Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 14)

There are the usual 17 races across the two tracks on Sunday although unusually, it is Busan that kicks things off. Busan hosts 8 races from 10:35 to 17:00 while Seoul has 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports Trophy winner Nut Play is in the Seoul feature and finale on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Unusually for a Sunday, we begin on the south coast and a maiden with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) SAENAE HIT is the only one to have raced three times already, and she will be favourite. Her best was her latest on December 29th when she was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd. She was well beaten by a good winner that day but won’t need to improve much to win here. The best of the first timers looks like (2) TOP LINE. She only went through the one trial, but she led for most of it, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. She draws nicely to lead again and can be in this a long way. (10) MONSTER DRAGON also trialled fairly enough and in this kind of race can be given a chance first-up. Among the others with experience, (3) HARVEST MOON and (9) GWANGSOKMA look the most likely to improve.

Selections(5) Saenae Hit (2) Top Line (10) Monster Dragon (3) Harvest Moon
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(5) DRAGON SQUARE has finished in 3rd place in both his two starts so far at 1400M and most recently at this distance, coming from off the pace both times. Third-up today, he can be peaking and Tony Castanheira’s charge is the one to beat. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has shown steady improvement across six appearances to date, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on December 2nd when on pace throughout. Expect her to be on the speed again here and she can go close. (11) TONNERRE comes into slightly softer company than he has faced in his two prior outings and that, combined with the slight step up in trip, can see him more competitive today. (3) JEONGSANG HIT and (9) GANGHAN NURI are other possibles.

Selections(5) Dragon Square (8) Hampyeong Jangmi (11) Tonnerre (3) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Tricky one. (10) LOLLY comes in having run a solid 3rd over 1400M on Christmas Eve, beating a couple of these in the process. She has proven herself a good finisher and the step up to a mile for the first time could very well suit. Four of these raced each other over this distance in a different race on Christmas Eve. (3) HERE THE QUEEN was the favourite that day but while showing handy, ultimately finished in 5th. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard today and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she will have plenty of supporters again here. The best of those in the mile race on December 24th was (2) YEONGGWANGUICLASS, who came from off the pace to run 3rd. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can be in the mix again. (1) MIRACULUM was 4th in that race and along with (6) LEMON DOKKI, is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) Lolly (3) Here The Queen (2) Yeonggwanguiclass (1) Miraculum
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

Fillies only for this maiden and (9) SHACKLE POINT will be a hot favourite. After running 3rd on debut over 1200M, she then ran 4th on a snowy day on December 16th, again at this distance. Given the running style she has displayed so far, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can win here. The most credible danger is (3) ASSI JANGGUN. She was the longest shot on the board for her third career start on December 16th but made a mockery of that to come from off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. Her time was significantly quicker than that Shackle Point recorded over the same distance on the same day (although in a very differently run race) and she can be taken seriously here. (7) LADY HANABI and (8) TIZ MORNING both hinted at ability in their respective first outings and can improve here. (1) BEATRIZ debuted almost a year ago and wasn’t seen again but did win a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections(9) Shackle Point (3) Assi Janggun (7) Lady Hanabi (8) Tiz Morning
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A small but competitive field. (7) SUCCESS BAEKPA got his maiden win at start number four on December 10th when he led for most of the way around the 1300M and ultimately won by ten-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but the manner of that last start win suggests there is more to come, and he goes on top again. (2) SEUNGNI TAKEN is similarly up in class following a last start maiden win. In his case, it was over this distance on December 17th when he made all and from a good draw and slightly down in the weights, he can be in this a long way again. (6) HUIMANG CANDY got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on December 8th. She is another who likes to be on pace and who can be a threat. The rest will all need a line drawn through their respective latest outings with (5) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (1) QUEEN’S ROAD perhaps best placed to return to form.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 13)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Racecourse was looking well in the snow earlier this week. The weekend should be dry though.

