Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 16)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seo Seung-un is among a number of Busan jockeys in Seoul this weekend (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Challenging opener with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) BAZOOKA BOY has raced twice and improved in the second of those to run 2nd over this distance on February 17th, coming from well off the pace. He has to contend with the widest gate but that 1400M experience can stand him in good stead and third-up he can be peaking. (3) APPLE QUEEN ran once last June and put in a decent performance over 1000M. She hasn’t been seen since, but she looked very well when racing on pace in a trial last month and can put in a bold showing first-up here. Moon Se-young partnering a first-time starter is always going to catch the eye, and (8) AMAZING ROCK is no exception. The Indie Band filly went through two trials, improving to win the second, and she should be in this a long way. (1) BEAT YEONGUNG and (2) AWESOME BRAIN are among the other contenders.

Selections(11) Bazooka Boy (3) Apple Queen (8) Amazing Rock (1) Beat Yeongung
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(4) SHARKTEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a very close runner-up finish over this distance on February 25th when as has been his style, he settled in midfield before finishing off well. He comes in under the same weight and draws the same gate and has every chance of going one better. (7) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nda and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently when tried at this distance for the first time on February 17th. Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he is sure to have plenty of support here. (11) SHADOW HUNTER came from well off the pace run 5th over 1300M at start number two on January 20th. With a better start and with the slight step up in trip, he should be going closer here. (6) SINUI UNMYEONG and (1) E.H. COCO among other placing chances.

Selections(4) Sharkten (7) Mighty Bom (11) Shadow Hunter (6) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

Two standouts here. (10) FLYING KING has made solid progress across five starts so far with his latest being his best when 2nd over 1500M on February 18th having led almost the entire way around. The draw here is not ideal but with a bit of luck he can be on pace again and this time can go one better. (7) SOLAIRE has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three, coming from off the pace each time. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these, and shapes as the main danger. (8) INFINITE HONOR was an improved 5th at start number two over this distance on January 28th. He is another who likes to race on pace and can continue to get closer here. (11) SEOUL DOLPUNG and (2) MARUBYEOL are among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Flying King (7) Solaire (8) Infinite Honor (11) Seoul Dolpung
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) WONDERFUL WELLS was beaten into 2nd place when favourite over 1400M on January 13th, settling midfield and running on but not quite being able to get there. She comes up to two turns for the first time, she draws nicely, and today can be her day. (8) NEXTLEVEL was 3rd in that January 13th race and has since raced twice more, beating a couple of these over 1400M on her latest on February 25th. She does have experience of two-turn racing and she has every chance of going close here, probably from on the pace. (11) BLOOD MOUNTAIN looks to have the right profile for the step up in trip, having been doing his best work late in his races. He can run into some money here. (9) QUEEN ABIGAIL and (10) EVER THE CROWN are other minor money hopes.

Selections(1) Wonderful Wells (8) Nextlevel (11) Blood Mountain (9) Queen Abigail
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

(8) MR. TROT ran out a narrow all the way winner on debut over 1200M on February 18th. He comes up in class here as well as in trip, but he is down in the weights and has every chance of maintaining his 100% record. The main danger is (1) HANGANG POWER. He enters after a smart 2nd place at this class and distance on February 17th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. He comes into a much better gate this time and can be close once more. (10) YONGBI POWER took a couple of tries to get accustomed to this level but enters off a solid 3rd and 2nd from her latest two. She is versatile as well as they were over 1200M and 1700M, and she should be handy to the speed and in this a long way. The up in class (9) SUNNY ROAD, along with (6) THEME TANSAENG are others who can be considered.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 15)

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

Franco Da Silva looks set to be the jockey to follow at Busan on Friday: (Pic: KRA)

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

Wide open maiden to start, with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Debut-maker (8) KING DRAGON looks to have as good a chance as any. He won a trial all the way back in June last year but didn’t make it to the races. He trialled again, fairly, in January and this is a good race to start in. Of those with prior experience, (5) TOP LINE is the pick. Fater a positive trial, he ran 5th of eleven on debut over this distance on January 14th, showing on pace. He should have come on for that run and can get closer this time. (1) MAJESTIC DANCER has raced five times with a pair of 3rd places at this distance and at 1300M His latest couple over 1400M have been indifferent, but he comes back in trip here and draws well. (2) STORM GRIT and (7) GIANT MARINE others who can improve.

