Sunday Seoul & Busan: Full Preview (September 11)

It’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Day at Seoul. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:50 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 5 races from 12:20 to 15:55. English race cards are here. Full race-by-race preview below:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:50

Djordje Perovic picked up where he left off last week on his return to Korea after three months away and he can strike quickly with (2) EORIN WANGJA here. The colt was an improved 3rd on July 31st and can go even better today. First timers (8) HAENGUN MONEY and (10) RAON KINGDOM looked good in trials and can compete while (4) GOLDSTAR HILLS and (6) SIMCHEONG SADAL also look to have promise.

Selections (2) Eorin Wangja (8) Haengun Money (10) Raon Kingdom (4) Goldstar Hills
Next Best 6, 5, 11, 12
Outsiders 1, 3, 7, 9,
Fast Starters 2, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 11:15

2nd on debut three weeks ago, (5) SAGYEJEOL is strongly favoured to go one better today. She should lead from the gate and should have too much. (4) GEUMA BENIR has come close in recent starts and should be placing as should (7) FULL GAIN, an improved 3rd last start. (8) EUNBIT NARAE was beaten three lengths by Sagyejeol in that August 20th race but can beat some of these today.

Selections (5) Sagyejeol (4) Geuma Benir (7) Full Gain (8) Eunbit Narae
Next Best 6, 1, 3, 2
Fast Starters 1, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:40

Brian Dean’s (2) JUNGL DRUMMER won on debut in May and looks ready to win again having flown through a trial last week under today’s jockey Jo Sung Gon. He’s the one to beat. (5) RUNNER QUEEN and (6) SERA KING look to be the main dangers having run 4th and 3rd respectively in a good race at this distance a month ago. (3) DEOKSUNG ILHO, up in class following her maiden win, and (7) STORM RYKER are others in the hunt.

Selections (2) Jungl Drummer (6) Sera King (5) Runner Queen (7) Storm Ryker
Next Best 3, 8
Outsiders 1, 4, 9, 10
Fast Starters 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00

Full field in this all-filly race but probably the banker favourite of the day. That’s (11) HYESEONG YEOWANG, up in class after a facile 9-length win over the minimum on August 21st. This is her first time going further than 1000M but she should have too much. Also up in class is (5) EVA ROAD and she can be considered once more while (6) DIXIE SMILE and (10) SOKDO SHINHWA are both experienced money winners – if not actual winners – at this level. Yet to win at all is (12) MAMBO CHEONHA but she’s finished no worse than 3rd in her last six outings and could maintain that today.

Selections (11) Hyeseong Yeowang (6) Dixie Smile (12) Mambo Cheonha (10) Sokdo Shinhwa
Next Best 5, 3, 9, 1, 2, 7
Outsiders 4, 8, 13, 14
Fast Starters 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:45

(9) ULTRA ROCKET landed his maiden win at class and distance three weeks ago, he’ll be on speed early here and there’s no reason why he can’t make it two in a row. In this company (4) HIGH VET and (11) DANGCHANBISANG can improve, likewise the modestly named (3) BORN WINNER, who struggled on his first try at this level last month but has the services of Djordje Perovic aboard today. (7) HAPJAKPUM looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Ultra Rocket (11) Dangchanbisang (4) High Vet (3) Born Winner
Next Best 7, 5, 8, 10, 1
Outsiders 2, 6, 12
Fast Starters 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:35

Plenty of unraced imports go here but it’s a Korean-bred who is likely to be favourite. (11) ATHENA THUNDER is two for two and is therefore up in class. He could be craftily entered to maintain his 1000% record although he is tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time. Main danger and almost certain to be 2nd favourite is (9) SPIRIT OF HANSEN. He’s been 2nd in both starts to date and surely has a win in him soon. (2) MEGA IMPACT resumes nine weeks after scoring his maiden win in a similar race to this at 1000M and can be considered while (14) GANGTA beat (1) SMOKEY VALE on what was the latter’s debut last month and both can be considered here.

Selections (11) Athena Thunder (9) Spirit Of Hansen (14) Gangta (2) Mega Impact
Next Best 1, 3, 6, 5, 12
Outsiders 4, 7, 8, 10, 13
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:25

Big and competitive field. (2) GEUMA ZEUS was a class and distance winner last start, closing strongly and while he carries more weight today, can be respected. Looking for a hat-trick of wins is (11) NABOM CASTLE. He races for the first time in three months and carries top weight but can be considered. He’ll try to lead, as will (6) HURI BARAM, who disappointed on his first try at this class last month, when beaten by (12) RULES, but gets another chance today under champion jockey Moon Se Young. Up in class (5) SUN MASTER and (8) ÉCLAIR HUMOR need to improve but can go well.

Selections (2) Geuma Zeus (6) Huri Baram (5) Sun Master (12) Rules
Next Best 8, 11, 4, 7, 1, 13
Outsiders 3, 9, 10, 14
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 6, 8

 Seoul Race 8: Class Open – The Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) / 1200M / Weight for Age / KRW 700 Million / 16:25

FULL PREVIEW. The first of two international races on the card and Singapore’s (9) SUPER WINNER, in sparking form at Kranji over the summer has settled into Seoul Racecourse well, has drawn adequately if not ideally and is a serious contender for this big prize. He is likely to be the favourite. Main dangers look to be Hong Kong’s (2) SUPER JOCKEY, who has proven himself over similar surfaces in the past and US Group 1 winner (10) WILD DUDE. Among the Korean entries, (8) PERDIDO POMEROY is the pick with Oaks winner (7) OTTUG OTTUGI and last year’s Asia Challenge Cup winner (when he beat El Padrino) (6) CHOEGANG SCHILLER, the wildcard.

