year ago, Cheongdam Dokki added the Herald Business Trophy to the list of races he had usurped Clean Up Joy as holder of on his way to becoming the highest rated horse at Seoul. On Sunday, it’s his turn to defend as he faces seven rivals in this year’s renewal of the Listed 2000M race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 (Busan Selections at bottom):

If he fails, it will be a surprise. Cheongdam Dokki rounded out 2018 with a game but ultimately failed attempt to take the big domestic race that still eludes him, when he was 2^nd in the Grand Prix Stakes. He was then moved to the stable of Italian trainer Luigi Riccardi and had three months off before returning to action in the Owners’ Cup in March. Dropped back to 1200M, he only managed 5^th place as Silver Wolf took the honours but he should make no mistake this time.

The main danger is Moonhak Chief. 6^th in last year’s Grand Prix, he has begun his four-year-old campaign in fine style with back-to-back class 1 victories over 2000M, both times beating Shamrocker, who returns for another crack here. He has the potential to be one of the year’s break-out stars but may not be ready to beat Cheongdam Dokki just yet.

As for Shamrocker, now six-years-old, he’s spent his career chasing first Clean Up Joy and then Cheongdam Dokki on his way to racking up nine runner-up finishes. A good solid horse in his own right, he will surely be there or thereabouts in terms of the places on Sunday, although a win is a longshot.

As for the rest, Road Winner is a winner of seven from eleven but while he won back to back class 1 races around the turn of the year, he was well back in the Grand Prix Stakes and is yet to prove himself in true elite company. The nine-year-old Wonder Bolt, Asia Challenge Cup winner back in 2015 also goes around one more time. Though he has lost a yard of pace, he is still capable of running into the minor money.

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

A maiden for three-year-olds to kick things off. (4) CHOEGANG MAGIC debuted with a solid 4^th place over this distance on March 23^rd and Luigi Riccardi’s colt looks to have solid claims to break through today. (11) GABO PULL QUEEN ran on well for 3^rd over 1000M on debut and steps up in trip today with it likely to suit. Moon Se Young taking over on board won’t do any harm either. (3) SPADE MASHIE ran nicely on debut in February and looked decent in a trial two weeks ago. He’ll likely be on the early pace and it’s not impossible he could go all the way while (10) BLUE BAND was a useful 5^th on debut and can build on it today. Of the three debut-makers, (2) SMART GUNHWANG looked the best in trials.

Selections	(4) Choegang Magic (3) Spade Mashie (11) Gabo Pull Queen (10) Blue Band
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	3, 5, 10

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

More three-year-old maidens and (2) BLACK WINGWING looks ready to win. She has two 3^rd places among four starts so far, both at this distance and from gate 2, should be leading from the start. She’ll be joined on pace by principal danger, (1) BORN ANGEL, who already has a 2^nd place to his name and comes in following a solid 3^rd last time. (7) LA VIE EST BELLE struggled over 1300M in both his latest outings but should be much more comfortable today dropped back in trip. (4) CHEONSE MANSE and (5) GOLD PERILLA are others in the hunt.

Selections	(2) Black Wingwing (1) Born Angel (7) La Vie Est Belle (5) Gold Perilla
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	1, 2, 5

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

(3) ACHIEVE made all to score by a full seven-lengths on debut back in January. He has a couple of injury setbacks since then and returns up in class, but he has enough ability to win again. It won’t be easy though. (1) BLUE FIRE remains a maiden after nine attempts but has proven competitive at this level and comes in after a good 3^rd in a similar race to this last start. He’ll be on pace early and could make his breakthrough today. (2) SUPER YEOWANG got her maiden win last June and then wasn’t seen for eight months. She’s registered a 4^th and a 5^th in two starts back and should be in the frame for more improvement today. (10) CHOWON MARU and (11) P.K.JEONSA, up in class after finishing 1^st and 2^nd over this distance at class 6 a month ago, should both be competitive too.

Selections	(3) Achieve (1) Blue Fire (2) Super Yeowang (10) Chowon Maru
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 11

Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) MYEONGJIN MAN just missed out by a neck when 2^nd at class and distance on March 23^rd. It was his first try around two-turns; it seemed to suit, and he can go one better today. Plenty of others enter off the back of good results. (4) DAE BYEONHWA and (7) STAR LIST came home 3^rd and 4^th when they raced each other over 1300M on March 30^th. The latter steps up to this trip for the first time but both look capable here. (3) LUCKY BONGHWA remains a maiden but ran a strong class and distance 3^rd a month ago and is perhaps the biggest threat to the top pick, likely trying to lead early. (12) SZERENCSE another in the hunt.