Selections(8) King Dragon (5) Top Line (1) Majestic Dancer (2) Storm Grit
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

(4) GRAY BOSS is the one to beat there. He has been a model of consistency across six starts so far, always finishing between 3rd and 5th. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and today really should be his day. (10) DREAM WAY is the only other one in the field to have a top-three finish to his name and that’s enough to put him into contention here. He goes best when on pace and despite the wide draw, in this company, he should be able to get a forward position and he can be in this a long way. (5) TAP BOLT is yet to finish in the top-three in fifteen starts but has had a few near-misses and with an apprentice claim, he can get close this time. (3) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) POSTMAN others who could improve.

Selections(4) Gray Boss (10) Dream Way (5) Tap Bolt (3) Choegang Chongal
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(2) WIN WIN will need a line drawn through his latest. Instead, we’ll go on his effort two starts back on February 22nd when he settled midfield and then ran on strongly for 3rd place, again over this distance. He draws nicely here and is the one to beat. (9) RAON STROKE is another who needs her latest effort disregarded when slow away over 1200M. She has tended to do that but two starts back she overcame gate eleven to run on for 2nd place over this distance and with Tanaka climbing on, she can go close here. (10) BORAM enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes in all-filly races over this distance. She should be settling handy here and can run into some money again. (7) GREAT BOY and (4) STORMY DAY are the other place chances.

Selections(2) Win Win (9) Raon Stroke (10) Boram (7) Great Boy
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Small but competitive field. Several of these raced one another over 1200M on February 23rd. (6) WOLFS KING MAN was sent off as the favourite that day but put in a somewhat lacklustre run, laying inward and generally not performing. Prior to that he registered a runner-up finish on debut, beating a few of these in the process and is that effort, together with the step up in trip, that leads us to give him another chance here. (2) CRAZY ARMY debuted at this distance on February 18th, beginning slowly but growing into the race and finishing off well for a close 3rd in a decent time. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can be a danger here. (4) AKARAKA and (7) CHOWOLUI BANSEOK both beat Wolf’s King Man in that February 23rd race and can get close again. (9) CONNECT MARINE another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Wolfs King Man (2) Crazy Army (4) Akaraka (7) Chowolui Banseok
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

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RAON THE POINT LEADS NEW GENERATION TAKEOVER IN SPRINT SERIES OVERTURE

Raon The Point led home fellow four-year-old Something Lost as the new generation of sprinters thoroughly vanquished the old in the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. 2022 winner and pre-race favourite Eoma Eoma, briefly touched the front with a furlong to run, but succumbed to the youngsters and could only manage 5th.

30/1 chance Doctor Caesar took full advantage of drawing gate one and set the early pace with Raon The Point, Eoma Eoma, Something Lost and Ssonsal all in close attendance. The five of them would fan across the track as they entered the home straight and with 300M to go it was anyone’s race with Black Musk and Daemangui Gil also looming withing striking distance.

Just as Eoma Eoma looked set to go on, the younger horses struck. Raon The Point and Something Lost came surging down the outside to pull clear and would dispute the finish all the way to the line, Raon The Point ultimately prevailing by an official margin of a neck – a very small neck.

Something Lost was strong in 2nd place while there was only a length-and-a half back to the very game Doctor Caesar in 3rd place, who at five-years-old, falls into the younger category by age, if not by experience – he has only raced two times fewer than Eoma Eoma. Daemangui Gil closed for 4th ahead of Eoma Eoma.

Choi Bum-hyun rode Raon The Point, who is trained by Park Jong-kon and is owned by Raon Land.

Raon The Point is by I’m Your Father (by Tiznow), who did his racing in Korea and won the 2017 Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G3) for New Zealand trainer David Miller. Raon The Point is from his first crop to hit the track and his first Group level winner. He stands at Cheongma Farm. Raon The Point’s dam is Australian bred Raffiner (by Bel Danoro). She won one of eight starts in Korea and is also the dam of Choegang Ssonsal, a winner of eight.

As for Eoma Eoma, despite winning a trial in fast fashion just over a week ago, he looked slightly flat when it mattered. All being well, he will be back for a rematch with the younder sprinters in the remaining legs of the series where they are likely to be joined by last year’s Korea Sprint runner-up Beolmaui Star, who has returned from a poor showing in Dubai.

The Sprint Series moves to Seoul for its concluding two legs. They are the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on April 14th and the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on May 19th. Both races have recently been awarded International Part 2 Listed status for the first time.

2024 SPRINT SERIES KICKS OFF SUNDAY BUT EOMA EOMA STILL THE ONE TO BEAT

The road to the Korea Sprint begins on Sunday afternoon as Busan plays host to the first leg of the 2024 Sprint Series, the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3). But while it may be a new year, it’s a familiar name heading the field as Eoma Eoma, who won this race in 2022 before going on to claim the Korea Sprint itself, remains the leader of the division. Click here for full race-by-race guide to Sunday’s meetings at both Busan and Seoul.

