There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00 including a big class 1 handicap featuring Stakes winners Road Winner and Sky Bay. Here are the previews:

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

(3) JEMA TEUKGEUP ran a very close 2^nd on what was just her second career start on February 16^th. She was close to the pace throughout and is the pick to improve and win this today. (6) SINBU was 2^nd in that race on what was for her too a much-improved second start. She has four-lengths to make up and can get closer this time. (8) SIMON QUEEN was further back in that race, but it was her debut and she can build on it today. (5) GWACHEONUI BYEOL too got better on her latest start and can be in the frame. (7) QUEEN STREET was second on debut at the end of January and while this is a better race, a repeat isn’t impossible.

Selections	(3) Jema Teukgeup (6) Sinbu (5) Gwacheonui Byeol (7) Queen Street
Next Best	8, 4
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 6

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

Competitive race here. (5) BROWN ROSE got her maiden win at class and distance on February 2^nd coming from the middle of the pack to score by half a length. She carries a bit more weight today but could repeat. (3) RAON KEVIN was stepped up to 1300M for his first try at this level back in January but despite leading for much of the way, he weakened badly in the final furlong. Back down in trip today and following eight weeks off, he should be much better this time. He’ll be setting the early pace along with (4) OK DEURIM whose form maybe turning for the better after an encouraging 4^th last time. The experienced (1) PARTY POWER is another who could go close in company likely this.

Selections	(5) Brown Rose (3) Raon Kevin (4) Ok Deurim (1) Party Power
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	3, 4

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

Another small but competitive heat of this class 5 handicap. (5) ACE TRIPLE was a good winner over the distance on a very wet track six weeks ago. He’s up in class today but should be on pace once more and he can repeat. (7) SEMYEONG GISANG is up in class too having scored in similar fashion last time and while he perhaps has a bit more to find, is firmly in the hunt as well. (6) WINT SEVEN never really recovered from a bit of bumping at the start on his latest outing and can go better today. (1) LAO JIN is one start into a comeback following five months off and can improve here. (3) QUEEN FORCE ONE is another who got a bad trip on her last start and could be better here.

Selections	(5) Ace Triple (1) Lao Jin (7) Semyeong Gisang (6) Wint Seven
Next Best	3
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens only here. (3) CHEONJI POKPUNG has been figuring things out in his latest two and while he was beaten seven-lengths into 2^nd by a good winner a month ago, today could be his day. He’s well drawn to lead early and can go all the way. (8) GALAXY PEACE got a bad trip last time but still overcame it for an improved 5^th on what was her first try at this distance and she may have more progress in her today. (4) DAE YEONGWANG has been knocking at the door for some time now and shouldn’t be too far away while (1) MASON, who stumbled at the start last time but still ran well, and (7) VICTORY KING are others who can at least compete for places.

Selections	(3) Cheonji Pokpung (8) Galaxy Peace (4) Dae Yongwang (7) Victory King
Next Best	1, 2
Fast Start	2, 3

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

(1) DAEGUNUI CHANG has a 3^rd and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far and he is the pick to make his breakthrough here. From the inside gate, he can get on pace early and can go all the way. (5) WORLD STARK looks to be the main danger. He was narrowly beaten in 2^nd place in a tight three-way finish on January 26^th at this distance and has every chance of pushing on today. (7) DAEGUNUI GEOM was sent up to 1700M for his latest start but got a dreadful start and was scarcely involved. He had previously shown some ability though and can be better here. (10) KEY FACTOR and (11) PREEM VISION are others who have shown enough to suggest they can be competitive.

Selections	(1) Daegunui Chang (5) World Stark (10) Key Factor (11) Preem Vision
Next Best	7, 4
Fast Start	1, 7

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

A mixture of locally bred horses who have won their way up from class 6 against still untested imports. Of the locals, (6) BEST CHAPEL is up in class having run a solid 2^nd over this distance at domestic class 5 in January. He’s had nine weeks off since then and can go one better here. (11) GREEN K has won three times already but after going cold at the turn of the year finds herself down in class today. She did though look good when winning a trial last month and today could suit. Among the imports, (9) THE SPIKER is (more…)

While Sunday will see the first Group race of the season in Korea when Cheongdam Dokki and Silver Wolf are among thirteen lining up for the G3 Seoul Owners’ Association Trophy, before that, one of last year’s Classic winners, Divide Wind, will make his return to action at Busan on Friday. There are 11 Friday races from 11:30 to 18:00.

Having won the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup last March, Divide Wind went on to claim victory in the first leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile in April. However, after finishing 4th to Ecton Blade in the Korean Derby in Seoul the following month, his season was over with a serious tendon injury. He came back into training around the turn of this year and has completed three official trials prior to taking his chance in race 10 on Friday, a class 2 handicap over 1400M. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies kick us off and (10) ACE BOOM has improved across four starts so far and ran in a good 2^nd place at the distance on February 15^th. She won’t need to improve much to win this. (5) QUEEN OF ADELE looks the only plausible danger. She ran an improved 3^rd last time out and with a good start could cause some problems for the favourite. (4) QUEEN OF HEART too looks to be figuring things out and is another who can continue to make progress here. (2) TWO TWO SIMON and (11) TOUGH KHAN should be in the placing hunt.