Selections (2) Super Jockey (10) Wild Dude (9) Super Winner (8) Perdido Pomeroy
Next Best 7, 6, 13, 3, 1, 4, 14
Outsiders 5, 11, 12, 15, 16
Fast Starters 6, 7, 8, 13

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:55

(1) SPACE SHUTTLE was overwhelmed in a couple of Stakes races earlier this year but can go well in this company and is one of a number of contenders here. (3) GAIA THUNDER comes in off back to back wins and tries this distance for the first time as does (11) CHOWONUI CHANGA. Both can be considered here as can (4) CHEONHABI, who made all to win at 1300M a month and is up in class here. (7) VALLEY STAR and (9) QUEEN HUDSON, both prior winners at the distance are the wildcard picks

Selections (3) Gaia Thunder (11) Chowonui Changa (4) Cheonhabi (1) Space Shuttle
Next Best 10, 8, 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 5, 6
Fast Starters 4, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class Open – The Keeneland Korea Cup (KOR G1) / 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 1 Billion / 17:30

FULL PREVIEW. The second international race looks very competitive. Singapore’s (15) INFANTRY hasn’t drawn well but if he can find a decent position from the outside, he has every chance of going well having taken to the Seoul track a little better than the other Kranji raider (1) ORDER OF THE SUN. The Japanese pair of (3) CHRYSOLITE and (7) KURINO STAR O look the ones to beat with jockey Joe Fujii’s Seoul experience perhaps being a crucial factor on the former. UK all-weather specialist (8) SOLAR DEITY and French visitor (2) FAMOUS MARK provide intrigue. There could be a Korean winner. Triple Crown winner (16) POWER BLADE has had a long season but home fans will be hoping for a solid performance from him and stablemate (13) TRIPLE NINE. However, it may be that (5) BEOLMAUI KKUM is the most dangerous member of the home team.

Selections (3) Chrysolite (5) Beolmaui Kkum (16) Power Blade (15) Infantry
Next Best 7, 13, 1, 8, 2, 10, 4
Outsiders 6, 9, 11, 12, 14
Fast Starters 5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00

(5) GOREOUS DREAM didn’t get into the Korea Sprint so instead he tries class 1 for the first time here. He also stretches out to 1400M which may be more of a concern that the step up in class but if he does handle the distance, he should win. (3) ALWAYS WINNER also steps up to class 1. He wan the JRA Trophy at this distan ce in June before struggling at Kranji the following month. Back at Seoul, he should be dangerous. The two “suns” (11) SUN SHOT and (14) SUN BURSTER look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Goreous Dream (3) Always Winner (11) Sun Shot (14) Sun Burster
Next Best 7, 6, 10, 9, 1, 13
Outsiders 2, 4, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 5, 10

Korea Cup: Final Preview

It’s time. The Keeneland Korea Cup and Sprint are upon us. I went into detail about the Korea Sprint at the Hong Kong Jockey Club website so we’ll focus on the Cup here.

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A quick word on the Sprint though, I’m going to stick with Super Jockey although Super Winner will almost certainly begin as favourite and deservedly so on recent form. Wild Dude looks very dangerous. As hoped for, it’s a really open race which any number could win. As indeed is the Cup. Let’s get into it.

First off, the draw. At first glance, (16) POWER BLADE and (15) INFANTRY were the big losers. Jockey Kim Yong Geun’s theatrics at the barrier draw certainly suggested that, however, while nobody would have chosen gate 16, Power Blade began the Cup Mile from gate 10 and the Derby from gate 12. There are other reasons why it may be tough for Power Blade, which we will return to. As for Infantry, he can overcome it and having adapted to the sand reasonably well, is one of the main contenders.

The Japanese pair of (3) CHRYSOLITE and and (7) KURINO STAR O do look very dangerous. The track should hold no concerns for them and the draw has been very kind. With Joe Fujii on board, it is possible that Korean punters may make Chrysolite the favourite. He should settle reasonably handy and has a great chance.

(1) ORDER OF THE SUN is a capable sort but he was well-beaten by Infantry over a mile in July and that, combined with concerns on the sand, will make him less fancied that his fellow Singapore raider. Representing the UAE is (6) NEED TO KNOW. It’s not the racing season there right now so he hasn’t raced since April. Even with Tadhg O’Shea on board, this is a tough ask.

Europe is represented by Jane Chapple-Hyam’s (8) SOLAR DEITY. He’s an all-weather specialist who can’t be judged on his recent turf form (he’s been racing in very strong company) and while he won’t be among the favourites, a strong performance is possible under Darryll Holland, who rode this track when based in Korea at Busan. Moroccan bred (2) FAMOUS MARK represents France. He is another who hasn’t found it easy on the turf but was 3rd in a Listed race on dirt in Sweden in May and is another with a good draw today.

As for the Korean horses, Power Blade does have to catch the eye as we don’t really know how good he is yet. He won the Triple Crown without being seriously tested but this is a challenge of a whole different order and while he has only raced four times this year, can he be in peak condition once again? One hopes so but while a sizable minority in the Korean racing media have him to win, a top five finish would be creditable. That’s true too for stablemate (13) TRIPLE NINE, winner of last month’s Owner’s Cup over a mile.

Perhaps the most likely of the Korea-trained contingent is (5) BEOLMAUI KKUM. He made all to beat Triple Nine by five lengths in the Busan Mayor’s Cup in July, finally taking out a big race. Some observers argue that he is one of the most gifted horses to ever run in Korea but suffered from overwork in his early career. At 6, he now looks to be at his best and if he runs at it on Sunday, he could even win. He will almost certainly look to lead from gate-to wire.

Joining Beolmaui Kkum on the early speed will be (12) SAENGIL GIPPEUM and possibly (9) GUMPO SKY. Both are more than capable at this distance but staying on in this company will be tough. (11) DYNAMIC DASH has just been found a little wanting in good domestic company in his last couple of starts while Seoul-based (14) DYNAMIC JILJU hasn’t really faced much in the way of quality opposition. (4) MIRAE YEONGUNG and (10) WONDER BOLT are likely to be slower away. Both have strong finishes and are capable of picking off a few in the closing stages.