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

Three-year-old fillies only in the opener and ten of the twelve are racing for the first time. We will tentatively side with experience though and (6) VIVA CHEONGSU, who came from off the pace to run a close 3rd in a decent time over this distance on December 16th. She should have come on for the run and can go one better here. The pick of the first timers is (2) BYLONG STAR. She raced handy in her trial before taking things up late on and crossing the line 1st. She draws nicely to be on pace here and should go well. (3) SOFT POWER came through the same heat and was just a head back in 2nd place and clocking the same time. She too will have supporters first up. (5) WONPYEONG NURI has raced once before, leading for much of the around on October 28th over this distance before ending up in 4th. She has had eleven weeks off since but will be in the market. (10) AWESOME CREDIT took three goes to qualify but is the next best of the newcomers.

Selections(6) Viva Cheongsu (2) Bylong Star (3) Soft Power (5) Wonpyeong Nuri
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

The most experienced in the race gets the verdict in this maiden and that’s (6) SEOCHEON LION. He has raced five times and is yet to finish outside of the to-five with his best being a runner-up two starts back over this distance when close to the pace throughout. He did weaken having led on his most recent appearance, but he should have too much here. There are two first-time starters and (8) P N S NALA may make for some appeal. He was on-pace in his trial, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time and if he can get a forward position here, he can be a factor. (3) MIGHTY BOM was 2nd in his trial before finishing in midfield on debut on December 10th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer this time. (4) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG and (11) THUNDER DRAGON are others in contention for the minors.

Selections(6) Seocheon Lion (8) P N S Nala (3) Mighty Bom (4) Beautiful Hwaseong
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

Small field but it’s competitive. (8) RAON JUMP has eight top-five finishes from fourteen starts and comes in off a useful 4th place over 1300M on December 3rd when coming from well off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She tends to get a bit far back in her races but the combination of the step back up to 1400M as well as less likelihood of traffic problems with a small number of rivals may make it her day. Should she leave herself too much to do again then (6) WONDEFUL WELLS, who will be betting favourite, may oblige. She has been solid, if unspectacular across her six starts to date and in the absence of any speed in this race, should get to a more forward position than usual. The step up to 1400M can suit. (1) SUPER ONE has hinted at ability, especially when 4th of twelve two starts back. He will probably be on pace too. (3) NEXTLEVEL and (2) DANGCHAN NANGBO others who could pick up a cheque.

Selections(8) Raon Jump (6) Wonderful Wells (1) Super One (3) Nextlevel
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Two standouts here. By virtue of a better draw, the nod goes to (3) CHAMJOEUN INYEON. She comes in off her best finish so far, when 2nd over 1200M on December 9th having raced handy throughout. From a great gate, she should be close again. (10) ACRO MARINE also has a 2nd place to his named, achieved over 1200 last October. The wide draw need not be too big an issue as he can finish off well and he should be a danger late on here. (5) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL was 4th behind Chamjoeun Inyeon last time out. She is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than seven finishes between 3rd and 5th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (2) THORUI MANGCHI among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Chamjoeun Inyeon (10) Acro Marine (5) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 12)

The weekend’s racing gets under at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t exactly give cause for optimism, so we’ll take a chance on one of the newcomers in the shape of (4) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE. She raced on pace in her trial, briefly leading close to home and crossing the line a close 3rd in a fair time. She draws well and if she can bring that trail form to the races, she will be close. (2) HWANGU YEOJANGGUN is the best of the experience having beaten a couple of the others here on the way to 6th place over this distance on December 15th, settling midfield and running on pleasingly. With some natural improvement here, she is a big chance and will probably start as favourite. (11) NAMHAE YEOGEOL was a dismal last in that same race but previously trialled well and we can draw a line through it and can be given another chance. (1) DAESEUNG DOLPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL RIDGE other with the potential to improve.