Selections	(10) Ace Boom (5) Queen Of Adele (4) Queen Of Heart (11) Tough Khan
Next Best	2, 9
Fast Start	4, 5, 10, 11

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

(4) TAMNA LIST wasn’t especially well fancied on debut on February 22^nd but ran very promisingly indeed, finishing 3^rd over this trip. That wasn’t a bad race at all and while she was well-beaten by the winner, with a bit of improvement, she can win here. (9) TRUE VALOR has also looked competent across two starts so far, both at this distance. He’s a half-brother of prolific winner Sart Valor and surely has a win in him before too long. (1) USEUNG JIKIMI and (6) GRAND JILJU have both hinted at ability and can challenge for places. There are two first-time starters and of them (2) PARTY LION looked the part in trials, running 3^rd in a quick heat in early February. There’s a top jockey aboard and he should go very well first-up.

Selections	(4) Tamna List (9) True Valor (2) Party Lion (1) Useung Jikimi
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	1, 2, 6

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

(3) SILVER BEST comes in off a career-best 3^rd place (dead-heating) at this distance on February 15^th. He came from well off the pace that day and he may need some look here but with a good trip, he can step up and win. (9) FOX COLORING never threatened and only managed to finish 6^th when favourite over a mile four weeks ago. He was 2^nd on his last try at this distance, albeit in weaker company than this, and he should be a threat today. (10) NEW QUEEN showed a big uptick in form last time out, running 2^nd at this distance and while this is slightly stiffer, she can build on it here while the Bart Rice pair of (1) CRYSTAL ROSE and (6) FUSION PARK looks to be the others in the hunt with the latter possibly set to make the early running.

Selections	(3) Silver Best (9) Fox Coloring (6) Fusion Park (1) Crystal Rose
Next Best	10, 12
Fast Start	6, 11, 12

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

(6) HALLA HWANGHU is up in class having secured his maiden win at the fourth time of asking at this distance a month ago. He’ll be on pace here again and can follow straight up. (2) GHOST RIDER shapes to be the main danger. He’s never been worse than 4^th in four starts far and actually beat Halla Hwanghu over 1000M back in December. He was 3^rd behind two promising ones last time and has a chance. (9) MORNING BRAVO is yet to win but has finished no worse than 3^rd in his latest five outings. He can maintain both of those records today. (3) B.K. UNO and (7) ACE CRUSH, the latter up in class following a battling win over 1000M, are others in the hunt.

Selections	(6) Halla Hwanghu (2) Ghost Rider (9) Morning Bravo (7) Ace Crush
Next Best	3, 1
Fast Start	6, 9, 10

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

(4) FRIDAY did little on debut last summer and wasn’t seen again for six months. He returned in February, a gelding, and promptly won over this distance. He’s up in class today but can be expected to have progressed and is the one they’ll need to beat here. (3) SUMMIT TODAY is next best. He didn’t do too much wrong when running 6^th in similar company at this distance at the end of January and should improve for it here. (8) DAMYANG CHOEGANG is up in class off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes and can be competitive at this level. (1) TOWER CAPTAIN and (6) JAESAENGMYEONGNI look best of the rest.

Selections	(4) Friday (3) Summit Today (8) Damyang Choegang (1) Tower Captain
Next Best	6, 9
Fast Start	4, 8, 9

Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Competitive race. (9) STORM GOLD gets the verdict by virtue of two runner-up finishes in two starts so far this year, both at today’s trip. He’ll want to get close to the speed from the start and if he can do that, he is the one to beat. (7) JEONGSU SIDAE is up in class (more…)

The first leg of the 2019 Korean Triple Crown is less than a month away with the KRA Cup Mile going to post at Busan on Sunday April 7^th and with trials having been run at both Busan and Seoul this past weekend, potential contenders for that race and further down the line, May’s Korean Derby, are starting to come into focus.

Last year’s champion juvenile King Socks is yet to make an appearance as a three-year-old and remains spelled at Jangsu Stud Farm, where he has been since winning the Breeders’ Cup at the beginning of December. In his absence, several others have been building up their credentials, including Dae Wan Ma, the filly who ran 2^nd in that Breeders’ Cup race and who toughed out a gutsy victory in the Listed Sports Seoul Cup in the Capital on Sunday.

Winner of the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup in October, Dae Wan Ma began her year struggling over 1700M but back down to seven-furlongs she proved too strong, getting the best of a tight three-way finish that also involved Wonderful Fly and Gaon Force. While the Oaks looks the most winnable target for Dae Wan Ma, she looks in good shape for a serious Cup Mile tilt. Wonderful Fly was just a head back in 2^nd place, his first defeat on his third start, while Gaon Force is already a winner at 1700M and has plenty of promise.