Fingers crossed for a good and safe race.

Selections: (3) Chrysolite (15) Infantry (5) Beolmaui Kkum (7) Kurino Star O (16) Power Blade

International Meeting Day 1: Lee Shin Young Trains STC and HKJC Trophy winners

Saturday saw day 1 of the Korea Cup meeting and there were several Trophy Exchange races throughout the day:

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Raon Amos won the Singapore Turf Club Trophy (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Trainer Lee Shin Young sent out the winners of both the Singapore Turf Club Trophy and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy. Raon Amos took the STC while Gray Socks was the winner of a messy event for 2-year-olds in the HKJC.

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Gray Socks and Moon Se Young return to scale having won the inaugural HKJC Trophy (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

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HKJC Trophy ceremony (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Moon Se Young also won a race in a mini-jockey challenge that was held involving some of the  jockeys who will ride in Sunday’s Korea Cup & Sprint. Abderahim Faddoul, representing France was the best visitors although he has to wear the British silk after the French one went missing:

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Abderahim Faddoul received his trophy from Yangtae Park (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Earlier the Macau Jockey Club Trophy had been won by Ham Wan Sik on Dixie Ploit while later on, the Horse Racing Ireland Trophy ended with an easy win for Kim Hye Sun on Cheonji Storm:

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A slightly awkward looking HRI Trophy presentation party (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

On Sunday it’s the main events, the Keeneland Korea Cup & Korea Sprint.

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 10)

International weekend gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and while the Cup and Sprint are tomorrow, there’s still plenty going on. There are four exchange “Trophy races” with the Macau Jockey Club, Singapore Turf Club, Hong Kong Jockey Club and Horse Racing Ireland as well as the official launch of the new 127 metre-long screen. In total there are 13 races from 14:00 to 21:00. English racecards here, brief notes on races 1-10 below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 14:00 

Nine of the twelve debut here and trial “winner” (7) RAON QUANTUM is set to be the one to beat. He finished strongly in his trial, beating a couple who also debut here and should go well under the champion jockey. Among other debut makers, (6) MY VISION and (10) USEUNGUI CHUEOK caught the eye in trials, however the main danger is likely to be one of those with experience. (3) YEOKDAE CHOESANG was 3rd on debut at the end of July and can have come on for that.

Selections (7) Raon Quantum (3) Yeokdae Choesang (6) My Vision (10) Useungui Chueok
Next Best 1, 8, 11, 4
Outsiders 2, 5, 9, 12
Fast Starters 6, 8, 9

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45 

Big field and despite a trainer/jockey combination that isn’t in form (3) RECONQUISTA has to be slight favourite here. He beat three of these when running 2nd a month ago at this distance and can go one better today. (11) CALL ME JK comes in following a career best 2nd the same day and can come close once more as can (14) GANGJASEUNG, who improved under an apprentice jockey last time out and has the same rider returning today. Brian Dean’s (2) CALEDONIA can also improve on his debut run behind Reconquista while (1) WON AGAIN – yet to win – is the other one to consider.

Selections (3) Reconquista (2) Caledonia (11) Call Me JK (14) Gangjaseung
Next Best 1, 8, 5, 10
Outsiders 4, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13
Fast Starters 5

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30 

Another full field and this race is part of a brief challenge for some of the jockeys in town for Sunday’s international races. The Koreans have got the best of the draw with (6) DARK AMBER likely to be disputing favourite status with (10) MONDAY MONEY. Both look ready to win. (9) MENI VET has come close on each of her last four outings and should do so again while among the foreign riders, Abderahim Faddoul has perhaps the best draw with (7) YESANGBAEK SEUNG. Also in with a shout is (5) IBAEGJEOM.

Selections (6) Dark Amber (10) Monday Money (9) Menu Vet (7) Yesangbaek Seung
Next Best 5, 4, 14, 8, 3, 13
Outsiders 1, 2, 11, 12
Fast Starters 7, 9, 10, 12

Race 4: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 16:15 

The first of the trophy races so a big prize on offer here. (4) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG Is favourite to land it having been a close 2nd his first try at class and distance last month. He’ll settle handy and could have too much late on. (7) SUBAEKHYANG and (2) DIXIE PLOIT come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively at this distance on August 20th and will be competitive again while (5) RAON NARA and (8) DEVIL MAN are both up in class and nicely in here.

Selections (4) GWangyang Dolpung (2) Dixie Ploit (7) Subaekhyang (5) Raon Nara
Next Best  
Outsiders  
Fast Starters  

Race 5: Class Open – The Singapore Turf Club Trophy / 1400M / KRW 150 Million / 16:45

Some of the visiting jockeys return here for this filly-only trophy race although again it’s a local who has the best of the draw with Kim Yong Geun pulling out (9) RAON AMOS. The filly has won her last four with varying degrees of ease and while she faces a stiffer test here, she should be on speed early and can win again. (7) BLAZING STAR gives Tadgh O’Shea an opportunity to show what he can do; the 3-year-old won three in a row between April and June and should also be on speed here. (4) OUR CAT, (5) REWARD HIGH and (8) JEWELRY PARK look best of the rest in a nicely competitive race.

Selections (9) Raon Amos (7) Blazing Star (8) Jewelry Park (5) Reward High
Next Best 4, 2
Outsiders 1, 3, 6
Fast Starters 4, 7, 9

Race 6: Class Open Allowance / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 200 Million / 17:15 

The inaugural Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy is for 2-year-olds who passed through local sales and there’s a huge prize on offer. (10) ROCKET QUEEN didn’t impress on debut last month but went back to trail just last week and absolutely flew through and Brian Dean’s filly comes into contention as a result. (3) CLEAN UP SKY and (9) LEAD MONEY were perhaps the most impressive on their debuts with (2) PHILLANIKE and (8) NEW WHY FI also showing potential for improvement.