Selections(4) Yeonggangui Rose (2) Hwangu Yeojanggun (11) Namhae Yeogeol (1) Daesung Dolpung
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(10) TROUBLEMAKER ran 4th on debut and then followed up with an improved 2nd over 1200M on November 26th when coming from off the pace. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can go one better here. The main danger is the only horse drawn wider. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST trialled well and then ran 2nd on debut over 1000M back in September. He hasn’t raced or trialled since then so needs to be taken on trust, but this is a nice race to return in. (5) HI LEGEND comes in following a couple of goes around 1400M. He showed on pace in the latest of them before running 5th and a similar effort should see him closer in this company. (4) FLYING AARON and (8) ILMANG BLUE look the best of the rest.

Selections(10) Troublemaker (11) Yeonggwanguifirst (5) Hi Legend (4) Flying Aaron
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

Stick a pin in this one. (10) UNJU LEGEND ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 15th having come out of the same wide gate she draws today. She settled back before running on pleasingly and second-up and with an extra furlong to play with, she has as good a chance as any. (3) OVER THE TRIPLE was slow away on debut from a wide draw before finishing off fairly. He previously won a trial in fine order and from a much better gate, can go better today. (5) SPRIT FIGHTER was an improved 2nd over this distance at start number five on December 22nd, coming from off the pace. He won’t have to improve much on that to go close again here. (7) ALICE MARINE and (8) SKY YEONGUNG among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

Selections(10) Unju Legend (3) Over The Triple (5) Sprit Fighter (7) Alice Marine
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Three-year-old imports here with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) BEOLMAUI JEONSA will be a warm favourite. He led on debut on October, ultimately finishing 4th and then beat three of today’s rivals when 2nd in a very quick race over this distance on December 15th again leading before finishing a full eight-lengths behind winner Biwol, but five-lengths clear of the rest. He draws nicely here, he should be on pace again, and this time he should go all the way. (3) WOLFS KING MAN is the best of the debut makers and probably the main danger. He led all the way in a November trial before coming from off the pace to run 2nd in another heat two weeks ago. Both his times were quick, and he can put in a bold first-up showing. (7) NAYANA too won his trial, leading all the way and is sure to be popular in the market too. (5) CRAZY KHAN was 6th behind Beolmaui Jeonsa on December 15th but appears on the right trajectory. (10) FANTASTIC WORLD another contender for the minors.

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Class 1 Ratings Get New Year Overhaul

The rating scale used for class 1 races at Seoul and Busan has been amended. The new system goes into immediate effect with both tracks hosting class 1 handicaps on Sunday. The changes are as follows:

The move is intended to address the issue in class 1 where in recent months such races have frequently seen a majority of the starters being out of the handicap.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 7)

There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Choi Bum-hyun rode his 900th career winner last week – he isn’t riding on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) HEART K comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently at this distance on December 2nd when settling handy and running on having overcome hate eleven. He gets a kinder draw this time and could well have too much. (7) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE ran 4th in that same December 2nd race, sitting midfield and finishing well. That was his second 4th place in just three starts to date and he can get closer here. (9) E.H. COCO comes in following a best to date runner-up finish over this distance on December 10th when leading for most of the way around. He has the challenge of the widest draw this time but can be competitive again. (1) ÉCLAIR STAR and (8) BEAT RACER others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(6) Heart K (7) Heunghaeng Bulpae (9) E.H. Coco (1) Éclair Star
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) THE SUN FIGHTER will be a short-priced favourite here. He has been getting closer across his three starts to date and comes in off his best so far, a close 3rd over 1200M in a quick time on December 10th when coming from off the pace. He draws nicely here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he should win. The logical danger is (4) FIRST CHOUX. He is yet to win but has seven top-five finishes and his latest was his best, when 2nd over this distance on December 17th having led for part of the way. He is nicely drawn and should go close again. There isn’t much else in the way of exposed form but (11) THUNDER SPEED has hinted at having a bit of speed and if we go on his 4th place on debut instead of his poor effort last time, he can be considered. (7) CRAZE CHANG and (2) MR. POWER are the others who will get some support on a place line.