Eoma Eoma races for the first time since winning last November’s Kookje Shinmun Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Now seven-years-old, EOMA EOMA came of age in the Covid-affected seasons of 2020 and 2021 but it was in 2022 when the son of Algorithms got his reward, scoring by three-lengths in the Busan Ilbo Sprint, before passing Japan-trained Raptus, to win the International Korea Sprint in September. He then rounded out the year by returning to Busan to take a last gaps victory in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy over 1400M.

2023 would prove a more challenging year for Eoma Eoma, with Raon The Fighter winning the Busan Ilbo and the SBS Sports Sprint while Ssonsal took out the final leg of the regular series, the SROA Chairman’s Sprint. Eoma Eoma would then run 5th when defending his Korea Sprint crown under a very conservative ride. He did though round out the year with a repeat in the Kookje Shinmun at Busan in November.

With Raon The Fighter on the long-term injured list and Korea Cup runner-up Beolmaui Star having only just returned from Dubai, Eoma Eoma kicks off the 2024 Sprint Series as one to beat again. He hasn’t raced since November’s Kookje Shinmun but the Song Moon-gil trainee went through a trial at Seoul on February 29th, and looked in imperious form, cracking one minute for the five-furlongs without breaking a sweat (although fellow class 1 horse The Gumpu went with him every stride and looked even less fussed.

Song Jae-chul, who rode Eoma Eoma in his very first races before losing the ride first to Moon Se-young and then to Yoo Seung-wan and finally Antonio Davielson, is restored to the mount for the first time since September 2021 and from an excellent draw in gate five, they can win.

SOMETHING LOST is the new hope. He made it four wins from four when winning the Sports Seoul Trophy, the capital’s Classic trial, last April but came up short in all three of the Triple Crown races themselves. He then didn’t race again until this February 3rd, but his return was sensational, blitzing a class 2 field over 1400M. Now a winner of five from eight, a statement run will be expected although jockey Lee Hyeok will have to contend with a wide draw on the Hong Dae-you trained galloper.

Another up and comer is RAON THE POINT. A winner of six from eight, he has posted some super times at distances up to a mile although he came up short both times when tested by strong opposition, first in the Gold Circle last September, and then on his first try at class 1 at the end of January.

Then there are the usual suspects. DAEMANGUI GIL and SSONSAL shouldn’t be too far away while multiple Stakes winner MORFHIS kicks of his nine-year-old campaign. Eoma Eoma remains very much the one to beat though.

The Busan Ilbo Sprint is race 5 on the 6 race Sunday card at Busan with a post time of 15:15 Korean Standard Time.

Selections(5) Eoma Eoma (12) Something Lost (4) Ssonsal (14) Daemangui Gil
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9, 12

Sprint Series Opening Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (March 10)

Spring is starting. The football season got underway last weekend and the baseball pre-season this weekend. It’s not long until the cherry blossoms come out but what really marks Spring being firmly on the agenda is the start of the Sprint Series and it duly kicks off with the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on Sunday afternoon. Eoma Eoma headlines the big race which is race 5 on a 6-race Sunday card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 16:05. There are also 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eome didn’t win this race last year when Raon Teh Fighter was around, but does have a good record on the South Coast with two Kookje Shinmun Trophy wins (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) STAR CHANGER is the one to beat in the opener. She comes in having run 3rd in both her latest two, both over this distance and most recently in a quick time on February 18th when close to the pace throughout. She’ll be on the speed again here and will take some beating. (2) BUNDANG TSUNAMI has actually recorded a just as quick time for the distance as Star Changer. That came when running 4th back last October. We need to draw a line through his latest when he had a hard time from a wide gate, and from a much better draw, he shapes as the main danger. (9) JEONGSEONG VICE will also need a line drawn through his latest, but he is the only one in the field to have a runner-up finish to his name and that’s enough to put him in the numbers here. First time starter (1) BLACK SIDAE along with (6) ALL EYES ON ME are others to consider.

Selections(7) Star Changer (2) Bundang Tsunami (9) Jeongseong Vice (1) Black Sidae
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD got his maiden win at start number three on February 4th when making all over this distance. He comes up in class but is slightly down in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can win again. (9) LONDON VICTORY has near identical form, winning at the third time of asking having made progress from his debut. In his case, his victory came on January 21st over 1200M when settling handy and running on and similarly there is no reason why he can’t measure up in this company. (10) SSEULMO is yet to win in ten attempts but has six top-four finishes including a very narrow 2nd at this class over 1200M two starts back. That was followed by a 3rd place at this distance, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (8) HERO JEONSA and (1) KOREA GOLD other placing chances.

