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.
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:
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 Best | 8, 3 |
| Fast Start | 3, 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 Best | 2, 6 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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 Best | 11, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 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 Best | 3, 4 |
| Fast Start | 2, 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.
(more…)The capital’s 2024 program gets underway on Saturday with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
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 Best | 7, 11 |
| Fast Start | 3, 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 Best | 5, 7 |
| Fast Start | 3, 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 Best | 2, 1 |
| Fast Start | 5, 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 Best | 7, 8 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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.
(more…)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.
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.
The 2024 racing season gets underway 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 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 Best | 7, 5 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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 Best | 4, 6 |
| Fast Start | 4, 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 Best | 6, 1 |
| Fast Start | 2, 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 Best | 1, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 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.
(more…)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 Best | 4, 9 |
| Fast Start | 6, 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 Best | 4, 9 |
| Fast Start | 2, 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 Best | 5, 6 |
| Fast Start | 3, 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 Best | 10, 6 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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 Best | 4, 1 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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.
(more…)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 Best | 3, 4 |
| Fast Start | 4, 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 Best | 1, 3 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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 Best | 8, 2 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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 Best | 5, 7 |
| Fast Start | 1, 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.
(more…)The final weekend of the year gets underway with a 9-race Friday card at Busan from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll go with one of the first timers and (2) BANG BANG BANG, who beta a couple of today’s rivals in her trail when she settled steadily and ran on well, crossing the line only in 5th place but in a quick time. The 1200M should suit first up and if she brings the trial form to the races, she has a chance. (7) HAEUNDAE SUNSHINE raced just the once, all the way back in August registering a midfield finish over the 1000M. She looked well in a trial two weeks ago and can get closer this time around. (5) GOOD KING MAN weakened badly at start number three earlier this month over 1400M but going on his November outing when 2nd at this distance, he has to be in the frame. (6) CHAS QUEEN is another debut maker who hinted at ability in trials. (10) FANTASTIC HUMOR did little on debut but can improve.
| Selections | (2) Bang Bang Bang (7) Haeundae Sunshine (5) Good King Man (6) Chas Queen |
| Next Best | 10, 12 |
| Fast Start | 5, 6, 7, 9 |
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Millin
The second division of the juvenile maiden, this time with seven of the eleven making their racing debuts. Among the four with prior experience is the probably short price favourite, (10) DRAGON PUNCH. After a good trial, she overcame gate eleven to run a good 3rd on debut over this distance on November 26th. Racing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for the run and can win this. Second in the market will be (4) NONSTOP DUTY. She has raced four times so far, with three 4th places among them. She has posted good times along the way at both this trip and at 1300M, and similar run today should see her improving on those 4ths. (8) GLOBAL SPURT won a November trial and while he did nothing on debut on December 1st, he can be forgiven that and given another chance here. Among the debut makers, (9) RIVERSTONE and (6) FLYING THE LUCKY potentially have the best chance of an immediate impact.
| Selections | (10) Dragon Punch (4) Nonstop Duty (8) Global Spurt (9) Riverstone |
| Next Best | 6, 7 |
| Fast Start | 2, 3, 4, 10 |
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GREEN CHIEF has shown steady progress across four starts so far, culminating with a 2nd place over this distance on December 8th when handy throughout. She draws nicely here to sit behind the speed again and she can prove too strong. (7) SHINING MORNING comes in off a 4th place at start number three over this distance on December 1st when she led for much of the way. From an adequate draw, she can be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (6) SAENAE HIT has run fairly for 5th and 6th place finishes in two starts so far, both over this distance. She has raced handy both times and should be doing similar today with designs on an improved finish. There are a couple of first-time starters and (1) RAID HIT came through her trial well, racing on pace. She draws well and can put in a bold first-up showing here. (2) META PRINCESS another in the hunt.
| Selections | (3) Green Chief (7) Shining Morning (6) Saenae Hit (1) Raid Hit |
| Next Best | 2, 5 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 6, 7 |
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
More maidens and it’s hard to go past (3) SINCHEON FIRST. He has four to-four finished from five starts and has been getting closer recently. He enters off a strong runner-up finish over this 1300M on December 3rd. He likes to race on pace and the step up to 1400M for the first time can suit. (4) WIND MAGIC returned from nine months off to run 4th over 1200M at the end of November. Before her layoff, she had a couple of 3rd place finishes to her name, and she can strip fitter here. (2) ROAD TO TOP has a best of 2nd from his four starts so far, coming at 1200M. He does have experience of trying this distance already and from a good draw, he can be a danger today. (10) SAVAGE GIRL and (8) STORMY DAY are others in the frame.