Selections(1) The Sun Fighter (4) First Choux (11) Thunder Speed (7) Craze Chang
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) RAINBOW ROAD has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date most recently coming home 3rd when tried at this distance for the first time on December 17th. Her style is to race on pace and handy and with not much early speed to contend with here, she should get an easy run to the front and can go all the way. (7) FLYING DIA has mixed her form across seven outings but going on her latest when 3rd in a quick time over 1300M, she has a chance here. She’ll be one of those up with Rainbow Road on the speed. (1) BLACK FALCON was an improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on December 10th. The step up in trip can suit and he is very nicely drawn. (8) VALHALLA and (11) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Rainbow Road (7) Flying Dia (1) Black Falcon (8) Valhalla
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BEST WHIZ has a 5th and a 4th so far at 1200M and at 1300M, racing on pace both times. He looks nicely in here, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today could be the day. (6) SAENAE PARK was slowly away on debut over this distance on December 3rd but rallied well late on to get up for 2nd place, albeit a decent distance behind a good winner. He should have come on for the experience and if he can put himself in a better position a bit earlier, he could go one better. (10) SAHARAMOND has two 4th places and two 4th places from four total starts so far. He has been racing on pace, but he has coped well from a wide gate already and he should be in the mix here. (2) PINK MELODY won a trial and from a good gate can be considered first up. (3) FEDERAL PRESS another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Best Whiz (6) Saenae Park (10) Saharamond (2) Pink Melody
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

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

(9) RAON VIBE MAN ran 4th on debut over 1200M in November before following up with a 2nd place, again at the six-furlong trip on December 10th, settling handy and running on. He can be peaking fitness-wise third up here and the slight step up in distance can see him home on top. (1) WONDERFUL ONE is yet to finish in the top two but has run some decent times including when 6th over this distance on December 3rd. He comes in under a light weight with an apprentice claiming and he can be in the mix here. (10) HI WINNER has finished 3rd to 5th in her three starts so far. She seems to like to be on pace so the draw is a little wider than ideal, but she shouldn’t be too far away. (5) TAP BOLT and (8) CHRYSOL HERO look the best of a limited rest.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 6)

The capital’s 2024 program gets underway on Saturday with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

2023’s racing ended in the snow but it should be a clear start to 2024 (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with seven racing for the first time. (10) CHOEGANG TIME is the only one who has raced twice, finishing 4th on debut in September and then 5th at this distance in October. He has been back to trial since putting in an on-pace 2nd in his heat in a quick time, and he has solid claims here. The pick of the first timers is (6) MK LEE. It took him a couple of trials to get to the races, but he improved significantly in the second of them when an on-pace 4th in a decent time. Moon Se-young’s presence aboard ensures he won’t be missed in the betting market. (9) SEOBU TEUKSONG ran midfield on debut on December 3rd. She should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (1) HANGANG CAPTAIN was slow on debut to the extent that he was ordered back to trial. He got three months off after that and then won his December heat. That requalification run could have been clocked with a sundial, but he did it easy and should be a better proposition today. (7) LADY FOX another experienced one who can improve.

Selections(10) Choegang Time (6) MK Lee (9) Seobu Teuksong (1) Hangang Captain
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

Maiden fillies here. (3) GOLDBERG raced three times as a juvenile, registering two 3rd place finishes and a 4th. The latest was at this distance on December 2nd when overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on well. She comes into a better gate today and can finally jackhammer the field. (8) BELOTERO was an improved 3rd when well backed on start number two on December 9th when racing handy throughout. She has the challenge of a wider draw here, but she should be in the mix. (6) QUEEN ABIGAIL has been getting closer across three starts so far, most recently a close 4th place at this distance. The time was slow, but she seems to be on the right trajectory and in this limited company can place. (11) WONDERFUL SPIRIT and (5) SAMAEBEONJJEOK others in the minor money frame.

