Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 21)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a first timer, and (3) QUEEN SPICY, who ran a solid 3rd in her trial, showing on pace. She draws nicely to lead here and can put in a bold showing first-up under Franco. (2) WINNING TREE raced handy on debut over 1300M on February 14th, ultimately running 2nd. He should have come on for that experience and similarly well drawn, can be firmly in this. So too (10) WIND VAIN. She came from off the pace on her debut at 1200M in January and entering here fresh off ten weeks off can be challenging late again. (12) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE ran a fair 4th on debut and can have come on for the experience while returning to the first-timers, (8) SHOOT FOR THEMOON was 2nd in the latter of two trials and can go well first up.

Selections(3) Queen Spicy (2) Winning Tree (10) Wind Vain (12) Apdojeok Numberone
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) WIND TIME has made progress across three starts so far, with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this distance and in contrasting styles from on pace and from behind. She has also registered the fastest time among these for 1200M and is the one to beat here. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (2) JEONGMUN FELIX has hinted at ability across three starts with a best of 5th. He draws nicely here and in this company, he should improve. (5) LION MAGIC ran a fair 5th on debut at this distance in February, coming from well off the pace. He should have derived benefit from the experience and be closer here. (7) FLYING SHOOTER and (12) YONGBI THUNDER are others who may improve.

Selections(6) Wind Time (2) Jeongmun Felix (5) Lion Magic (7) Flying Shooter
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M)  Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BEOLGYO MABEOPSA hinted at figuring things out when 3rd over 1300M on February 14th, coming out of gate ten and finishing strongly. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time, he draws better, and he can win here.  (12) DIVINE KINGDOM enters in the best form of his career with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both times coming from well back. The wide draw won’t matter, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (6) MEGA MACHINE need a line drawn through his latest but if we go on his 2nd place at this distance two starts back then he has to be firmly in this. (4) BRAVO SINHWA and (7) CRUELLA are other minor money chances.

Selections(3) Beolgyo Mabeopsa (12) Divine Kingdom (6) Mega Machine (4) Bravo Sinhwa
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) FLEX ENGINE was a front-running winner on debut before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1200M on February 21st, having led for much of the way. He draws very well to be on pace here and he can potentially go all the way. Veteran (4) DAEHOMA has won just once in fifty-three starts but his recent form has been strong with his latest yielding his seventh runner-up finish on March 2nd at this distance. Franco stays on and they should be close again. (8) FANTASTIC HUMOR enters off 2nd place at 1300M at the beginning of December. He has had fifteen weeks off since so he comes in fresh, and he can be a danger. (5) MONSTER DRAGON and last start winner (6) MAGIC ELEVEN are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Flex Engine (4) Daehoma (8) Fantastic Humor (5) Monster Dragon
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Herald Business Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 16)

The Stayer Series – and Road to the Korea Cup – gets underway at Seoul on Sunday with a super looking renewal of the Herald Business Cup (2000M KOR-G3). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won last year’s Herald Business Cup but is currently in quarantine hacing returned from Dubai on Friday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) POWER BAND did nothing on debut but was a significantly improved 3rd at start number two in an all-filly maiden over this distance on February 15th racing handy throughout. She’ll be on pace here and third-up, she can be peaking. (3) CRAZY MANGO similarly got better on his second start, in his case on February 16th at this distance when settling midfield and running on. He too draws well and again, third-up, can be better. (4) BLACK SMILE has hinted at ability across seven starts so far with her best being 5th. Ruan Maia stays on and in this company she can sit behind the speed and be aiming for a much better finish. (11) DIA ROOK and (9) SOMETHING DARK others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Power Band (3) Crazy Mango (4) Black Smile (11) Dia Rook
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) WORLD JOY has made steady progress across five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on February 15th when settling midfield and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. Expect similar tactics here and he won’t need to improve much to go one better. (1) PURGE RUBY was 4th behind World Joy in that February 15th race, coming from well off the pace after a slow start. She comes into a better gate here and can be finishing off strong again. (9) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from three outings. In this company, he may be ridden a bit further forward a bit earlier and he should be in the finish. (2) THUNDER MARVEL and (11) WHITE ROMANCE others to consider.