(more…)Where better to spend Christmas Day than Seoul Racecourse? It’s free entry and there is a bumper 12-race holiday card running from 11:00 to 17:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies kick off the Christmas Day program and there are two standouts. (7) SAENAE VIVA returned from sic months off in October and has run 2nd and 4th in two starts back so far racing on pace both times. Third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she should be on speed again and this time stay on all the way. The danger is (9) JEONGSEONGTIGER. She comes in off an improved 3rd place over this distance on November 18th when racing handy throughout. Antonio climbs on today and a similar run should see her close. (10) QUERER did nothing on her first try at this distance on November 25th but her 2nd place on debut over 1000M back in October is enough to give her another chance here. (2) B.K. BELLE and (1) CALIPH others potentially on the right trajectory.
| Selections | (7) Saenae Viva (9) Jeongseongtiger (10) Querer (2) B.K. Belle |
| Next Best | 1, 4 |
| Fast Start | 3, 6, 7, 10 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) PASALUBONG here. After a middling debut, he ran a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on November 19th when settling midfield and running on having been drawn in gate eleven. He comes into a much better barrier, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he should take some beating. (2) WONDERFUL SEEKING has hinted at ability with two solid 4th places from her latest two at this distance and at 1400M. She draws nicely to sit on the speed here and can get closer. (11) WONDERFUL REGAL enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes following a six-month absence and while the draw is not ideal, he can be in the finish again. Continuing on a theme, (8) WONDERFUL WELLS and (3) NAEGILUI LEADER are others in the placing frame.
| Selections | (1) Pasalubong (2) Wonderful Seeking (11) Wonderful Regal (8) Wonderful Wells |
| Next Best | 3, 4 |
| Fast Start | 1, 2, 3, 8 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(3) SLAM DRAGON has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts so far, most recently over 1400M on December 2nd when handy throughout. He draws nicely here for Antonio to drop him in behind the leaders and he should have too much at the business end of the race. (5) CLOVER PARTY is the logical second pick. He has shown his best form so far in his latest two and was a good runner-up over 1200M on November 19th when settling midfield and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. (8) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has run on well enough in her opening two appearances to suggest the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) WONDERFUL SWEET and (10) BAEKRYONG the other logical placing chances.
| Selections | (3) Slam Dragon (5) Clover Party (8) Beautywonderful (11) Wonderful Sweet |
| Next Best | 10, 6 |
| Fast Start | 2, 4, 8, 10 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(2) TAENGGEURI has been getting progressively closer culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on November 26th when coming from off the pace. His racing style suggests that the step up to two turns will be in his favour and he can make his breakthrough here. That’s true of (5) CHEONMA BULPAE who got his best finish so far when stepped up to 1400M on November 19th and running 5th, ahead of a couple of these. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and can potentially translate that to two-turn success here. In fact, the only one to have previously tackled the distance is (10) TRES VITE. That was several starts back, but he did manage a 4th place over it and that’s enough to put him in the frame here. (3) BEAT RACER and (8) GOLD CHARM others in the hunt.
| Selections | (2) Taenggeuri (5) Cheonma Bulpae (10) Tres Vite (3) Beat Racer |
| Next Best | 8, 1 |
| Fast Start | 4, 5, 6, 7 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
A relatively small field but a competitive one. We’ll take a chance on (9) LEGEND K, who had seemingly lost his way for a while but has returned to form of late, registering the fastest time of any of these for the distance when 5th on November 18th and then coming back out two weeks later to run a close 2nd, again at class and distance, on December 3rd. The wide draw isn’t a problem, and he can go one better today. (8) MIGHTY CAP comes up in class having broken through at start number three on November 19th, making all over this distance. Her times haven’t been quick, but she has shown improvement each time, and under a light weight, she can measure up here. (3) PHOENIX CLASS has run 4th in both starts at this class since getting promoted with a smart win over this distance in August. She can be close again. (5) TRISTAN WANGJA is similarly up in class and along with (1) MENI CHARM, looks a place chance.