Selections(3) Goldberg (8) Belotero (6) Queen Abigail (11) Wonderful Spirit
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Not a strong maiden. (4) BEST KINGDOM has got a bit far back in each of his races so far, but he has run on pleasingly enough most recently for 5th over 1200M on December 2nd. He draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he has as much chance as any. (3) SOLAIRE ran 6th on debut over 1200M before improving to 3rd when stepped up to this trip at start number two on December 12th. He has shown to have a fast finish on him and will be running on late again here. (8) GEUMAK JINJU showed good speed in her first two starts to run 3rd and 2nd over 1000M. She has since put in fair performances at 1200M will probably start as betting favourite. (10) HEY MAMA is yet to finish in the top-two but she has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than six occasions in her thirteen starts to date and this is the kind of company among which she can pick up a cheque.  (2) CHEONGHAE JEIL may improve on an inauspicious debut.

Selections(4) Best Kingdom (3) Solaire (8) Geumak Jinju (10) Hey Mama
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) GEUMBIT GANGHO got his maiden win in October over 1300M and has subsequently run 2nd in both his tries at this class, both at 1300M and both times leading. He comes up slightly in trip and while he was a beaten favourite last time out, he is worth another chance here. (5) RAON THE DAESE found herself overmatched in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy for juvenile fillies a month ago, but she has shown promise in her two runs leading up to it and in much more amenable company today, she is a danger. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (3) MY KHAN got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M on December 10th when settling handy and running on strong in a quick time on a dry track. He comes up in class and in distance, but a repeat isn’t impossible. (11) ONE SPEAR has performed well since being belatedly promoted to this level and this is the kind of race in which he can pick up some prize money. (7) CLAIR POWER another in the minor hunt.

Selections(2) Geumbit Gangho (5) Raon The Daese (3) My Khan (11) One Spear
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

Half of this small field are up in class, and it is wide open. (7) BEOLGYO VERITAS was a winner on debut over 1200M on December 3rd, stalking the leader for most of the way before running on. Despite having previously won a trial, he was sent off at big odds that day. Though up in class and slightly in trip, he won’t here. (4) GIPPEUM HAMSEONG scored his maiden win at start number three on December 3rd, making all over 1300M. He comes up in class but is nicely drawn to be in pace and in this a long way. If you prefer experience at this class, then (5) GLOBAL JINGYEOK is the one for you. He has two 2nd places and a 4th from his latest three, all at this level, and he has the fastest time over the trip.  (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA and (8) GOLDEN DRAGON the next bests.

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Beolmaui Star To Make Meydan Debut in Dubawi Stakes Friday

Korean runners return to the Dubai Racing Carnival on Friday evening (early Saturday morning Seoul time) as Beolmaui Star lines up in the G3 Dubawi Stakes over 1200M on the dirt at Meydan.

Beolmaui Star and Seo Seung-un at the Korea Sprint last year (Pic: KRA)

Trained by Baik Kwang-yeol at Busan, Beolmaui Star is a five-year-old entire by To Honor And Serve and is is a winner of five of his seventeen starts. His standout performance came in last September’s Korea Sprint where he overcame gate thirteen to lead for most of the way, ultimately finishing in 2nd place, four-lengths adrift of the Japan-trained winner Remake. In his only subsequent start, in November’s Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy, Beolmaui Star became anxious in the gate and missed the break, never featuring.

In the Dubawi Stakes, Beolmaui Star has drawn gate nine and as ever for him, the start will prove crucial. If he gets away well – and if he takes to the dirt instead of the Seoul and Busan sand – then anything can happen. In a departure from the usual Korean practice of booking the best available local, regular rider and reigning Busan Champion Jockey Seo Seung-un has been flown in to ride.

Beolmaui Star is available at between 12/1 and 20/1 in fixed odds markets. Favourite is the Doug Watson trained Sound Money.