Selections(6) World Joy (1) Purge Ruby (9) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (2) Thunder Marvel
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) ECLIPSE BLACK has been through two trials since parting company with his jockey on his latest start back in January. Prior to that, he had recorded his best finish to date when 2nd over 1400M at the end of December. He looked well enough in those trials and the step up to 1700M may allow him to settle into his racing a little better. (7) ILINX beat three of these on his way to 2nd on his first try at this distance on February 22nd, racing on pace throughout. He’ll be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (1) BEST KINGDOM stepped up to this trip for the first time on February 8th and ran a solid 3rd pace from off the pace and can be close once more. (3) CHAMPIONS FIELD and (2) SANBANG BOMNAL are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(4) Eclipse Black (7) Ilinx (1) Best Kingdom (3) Champions Field
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL has made steady progress across three starts with her latest her best when 2nd at 1300M on January 26th. There isn’t much speed here so he may well be ridden on pace, and he can go one better. (4) FLYING RACE has a 2nd and a 3rd from his lates two, most recently when coming from well back on February 21st. He has the fastest time among these for the distance by a considerable margin, and he shapes as the main danger. The rest will need to lift. (8) DOCTOR MATTERS will need a line drawn through her latest but if we go on her 4th place two starts back over this distance, then in this company, she has to have a chance. (1) ZETTA PRINCE and (6) SEOBU DANCING others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (4) Flying Race (8) Doctor Matters (1) Zetta Prince
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (8) RED DRAGON was a winner on debut in December before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on January 19th. Both times she settled back before showing strong late speed, and she should have too much for her rivals here. (2) BEOLGYO LAVA is up in class having secured her maiden win at the fourth time of asking at 1200M on February 15th. She is up in trip too but down in weight, she draws well, and with Moon Se-young riding for the first time, she can measure up here. (1) MAX TANGO is yet to win but had three runner-up finishes among six starts including last time out at this class and distance. That was at the end of November so she comes in here fresh, and she can be in the placing mix again. (11) GROW and (7) GRACE ROUTE others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(8) Red Dragon (2) Beolgyo Lava (1) Max Tango (11) Grow
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) GOOGLE CAR got his maiden win at start three over 1200M last November and while it took him a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level, he stepped up to 1400M and ran an on-pace 2nd on February 14th. He comes up 3kg in weight from that, but he can be on pace again and can go one better. The danger is (11) MR.WOLF.  He is yet to win in eight attempts, but has placed twice at this class, most recently when 3rd over 1200M on February 21st. He can run well from the front or from behind and given the lack of early speed he can defy the wide draw to get forward early. (2) MATONGNYEONG was well back behind Google Car last time out but ran 2nd at this distance in January at class 6 level and drawn well with Munro on, can get closer. (7) JET SUN and (3) SHANGHAI THUNDER other place chances.

Selections(9) Google Car (11) Mr.Wolf (2) Matongnyeong (7) Jet Sun
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul; Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 15)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field but it’s competitive and four of the eight race for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut maker and (6) WHITE CARLA, who went through two trials (the latter was voluntary and may not be in all race cards) improving to win the second of them running on pace and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance first-up. Of the experienced ones, (2) AWESOME QUEEN was 2nd on debut over this distance on January 25th, coming from off the pace. She should have come on for that run and can go close again. (5) QUANTUM K put in a solid 5th on her first start, and she too can have benefitted from the experience. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN trialed behind White Carla and Moon Se-young’s booking will tempt some. (9) BODY CHECK can improve.  

Selections(6) White Carla (2) Awesome Queen (5) Quantum K (8) Cheongryong Giun
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) UNJU TIME has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, most recently beating a couple of these on January 12th when settling midfield and running on. She had a wide draw that day too and third-up she can be peaking. (6) MUNHAK FIGHTER was a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on February 15th, stalking the leader throughout but unable to get by. She should have come on for that run and she can be in this a long way too. (10) UPPERHAND enters off an improved 2nd place over this distance in a similar all-filly maiden on February 8th. That continued a positive trajectory of results, and she is another who can be coming home strong here. (7) RACE ROSE and (9) CRAZY MARI among others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Unju Time (6) Munhak Fighter (10) Upperhand (7) Race Rose
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL will be a hot favourite here. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1300M and both times racing on pace. He draws well to get a soft lead, and he should prove too good. (6) STUNNING STEP has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in a very close 2nd place over 1200M on February 9th when settling back and running on. In this company he may be ridden further forward, and he can be a danger late. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has been well supported in both starts so far, most recently an improved 4th place on February 8th. Moon Se-young stays on and they can settle just behind the speed and run into some money. (7) RAON THE CAVIAR and (1) JOY CHEONHA others who can be in the mix.