(more…)With there being an additional card at Seoul on Christmas Day, the usual Sunday roles are reversed and it is Busan where the lion’s share of the action will be. Busan hosts 10 races from 10:35 to 17:30 while at Seoul there are 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) GRAY QUEEN is the most experienced, with three starts behind her already and they include a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. While not quick, her 1200M time was faster than any of the others with experience have achieved and she is the reluctant top pick here. The danger is a first-time starter. (5) GRAND CHASER looked good in a trial, settling handy and running on for a close 2nd to the experienced Mongttang in a quick time. All the trials were fast that day, but she showed enough to be considered first-up. (3) SKY GRIT led that same trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. She raced once without distinction in June but should be on the pace and a different prospect here. (6) GOLDEN NICE and (2) BORAM are other contenders.
| Selections | (8) Gray Queen (5) Grand Chaser (3) Sky Grit (6) Golden Nice |
| Next Best | 2, 7 |
| Fast Start | 3, 5, 7, 10 |
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(6) UNJU TWO HEARTS will be hot favourite here. After an indifferent debut, she has registered three consecutive top-four finishes, racing on pace each time. She comes up marginally in trip but with Seo Seung-un climbing on, and against modest opposition, she shapes to be odds-on to score. (7) RED JASPER was an improved 3rd over 1200M on December 1st, overcoming gate ten to sit back and then run on. She has the best final furlong average time of any of these and from a better gate, if she can be a touch closer this time, she can be a danger. (8) MAJESTIC DANCER was an improved 3rd at start number two on November 17th, coming from off the pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and looks a solid place chance again. (4) FLYING AARON and (3) NANGNAM DAERO others who could sneak into the minors.
| Selections | (6) Unju Two Hearts (7) Red Jasper (8) Majestic Dancer (4) Flying Aaron |
| Next Best | 3, 5 |
| Fast Start | 6, 7, 8, 9 |
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(2) SEOGWI PERFECT raced on pace on start number two over 1300M only to ultimately go down by the narrowest of margins in 2nd. That was a big improvement from his debut and while he comes up slightly in trip, he also comes into a much better gate, and he can go one better today. The main danger is (3) ARA NURI. She similarly has three top-four finishes from four starts so far and from a good gate can be ridden on pace to be in this a long way. (4) CLOUD LOVE has shown steady but noticeable improvement across his latest few attempts. He doesn’t look a winning chance here but can be matching or bettering his last start 4th. (5) TAP BOLT and (11) NEVER GIVE UP other potential improvers.
| Selections | (2) Seogwi Perfect (3) Ara Nuri (4) Cloud Love (5) Tap Bolt |
| Next Best | 11, 6 |
| Fast Start | 1, 3, 7, 8 |
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(2) LEMON DOKKI returned from nine months off to run a fair 6th of eleven over 1400M on December 3rd when settling back and running on. He should strip fitter for that run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) AQUARIUS too may find an extended trip beneficial. She is yet to finish in the top-two in fourteen starts but enters with recent form reading well with a pair of 4th place finishes at 1400M. She can settle behind the speed and run on here. (5) HERE THE QUEEN returned from eight months out to run 6th of nine over 1300M on December 8th. She has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name from before the layoff and like Lemon Dokki, should be fitter for her run earlier this month. (10) CHEONSU SIDAE and (9) ASTIN MARINE are others to keep safe.
| Selections | (2) Lemon Dokki (3) Aquarius (5) Here The Queen (10) Cheonsu Sidae |
| Next Best | 9, 6 |
| Fast Start | 4, 6, 7, 9 |
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies open proceedings in the capital. (1) SEOCHEON LION will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and comes in off her best to date when an on-pace 2nd over this distance on November 18th with a couple of today’s rivals a long way back. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much – if at all – to win this. (6) CHEONHAENGCHAT has five top-five finishes from seven attempts and the second fastest time among these for the distance. In this company she should be on the speed and can be a factor for a long time. (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on November 18th. She had a similarly wide gate to today, and she can be competitive again. (5) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (8) ROYAL BEST the other logical place chances.
(more…)
Horse Racing in Korea 