Beolmaui Star is one of two Korea-trained horses at this year’s carnival with the other being 2021 President’s Cup winner Simjangui Godong who is expected to be targeted at two-turn races on the dirt. The pair of them flew to Dubai in early December.

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 5)

The 2024 racing season gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

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

The New Year kicks off with a full field of three-year-old maidens with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. Both the two with prior experience did well, coming home in 3rd place in their respective debuts and they will be the top picks. (4) FLEX DAY settled midfield on her debut on October 29th, settling midfield and running on well in a fair time. She has had ten weeks off so comes in fresh again and looks the one to beat. (10) BLACK JILJU raced on pace on her debut on December 1st. Her time was slower than that of Flex Day and she has the challenge of a wide draw here, but she is the man danger. As for the first-time starters, (9) MIRACLE MARINE won a trial in December leading all the way and shapes as the most likely to make and immediate impact. (12) BLAZING MAN and (7) NAEPYEON others who hinted at ability in the mornings.

Selections(4) Flex Day (10) Black Jilju (9) Miracle Marine (12) Blazing Man
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(10) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG will be a short price favourite here. He ran 3rd on debut back in August and then didn’t return until December 10th when he repeated the trick over this distance and with three of today’s rivals behind him. He may need some early luck from the wide gate, but he won’t need to improve much to win this. (9) SHACKLE ZONE comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over this distance on December 1st. The time wasn’t quick, but he finished off well and can be given another chance here. (3) OAK RIDGE and (8) MACH MAN came home 4th and 5th respectively behind Kwaehan Yeongung in that December 10th race and both can be considered to match or better that here. (4) MORPHEUS among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Kwaehan Yeongung (9) Shackle Zone (3) Oak Ridge (8) Mach Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA has a pair of 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far, most recently over this distance on December 8th when coming from well off the pace. She has proven capable to race on the speed as well and she is the one to beat here. (10) QUEEN’S FLETAR comes into contention following a strong 2nd place at this distance on December 8th. In doing so she recorded the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, and she has proven herself to have a strong finish. That makes her second pick here. (7) HEUIMANG FLYING was 3rd behind Queen’s Flatter in that race, having led for part of the way around. That continued a consistent start to her career, and she should be there or thereabouts again today. (2) LIGHT BROWN and (6) SMART SMILE the others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (10) Queen’s Fletar (7) Heuimang Flying (2) Light Brown
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) ROAD STAR was a winner over 1200M at class 6 level in November before running 3rd behind Baekduui Kkum in a Listed race for juvenile fillies at the start of December at big odds. She has run consistent times; she has been versatile in her running style and the slight step up to 1300M can suit here. (4) HANEUL EUTTEUM ran out a winner on debut over 1200M on December 1st, settling handy and running on. He comes up in class and slightly in distance here but draws well and a repeat isn’t impossible. (7) GUKDAE HERO is up in class following a win at start number four in a quick race on a very wet track over this distance. He doesn’t get a weight drop, but a repeat of that effort will put him in the mix again. (11) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TWO TWO LIME others in the minor money frame.

Selections(10) Road Star (4) Haneul Eutteum (7) Gukdae Hero (11) Blue Captain
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

(5) LEMON PIE was a winner back on debut and has since run well for a pair of 4th places and a runner-up finish in three goes at this level. She draws well to get a nice run to the lead here and she is very much the one to beat. (1) YONGBI STAR comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number six over this distance on December 3rd, when slowly away but quickly on pace and proving too strong. The win had been coming and she can measure up in this company. (2) DOCTOR KONGDOLI can mix his form, but he has loads of experience at this level and looks nicely in under a light weight and in a good gate. (4) CHAS PALPAL and (6) MOST RAPID among others in the hunt.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 31)

The final race meetings of the year take place on Sunday at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 on the South Coast from 11:50 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden that made up yesterday’s race 1 and nine of the twelve race for the first time. The experience should have the advantage though. After a good trial, (6) CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off as favourite over this distance on November 25th when she raced handy before running on for a close 2nd. She should have derived benefit from the experience, and she will be expected to go one better here. (7) GANGHAN NURI was similarly 2nd on debut. In his case it came over 1000M back on October 7th. He has had twelve weeks off since so comes in fresh and showed enough promise to merit consideration here. Completing the set of experienced ones, (11) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD showed on pace before finishing 6th on debut on November 19th. He can get closer here. As for the debut makers, (12) RAON PARANOMA and (4) DONGJIN BULPAE looked the best in trials.