Selections(3) Yeonggwangui World (9) London Victory (10) Sseulmo (8) Hero Jeonsa
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden and while it isn’t strong that does make for plenty of chances. (12) SEOGWI STAR has hinted at ability across three starts so far and has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. She has the challenge of the widest gate but with a bit of luck at the start, she can find a forward position and she can win. (4) SAVAGE GIRL has shown steady progress over her latest few including back-to-back 4th places in her most recent appearances. She can be a touch one-paced, but she is nicely drawn to sit prominently in the field and can shake plenty off. (5) RAID HIT has a 5th and a 4th in tow starts so far and while her times haven’t been quick that’s enough to put her in contention here. (7) DIA GRIT and (8) ARA NURI others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Seogwi Star (4) Savage Girl (5) Raid Hit (7) Dia Grit
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) GOLDBERG got her maiden win two starts back over 1200M racing handily before getting caught back on her first try at this level on February 3rd, ultimately running on for 5th. She tackles the 1400M for the first time, but given her running style it can suit, and she can spear the field here. The main danger is (5) BEOLGYO CHADOL. She was an emphatic all the way winner over 1200M on December 17th, despite veering badly towards the stand side in the closing stages and getting sent back to trial. She didn’t run on when tried at this class for the first time on January 27th, but evidently has talent and is worth another chance here. (10) MYUNGJINBULLPAI similarly had a very ordinary day at the office on her first try at this class on February 3rd but had shown plenty of ability when winning over 1300M in December and should be closer today. (3) VELVETY and (4) DONGHAENG FIRST others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Goldberg (5) Beolgyo Chadol (10) Myungjunbullpai (3) Velvety
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

After an indifferent debut, (3) HUNTER DRAGON stepped quickly up to a mile at start number two on February 23rd and seemed to immediately thrive at it, running an improved 2nd having led for most of the way. He draws nicely here and won’t need to improve much at all to win here.  (5) MOUNTAIN DADDY overcame gate ten to run 3rd over 1300M on February 18th at what was start number four for him. A previous effort at a mile saw him lead before going back through the field in the closing stages but he should be ready for another crack at it with a better gate and Seo Seung-un climbing on. (8) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (4) ILCHUL GOLD came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on February 16th and both should be aiming to get a bit closer this time. (7) DORAON ZETTA another in the hunt for the places.

Selections(3) Hunter Dragon (5) Mountain Dady (8) Ilnyeom Sinhwa (4) Ilchul Gold
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) BRIGHT HANSEN is two for two having picked up two front-running wins over 1200M to come up rapidly in class. The latest of those was back on December 17th so she comes in off a twelve-week layoff but despite that, and that it was in all-filly company, the manner of the nine-length score suggests that she has to go on top again. (10) STAR TREK was a good winner over 1300M on January 21st when leading all the way. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and should be able to measure up. Another up and comer is (8) CITY KING. He didn’t win at class 5 but comes up following a 3rd and a 2nd place, both at this distance in fair times. He comes down significantly in the weights and should be challenging on the speed here. As for the more experienced ones, (11) TEN BAGGER is rarely far away and Moon Se-young climbing on will tempt plenty. (4) RAON THE CHARLIE another in the frame.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 9)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Moon Se-young is just one short of 1900 career winners and has ample opportunities to reach that mark on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. Jockey Harry Kasim debuted in Korea last week and he has a good chance of making his breakthrough with (1) WONDERFUL SEEKING. She has had a few near-misses across five starts so far with her best being a runner-up finish over 1300M on Christmas Day. From a great dear, she can sit behind the early speed, and she has the best final furlong average time among these. (2) FLYING COMMAND has made steady progress over her five starts with two 3rd place finishes from her latest three. She likes to race on pace or handy and she will be a danger in the finish. (5) DIANA has been back to trial following her first two efforts and looked potentially much better with an on pace showing and only bested by the Class 1 Gangtoma. (4) B.K. BELLE and (9) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Wonderful Seeking (2) Flying Command (5) Diana (4) B.K. Belle
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