Selections (10) Rocket Queen (3) Clean Up Sky (9) Lead Money (2) Phillanike
Next Best 8, 11, 1, 5, 12
Outsiders 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 3, 5, 9, 10

Race 7: Class Open / 2000M / Weight for Age / KRW 150 Million / 17:55 

(5) SUN STRONG and (1) GASOKBULPAE ran 1st and 2nd over this distance in the Sports Chosun Cup in June. While Sun Strong struggled on reappreance at class 1 in July and Gasokbulpae han’t raced since, both look strong here. Gasokbulpae will try to lead from gate to wire. (2) CHEONJI STORM was a good 2nd in the Ilgan Sports Cup at the end of July and should be competitive on his first try at this distance while (3) ROYAL VICTORY and (7) HOWIMUSA look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Gasokbulpae (5) Sun Strong (2) Cheonji Storm (7) Howimusa
Next Best 6, 3, 4
Fast Starters 1

Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:35 

Back to the big fields. (10) WANJEON MULGYEOL provided trainer Kim Dong Chul with his first ever winner last month and it is possible he could provide him with his 2nd here. It won’t be easy though. (13) HAPPIEST was beaten by Wanjeon Mulgyeol last time but should get closer today while (2) CUPID PARK and (4) GEUMBIT SONATA can both improve on slightly disappointing outings last time while (12) CHOWON BOLT can build on a 3rd and a 2nd in his last two starts. (6) GWACHEON WONDER is up in class following a 2nd place over this distance and while he is yet to win in ten attempts, he looks nicely in here.

Selections (6) Gwacheon Wonder (10) Wanjeon Mulgyeol (12) Chowon Bolt (2) Cupid Park
Next Best 13, 4, 1, 8, 5
Outsiders 3, 7, 9, 11
Fast Starters  

Race 9: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 19:00 

(10) SILLA HWARANG is up in class following his maiden win on his second start and he is favoured to keep improving her. He should come from just behind an early pace that could be set by (11) PINK STAR, who has just the one win in 25 races but has been coming close recently. (2) DRAGON SPEED comes in following an improved 3rd in July and then ten weeks off and can go well while (3) HWANHUIUISUNGAN and (8) HWANSANGUI DOYAK look best of the rest.

Selections (10) Silla Hwarang (11) Pink Star (2) Dragon Speed (3) Hwanhuiuisungan
Next Best 8, 7, 1
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 5, 6, 11

Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 19:25 

Two standouts here with (3) VIVA TRINITY a class and distance winner on August 20th. He carries more weight today but can follow up. (6) SEONGBULOREUM’s recent form is better than 6th and 5th from her last two suggest – both were tight and with more luck she could have got closer coming from off the pace. (7) PRO MATEUS is inconsistent but can improve here while (2) SHINE CLOVER and (12) INDIE RUNNER are others to take into account.

Selections (3) Viva Trinity (6) Seongbuloreum (12) Indie Runner (7) Pro Mateus
Next Best 2, 10, 5, 8
Outsiders 1, 4, 9, 11, 13, 14
Fast Starters

Korea Cup & Sprint Countdown: Numbers Drawn

The barrier draws for Sunday’s Keeneland Korea Cup and Sprint took place at a downtown Seoul hotel this morning. Each race features seven overseas-trained horses up against nine Korean-trained. We’ll have a full final preview of both races up on Saturday. For now, here are the fields (all pictures by Ross Holburt for KRA):

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The Sprint will be simulcast live by the Hong Kong Jockey Club during Sunday afternoon’s Sha Tin meeting and Super Jockey, one of the favourites for the race, drew gate number 2.

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Owner Tony Lau draws Super Jockey’s number (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

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Kim Yong Geun is less than amused at pulling gate 16 out for Power Blade in the Cup

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Sprint connections

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Cup connections

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Team GB! (& Australia)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 9)

The barrier draws for Sunday’s inaugural Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint were held this morning in Seoul. Before we get to that though, we have plenty of regular action to take care of. The weekend’s racing starts in Busan on Friday where there are 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. English racecards are here and notes on races 1-9 are below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20    

Italian jockey Francisco Da Silva makes his Korean debut here and it could be a winning one on (3) BAEKDUBONG. The colt was a solid 2ndon debut in July and can go one better here. Main danger is (7) DAREUMBAKJIL, also 2nd on debut last month behind a decent winner. Debut-makers (6) TRIPLE KING looks next best while (5) EORIN YEOWANG can improve from his debut last month.

Selections (7) Dareumbakjil (3) Baekdubong (6) Triple King (5) Eorin Yeowang
Next Best 1, 2, 4
Fast Starters 1, 6

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:45 

Only three of the eight have raced before and of those, (7) CHOEGANG DRIVER was an improved 6th on her second start behind some promising ones and can progress again here. Da Silva gets another opportunity on (4) SUMMIT DAY, 2nd in a trial last month and who along with (2) GOLDEN BULLET, looks the most promising of the debut-makers. The two others with racing experience, (3) EGSEU BAND and (8) QUEEN’S BULLET are next best.

Selections (4) Summit Day (7) Choegang Driver (2) Golden Bullet (3) Egseu Band
Next Best 8, 1
Outsiders 5, 6
Fast Starters 3, 4, 7

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:10 

With two 3rds from three outings to date, filly (1) AREUMDAUN OECHIM is strongly favoured to strike this time as the standout in a big but limited field. Bearing in mind the quality – or lack thereof – of the opposition, Peter Wolsley’s (6) COURAGIO, the only debut-maker, has to be well supported while (5) PYEONGDAEMYEONGMUN, with two 4ths from three starts, can also go well. Plenty of experience, if not necessarily talent, among the rest so (4) CHASEDAE and (10) AQUA QUEEN should be capable of competing for the money.