Selections(2) Cheongryongui Cal (6) Stunning Step (3) Gyeoul Jangmi (7) Raon The Caviar
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) HAKSAN SPEED got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2nd on his first try at this class on February 15th having led almost the entire way over 1400M. He comes up 2kg in weight and he has the challenge of the widest gate, but Maia stays on and he can return to winning ways. (5) HYEUKMUSANG was a winner at this class and distance on January 12th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has the steadier of an additional 3.5kg today, but he draws well, and a repeat isn’t impossible. (3) CANVASEN GO got his maiden win two starts back before running a fair 4th on his first try at class 5 on February 8th when slow away and coming from a long way back. With a better start he can get closer.  (2) HANGANG FANTASTIC and (4) CAPTAIN RISE among others to look out for.                                                                                                                                                          

Selections(11) Haksan Speed (5) Hyeukmusang (3) Canvasen Go (2) Hangang Fantastic
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 14)

We’re set for an absolute treat on Sunday when the Road to the Korea Cup gets underway with the G3 Herald Business Trophy at Seoul as in the absence of Global Hit, arguably the sixteen next best horses in the nation all line up in what should be one of the most competitive races in a very long time. Before that though, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa will be one of the Busan raiders at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maiden fillies. (4) QUEENS DRAGON has raced twice, improving to 2nd place in a similar race to this on February 23rd when on pace throughout. She draws well to be on pace again, she can be peaking third up, and she can go one better. There are three debut-makers and (11) OH FANTASTIC was the best in her trial, leading every step of the way and crossing the line plenty of lengths to the good in a fair time She has the challenge of a wide draw, but if she brings that form to the races, she will be close. (7) TWOTWO PERFOR showed on pace on debut, ultimately running 4th over this distance. She should have come on for that run and can be in the mix here. (6) HOLIDAY QUEEN came through the same heat as Oh Fantastic and while eight-lengths adrift, showed enough to suggest ability. (5) QUEEN RACE another in the frame.

Selections(4) Queens Dragon (11) Oh Fantastic (7) Twotwo Perfor (6) Holiday Queen
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Tricky maiden. (8) THE NOMINATE did nothing in one appearance last May and didn’t run again until January when a solid 3rd place over 1200M. She could only manage a midfield finish when well supported on February 16th, but she looks nicely in here and can be fitter for those two runs. (1) SPEED BOY came from well off the pace to run a much-improved 4th over 1400M on February 9th. He comes into a much better gate and in this company can match or better that today. (11) SUN JAE was similarly significantly better on his most recent outing, in his case his third, on February 16th when settling back and running on for 4th. He too can come on for that run and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue. (4) GWANGPUNG STAR and (7) HOUND POKER look best of a mediocre rest.

Selections(8) The Nominate (1) Speed Boy (11) Sun Jae (4) Gwangpung Star
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) CHAMP SONNY ran 5th on debut in January before beating a few of these on his way to 3rd place at start number two over 1400M on February 16th. He has been doing his best work late, the step up to a mile can suit, and third up he can be peaking. (12) BARBELL MOMO has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at a mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 21st. (4) INDY GHOST was 6th behind Champ Sonny on February 16th but came into that race having run 3rd in both her previous outings. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and she will have plenty of backers to get closer today. (5) BAEDARI BOSEOK and (10) PINOT POWER are among plenty of others with at least placing hopes in a competitive race.