Finding the distance a touch too short perhaps was Myeongpum Chukje in 4^th place. He was 3^rd in the Breeders’ Cup and is already a class 4 winner over 1700M, making him perhaps the furthest along of all Seoul’s contenders. Meanwhile the fastest finisher in the field was the 5^th placed Wonderful Evil, a stablemate of Dae Wan Ma in Seo In Seok’s barn. He is yet to truly convince though.

Last year, the winner of Busan’s Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup, Divide Wind, went on to claim the Cup Mile too. This year it was always set to be an open affair with seven of the eleven runners starting at single digit odds on the local tote. Ultimately, on a soaking wet track, few clues were offered although the manner of Yeonggwangui Secret’s victory puts him right in the Classic frame. A 7/1 chance, he came home late and wide under big-race jockey Lim Sung-sil to win by a length-and-a-half from Mighty Power.

The Bart Rice-trained Good Dancer came home in 3^rd place and while a previous attempt at a mile didn’t go well, that run has put him back into the conversation. Success Party, who began the race as slight favourite, came home in 4^th while the well-backed Gabo Day could only manage 7^th. There was no joy at all for top trainer Kim Young-kwan. With King Socks away on the farm, his pair of Power Touch and Deep Mind could only manage to finish 9^th and 10^th respectively. However, Kim also trains Glitter, a colt who has won over a mile already and last and who one race earlier on Sunday ran 3^rd over 1800M at class 3.

It’s Classic trial Sunday at both Seoul & Busan with the Sports Seoul Trophy in the capital (where there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and the Gyeongam Shinmun Cup down South (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). Here are the previews (Busan selections below):

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

(8) GAL IP has finished no worse than 4^th in four starts so far and dropping back down to 1000M today, she really should make her breakthrough. She’ll be on pace early and can lead all the way. (3) I’M HAPPY and (4) FULL MOON OCEAN raced each other last time out and both have offered some hints of ability. They can challenge for places here. (5) SANGGAM CHEONGJA went well on debut at this distance and can do better than he did over 1300M last start. (10) CHEONHA YEOJE improved to 3^rd place at 1300M three weeks ago and could potentially repeat here.

Selections	(8) Gal Ip (4) Full Moon Ocean (3) I’m Happy (5) Sanggam Cheongja
Next Best	10, 7
Fast Start	4, 5, 8

Race 2: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(7) LITTLE BOY FLASH comes in off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes at 1300M. The most recent of those was a dead-heat when running on well on a wet track a month ago. He’s the only one of these who tries the distance for the first time, but it may well suit and he can win. It certainly suited (9) EVER THE CHAMP, who stepped up to this trip six weeks ago to record his best finish so far, beating a couple of these on his way to 4^th. He should have come on for that and can beat plenty again. (4) TOGETHER HUG and (5) EAGLES GRIFTER have also shown some aptitude around two turns and may be considered for the places while the same is true of (8) MR. TURNER, who disappointed last time but was gong well prior to that and gets another chance here.

Selections	(7) Little Boy Flash (9) Ever The Champ (8) Mr. Turner (4) Together Hug
Next Best	5, 1
Fast Start	3, 5

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

(6) DOUBLE GOLD was a somewhat surprising winner (as in 47/1 surprising, surprising) at class and distance on February 2^nd. That was a big uptick in form and while he certainly warrants more respect today, we’ll go for that day’s runner-up (5) BLACK GINGA to overturn the form. She didn’t have the best of luck that day but still ran well, her recent form has been consistent, and she can finally make her breakthrough here. (9) SANGBIGUN has beaten Black Ginga as recently as January and the experienced six-year-old should be a threat here too. (3) BARAM KING and (7) FEATHER LIGHT, the latter up in both class and distance today, are others to consider.

Selections	(5) Black Ginga (9) Sangbigun (6) Double Gold (7) Feather Light
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	1, 7

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

(5) SLING STONE is up in class following a four-length win over this distance on February 2^nd. That was his maiden win on his fourth start, and it had been coming. He made all that day and is favoured to do similar here. (3) GEUP HAENG MA and (6) RAON DOLPUNG are both still maidens but both are competent at the distance and can go close here. (2) DOUBLE A ran a much-improved 3^rd when dropped back to this trip a month ago and can build on that today. (7) GOLD SEUTAK got a bad start last time and could improve today.

Selections	(5) Sling Stone (3) Geup Haeng Ma (6) Raon Dolpung (2) Double A
Next Best	7, 1
Fast Start	3, 4, 5

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

(8) RAYMOND still hasn’t crossed the line first in eight starts, his solitary win coming when he was promoted to 1^st after the “winner” was disqualified in a big juvenile race last September. He drops back in trip today following a decent 4^th over 1700M and this time can come home on top. (1) GEUMA ZENITH too drops back in trip. He was a winner last time he tried this distance in December and should go close again. (2) FULL MOON SKY had a hard time on his first try at this trip three weeks ago but hopefully learned a bit from it a can go better here. (5) HAEDEULMOE and (9) TAEPUNG EYES are others in the placing hunt.