Having missed eighteen months, (6) NAVY CHROME returned on New Year’s Eve and needed the run before significantly improving when 2nd over this distance on January 28th, racing handy throughout. Third-up this preparation he should be peaking fitness-wise, and he may well take some beating. (5) COMPLETE PARTY didn’t want to go in the gate at her latest start and then once she did, proceeded to run badly. Going on her previous effort when 3rd over 1200M in December, she shapes as the main danger here and has subsequently passed a starting test. (10) TOHOMARKET has shown herself to be on the correct trajectory with improvement at each appearance so far with a 4th place last time out her best. Her times haven’t been quick, but she won’t need to improve much to hit the board here. (1) TWO ACE and (7) DAEWONYONGMA others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Navy Chome (5) Complete Party (10) Tohomarket (1) Two Ace
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

Moon Se-young seems certain to crack 1900 winners at some point this weekend and it could well come here. Since winning on debut (7) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE has steadily improved across three appearances at this level, culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on February 4th when settling back and running on. He comes up just 1kg in the weights and today can be his day. (9) HEART K looks to be the main danger. He got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 3rd behind Myeongseong Chukje on his first try at this class on February 4th. Once more he has the challenge of a wide draw, but once more should be close. (6) BULGEUN POKPUNG is up in class following a maiden in over 1300M on January 21st and he can measure up. (3) GOOD CABO and (2) GEOMUI JEONSEOL other place chances.

Selections(7) Myeongseong Chukje (9) Heart K (6) Bulgeun Pokpung (3) Good Cabo
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(6) DONGTEUJA WAY got squeezed just after the start on his latest appearance on January 20th and while that doesn’t necessarily excuse him finishing well back in the pack, his previous two outings when finishing 3rd and 2nd on his return from a five-month absence, mean he has enough credit in the bank to be given another chance here. He is up in the weights but an experienced jockey taking over compensates for that. (9) SAENAE KHAN is the main danger. He arrested an ordinary run of form with a 2nd place at this class over 1300M on February 3rd and a similar run will put him in the finish again. (5) PINK GOLD is up in class following a win at start number two over 1200M on February 4th. This is a more challenging assignment, but she is down in the weights and can be competitive. (4) BEST CLONE and (7) GEOMIBULU others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(6) Dongteuja Way (9) Saenae Khan (5) Pink Gold (4) Best Clone
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

(6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win two starts back over 1300M before running 4th on his first try at this level, again at 1300M on February 24th. He comes up to two-turns for the first time, but his running style suggests that it can suit, and jockey CC Wong can continue his excellent start to riding in Korea here. (2) ARCH MEMORY remains a maiden after twenty-two attempts but has no fewer than fourteen top-five finishes. Her recent form reads well and under a light weight, she can be a place chance here. (5) DANGCHAN DAEBO is another one coming up to two-turns for the first time. He came from off the pace to run 4th over 1200M last time out and can be running on late. (8) SLAM DRAGON and (3) CLOUTER are the other logical place chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 8)

The 2024 Graded Race program finally kicks off at Busan this Sunday when Eoma Eoma headlines a fourteen-strong field in the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint over 1200M. Before that the weekend’s action gets underway on Friday with 8 races at Busan from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Just a small field in this maiden but it is a competitive one. Three race for the first time, and based upon his trial, we’re happy to take a chance on (6) GOTOTHEVALHALLA. The Adios Charlie three-year-old showed on pace in his heat before crossing the line in 2nd in a decent time and seemingly with more to spare. If he brings that performance to the races, he has every chance. (8) DAESUNG DREAM similarly showed well in a trial, coming home an on-pace 3rd in a good time on a dry track. He has the challenge of the widest gate but in this small field, that shouldn’t be a problem. Of those with previous racing experience, (4) GOAT KING IJI was a fair 5th on debut and should have derived some benefit from it. (2) SEOGWI OREUM and first-timer (5) GANGSEO PRIDE are others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Gotothevalhalla (8) Daesung Dream (4) Goat King Iji (2) Seogwi Oreum
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

Another maiden where we will side with the first timers of which there are just two. It took several trials for (11) FLYING DANU to convince anyone that she is a racehorse, but she was significantly improved in a heat on February 1st when for the first time, she jumped well and led all the way, stopping the clock in a quick time. If that version of her shows up to the races, she can win. (10) MARIA’S CALL trialled last September but never made it to the races. She then went through the same heat as Flying Danu at the beginning of last month, coming home 3rd in a fair time. She too can go well first-up in this company. As for the experience, (5) GOLDEN AIR improved last time out at star number three and can get closer today. (9) WONDERFUL ONE and (7) HANEULPYEONGJEONG others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Flying Danu (10) Maria’s Call (5) Golden Air (9) Wonderful One
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) GREAT MAN gets the verdict here. After an indifferent debut, he has two 4th places and a 3rd from three subsequent outings and beat a couple of these on his latest over 1200M on January 21st. He likes to race on pace so draws very well and today can be his day. (6) RED JASPER enters having been a beaten favourite when 5th over this distance in an all filly and mare race on February 16th. Based on her form prior to that, with a 2nd and a 3rd in decent times, she can be given another chance here. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SKY SEUNG, who defied big odds to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance in that February 16th race when settling midfield and running on. She will warrant more respect here. (4) WEST POINT and (5) LEMON DOKKI among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Great Man (6) Red Jasper (10) Sky Seung (4) West Point
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 7, 11, 12