Selections(1) Champ Sonny (12) Barbell Momo (4) Indy Ghost (5) Baedari Boseok
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) GREAT TOP ran 3rd on debut over this distance on January 10th before getting his maiden win at start number two at 1300M on February 14th, leading pretty much all the way having overcome gate eleven. He comes up in class but is down in the weights, he comes into a better gate and with Seo Seung-un as ringmaster, he can win again. (8) SIX HERO has five top five finishes from seven starts with his best being a 2nd place at this distance two outings back. In this company he should be on or close to the pace and he shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after those two. (1) BROWN ROOKIE has finished midfield in both starts at this class since her maiden win in December but draws nicely here and can be a place chance. (7) SINHAE MANGCHI and (5) TENGRE, the latter who can at least be replied upon to be on the speed, others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(3) Great Top (8) Six Hero (1) Brown Rookie (7) SInhae Mangchi
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only and it is a very good race. (10) CHRYSOL HERO got her maiden win two starts back and then ran 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on February 14th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She comes up 2kg in weight but had little trouble with gate ten last time and she should win again. (8) SUCCESS GOLD got her maiden win at start four having gone progressively closer in the previous three. She’s up in class but fairly weighted and she looks to have more to offer. (5) BLACK TREE is also up in class after a maiden win, in her case over 1200M on February 23rd when racing handy. She comes down 2.5kg in weight and can measure up here. (2) CANCAN STEP and (11) MUSKET GIRL among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(10) Chrysol Hero (8) Success Gold (5) Black Tree (2) Cancan Step
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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Road To Korea Sprint Kicks Off Sunday at Busan

The first Group race of the Korean season finally takes place on Sunday as the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) kicks off the Sprint Series on the South Coast, and with it the road to September’s International Korea Sprint. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES AT SEOUL AND BUSAN.

It’s been a while since Eoma Eoma prevailed (Pic: KRA)

Thirteen will take their chance at Busan on Sunday, and there could be a changing of the guard at last in the speed division with BLACK MAMBA set to be the warm favourite. Although already five-years-old, he has had an interrupted career, finishing down the field behind Global Hit in the 2023 Korean Derby and then not racing again until April of the following year.

Black Mamba has assembled a record of eight wins from thirteen starts and was 2nd in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M last November before putting together back-to-back one-turn class 1 wins. The son of With Distinction is in pole position in gate one to get his first Group race success.

At the start turn of the year VINCERO CAVALLO was set to be the next big thing over the shorter distances. His stock took a hit somewhat when only managing 8th of twelve on last month’s Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul but the Seo In-seok trainee will have backers to return to form here.

Meanwhile, the old-guard is represented by 2022 Korea Sprint winner EOMA EOMA, who may have lost a yard of pace or so still has plenty of quality as well as the in-form CC Wong returning to the mount.

The wildcards are WINNER CLEAR, a two-time Listed winner in juvenile races at this distance last autumn, and CHOEGOUI KKUM a winner of five from six who races for the first time since last September.

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is the final race on the 6-race Sunday card at Busan with a local post time of 16:30.

1. BLACK MAMBA (KOR) – Emphatic class 1 winner at this distance in December and 1400M in January and beat plenty of these when 2nd in the Kookje Shinmun Trophy last November. Great draw and big chance.

2. LEEWOLMA (KOR) – Well back behind Vincero Cavallo and others last start but is a solid class 1 campaigner. Comes in fresh after thirteen weeks out but first time in Group company and others favoured.

3. VINCERO CAVALLO (KOR) – Multiple class 1 winner at this distance but disappointed in the Listed Segue Ilbo Trophy at this distance on February 16th and other than a bump at the start didn’t have many excuses. Well worth another chance today from a great draw.

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Sprint Series Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (March 9)

The Sprint Series gets underway on Sunday with the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) on the south coast. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 (with the big race being the last) and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon The Point won the Busan Ilbo Sprint a year ago (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) AFLEET RUN has a 3rd and a 5th among three starts so far, all at this distance. He was a beaten odds-on favourite last time out when racing handy, but in this company, will be well-backed again. (11) SECRET WOLF ran a solid 4th place on debut over this distance on February 15th, settling midfield and running on. She should have come on for that run and can break through.  (4) RYAN HEART was a fair 3rd on debut when leading before being a touch disappointing when fading at start two over 1300M on February 8th. He draws better to lead here and can be given another chance. (2) COMPLETE TOUCH, who beat Afleet Run when 3rd at start number two on February 9th, along with (1) BEST RAZI, who has won a trial since a couple of underwhelming efforts, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Afleet Run (11) Secret Wolf (4) Ryan Heart (2) Complete Touch
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 1

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) SUHYANG MIIN has four top five finishes among her five outings including a 2nd, and she was beaten favourite when 5th last time out when failing to get on pace and dropping right back. She has a better gate today, Moon Se-young gets on, and she is worth another chance. (3) MORNING WONDER has a 4th and a 3rd from her first two, the latter at this distance on February 8th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. Third-up she can strip fitter, and she can be a danger. (9) FASHION STAR has similarly hinted at ability with a 3rd and a 5th from her first two appearances. She is half-sister to a Korean Group winner, and she can continue her progress here. (6) YEONGWON POTEN and (7) GLORY DAY other chances.