Selections (1) Areumdaun Oechim (6) Couragio (5) Pyeongdaemyeongmun (4) Chasedae
Next Best 10, 2, 9, 8, 12, 3
Outsiders 7, 11, 13, 14
Fast Starters 5, 13

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 

Another Peter Wolsley debut-maker. (4) YUSEONG FIRST, looks the one to beat here in this all-filly affair. She looked promising in trials and can get off to a winning start in less than intimidating company. (6) LADY LUCK should be scoring the best result of her career to date, coming in following a 3rd and a 4th in her last two starts. (1) BEST ECTON and (7) SWEET WHY, both under apprentice jockeys can also improve on what they’ve done before.

Selections (4) Yuseong First (6) Lady Luck (1) Best Ecton (7) Sweet Why
Next Best 3, 8
Outsiders 2, 5
Fast Starters 2, 4, 7

Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 

We’re finally done with the maidens and onto a competitive looking race. As we often do in these type of class 4 races, we’ll go for the experienced Korean breds over the imports. (1) YEONGTO DAEWANG is up in class   following her second win just two weeks ago. She looks a good sprinter and can make all here. Also a good looking sprinter is (9) V DIVA. She returned from four months off to triumph over this distance on August 7th and is too up in class here with solid claims. (8) HUIMANG QUEEN has finished no worse than 4th in eight runs to fate and should keep that record intact today. Among the imports, (5) BARAMUI HEUNJEOK can improve on the 6th he scored on debut while first-timer (11) PASSION D’OR looked promising in trials.

Selections (1) Yeongto Daewang (9) V Diva (8) Huimang Queen (11) Passion D’Or
Next Best 5, 4, 10, 3
Outsiders 2, 6, 7, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3, 4

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25 

Competitive race here and Bart Rice’s (7) FOCUS LINE just gets the verdict. Yet to win in four but looked ok first up at this level a month ago and can improve from just off the pace. (12) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE has a 2nd and a 3rd at this level and if he can get to the front from gate 12, could have strong claims while (2) JERAJIN, who didn’t find it easy in an all-filly race at this class three weeks ago can also improve today. (5) BAEDARI HAENGUN and (6) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE look best of the rest.

Selections (7) Focus Line (12) Choegang Adventure (2) Jerajin (5) Baedari Haengun
Next Best 6, 1, 14, 10, 8, 2
Outsiders 3, 4, 9, 11
Fast Starters 3, 10, 11, 12

Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:05

(14) BRACHAH beat four of these when finishing 3rd over class and distance just two weeks ago and despite drawing the outside gate here is favoured to beat them once more and this time come home in front. It won’t be easy though. (3) CHEONGCHUN CHAMP is up in class following a pair of 2nd places at class 6 and looks to have scope for development while (2) MAKGANG JILJU has come close in each of her last four and can do so again. (4) GAMSEONG POKBAL is up in class following her maiden win at this distance. She has plenty to find but can be competitive while (8) OH MY CAPTAIN and (11) FIRST SUN are others to consider.

Selections (14) Brachah (3) Cheongchun Champ (2) Makgang Jilju (11) First Sun
Next Best 8, 4, 7, 6, 9
Outsiders 1, 5, 10, 12, 13
Fast Starters 8, 11, 14

Race 8: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:45 

Another really competitive race with (6) USEUNG CHOEGO marginally favoured to improve on 3rd place at class and distance on August 12th. Main danger is (9) GERMAN JEONCHA, 2nd on his first try at the distance three weeks ago and likely to set the pace here. He looks a potential talent at this and further distances. (7) THE STARS has only won once but is always dangerous; she beat (8) GO JJANG by a length last time out as the pair ran 3rd and 4th over a mile and both should be competitive again here. Up in class and distance, (2) HUIMANG PARADE may also be considered.

Selections (6) Useung Choego (9) German Jeoncha (2) Huimang Parade (7) The Stars
Next Best 8, 10, 3, 11
Outsiders 1, 4, 5
Fast Starters 9

Race 9: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35 

Bart Rice’s (6) JANGGUNEUI HUYE comes in having won three from three since being a little overmatched in the Korean Oaks in June. She’s a talented sprinter and should have too much for this opposition. (8) V MAN, a Korean Derby also-ran, and (10) GIGA SPEED can go close but will have to find a little extra to compete with the favourite while (4) SINSEGYE SINHWA and (7) GANGJA DAERO also look in the running for the places.

Selections (6) Jangguneui Huye (8) V Man (10) Giga Speed (4) Sinsegye Sinhwa
Next Best 7, 11, 12, 3
Outsiders 1, 2, 5, 9
Fast Starters 5

All Systems Go For Korea Cup & Sprint

All fourteen overseas-trained horses who will participate in Sunday’s historic inaugural running of the Keeneland Korea Cup and Keeneland Korea Sprint have arrived at Seoul Racecourse.

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Hong Kong’s Super Jockey worked at Seoul Racecourse on Tuesday morning under assistant trainer Beverly Millard (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

Following the withdrawals of Hong Kong pair Gun Pit and Rich Tapestry from the Cup and the Sprint respectively, there are a total of seven overseas-trained horses set to go in each race (Full list of entries here). The arrivals began last Friday with horses from Japan and Singapore and concluded on Sunday evening when France-trained Famous Mark was the last to take up residence in the newly expanded international stables at Seoul Racecourse.

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Chrysolite & jockey Joe Fujii (Pic: Ross Holburt for KRA)

The horses have been working since arrival; very early in the mornings because of quarantine regulations – although on Tuesday they received a bit of a lie-in due to Korean horses at the track not working (Tuesday is traditionally a day-off in Korean racing and old habits die-hard – even with those due to be racing in the big ones this weekend), so the visitors had the track and parade-ring, which the Japanese horses schooled in, to themselves.