Selections	(8) Raymond (1) Geuma Zenith (2) Full Moon Sky (5) Haedeulmoe
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	2, 5, 6

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

(12) GAENARI SONG is two for two and is up in class and in distance today. This is a significantly sterner test than he’s faced before but he looks to have plenty abut him. (more…)

It might be Super Saturday in Dubai but at Dolkong’s home track of Seoul there is plenty going on. 12 races in fact running from 10:45 to 18:00. Highlight looks to be the clash between up and comers Havana Charlie and Speed Joy in the concluding race 12.

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

(8) MUDO was just beaten a neck at this distance at the end of January. He’s improved across all three of his starts so far and with a bit more progress here, can come out on top. (12) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM and (1) LA VIE EST BELLE came home 4^th and 7^th when they raced each other at this distance a month ago with both capable of going better today. (4) CENTER POLE steps up in trip following an encouraging 4^th over 1000M three weeks ago and looks set for better here while (10) P.K. GUNJU ran in an encouraging 3^rd on back in December and returns here up in trip but with claims.

Selections	(8) Mudo (12) Cheonnyeonui Baram (10) P. K. Gunju (4) Center Pole
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	5, 10, 11, 12

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

Weak maiden here so we’re looking for something to step up. (4) STAR SOCKS is the only one of these who has manages a 2^nd place finished but that was almost a year ago. She’s not run at all since last November but if she runs to her best, she’s clearly capable. (11) TONGHAP SIDAE is the only other one in the field to have a top-three finish. She’s inconsistent but generally goes ok at this distance and can be a danger. (2) GEUMA INVNCIBLE was disappointing on debut at the end of January but the jockey booking will tempt plenty. (6) SINUI CHUKBOK and (9) LUXURY POWER are others who have offered glimpses of ability. This may be a case of watching the market for clues.

Selections	(9) Luxury Power (6) Sinui Chukbok (2) Geuma Invincible (11) Tonghap Sidae
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	2, 6, 8, 9

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

After finishing 5^th on debut last October, (10) NEW PARADIGM has finished 4^th on three consecutive occasions in company equal or better than this and she’s favoured to make the breakthrough in this filly (and one mare) only maiden. (7) PRIMA NIKE could be the main danger, but she needs a fast start and to stay in front. Once she faced kickback last time, she withdrew co-operation but still managed to finish 4^th. She trialled up well last week and can go better. (1) FLYING JUNO ran well for an improved 3^rd on her second start six weeks ago and the additional distance today can suit. (4) OUR SIMON ran well for 5^th on debut at this distance in December and can build on that today. (9) LOVE RACE looks best of the rest.

Selections	(10) New Paradigm (7) Prima Nike (1) Flying Juno (4) Our Simon
Next Best	9, 8
Fast Start	3, 4, 7

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

(2) WHITE VELVET and (6) SEUNGRI LIKE both come in having finished 2^nd in their respective latest outing, both at this distance. White Velvet was the quickest – albeit on a very wet track – and with it being his second consecutive near-miss, he’s the marginally favoured of the pair today. (11) KING OF RULES ran a very solid 4^th on debut at this distance just before Christmas. He’s not been seen since but returns here with a good chance of building on that start. (5) KAIZEN SILVER stepped up to this trip last time and it seemed to suit as he finished an improved 3^rd. Today is a slightly stiffer race but he should be competitive again. (8) SAENAE VICTORY is another who should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(2) White Velvet (6) Seungri Like (5) Kaizen Silver (11) King Of Rules
Next Best	8, 7
Fast Start	2, 3

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

After getting his maiden win in fine style over 1000M in November, (8) TOHAMSAN POWER has finished 2^nd and 4^th in two subsequent starts at this level with the 2^nd being at this distance. He should get on pace here and should have too much for this field. (6) YEOGEOL VISION is a class and distance winner and while she’s been slightly disappointing in her latest couple of outings, she can be given another chance here. (4) ROYAL PRINCE and (9) SERA KHAN too are both capable at this class and can compete for places. (11) HAEGARAM generally isn’t too far away and could also sneak a money finish.

Selections	(8) Tohamsan Power (6) Yeogeol Vision (4) Royal Prince (9) Sera Khan
Next Best	11, 1
Fast Start	1, 5, 8, 10

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

(10) LUMINESCE got his maiden win at the third time of asking at this distance on January 26^th. He’s up in class today but looks to have more improvement in him and can (more…)

It’s Classic Trials weekend at  Busan with a big Triple Crown prep-race on Sunday. Before that, however, things get under at on the South Coast on Friday with an 11-race card which runs from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the Previews:

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

We begin with a maiden for three-year-olds and precisely half of the twelve have raced before. Of those experienced ones, (6) FINAL RULES ran well on debut for 2^nd in January. She was scheduled to return two weeks ago but refused to load into the gate and had to be scratched. She’s since passed a stalls test and if she loads today, she can win. Of the others with experience, (1) MAJOR POWER has two 3^rd places to her name and can aim to at least match those today. There are some promising first-timers. (7) BANJIUI YOJEONG is the pick of them having looked impressive in a trial at the end of January. She led all the way in that heat and with a good start can do the same here. (2) MILLION BEAT and (8) B.K. JOHN are others who can go well first up.