Selections(2) Suhyang Miin (3) Morning Wonder (9) Fashion Star (6) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) GINSHARI BOY was a winner at start number two on January 26th, racing on pace throughout over 1200M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but is slightly down in the weights, and he can win again. (10) CHUPUNGNYEONG is also up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three over 1200M when coming from well off the pace on January 11th. Also up in trip but down in weight, his running style suggests the further the better at this stage and he can be a big danger late on. (11) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in six attempts, but has never finished any worse than 5th. He enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on February 16th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he can be in the mix again. (5) BEOLGYO D Y and (3) WONDERFUL SWEET, the latter hopefully stripping fitter second-up after eight months out, are others to consider.

Selections(9) Ginshari Boy (10) Chupungnyeong (11) Haksan Cairo (5) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in the South Coast opener. It took (9) HOMYEONG SHINHWA a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has picked up considerably in her latest two with a 3rd and a 2nd, most recently at1200M on February 7th and coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un climbs on and the slight step up in trip can be what she needs to make the breakthrough. (2) SCYTHAI has made good progress across three starts, culminating in 2nd at this distance on February 7th when settling midfield and running on. She was well beaten by a good winner, but a similar effort will see her in the frame here. (6) BAEKPAL BOEUN was 5th behind Scythai in that race and with a 3rd place at the outing prior and Munro staying on, it’s enough to put her in the mix. (12) GOD NIKE and (7) HWARYEOHANJOMYEONG others to keep safe.

Selections(9) Homyeong Shinhwa (2) Scythai (6) Baekpal Boeun (12) God Nike
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two over 1400M in October and was well fancied for his first try at this class on December 1st. He only managed 6th – although a couple of these horses who beat him have gone on to do well – but came back lame in the off foreleg. He looked well enough when trialing in late January and he can go well first up here. (1) DANAEUN KINGDOM got his maiden win at start two over this distance on February 9th, settling midfield and running on well. He is up in class but down in weight and from a good draw he will probably start as favourite. (3) JEONGSEONG VICE enters off a 3rd place last time out at class and distance and that’s enough to put him in the placing mix again in this company. (6) CAMP DAVID and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others to consider.

Selections(4) Useung Jinli (1) Danaeun Kingdom (3) Jeongseong Vice (6) Camp David
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BARBELL TROFEO was disappointing when favourite two starts back but bounced back to run 2nd at this distance on February 16th, racing on pace. While that January capitulation is a concern, he draws nicely here, Franco gets on, and he will be a warm favourite to oblige. There are two first-timers and (9) THUNDER PASSION will have plenty of supporters. It has taken him an age to get to the track having first trialed back in 2023. His latest heat was at the end of December when he ran 2nd in what was a slow time but Seo Seung-un’s booking and the weak company will mean he can be given a chance. (7) ASTRE comes in off a 4th place over 1300M on February 14th and a similar effort can see him go better here. (4) USANG RYUNG and (12) HOUDINI perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Barbell Trofeo (9) Thunder Passion (7) Astre (4) Usang Ryung
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 8)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) NICE WINNER was 2nd on debut before being beaten into 3rd place when odds-on favourite at start number two on January 19th. The pair that beat him that day have both gone on to place at class 5 and from the inside gate and with Moon Se-young staying aboard, he will be a similarly short price to get it right this time. (11) YES ANGEL was an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on February 9th having led for much of the way. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can lead again and be in this. (4) DALBIT GEURIMJA did nothing on debut when slowly away in that same February 9th race, but previously trialed up well and in this company, that’s enough to give him another chance. (6) YONGAM GIPPEUM and (5) JAJONSIM GONGJU perhaps the best of a very limited rest.

Selections(1) Nice Winner (11) Yes Angel (4) Dalbit Geurumja (6) Yongam Gippeum
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) ISEUL CHEOREOM has raced three times with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on January 25th when leading for much of the way around, She draws well to lead here too and she has every chance of going all the way. (4) GRIFFON was an improved 2nd at start number three at this distance on February 9th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and he can be a danger late. It would be a big surprise if that pair fail to fill out the quinella. (11) SWITCH POWER didn’t impress last time out but if we go on her 3rd place on January 4th over the distance, she has to be given a placing chance in this company. (2) TAEGISAN KING and (7) EAGLE WINGS are others potentially better than their respective latest starts indicate.