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Both Cup and Sprint look fascinating affairs with the Sprint, despite its lower prize-money, seeming especially competitive. The “Supers”, Hong Kong’s Super Jockey and Singapore’s Super Winner, as well as the newly Irish-trained Wild Dude join UAE pair of Art Wave and Beachy Head and Japanese duo Million Volts and Grape Brandy will face the hugely promising Busan-trained Perdido Pomeroy. While proven quality is on the side of the visitors, the sand-track can be a great leveler as was shown when Choegang Schiller, who will also run, won last year’s Asia Challenge Cup. Due to Super Jockey’s presence, the Sprint will be simulcast live to the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The Japanese raiders look like they mean business and the pair of Chrysolite and Kurino Star O seem especially formidable in the Cup where they will line-up with Famous Mark as well as Singapore’s Infantry and Order Of The Sun, UAE’s Need To Know and Great Britain’s Solar Deity in taking on Korean Triple Crown winner Power Blade.

The barrier draw which, with 16 runners set to run in each race, could be crucial, will take place on Thursday lunchtime.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 4)

Plenty going on at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday. In the capital there are 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00 while down on the South coast there are 6 from 13:00 to 17:00. English race-cards are here. Notes on most races below:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:50 (KST)

Half the field make their debuts but it’s to one with experience we turn. (7) REBECCA was 3rd on debut and should have too much here. She’ll be strong favourite. (8) NHA TRANG has raced twice and was an improved 3rd on August 13th and looks to be the main danger while (2) BLUE LADY can also improve on debut when she was 6th in the same race as Rebecca. Among the debut-makers, (5) KING MESSENGER looked the best in trials.

Selections (7) Rebecca (8) Nha Trang (5) King Messenger (2) Blue Lady
Next Best 1, 3, 4, 6
Fast Starters 2, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:15 (KST)

Not a strong lot here but we’ll go for (8) CHEONHA JAEPAE, the only one who comes in following a respectable result in his last start to make the breakthrough here. He was 3rd at class and distance last time and should have too much here. (1) NEULPUREUN JUMBO has a 2nd place to his name, achieved at this distance in June and looks clear 2nd best. Less said about the rest the better with (4) GEUMSU, (5) BYEOLJUNGUIBYEOL and (9) WHITE TIME perhaps with the most chance of improvement.

Selections (8) Cheonha Jaepae (1) Neulpureun Jumbo (4) Geumsu (9) White Time
Next Best 5, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 6
Fast Starters 4, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:40 (KST)

(2) EONJE EODISEONA was a solid 2nd on her first try at this class on August 14th. He was prominent throughout and although well beaten by a good winner, can push on today. He’ll be on the early speed and should win this all-filly affair. (5) BEST QUEEN has come back into form of late with a 2nd and a 3rd from her last two. A strong finisher, she should be competitive again. (3) MONSTER QUEEN is up in class following her maiden win and has little to fear here while (6) SHINE QUEEN and (8) MARI look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Eonje Eodiseona (5) Best Queen (3) Monster Queen (8) Mari
Next Best 6, 7, 1, 4
Fast Starters 1, 2, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:20 (KST)

(4) SUN EAST was a shock 85/1 winner on a sloppy track at this class over 1400M in July and still an outsider, followed it up with a creditable 4th at this distance last month. He needs more respect today and could very well return to the winner’s circle. Newly licensed at Seoul, Italian jockey Marcello Belli debuts at Seoul this weekend and he has a chance here on (10) GEUMBIT ULLIM. Yet to win in ten outings, the colt has had several near misses recently and Belli could be the difference today. Likely early pace will come from (3) SPECIAL SHINE, who returns following almost five months out and looked in decent shape in a trial last week while (1) SUPER MOON and (8) NEW DOLPUNG look best of the rest.

Selections (10) Geumbit Ullim (4) Sun East (3) Special Shine (8) New Dolpung
Next Best 1, 9
Outsiders 2, 5, 6, 7
Fast Starters 3

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Competitive sprint this and we’ll look to three ones up in class to battle it out here. Gate 10 isn’t ideal but if he can get away well, (10) GANGHO CHEONNYEON can edge out (1) LA FENICE and (2) ARGO FLYING. The latter has only raced twice since coming last in the KRA Cup Mile (the opening leg of the Triple Crown) in April but was a good winner last time. Djordje Perovic is back in town having spent the last few months fulfilling licensing requirements overseas and will be eager to start riding winners again and (9) CIGAR ACE won’t be favourite but can be competitive. (4) PERFECT CLONE is another to consider, at least for the places.

Selections (10) Gangho Cheonnyeon (2) Argo Flying (1) La Fenice (9) Cigar Ace
Next Best 4, 5, 11
Outsiders 3, 6, 7, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 9, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(5) EOJJUGARI, winner of back to back races at domestic class 5 in May and June looks craftily entered here among relatively soft imported opposition and has every chance of returning to winning ways. The other Korean-bred runner in the race (8) SPECIAL ROAD HILL looks to have been entered for similar reasons and will also be expected to show improvement form her last start and is likely to be the main danger. Among the six imports few stand out so we’ll give trial winner (4) BANYA DONGHAENG a chance on his racecourse debut with (3) DALLYEORA BEONGAE the other to consider.

Selections (5) Eojjugari (8) Special Road Hill (4) Banya Donghaeng (3) Dallyeora Beongae
Next Best 7, 1
Outsiders 2, 6
Fast Starters 5, 7

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Big field but big favourite too. (4) CITY STAR has two wins and two 2nd place finishes from four outings to date and should be superior here. He will likely lead all the way. (9) SIDAEUIYEOWANG was 4th to City Star’s 2nd over 1400M at this class on July 23rd and could be the one to get closest to him once more although (11) MAJUNGMUL, 4th on her first try at this level following back to back wins, can also be considered. Plenty more vying for places with (1) PRETTY BOY, (3) KKUMUI CLUB and (8) CHEONJI TAP chief among them.