Selections(6) Crown Hamseong (7) Ganghan Nuri (11) Yeonggwangui World (12) Raon Paranoma
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

More maidens. (2) EDENUI DONGJJOK gets the verdict by virtue of his 3rd place at start number two over this distance on December 3rd when handy throughout. He overcame gate twelve that day so with a much better draw today, he is the one to beat. (5) GENERAL POWER debuted back in June and then didn’t reappear until running an improved 5th over 1200M on November 26th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when coming from well off the pace. He should strip fitter for the run and can go closer here. (8) EUNPA JOY was also an improved 5th at his latest start and can be considered for more improvement here. (1) CHEONGUCHAT and (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA are other contenders to challenge for the places.

Selections(2) Edenui Dongjjok (5) General Power (8) Eunpa Joy (1) Cheonguchat
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) HAKSAN MACHO shapes as the warm favourite here. He come sin having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two appearances over 1200M and 1300M. He has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and can sit behind the early speed and prove too strong late on.  (8) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1200M in October when coming from off the pace. Moon Se-young climbs aboard today and that itself ensures plenty of backers. (2) SHOUT KURO has made steady improvement and was most recently a close 4th place over this distance on November 26th. He can get a bit far back in his races, but if he is withing striking distance at the top of the straight, he can pass plenty. (11) WONPYEONG GANGJA and (5) BAEDARI HYANGGI others in the frame.

Selections(9) Haksan Macho (8) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Shout Kuro (11) Wonpyeong Gangja
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens in the opener at Busan and it’s hard to go past (2) GUKDAE STAR. After a somewhat plain debut, he ran a good 4th at start number two over this distance on November 24th when settling in midfield and running home strongly ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (11) RAON STROKE has a 6th and a 5th in two starts so far, both at 1200M. Both times she has been a long way back before running on and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) BIG WILD ran 8th on debut behind Gukdae Star. He had previously been quick in a trial and should have benefited from his first-up experience. Debut maker (9) FUERTE along with (10) JOJOBA are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gukdae Star (11) Raon Stroke (8) Big Wild (9) Fuerte
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (10) BLACK BELT is up in class having broken through at start number three over 1200M on November 26th. His style has been to go right back and run on and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) DALMAJI has put together some consistent results at this class, most recently a strong 2nd place over 1300M on November 11th when on pace throughout. In this company he can employ similar tactics today and can go one better (3) MIRAE TOWER got his maiden win at start number five on November 19th over 1400M when leading all the way around. The win had been coming and while he is up in class here and doesn’t get any weight relief, he draws nicely and has every chance of measuring up at this level. (2) REAL PACK is yet to win in twenty-eight attempts, but he’s been close on several occasions and comes in with recent form reading well and along with (4) NEMO SPIRIT is a place chance here.