Selections(5) Iseul Cheoreom (4) Griffon (11) Switch Power (2) Taegisan King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (2) BYEOKSONG made all to win at start number two on December 28th and came close to repeating on her first try at this class on February 9th when ultimately finishing 3rd but beating three of today’s rivals. She is up marginally in trip but from a better gate can get on or close to the speed again and can go all the way. (11) DESTINO won on debut on January 25th stalking the pace throughout and proving too strong. She comes up in class and slightly in trip but is down in weight and she can measure up in this company. (1) MISS CONCORD had a poor day at the office last time out but comes into a much better gate today and her form leading up to that was good. (3) HERO JILJU and (9) EXCELLENT MATTA are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Byeoksong (11) Destino (1) Miss Concord (3) Hero Jilju
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) RAON NIZHINSKII got his maiden win three starts back and has since run 3rd in both tries at this class, both at 1300M. His running style suggests that the extended trip can suit, and he has as much chance as any in this competitive field. (2) DAZZLE RUSH is yet to win in five attempts but has three-runner-up finishes to his name, including at this class and distance on January 5th when beating a few of today’s rivals. He also finishes ahead of a couple in his latest at 1800M on January 29th and with an apprentice jockey taking 3kg of his back here, he shapes as a real chance to make his breakthrough. (3) K POWERFUL had a hard time from a wide draw on his first try at this distance on January 12th but coming in here after eight weeks off and in a better gate, is worth another chance. (11) STUNNING MONEY and (8) BLACK SIDAE among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(10) Raon Nizhinskii (2) Dazzle Rush (3) K Powerful (11) Stunning Money
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 7)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. After an ordinary trial. (4) REIGN QUEEN overcame gate eleven on debut on January 24th to settle midfield and go on to run 2nd. She should have come on for that run and from a much better gate she can go one better today. Among the first time starters, (12) GRAND MORE looks the best. He led for most of the way around in his heat ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, if he brings that form to the races, he should be close and will probably start as favourite. (8) SEOGWI LADY and (5) NAMHAE MAGIC also hinted at ability in their respective trials and can go well first-up, while (2) FLEX TAP was 5th behind Reign Queen in that January 24th race and with some natural improvement, can get closer.

Selections(4) Reign Queen (12) Grand More (8) Seogwi Lady (5) Namhae Magic
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start8, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After two promising trials, (6) VANGIE was well backed on debut over this trip on February 7th and while he led, he went walkabout a bit in the closing stages and ultimately finished 4th, albeit with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He should have learned a bit from that and with a more mature effort here, he can win. (11) SHACKLE LAUD has been knocking on the door across six starts so far with his best being a 2nd place at this distance. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) BABEL COME ON has picked up in his latest two with a 3rd and a 4th most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on February 14th. He will join Vangie on pace and he can be a danger. (7) DORAON SAMSON and (5) HANEUL GOLD among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Vangie (11) Shackle Laud (9) Babel Come On (7) Doraon Samson
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 3, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. After running 2nd on debut, (11) ACE HIGH got her maiden win at start number two with a dominant seven-length win over this distance on February 7th, leading all the way. She comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide gate, but both can be overcome, and she can win again. (4) TEAM SURPRISE is yet to win in nine attempts but has no fewer than seven top five finishes. She enters off three consecutive 3rd places, most recently her first try at this class, and from a good draw she can match or better that here. (9) JINJU BIT was an improved 5th at her second start back following a six-month absence. She has placed at this trip before and third-up this preparation, she can be peaking. (6) SAENAE HIT and (12) THIS WAY among others to consider.

Selections(11) Ace High (4) Team Surprise (9) Jinju Bit (6) Saenae Hit
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) BEOLGYO MASULSA got his maiden win at start number two over this distance on February 9th when settling handy before taking things up just over halfway home and running on to win easily. He is up in class but down in weight, draws well, and can win again. (12) RAON THE MASKE is one for one having taken a narrow win on debut over 1200M on February 7th. He too is up in class and down in weight and while he draws wide, he can measure up in this company. It’s been a long time since (3) SEOGWI OREUM got his maiden win but he has placed five times at this class and from a good draw can be in the mix. (7) BIG JAWS and (8) BATTLE CRY other strong placing hopes.