Selections (4) City Star (9) Sidaeuiyeowang (11) Majungmul (1) Pretty Boy
Next Best 7, 3, 5, 8, 12, 6, 2
Outsiders 10, 13, 14
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 (KST)

Another big field and another where many have claims. (8) KODIAK LOVE is slightly favoured following two 2nds and a 3rd at this level. He’ll look to come from just off the early pace. There will be plenty on speed early including (5) SHARK MANSE. The two-year-old was a 4-length winner on debut on August 13th and should be fine up in class and distance today. Also on speed will be (1) SMOKEN JOE, a solid 2nd on a wet track at the end of July and likely to benefit from gate 1 here. (3) GOOD TYPE will also be away quickly and go well while attempting to come from off the pace will be (13) HUGHES ROAD. He’s back after eight months out and looked fast and competitive in an August trial.

Selections (8) Kodiak Love (5) Shark Manse (1) Smoken Joe (13) Hughes Road
Next Best 3, 11, 10, 12, 14
Outsiders 2, 4, 6, 7, 9
Fast Starters 1,2, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

Up in class after back to back wins and five for seven in total, (7) MIDAS ROAD tries further than the minimum distance for just the second time. There are few opportunities at his preferred distance at this class so it will be interesting to see if he can stay on today. He will sit handy. Main danger is (10) MENI MUSIC, who comes in following back to back 2n places at lass and distance and will be on the early speed. She’ll be tough to pass as will (3) SANGGAM MAMA and (5) KATIE STAR, both of whom have claims. (4) DARK LADY, 5th behind Meni Music and Katie Star last time looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Midas Road (10) Meni Music (5) Katie Star (3) Sanggam Mama
Next Best 4, 8, 11, 1
Outsiders 2, 6, 9
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(4) GWANGBOK CHILSIP looked good when making all for a 7-length win over 1900M at class 2 on July 31st. He is up in class here but carries little weight and can win. Also nicely in here is (8) PINOT NOIR. She’s won a Listed race and a Stakes race already this year and was 2nd coming back from four-month absence last time out. Top weight – and top-rated – is (3) BICHUI WANGJA. He won a similar race at class and distance in July carrying even more than he is today and must be respected. He will look to lead all the way so the early dynamic between him and Gwangbok Chilsip, coming out of neighbouring gates, will be interesting. Plenty of other decent ones here as well with (5) MAGIC TAP, up at class one for the first time, and (6) HWANGGEUM TAP, looking the most promising.

Selections (4) Gwangbok Chilsip (3) Bichui Wangja (8) Pinot Noir (5) Magic Tap
Next Best 6, 10, 2, 11
Outsiders 1, 7, 9
Fast Starters 3, 4

Seoul Race 11: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Another competitive event to finish with. (3) SPECIAL HARBOR beat three of his rivals here on his way to victory at class and distance three weeks ago. The same apprentice jockey who rode him that day keeps his carried weight down once more and he looks the one to beat. (7) DONGCHON ARTIST returned from eight months out to win first-up on a wet track in July and will be well backed as well while (9) CLEAN UP STAR may have only won once in thirty outings but he got his sixth 2nd place finish last time out and can repeat today. (1) THUNDER STEP and (6) S ROSE, look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Special Harbor (7) Dongchon Artist (1) Thunder Step (9) Clean Up Star
Next Best 6, 4
Outsiders 2, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4, 7

Marcello Belli To Debut At Seoul As Perovic Returns

A new foreign jockey debuts at Seoul this Saturday afternoon. 44-year-old Italian Marcello Belli, a one-time champion jockey in Italy will take his first Korean mount in race 9. Also on Saturday at Seoul, Djordje Perovic makes his long-awaited return.

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Marcello Belli (Pic: supplied by jockey)

Marcello Belli debuted in 1988 and has ridden approximately 1650 winners in Italy including success in Italian Group and listed races. Over the past three years he has maintained a win rate of 9.3% and a place rate of 21.6%. He is riding at Seoul on an initial three-month license until the end of November.

Although Belli has just the three mounts across the weekend, he has at least one live chance in the shape of Geumbit Ullim in Sunday’s race 4.

Fellow Italian-licensed jockey, Serbia’s Djordje Perovic, has been absent the past couple of months having had to fulfill license requirements elsewhere. Hhowever, the “Balkan Wolf” remains in 3rd place in the Seoul Jockey Championship and will be looking to pick up from where he left off with 14 rides across the weekend.

Belli and Perovic join Imran Chisty as the foreign contingent at Seoul.

Belli’s countrymen Pasquale Borelli and Paolo Aragoni are riding at Busan. Borelli rode a winner on Friday as did the third overseas member of the Busan jockey colony, Japan’s Yonekura Saoshi. Satoshi partnered Ms. Margaux to victory in the class 1 feature race for trainer Thomas Gillespie. Bart Rice also trained a winner on the day. Another foreign jockey has also been licensed at Busan as from September.

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Yonekura Satoshi and Thomas Gillespie’s Ms. Margaux win at Busan (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Saturday sees racing at Seoul and Jeju starting from 2pm and running until 9pm. Daytime cards at Seoul and Busan on Sunday.

Click here for English Racecards.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September2)

The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday afternoon with an 11-race card at Busan. The first is at 2.20pm and the last is at 9pmEnglish racecards are here. Notes on selected races below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20

Ten of the twelve are first-time starters and of them, (1) QUEEN’S QUEEN showed the most in trials, comfortably defeating a couple of the others who debut here and she should go well. The other market leader is going to be (7) MORNING PARK. He’s one of the two who has raced before, finishing a creditable, if unspectacular 4th on debut last month and can push on from that. (10) FOUR NINES, from Kim Young Kwan’s stable will also be backed despite an average trial. Among the other debut-makers, (2) HWANHUIUI BARAM, (6) NAMYANG QUEEN and (9) RICH BOLT look most promising at this stage.

Selections (1) Queen’s Queen (7) Morning Park (10) Four Nines (9) Rich Bolt
Next Best 2, 3, 6, 5, 8
Outsiders 4, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 9

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45 

Third on debut at the minimum distance last month, (9) GASOK ACE is likely to be strong favourite to strike here. He should lead all the way. This is a big field though and there are dangers. (1) SAMHYEONGJE comes in following consecutive 2nd places and while apprentice jockey Jung Do Yun is yet to ride his first winner, it could come here. He’ll be on speed early too. (6) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG and (7) DON’T STOP are both more experienced and both have recent 2nd places to their names and can repeat while (11) MISWICK MYEONGUN is two starts into a comeback following a lengthy absence and can build on a much improved 3rd place last start.