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

Competitive race. (5) SAMAKUI KKOT was a beaten favourite for the second consecutive time when 4th at this class and distance on February 4th, having led for most of the way around. In this company, she should find herself on the speed again and this time she can go all the way. She may not even start as favourite. (3) WILD SERVE comes up in class following a 3rd and a 2nd in two class 6 efforts at 1200M and 1400M. She is down in the weights, draws nicely and she should have more than enough about her to measure up in this company. (7) I AM LEGEND is up in class after a maiden win at start number four on February 2nd. It came at this distance and under a light weight, she can be competitive. (10) LAND BANK and (11) BREEDO WIZARD among others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Samakui Kkot (3) Wild Serve (7) I Am Legend (10) Land Bank
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) META PRINCESS enters off back-to-back wins over 1200M and 1300M, the latter at this class and both times settling handy and running on strongly. She remains lightly weighted, she draws well, and she can make it three in a row here. (12) MORNING FLOW finally got his maiden win at the twelfth time of asking at this class and distance on January 21st when settling handy early before taking things up entering the straight and running on very well. It was a super quick time and while he comes up 3.5kg in the weights and has a similarly wide draw, a repeat can’t be ruled out. (4) RAON THE CHEONHA comes up in class have pretty much made all to win over this distancer on January 19th. He comes down in weights and with only three starts in the bank, there is plenty of scope for more improvement. (6) SEOBU VISION and (1) CORNER ONE are among others in the placing frame.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 3)

Sunday racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 from 11:25 to 16:05. There are no Listed or Graded races, but plenty of action to get stuck into nonetheless. Here are the previews:

Thomas Gillespie’s Wonderful Lear won last week’s Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy (Pic: KRA)

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

A weak maiden to start with. (7) GOLDEN BALL has picked up in her latest two, registering back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1200M and 1300M, coming form off the pace both times. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she has as much chance as any here. (2) EXCELLENT TAN is the other logical winning chance. He enters off a much-improved 3rd place finish over this distance on February 3rd when settling midfield and running on well. He draws better today, and he also has the fastest time among these for the distance and will probably start as the betting favourite. (10) JEWELRY FASHION did nothing on January 28th but that was her first appearance since a solid 3rd on debut all the way back last May. She should strip fitter today. (5) SPALTA will at least be on pace and along with (1) SARYEONI FOR HONOR is a potential improver.

Selections(7) Golden Ball (2) Excellent Tan (10) Jewelry Fashion (5) Spalta
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (7) WONDERFUL PASS will be the hot favourite. After an ordinary debut, she has recorded two 4th places from her latest two, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. In this company she should be on pace and stepping up to 1300M for the first time, she can win. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL is yet to finish in the top-two but has no fewer than eight top-five finishes from thirteen starts. She has shown some aptitude for this distance and should be aiming for a career best finish here. The form falls off significantly after those two. (2) FLYING LION was an improved 5th last time out at 1200M coming from well off the pace and a similar run should see her closer today. (5) CAPTAIN TIME and (10) SARYEONI NIKE others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Wonderful Pass (8) Gangcheol Yeogeol (2) Flying Lion (5) Captain Time
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(5) SKY GRIT didn’t do much on debut early last summer but returned in December and has finished 4th twice, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. Franco gets on today and she should be on pace again and looks like the one to beat. (10) OAK RIDGE looks to be on the right trajectory too, having beaten a couple of these last time out on February 2nd when 4th at this distance. He is drawn a touch wider than ideal but should be able to get across and sit handy and can go closer. (6) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG was 6th in that February 2nd race having led for part of the way. He had previously beaten Oak Ridge and with Seo Seung-un aboard today, will have plenty of backers. (8) BLACK FALCON and (11) DANCING BOY among others in the minor money frame. 