Selections	(7) Banjiui Yojeong (6) Final Rules (2) Million Beat (1) Major Power
Next Best	8, 11
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 7

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

(10) GIMABUDAEJANG beat three of these on his way to a close 3^rd place at this distance three weeks ago. That was his second start back following six months away and he won’t need to improve by much to win here. (5) GOLDEN SHARP was one of the those beaten that day by Gimabudaejang but he previously ran 2^nd at this trip in January and can be given another chance to get closer today. (4) DAENERYS IJI is another who ran in that race and can improve here. (6) YONGYEON and (12) TWO TWO WAY have both hinted at some ability and are others to take into account for the places.

Selections	(10) Gimabudaejang (5) Golden Sharp (12) Two Two Way (6) Yongyeon
Next Best	4, 1
Fast Start	2, 5, 10, 12

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

Another maiden for three-year-olds and this one looks very competitive. We’re going to side with (8) FINE TRUMPET, who ran promisingly enough for a close at hand 4^th on debut over 1000M on February 15^th. He’ll be on pace here and the additional distance can suit. (11) MUNHWA SIGNATURE has raced twice so far, both at 1000M and was an improved 3^rd in the latest of those. He is another who may well appreciated the longer trip. (1) WONDERFFUL IJI returned from several months out to run 4^th at 1000M a month ago. She should have benefitted from that and can run even better today while both (3) GEUMGANG CHILBO and (6) SHE JUST QUEENDOM have raced at this distance before and both will be in the hunt here.

Selections	(8) Fine Trumpet (11) Munhwa Signature (1) Wonderful Iji (6) She Just Queendom
Next Best	3, 12
Fast Start	4, 8, 9

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

(8) TWO TWO TURBO looks to be figuring things out and comes in having dead-heated for 3^rd place at this distance three weeks ago. A couple of the others who go here were behind him that day and with a but more progress today, he should go very close. (10) BAEDARI CAPER is a seventeen-race maiden but enters off the back of his best finish to date two weeks ago and should be very much in the hunt in this company. (1) SPICE ROCK weakened on her first try at this distance in January, but she’s had eight weeks off since then and can be given another chance today. (2) SECRET LEGACY and (12) DONGBANG WARRIOR are others who should be competitive.

Selections	(8) Two Two Turbo (1) Spice Rock (10) Baedari Caper (12) Dongbang Warrior
Next Best	2, 3
Fast Start	2, 5

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

(4) BAEKDU DAEHO stepped up to this distance for the first time on February 15^th and improved to a career-best 2^nd place, beating three of these in the process. He’s well drawn to get to the front early and could lead all the way. (1) HAENGBOK KOREA was 3^rd in that race, two-lengths behind Baekdu Deeho. He too took to the distance very nicely and it was only his second lifetime start. He may well have more scope for improvement (more…)

Sunday racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). Seoul previews and Busan selections below:

 

 

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

Not the most inspiring of maidens to kick things off with but (6) GEUMA MAJESTY has shown enough over two outings so far to warrant favourite status. Although he was only 6^th last time out, the margins weren’t huge, and the jockey booking will see him to the top of the market. (8) ANY FORCE ONE showed improvement on his second start at the end of January and can continue to make progress here. (5) GOLD PARTY showed promise on debut all the way back last July before running in to lacklustre performances in the autumn. She returns here after three months off and should be better. (2) THE CASTING and (11) BACK SPIN are others with some potential.

Selections	(6) Geuma Majesty (8) Any Force One (11) Back Spin (5) Gold Party
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	5, 8, 9, 12

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

(8) JANGSAN FLY has taken to this distance well, finishing 2^nd and 3^rd in two attempts at it and beating a few these along the way. He led until close to home last time out and this time can lead all the way. (3) FEDERAL CAT ran 2^nd on debut over 1000M four weeks ago, running on very nicely. The additional trip should suit, and he looks to be the biggest threat. (4) CLEAN UP TRIO ran very well for 3^rd place at the distance a month ago and should be in at least the placing frame again. (2) RED BLADE and (11) PRVATE MAN are others to keep an eye on.

Selections	(8) Jangsan Fly (3) Federal Cat (4) Clean Up Trio (11) Private Man
Next Best	2, 9
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 8

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

(12) GEUMBIT JANGIN is set to be hot favourite here. He was a winner on debut in October before running 5^th on his return in a tight finish in what was a really good race over 1200M in November. He comes in here fresh and should have far too much. If instead of fresh, he proves to be a bit rusty, (5) BLUE FIRE is the most likely one to take advantage. He’s still a maiden but ran a close class and distance 2^nd last time and should be winning sooner or later. Both of those two are set to try to find the early pace as is (9) SABA KINGDOM, who races for the first time since November. He showed promise as a juvenile last November and trialled competently enough in February. (7) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON and (11) SA SA are others with placing claims.