Selections(5) Beolgyo Masulsa (12) Raon The Maske (3) Seogwi Oreum (7) Big Jaws
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) FLYING THE LUCKY has been working back towards a second win and most recently beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this class and distance on February 7th, coming from well off the pace. He only comes up 1kg on the weights and can go past the lot of them this time. (2) STAR PARK is the danger, who was 4th in that February 7th race having settled midfield and run on. Franco, who has placed on him both times he rode him stays on and while he is a twenty-one-race maiden, it’s not impossible today could be his day. (4) FUERTE was 4th in that same race but he has placed three times over the trip and with Munro climbing on, he can be close. (12) ARION TAYANG and the up in class (9) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Flying The Lucky (2) Star Park (4) Fuerte (12) Arion Taeyang
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 2)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan with 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seo Beom-seok and CC Wong will team up again with the “Famous” silks (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not the strongest of maidens to kick off with. (1) BILLION BOY trotted along at the back on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over this distance on January 19th, leading for much of the way. He draws well to lead again and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) DUSON EUTTEUM also picked up on her latest when 4th in a filly only maiden at the end of December. She comes in fresh after nine weeks off and can build on that here. (11) SEMYEONG STRONG has a 2nd place on his record and while he must contend with the widest gate, he has a decent finish on him and can challenge late. (6) COMMAND BLUE and (8) CYCLONE STAR are others who could improve.  

Selections(1) Billion Boy (3) Duson Eutteum (11) Semyeong Strong (6) Command Blue
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) CUPID K has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, most recently a 2nd place over this distance on January 25th when slow away and running on well. If she can be a bit further forward a bit earlier, she is very much the one to beat here. (7) JOSE also has a 2nd place on her record and comes in following a 4th at 1200M on January 19th. She should be on pace in this company and can be in this a long way. (2) GOOGOO ran 2nd last time in a slow race at 1400M. She has placed at this trip too, and from a nice draw can sit behind whatever early speed there is and can challenge. (6) DIRT SPOON and (8) KING WARRIOR are among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(1) Cupid K (7) Jose (2) Googoo (6) Dirt Spoon
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) UMA DACHI ran a shock 2nd place at this distance at odds of 65/1 on February 9th, settling midfield and running on. While that may have been unexpected, in this company a similar effort can see him go one better. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN hinted at improvement last time out on January 18th when 4th over this distance. He can settle back in this field and can run into some money again. (2) BLUE SUN has finished 5th in both starts so far at 1200M and 1400M. He draws well here and with Maia climbing on, can get closer. (9) K N STORM beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on January 26th and in a race that is no stronger can be in the hunt again. (4) HIGH FOLLY perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Uma Dachi (10) Perfect Danaeun (2) Blue Sun (9) K N Storm
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) PLUTO won a trial at the tail end of last year and then ran a solid 2nd place on debut on January 24th, leading for much of the way around and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He should have come on for that run and will be a warm favourite to go all the way this time. (10) BEOLGYOUI HIM was 4th in that same race after a slow start saw him settle right back. He also has a 2nd place to his name and with the wide draw not a problem he can challenge late here. (6) SO GOOD was an improved 3rd place at start number three on January 17th only narrowly on the wrong side of a tight three-way finish. Seo Seung-un stays aboard and he can be a danger. (4) CHOEGANG TRIPLE and (8) JEONGMUN FELIX are the other contenders.

Selections(3) Pluto (10) Beolgyoui Him (6) So Good (4) Choegang Triple
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (9) BEOLGYO GRAMMY got her maiden win at 1000M last October and then took a couple of goes to get to grips with this level. Last time out she overcame a wide draw to come from off the pace for a solid 3rd place over this distance and while she carries 2kg more this time, she can win. (7) ANDAMIRO was a beaten favourite in a similar race to this on February 9th when settling midfield but only managing to run on for 5th. At her previous start she was a good 3rd and from a slightly better gate today, she can be given another chance. (4) SEOMDOLMORU is yet to win but is up in class following back-to-back 2nd places at this distance. She carries a light weight, she draws well, and she can measure up in this modest company. (3) SEMYEONG DIA and (10) GULJAK SUN are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(9) Beolgyo Grammy (7) Andamiro (4) Seomdolmoru (3) Semyeong Dia
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) MORNING DEW got his maiden win three starts back and has since raced twice at this class, both times ending in 3rd place at 1200M, most recently on January 24th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the pace – as he was when he won – and he is the one to beat here. (10) MONSTER DRAGON returns to action for the first time since last May. Before the layoff he registered a win and three 3rd places from four starts and has been gelded since. He trialed up well and while his match fitness will have to be taken on trust, he has quality. (11) MAENGNYONG is yet to win but has four 2nd places from five starts and should be there or thereabouts again. (1) EVERY KING IJI and (7) STORMING MAGIC others in the frame.