Selections(5) Sky Grit (10) Oak Ridge (6) Kwaehan Yeongung (8) Black Falcon
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

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

(5) MOMO K got his maiden win at start number three on December 23rd, making all over 1300M, before then running 4th on his first try at this level, again over 1300M, on January 27th, this time starting slow and settling back before running on. In this company, he should be on pace, and has every chance of going all the way again. (9) BELOTERO comes up in class following a maiden win over 1300M on February 3rd when settling handy and running on to score narrowly. That win had been coming and she is down in the weights here with every chance of measuring up. (1) ONE SPEAR is the only one in the field to have won at this distance already and while he can mix his form and carries his fair share of weight, he draws very nicely here and shouldn’t be dismissed. (11) SHOOTING REVERSE and (3) JANGHEUNG CLASS are the other placing contenders.

Selections(5) Momo K (9) Belotero (1) One Spear (11) Shooting Reverse
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) AWESOME SUNRISE has been knocking at the door and comes in after a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both over 1400M. She is somewhat one-paced but that pace could well be enough here, and the additional furlong may suit her in shaking off the rest. (7) CLOUD LOVE is yet to finish in the top-three in seventeen attempts but that should really change here. He enters following back-to-back 4th places over a mile and will probably only need to run his usual race to get on the board here. (5) FUERTE ran 6th behind Cloud Love on January 26th having run 4th on debut a month earlier. There is plenty of scope for more development here and she can be considered. (8) HEUIMANG FLYING and (4) TOKYO K other potentials for the minors.

Selections(1) Awesome Sunrise (7) Cloud Love (5) Fuerte (8) Heuimang Flying
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

One of the most competitive races of the day. (10) UJU JEONJAENG won at start number two last April and then didn’t reappear until December when he finished down the field over 1200M. He stepped up to this distance on January 27th and ran a much-improved 2nd, coming from off the pace. Third up today, he should be peaking fitness-wise, and he can win. (7) HWASANGWIHWAN remains a maiden after eight attempts, but has four top-three finishes, including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He likes to run on pace, and he should be in this a long way. (2) AUSTIN LEADER comes in off a smart 4th place at class and distance on January 28th when coming from well off the pace. He carries less weight and comes into a better gate and can go close. (3) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA and (4) MANDAERO others in the frame.

Selections(10) Uju Jeonjaeng (7) Hwasangwihwan (2) Austin Leader (3) Seoul Choegangja
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(2) DRAGON FIRE comes up in class having won at start number two on January 28th when settling right back and coming from off the pace. He comes down in the weights, he draws well, and the additional half-furlong can suit. (1) FANTASTIC HUMOR is similarly up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three on January 21st when racing on pace and stopping the clock in a fast time over 1300M. He too is down in weight, draws well and can measure up at this level. (3) HOTFLEX is yet to win in eight attempts but has a runner-up finish on his record over this distance and can be a threat. (10) ANOTHER ONE and (9) ASTIN MARINE among other placing hopes.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 2)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Former Singapore based jockeys Harry Kasim and CC Wong will both make their Korean debuts during the card. Here are the previews:

Nice Time won the Sports Seoul Trophy last Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(4) ACAPEL was well supported on debut on January 27th but started slowly from a wide gate before running into 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a better gate and with a better start, she can win. (10) BEST DAERO and (7) PROCEED weren’t especially fancied when they both debuted in the same race on January 28th, but they acquitted themselves well, coming home in 4th and 5th place respectively, with just a neck separating them. Both should have derived benefit from that experience, and it is hard to split them here. (9) MAX MA is a bit more experienced and while he has weakened after leading I his latest two, he does have a runner-up finish to his name and is not to be dismissed. (6) JEONGSANG HIT another possible for the minors.

Selections(4) Acapel (10) Best Daero (7) Proceed (9) Max Ma
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 10

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

Weak maiden here. (3) MENI WIN comes in following a last start runner-up finish over this distance when leading for much of the way around. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim, he comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by a nice draw and third-up this preparation, he may be peaking fitness-wise. (5) GLOBAL CODIE came from well off the pace to run a fair 5th at 1200M on February 3rd. In this company he will probably be ridden further forward and won’t need to improve much to go close. (10) EUNPA JOY finished midfield at this distance last time out but going on his 4th place two starts back in a quick race at 1200M, must be given a chance here. (9) MR. POWER and (7) MAGIC SILENCE others who may improve.