Selections	(12) Geumbit Jangin (5) Blue Fire (9) Saba Kingdom (7) Kkeuleojuneun Son
Next Best	11, 2
Fast Start	1, 5, 9, 12

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

(9) HWA GI was a narrow class and distance winner on January 5^th and returns here off eight weeks out with solid claims to repeat. She’ll ne on pace early and can go all the way. (2) CRAZY WIKI and (5) HEUNGBOK DREAM came home 1^st and 2^nd when they raced each other at the distance on January 19^th. Both carry a bit more weight today but should be close. (8) PHOENIX WOLF remains a maiden but has been no worse than 3^rd in her last four starts and she can maintain that run today. (4) JILPUNG GANGJA is the only locally-bred horse in the race. She’s rapidly up in class following back to back wins at domestic levels 5 and 6 but should be competitive here.

Selections	(9) Hwa Gi (2) Crazy Wiki (4) Jilpung Gangja (8) Phoenix Wolf
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	1, 5, 8, 9

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

Three-year-old maidens here with five of the field starting for the very first time. Starting with the experienced ones, (5) TIMING GOOD ran 3^rd on debut on January 12^th beaten just over a length having previously won a trial and he will probably start as favourite. (11) WINNER CROWN is the only one n the field who has raced twice and he improved significantly on the second of those, only beaten a nose at this distance. He’ll need to be faster here but has a chance. Of the first-timers, (6) LUCKY BONGSEONG is the pick following a commanding trial performance two weeks ago. She made all that day and will try to do similar today. (1) JOY OF KING and (8) AN MOK HANG are others who could go well first-up.

Selections	(6) Lucky Bongseong (5) Timing Good (8) An Mok Hang (11) Winner Crown
Next Best	1, 4
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 8

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

Fillies only. (10) SMARTY ADELE won on debut last summer and having taken part in a succession of tough races since, looks ready to strike again here. She ran a solid 2^nd place on her first try at this distance at the end of January and could well have too much today. (5) LUCKY SOCHEON is up in class and starting for the first time since a good win at this distance in December and she should be a factor. (4) M.J. TOWN was 2^nd in that December race and also comes up in class here after following-up with a 3^rd place in (more…)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Three-year-old maidens to get us underway with six first-timers and six who have raced at least once before. (1) GEUM ROYAL was a rated 75/1 chance on debut on January 27^th but ended up coming home in 2^nd place. He’ll be much shorter today and can go one better. (5) PRIME QUEEN was much better-fancied in the same race but got a bad trip and raced greenly too. Hopefully she’s learned a bit and should be better today. (10) BLACK PUPIL is the only one of these who has raced twice and she improved last time. Of the debut-makers, (8) GABO PULL QUEEN and (4) FLYING THOR look most likely to make an impact first-up.

Selections	(1) Geum Royal (8) Gabo Pull Queen (4) Flying Thor (10) Black Pupil
Next Best	5, 2
Fast Start	2, 5, 10

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

(6) COLORFUL JOY has finished 3^rd on both starts to date and in the latest of those he just came off the worst in a very tight three-way finish. Even a place today will see him up in class next time, but he should exit class 6 with victory here. (3) ENDURANCE was much improved on his third start a month ago and looks to be figuring things out. He’ll be the main danger. (5) KKAEUCHIM also seems to be on the correct trajectory and can continue to improve. As for the rest of them, (4) NONSTOP WINNING and (8) KING OF EAGLE perhaps have the best chance of improving on indifferent debuts.

Selections	(6) Colorful Joy (3) Endurance (5) Kkaeuchim (4) Nonstop Winning
Next Best	8, 2
Fast Start	5, 10

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

(7) VICAR BRACING is the one to beat here. He was favourite at this distance on February 2^nd but was slow out of the gates and lost ground. He’s not a front-runner anyway but that did seem to do his chances in, and he ultimately finished 5^th. Moon Se Young’s on today and he gets another chance. (9) WHITE FLOWER finished 6^th in that race and is one of those who may challenge here while (10) DAEJI GONGJU and (11) SONGAM BARBIE came home 5^th and 6^th in a slightly stronger race than this last month and should be in the placing hunt. (5) LADY DIA best of the rest.

Selections	(7) Vicar Bracing (11) Songam Barbie (9) White Flower (10) Daeji Gongju
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	5, 9

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

(5) FIRENZE HILL got his maiden win at this distance in December and then beat two of these on his way to 3^rd place on his first try at this class on January 27^th. He’ll be favourite. (6) WINNER BROWN has a 2^nd and a 4^th from two goes at this class so far. He should be on pace early and is one of two principle dangers. The other is (2) RICH RULES. A winner on debut in January, he is up in class here and while he will need to improve, he’s had seven weeks off and could go well. (4) EOMJI YEOWANG and (12) BANGTANMA, the latter up in class following back to back runner-up finishes, are others who can go close.