Selections(10) Black Belt (7) Dalmaji (3) Mirae Tower (2) Real Pack
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) UNJU TOP has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1300M, running on well both times. She has proven to have a smart finish on her, so the widest gate shouldn’t be too problematic, and while she may need a bit of luck at the start, she can prove too strong. This isn’t a strong race so (4) SONGDO GALMAEGI may be worth a chance at a probable even-money price. He did nothing in two starts at the beginning of this year but after ten months off, he looked well when trialling up. He draws nicely. (1) ROAD TO PARTY can also be given another chance following an indifferent debut. He had previously trialled well and from the inside gat e can get an easier early run here. (5) WORLD WINNERS MAN and debut-maker (3) UNJU CHEONHA are others to consider for the minors.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 30)

The penultimate day of the 2023 season is at Seoul on Saturday with an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience is preferred though. It’s a curious name for a racehorse but (6) ENTROPY went through a couple of decent trials before running 3rd on debut over this distance on December 2nd when slow away and coming from well off the pace. That experience can stand him in good stead, and he should be favourite. (2) SPECIAL HILL ran on pleasingly enough for 5th of eleven over 1000M on debut. That was back in October so he comes in fresh here and from a good draw, he can go better. (12) NESSUN DORMA trialled well before running 4th over this distance on debut on November 5th. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can challenge. The first timers don’t really stand out with (1) SUPER BLUEMOON and (3) BEAT YEONGUNG being the best looking in trials.

Selections(6) Entropy (2) Special Hill (12) Nessun Dorma (1) Super Bluemoon
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies and (2) RUBY PORT will be the hot favourite. After finishing 5th on debut, she came home 3rd at start number two over this distance on November 25th, settling handy before dropping back to midfield and then running on well with a few of today’s rivals behind her. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. (10) FLYING COMMAND was an improved 3rd at start number three on November 26th having led for much of the way around. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can build on that momentum. (6) PINK WIND was slowly away on debut before running on well for a midfield finish. She then ran 4th behind Ruby Port in that November 255th race, being handy throughout and can be a danger here. The exposed form falls off significantly after those three, with (5) RAON THE SIDAE and (1) CHOGANGBULPAE perhaps the most likely among the rest to challenge for the minors.

Selections(2) Ruby Port (10) Flying Command (6) Pink Wind (5) Raon The Sidae
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go past (9) GREAT STORM. After three consecutive 4th places to start his career, he was then 2nd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on December 3rd, settling handy and finishing off well. He has the nest time of any of these for the distance and he should be winning this. After a shaky debut, (1) JERAQUEEN has run fairly for 3rd and 4th in two subsequent starts at 1200M, showing on pace both times. She comes into a very good gate today and can be on pace again. (11) MYUNGJINBULLPAI has shown improvement across three starts so far with her latest being a good 3rd over 1200M on December 3rd. She has finished off her races well so the widest gate shouldn’t be a concern (5) VICTOR NAREUMA and (8) DAEMUL SOCKS other show have hinted at ability.

Selections(9) Great Storm (1) Jeraqueen (11) Myungjinbullpae (5) Victor Nareuma
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Another maiden with a probably short price favourite. (6) LOVE MUNMAK has been ultra-consistent across her five starts so far and came up to this distance on December 10th and ran a solid, if not exactly quick, 4th. She has a sharp finish on her and should prove too strong in the closing stages. (9) PLAN B and (10) YEJIMONG both have runner-up finishes to their names, both over 1200M. The are both capable of coming from off the pace so should be able to deal with their wide draws, and they shape as the two main dangers here. (11) SARYEONI FOR HONOR debuted fairly over 1200M at the start of the month. He should stirp fitter for the run and can improve here. (3) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Love Munmak (9) Plan B (10) Yejimong (11) Saryeoni For Honor
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) BRIGHT WINNER comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number seven over 1300M on November 26th when racing handy throughout. She doesn’t get a cut in the weight sunder today’s handicap conditions, but she does draw nicely, and she can repeat. It’s fair to say that (4) LUXURY KING doesn’t exactly win out of turn – once in forty starts – but his recent form is reading well. He comes in off a 5th place at this class and distance in a time faster than any of the rest of these have achieved for the 1400M and it’s not impossible that today could be his day. (5) NURIDAY comes up in class following a win over this distance on December 2nd when he made all. The same as Bright Winner, there is no weight drop – and the win was unexpected – but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (6) ECHO ZONE and (8) AL SIMON are others in the placing frame.

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