Selections (9) Gasok Ace (1) Samhyeongje (6) Isidae Yeonggwang (11) Miswick Myeongun
Next Best 7, 8, 10, 12
Outsiders 2, 3, 4, 5
Fast Starters 1, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:10 

(7) FERNANDO has been close on a number of occasions and back from three months off during which time he was gelded, is one of a number who can win this modest contest. Similarly (9) BAROGA has shown potential in this type of company before and can be close for an in-form stable. (1) GREAT PEARL is generally badly behaved but is quick and if jockey Seol Dong Bok can channel her energy in the correct direction, she has a chance; she will be on the early speed. (2) SEUNGNI JEONGSEONG was a much improved 4th last time out while (5) IGIPPEUM GEUDAERO is unlikely to get a maiden win on her 35th start but can compete for the placings.

Selections (7) Fernando  (9) Baroga (1) Great Pearl (2) Seungni Jeongseong
Next Best 5, 10, 8
Outsiders 3, 4, 6, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3

Busan Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 

The last of the maiden races and (8) DANCING STAR, who led for much of her last start in a similar all-filly race on August 12th only to be comprehensively beaten by a good winner in the final furlong, looks to be the one to beat here. (10) DESTINY enters following a solid 3rd place (beating Baroga, who we saw in race 3) and should be competitive here too. (6) DORAON GASOKDO struggled in that same race but gets another chance here. (3) LOOK AT ME and (9) NANDANALA look best of the rest.

Selections (8) Dancing Star (10) Destiny (6) Doraon Gasokdo (9) Nandanala
Next Best 3, 11, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 5, 7
Fast Starters 1, 2, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 

(6) DONGBANG BULPAE was just beaten a nose by a long-shot last start on July 22nd. That was his second attempt at this level and he is favoured to go one better here and is likely to try to lead from the gate. (5) SUPER SWEET won on debut back in April and showed he too is getting to grips with this class following a solid 2nd place just two weeks ago while (3) MINIME comes in following back to back 3rd place finishes which she should be looking to at least match here. (9) BONGHWANGUI KKUM and the up in class (10) GEOWIUI KKUM, the latter of whom beat a number of horses who we have seen earlier today, are the others to consider.

Selections (6) Dongbang Bulpae (5) Super Sweet (10) Geowiui Kkum (9) Bonghwangui Kkum
Next Best 3, 1, 4
Outsiders 2, 7, 6, 78
Fast Starters  

Busan Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25 

Competitive race this. (7) SUPER BLADE looks the likely favourite having been narrowly defeated at class and distance on August 12th after leading until close to home. (3) PANGPANG LEGEND, a prolific placer and (4) SUPERNOVA IJI, a strong 3rd in a good race for this level on August 7th, will also be well backed. (8) DAESTAR and (5) JEOKDOUI HWASIN are up in class having finished 1st and 2nd on the former’s debut on August 7th. Both will need to find a bit more here but can’t be completely ruled out. (9) SHARP QUEENS was an easy winner of an all-filly race three weeks ago and up in class, will also need to find more today.

Selections (7) Super Blade (4) Supernova Iji (8) Daestar (9) Sharp Queens
Next Best 3, 5, 1, 2, 6
Fast Starters 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:05 

Thomas Gillespie’s (9) JUNGANG YEOJE suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of a dark-horse debut-maker on August 7th but should have enough to get back to winning ways here. She’ll be on the early pace along with (1) DIVINE TOUCH, who showed promise with a 2nd place on what was just his second start three weeks ago. (5) GOLDEN QUEEN was 4th behind Jungang Yeoje last time and can get close once more with (7) JEONSEOLUI SIJAK and (3) WIRYEOKGIMA also having potential to improve.

Selections (9) Jungang Yeoje (1) Divine Touch (5) Golden Queen (3) Wiryeokgima
Next Best 7, 11, 6, 4, 10
Outsiders 2, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 9

Busan Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:45 

(6) SONATA ZONE recorded a really good win, closing late to score by a nose in a decent race at this class over 1400M last month. She’ll need respect here too but we’ll go for the up in class (7) CAPITAL GANGJA to get the job done today after a pair of 2nd places in good company at class 5. She’ll be on pace early whereas Sonata Zone is likely to try to do it the hard way again today and may run out of track this time. (3) VALKYRIE has finished no worse than 3rd in each of her last four outings and can extend that run today while Bart Rice’s (8) KKEUTPAN BOOSTER is up in class and should be competitive.

Selections (7) Capital Gangja (6) Sonata Zone (3) Valkyrie (8) Kkeutpan Booster
Next Best 5, 9
Outsiders 1, 2, 4
Fast Starters 3, 7

Busan Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:35 

(8) STEALTH’s last three races have been the three legs of the Triple Crown. He finished 3rd, 3rd & 5th in them respectively. Back in this company and at this distance, he has to be strongly favoured to return to winning ways. (7) YUSEONG TIGER was 2nd in Busan’s Oaks Trial in March although she didn’t run in the filly Classic itself, instead struggling against older fillies and mares in July’s KNN Cup. She is another who will be much happier dropped back in trip and should be competitive. (3) STEAL THE SHOW WHY did make it to the Oaks. She was 6th of 9 and has won since. She is likely to get a comfortable early lead here. (Among the older contenders here, (6) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR and the up in class pair of (5) BIO BLUE and (9) PRIVATE DANCER look capable of going well.

Selections (8) Stealth (7) Yuseong Tiger (3) Steal The Show Why (6) Sangseung Junior
Next Best 9, 5, 1, 10, 2
Outsiders 4
Fast Starters 3