Selections	(5) Firenze Hill (2) Rich Rules (6) Winner Brown (12) Bangtanma
Next Best	4, 1
Fast Start	1, 6, 9

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

Competitive looking filly-maiden. (4) DANGDAE JILJU comes in off the back of consecutive 3^rd place finishes over 1000M. She’s run on very nicely both times and the step up in trip today may be what she needs to make the breakthrough. (1) IRON HEART was 3^rd at this distance last time, an improved performance which she can build on today and she is set to be a big danger. (2) REIGN has been inconsistent but does have a 2^nd place to her name and can be considered while (9) BLUE MEGA ELLA has run 6^th in both outings to date, the most recent being at this distance and she should be on pace from the start. There are two first-time starters and of them, (5) DIA ROAD is from a top stable and trialled nicely four weeks ago.

Selections	(4) Dangdae Jilju (1) Iron Heart (5) Dia Road (9) Blue Mega Ella
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	5, 6, 8, 9

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

(9) SUN OF THUNDER is up in class and despite being winless, looks nicely in here. He’s finished 2^nd in in two of three starts to date and missed out by only a neck last time despite getting a challenging trip. He can win. (1) SHADOW MONEY and (7) CHANGSEONG LUCKY came home 5ht and 7^th respectively when they raced each other at class and distance. Shadow Money was exceeding expectations that day while (more…)

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

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

Three-year-old maidens to begin with and while eight of the twelve have raced before, it’s one of the four debut-makers who’s set to be favourite. (6) SMART MOD trialled a couple of times last summer in good fashion, but setbacks kept him from making his debut. He trialled again similarly well last month and if he brings that form to the races, should win. Of those with prior experience, (9) MERCI CHERIE ran well for 3^rd on debut at the end of December and while he was a touch disappointing on his return, can be backed to improve here. (3) RAPIDO MAN debuted last September and finally returns having trialled well in February – he is from the track’s top stable and will be expected to improve. (2) BUSAN CITY looks best of the rest.

Selections	(6) Smart Mod (9) Merci Cherie (3) Rapido Man (2) Busan City
Next Best	4, 12
Fast Start	3, 7, 12

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

Weak maiden here and (4) LISTEN TO ME, who after a shaky debut, has put in two solid 4^th place finishes beating a couple of these in the process. She won’t have to be much better to win this. (5) SINHEUNG JANGSU has shown glimpses of ability with a pair of 5^ths among three outings so far. She should be on pace early and can cause problems for the favourite. (8) ARA MYUNGMA managed a 3^rd place on her only try at this distance so far. She struggled at 1300M last time but should be better here. (1) WORLD SLAM and the solitary debut-maker (2) RAINBOW PARK are others to consider.

Selections	(4) Listen To Me (5) Sinheung Jangsu (8) Ara Myungma (1) World Slam
Next Best	2, 3
Fast Start	5, 9, 12

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

With a 3^rd and a 2^nd from two starts so far, (5) WONDERFUL MORNING should be making his breakthrough here. He just missed out by half a length at this distance last time having led almost the entire way around and can get it right this time. (1) MAEPSI COLOR was a much-improved 2^nd on his latest effort on February 1^st and looks set to go well again. (10) USEUNG STORY came home 3^rd in that same race, less than a length behind Maepsi Color and he too can be a threat once more. (11) GUKMIN STAR steps back up in trip after a good 3^rd around 1000M five weeks ago and should be in at least the placing hunt. (2) DOCTOR WEEK had a poor day at the office when well backed last time out but has run well at this distance before and can be given another chance here.

Selections	(5) Wonderful Morning (1) Maepsi Color (10) Useung Story (2) Doctor Week
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	1, 5, 8

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

(1) MORNING WANGJA and (6) CHEONJI KINGS came home 3^rd and 4^th when they raced each other over this distance on February 1^st. They were a long way behind the winner and runner-up, but both showed enough to suggest they’ll be competitive in this kind of company. Cheonji Kings is favoured to overturn that form and take the honours here, most likely leading all the way. (10) YEONGBONGSAN has been inconsistent but should have enough about him to challenge for a place here. (2) DARK TEMPLAR and (3) YAKSOKDAERO are others who should go close

Selections	(6) Cheonji Kings (1) Morning Wangja (10) Yeongbongsan (2) Dark Templar
Next Best	3, 8
Fast Start	2, 6

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

Ten three-year-old maiden imports here with five having raced before and five making their debuts. Of those first-timers, (6) SSONSAL has gone through plenty of trials, most recently last weekend when he made all in a fast heat. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, the Adios Charlie colt has an excellent chance first-up here. (1) JANGSAN BOBBY and (4) EVERLASTING GIRL are other debut-makers who showed promise in trials but it’s two experienced ones who are likely to be the biggest threats. (8) RETURN OF SUBSIDY and (10) JINJJA GANGJA came home 2^nd and 4^th respectively when they raced each other on February 1^st over 1300M. Both look to be improving and can appreciate the drop back to the minimum trip here.