Selections(3) Meni Win (5) Global Codie (10) Eunpa Joy (9) Mr. Power
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(4) DREAM CARD has been getting closer across his three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on January 27th. He has come from off the pace each time, doing his best work late, so it is possible that the additional half furlong can suit, and he can go one better. (10) VICAR NAREUMA has two 5th places and two 3rd places from four starts so far, most recently at a mile on February 3rd. He too likes to come from off the pace and he shapes as the main danger and possibly the betting favourite (he started as favourite last time out). Harry Kasim takes his first ride in Korea and while it may not be his best chance (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI comes in off a pair of 4th places from her latest two appearances and can match or better at her best. (6) TAENGGEURI and (5) GIANT M are others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Dream Card (10) Vicar Nareuma (7) Baedari Hyanggi (6) Taenggeuri
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. Since getting her maiden win, (3) RAON THE DAESE has a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes in three attempts at this class (along with an also-ran in a Listed race for juvenile fillies). She has a very smart finish on her and while she is back in trip, she draws well and could have too much. (1) GEUMAK JINJU comes in having got her maiden win in a very similar race at class and distance on February 3rd when she settled midfield and proved too strong. She comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat shouldn’t be ruled out. (10) BEOLGYOWISU got her maiden win at start two but finished down the field on her first try at this class on January 21st over 1300M. She got bumped at the start before being ridden up to be handy then weakening and is worth another chance today. (6) SMART BYEOL and (9) GLOBAL CHANGA among other place chances.

Selections(3) Raon The Daese (1) Geumak Jinju (10) Beolgyowisu (6) Smart Byeol
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

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

(9) BADEN BADEN showed plenty of ability with two wins before her three-year-old campaign was cut short. She returned from nine-months out to run fairly over 1400M on January 27th and with some natural improvement from that run, has every chance here. (1) LEGEND K got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M and was then 3rd over 1300M on January 28th. He tackles a mile for the first time, but his recent running style suggests that it can suit, and he can be a danger here. (6) KWAEHYANG returned from an absence of almost five months to run a solid class and distance 3rd on February 3rd, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He should strip fitter for that run and should go close today. (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS and (4) DIA KEY among others who can enter the calculations.

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Holiday Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 1)

March 1st is a public holiday in Korea and the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Quite an open maiden to start this holiday Friday with. (5) SUPREME QUEEN has shown progress across three starts so far with her latest being an on-pace 2nd over this distance. She comes into a better gate, she has the best start among these, and she can go one better today. (7) GLOBAL SPURT was an improved 2nd when sent up to this distance for the first time on February 18th, racing much further forward than in his prior efforts. That was Seo Seung-un’s first time riding him and he remains aboard here with similar tactics likely, making for a big chance. (4) GOOD KING MAN has a 2nd and a 4th among four starts so far and should be running on here. (1) WIN WIN and (2) STAR PARK the other leading candidates.

Selections(5) Supreme Queen (7) Global Spurt (4) Good King Man (1) Win Win
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

(3) MACH MAN comes in off a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, coming from midfield on both occasions and last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company and from this gate, he can be on the pace and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, today could be the day. (9) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. he likes to settle in midfield and run on and the additional half furlong can suit. (11) MORPHEUS also has a 2nd place to his name, recorded two starts back at 1200M. He had a hard time on his latest, being slowly away before running on for 5th. He has the challenge again of the widest gate but with a better start, can be a danger. (10) WORLD WINNERS MAN and (5) STORMY DAY are the other logical placing chances.

Selections(3) Mach Man (9) Taepungui Chukje (11) Morpheus (10) World Winners Man
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here and we’ll have a short-priced favourite. That’s (11) AMAZING BOSS who, after an ordinary debut, was a much-improved 2nd over this distance at start number two on February 2nd. She came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t pose too many issues and, returning from a lengthy holiday, Franco Da Silva can make a swift return to the winner’s circle. With an apprentice claim, (7) GEUMA REJOICE may prove to be the testing material. She did nothing in her opening two races when a long way back but significantly improved at start number three when 3rd. She has had almost four months off since then so comes in fresh and that little weight break may be key. (4) LASER GRIT has raced fairly in her two starts so far and can aim to build on her last start 5th and should be working home well. (5) BLACK JILJU and (3) GOLDMASK other potential improvers.

Selections(11) Amazing Boss (7) Geuma Rejoice (4) Laser Grit (5) Black Jilju
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Like plenty of these (8) SANGIM BOLT remains a maiden, but he comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times. He is down 3kg in the weights and there is no reason why he can’t get on pace again here and potentially go all the way. (5) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE need s alone drawn through his latest when sent up to tackle a mile. This is a far more suitable assignment and prior to that he had demonstrated plenty of ability. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE ran a close 4th in an all-filly race at this class and distance on February 2nd when settling midfield and running on. She remains under a light weight and from a good gate can go close again. (7) GOHEUNG CLASS and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN among others in the hunt.

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