Selections	(5) Myeongjin Man (3) Lucky Bonghwa (4) Dae Byeonhwa (7) Star List
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 7

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

(8) HAMBAK MISO finished 2^nd, beaten a head, in a very tight finish at class and distance on March 23^rd. It was a good performance and he is favoured to come from off the pace to win here. (1) STORMY and (7) MIGHTY MAMBO came home 4^th and 5^th respectively in that same race, just over a length behind Hambak Miso and both have claims to go well today. Mighty Mambo actually beat Hambak Miso at the distance in February. The main danger though could be (3) TAP LUCK. It took him a couple of goes to figure things out but he’s up in class and in distance today following a commanding four-length win over 1300M in February and looks to have potential for more.

Selections	(8) Hambak Miso (3) Tap Luck (1) Stormy (7) Mighty Mambo
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	1, 3, 4

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

(2) MONSTER QUEEN and (1) JEJUI HEUKSEON finished 4^th and 5^th respectively with just a neck between them when they raced each other at class and distance on March 17^th. (more…)

Racing returns to Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(10) HOPE KINGDOM has a best of 2^nd which came at this distance in February. He comes in having run 5^th in a much stiffer contest than this last time and will take some beating here. (6) FLOWER ROAD has improved across three starts so far and has scope for more development while (9) CHEONGDAM JEPAE has been knocking on the door for some time now and shouldn’t be far away. (2) CHOEGANG DIA and (4) HAWK ARIRANG are others who can improve.

Selections	(10) Hope Kingdom (6) Flower Road (9) Cheongdam Jepae (2) Choegang Dia
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	2, 6, 9, 12

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

After a strong of 4^th place finishes, (2) NEW PARADIGM improved to 2^nd last start in an all-filly race at this distance. She’s nicely drawn to get on pace here and could well lead all the way. She’ll be joined at the front by (1) SEMYEONG STORM, who ran a close at hand 4^th on what was just his second outing three weeks ago and he looks primed for more improvement here, as does (9) CHEONJI POKPUNG, who has come close in each of his three latest efforts. (3) PRIVATE MAN and (6) BEST SINHWA are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(2) New Paradigm (1) Semyeong Storm (9) Cheonji Pokpung (3) Private Man
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	1, 2, 6

Race 3: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After two 3^rd place finishes, (4) SIMJANGUI GODONG got his maiden win at the third time of asking, scoring by a length over 1300M on March 24^th. He’s up in class and distance today but neither should be a problem and he can make it two in a row. It took (2) NANGMAN STAR twenty-six attempts to get his first win, which he final did last start. It was at this class and distance and while he carries an extra couple if kilos today, a repeat is not impossible. (10) FLYING JOY comes in with recent form reading well and should go close while (1) GALAXY PEACE, another up in class and distance after a maiden win, and (11) BULHUUI MYOENGGOG, are others in the hunt.

Selections	(4) Simjangui Godong (2) Nangman Star (10) Flying Joy (1) Galaxy Peace
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	4, 10

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

(8) BLACK PARTY registered her maiden win at the fourth attempt with a front-running performance over 1300M a month ago. She’s up in class here but the stable is in form and a repeat looks on the cards here. (3) LUMINESCE was just beaten out by a nose at this distance in February before running 5^th on his latest effort. He can come from just off the pace here and should be a threat. (2) TRI THUNDER usually runs into one or two too quick but can hold her own at this level while (1) CHOM NIA and (4) BOLD NINER are placing chances too.

Selections	(8) Black Party (3) Luminesce (4) Bold Niner (2) Tri Thunder
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	6, 7, 8

Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Fillies and mares only. Four of these raced each other at class and distance on March 17^th and it was (2) YORI JORI who finished the best of the in 2^nd place, albeit twelve-lengths behind a strong winner. She was almost 40/1 that day but will warrant more respect today. That said, (6) EMORY SOCKS has a decent shout at overturning that form. He should be looking to get to the front early here and if he can do that, he can win. (1) SOULY MAJESTIC was an also-ran that day but has potential to improve. Among those that didn’t go in that race, (8) JOUNIGA and (9) SEOUL QUEEN look to be the best.

Selections	(6) Emory Socks (8) Jouniga (2) Yori Jori (1) Souly Majestic
Next Best	9, 4
Fast Start	5, 6, 11, 12

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

(3) NIMUI HYANGGI has won two of his latest three to be rapidly promoted to this level. He made all both times and while this is a stiffer task, he could well be equal to it. It’s a (more…)