Selections	(6) Ssonsal (8) Return Of Subsidy (10) Jinjja Gangja (4) Everlasting Girl
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	5, 6, 8

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

Four of these raced each other at the distance on February 1^st and it was (6) CHOEGANG SEONBONG who came out on top, finishing in 2^nd place – his best performance in sixteen starts.  He could go one better here, but it won’t be easy. (9) MARU JJANG was 3^rd in that race and (3) DYNAMIC BOLT 4^th and both have claims to get closer this time. (4) HARVEST SEASON ran a close 4^th at this distance just two weeks ago and makes a quick return with Franco Da Silva in the saddle. There’s not much early speed in this race and he could be tempted to try and lead all the way. (11) ALBERT KING is another who comes in following an encouraging performance last time and may be considered.

Selections	(4) Harvest Season (6) Choegang Seonbong (11) Albert King (9) Maru Jjang
Next Best	3, 8
Fast Start	4, 8, 9

Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) RAON ARES got his maiden win in impressive fashion at the beginning of January over 1000M but was a significant let-down when well-backed for his first try at this level over 1300M later that month. He steps back slightly in trip today, should be on pace from the start, and can be given another chance. (8) POWER WINDY was another who performed significantly below market expectations last time. He raced most ungenerously but does have ability and if his manners are better, he’ll be much closer this time. (2) HEUIMANG YEOJEONSA won on debut back in October and finally reappears here following a couple of setbacks. He was quite ordinary in a trial last week but was competent enough and can go well. Also returning for the first time since October is (1) MUJEOK VETERAN. He displayed plenty of talent across four starts prior to the layoff and looked good when trialling two weeks ago. (7) TWO TWO SPINO is up in class today and despite remaining a maiden, should be comfortable in this company.

Selections	(5) Raon Ares (1) Mujeok Veteran (7) Two Two Spino (2) Heuimang Yeojeonsa
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	2, 5, 7

Race 8: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) YEONGGWANGUIFORCE is up in class today having secured his maiden win at the third time of asking four weeks ago. It was at this distance and he prevailed by four-lengths and has every chance of winning again today. Main danger is (5) ROCK CHOICE. His maiden win came at this distance in December and after having a hard time over a mile, he dropped back to 1300M last time for a good 3^rd place in what was a fast race. (2) AMAZING WINNER is another one up in class after a maiden win and while she perhaps has a bit more to find, she should be competitive. (8) ATOMIJI and (10) COMING AGAIN are others who should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(6) Yeonggwanguiforce (5) Rock Choice (2) Amazing Winner (8) Atomiji
Next Best	10, 1
Fast Start	1, 2

Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(9) VANJEFE comes in here in solid form having beaten plenty of these in recent outings. He was somewhat surprisingly beaten last time by (4) DYNAMIC ROOKIE but has every chance of overturning that form here and can return to the winner’s circle. Dynamic Rookie will be one of the principle dangers but there are plenty of other capable ones here. (5) DUBAI TEUKGEUP is two starts into a comeback following several months out. He ran 5^th behind Vanjefe on his latest outing six weeks ago but can get closer today. (2) YONGGU tries this trip for the first time after closing out 2018 with a good 2^nd at a mile and can be considered as well. (12) DELMARUI GIJEOK looks best of the rest.

Selections	(9) Vanjefe (5) Dubai Teukgeup (4) Dynamic Rookie (2) Yonggu
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	5, 9

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

A rare Friday class 1 and (12) BAENGMUNBAEKDAP is the one they’ll need to beat here. He comes in following a win and a 4^th place in two tough races over 2000M and could well have too much. (2) APPROACH and (4) GOOD CASTING both return after short absences and both can go well here but the biggest danger may be the still somewhat unexposed (1) NEW YORK MANGCHI. A winner of four from nine so far, he’s up in class today following a fine and battling win on his first try at this distance on February 1^st.  He’ll be on pace from the start and he could go close. (5) PASHA another who should be in the hunt.

Selections	(12) Baengmunbaekdap (1) New York Mangchi (4) Good Casting (2) Approach
Next Best	5, 9
Fast Start	1, 3, 8

Race 11: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A winner at this distance at class 5 in January, (10) PRECEDE finished 3^rd on his first try at this level four weeks ago. This looks a less onerous assignment and while he needs to overcome the widest gate, he can get on pace early and is likely to lead all the way. (4) WONDERFUL STORY was a class and distance winner last time and while he carries some extra weight today, should be a factor again. (1) JANGHAN JILJU steps up in trip following solid recent work at 1300M and has placing chances. (7) MYEONGSIN POWER and the returning (3) EVELYN are others in the hunt.

Selections	(10) Precede (4) Wonderful Story (1) Janghan Jilju (7) Myeongsin Power
Next Best	3, 8
Fast Start	10

 

+++UPDATE+++

He did quite well:

Dolkong will make his third Dubai World Cup start when he tries his luck in the Listed Curlin Handicap at Meydan Racecourse on Thursday evening (1.50am Friday mmorning Korea time).

The Simon Foster-trained 5-year-old ran 6th in Group company over a mile in January before running 3rd in a handicap at tonight’s distance of 2000M last month. That day’s winner Salterin Dubai, also returns. Olivier Doleuze will ride Dolkong for the second time.