Selections(4) Morning Dew (10) Monster Dragon (11) Maengnyong (1) Every King Iji
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s been seven starts since (6) SHINE BOLT got his maiden win, but he has put in a few decent efforts since, not least last time out on January 25th when he was an on pace 2nd at this class and distance. Ruan Maia rode him for the first time that day and he stays on here with every chance of going one better. (10) NURI CHEONWANG got his maiden win at this class and distance on January 18th, coming from off the pace. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but he has never finished worse than 2nd and he can be firmly in the mix again. (7) MORE THAN JOKE has been the beaten favourite on each of his last three outings. His latest effort was his only poor one though and from a slightly better gate he can be given another chance today, if not as favourite. (3) LEGEND WOW and (5) SCALE KING the other contenders.

Selections(6) Shine Bolt (10) Nuri Cheonwang (7) More Than Joke (3) Legend Wow
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 1)

March gets underway with a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit goes around at Meydan on Saturday evening/Sunday morning (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (8) WE GO HIGH looked very assured in his trial, crossing the line 1st on the bridle and without much encouragement in what was a quick time compared with most trials recently. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. (4) THUNDER FIRE drew the widest gate on debut and after going forward early got shuffled right back before running on. He should have derived some benefit from the experience and with a much better draw today, can improve. (10) ACE MATCH was slowly away on his debut but ran on pleasingly enough for 5th place and he too can have come on for the run. Returning to the first-time starters, (1) WHIZ GOLD and (6) TOUCH THE SKY looked the best in trials.

Selections(8) We Go High (4) Thunder Fire (10) Ace Match (1) Whiz Gold
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) GWANAKSAN JOY has finished between 2nd and 4th in each of her four starts so far, including last time out on December 28th when she was a beaten odds-on favourite in 3rd. She likes to race on pace, so she does have the challenge of the wide draw here, but she is worth another chance. (2) INDIAN TAPIT has a 5th and a 4th from her two outings to date, both at this distance and most recently racing handy. Kozzi rode her both times and third up she can be peaking. (3) HYEOKMYEONGUIJILJU didn’t do much from a wide draw on debut but has raced on pace in her latest two and has finished 3rd and 4th. She draws well to get forward again and can match or better those finishes. (4) WONPYEONG NURI and (8) CUPID WORLD are the other place chances.  

Selections(11) Gwanaksan Joy (2) Indian Tapit (3) Hyeokmyeongjilju (4) Wonpyeong Nuri
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) SEOBU SKY ran a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M on January 26th, settling just behind the speed and running on well. He should have come on for the run, Ruan Maia climbs on, and he can win this. (3) ARCH DAY is the main danger. He has two 3rd places among his six starts to date, one at this distance and today comes into a better gate than last time. That should allow him a soft run to the speed, and he will be in this a long way. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (1) SEOHAE BADA does have a 3rd on her record and enters off a useful enough 5th over 1400M and from the inside gate may make for some interest on a place line. (2) DIA ROOK and (10) BLACK RUSSIAN others in the frame.

Selections(7) Seobu Sky (3) Arch Day (1) Seohae Bada (2) Dia Rook
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) PURGE STEP was a winner on debut over 1300M on January 25th, overcoming a wide draw to jump out fairly and then be ridden up to the pace. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be an issue, and she can measure up. (4) CHEONGSAN JILJU got his maiden win two starts back but had a slightly disappointing day at the office on his first try at this class and distance on January 25th. That was the first time he had missed the top five and he is well worth another chance here. (1) SUNSHINE QUEEN is winless in eleven, but she came close two starts back and ran a fair 5th on her first try at this class on January 18th. She’s nicely in at the weights and from the inside gate can be in the finish. (5) LOTUSMIREU and (7) CHEONJI SKY are others who can contest at least the minors.

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